Montreal is a city that takes its food seriously. From rich French culinary traditions to a melting pot of international flavors, the city’s food scene offers something for every palate. Whether you’re a food connoisseur or just someone who loves good eats, Montreal has you covered. Here's your ultimate guide to what to eat in Montreal, from iconic dishes to hidden culinary gems.
Poutine: A Quebecois Classic
No visit to Montreal is complete without trying poutine, Quebec’s iconic comfort food. Poutine is a delicious dish made of French fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. While it may sound simple, the combination of textures and flavors is nothing short of amazing.
Where to Try It:
La Banquise: Arguably the most famous poutine spot in Montreal, La Banquise offers more than 30 variations of poutine, from classic to inventive toppings.
Restaurant Chez Claudette: A cozy, local favorite serving traditional poutine.
Tip:
For a unique twist, try a “gourmet” poutine with toppings like smoked meat, bacon, or even foie gras.
Montreal-Style Bagels
Unlike the larger, fluffier New York-style bagels, Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter, made with honey water before being baked in wood-fired ovens. The result is a deliciously chewy bagel with a perfect golden crust.
Where to Try It:
Fairmount Bagel: A Montreal institution, Fairmount has been baking fresh bagels since 1919 and is a must-visit.
St-Viateur Bagel: Another legendary spot for Montreal-style bagels, this bakery is a favorite for locals and tourists alike.
Tip:
Try a classic sesame or poppy seed bagel, or go for something special with a spread of cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers.
Smoked Meat
Montreal’s smoked meat is another culinary tradition that draws food lovers from all over the world. This beef brisket is seasoned with a mix of spices, smoked, and then sliced thinly before being piled high on rye bread, usually with mustard. It's a must-try for anyone visiting the city.
Where to Try It:
Schwartz's Deli: This legendary establishment is often considered the best place to get smoked meat in Montreal. The sandwiches are big, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Main Deli: Another classic smoked meat spot with a loyal following.
Tip:
Order your smoked meat on rye with a side of pickles for the full experience.
Montreal-Style Hot Dogs (Steamés)
Montreal-style hot dogs, known locally as steamés, are served in a steamed bun with a variety of toppings, typically including mustard, onions, and a sweet pickle. The hot dog itself is smaller than its American counterpart, but it’s the fluffy, steamed bun that really makes this dish unique.
Where to Try It:
La Belle Province: Known for its steamés, this casual spot is perfect for a quick bite.
Patati Patata: A small yet popular eatery serving up delicious steamés and fries.
Tip:
Pair your steamé with a side of poutine for a full Montreal fast-food experience.
Tarte au sucre (Sugar Pie)
Quebec is famous for its maple syrup, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is in a tarte au sucre, or sugar pie. This dessert is made with a rich, caramelized sugar filling and a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a sweet treat that captures the essence of Quebec’s love for all things maple.
Where to Try It:
Au Pied de Cochon: A renowned Montreal restaurant offering a version of sugar pie that’s as decadent as it gets.
Pâtisserie Au Kouign-Amann: A bakery known for its traditional Quebecois sweets, including tarte au sucre.
Tip:
Serve the pie with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.
Crepes and Other French Delicacies
Montreal’s French heritage means that there’s no shortage of delicious crepes, croissants, and other French pastries to try. Whether you prefer sweet or savory, Montreal’s creperies have something for everyone.
Where to Try It:
Le Petit Dejeuner: Known for its classic crepes and hearty breakfasts.
Crêperie du Marché: A charming spot where you can enjoy fresh, flavorful crepes.
Tip:
Pair your crepes with a café au lait or a freshly squeezed juice for the perfect breakfast.
Duck Confit
For those who love rich, savory flavors, duck confit is a must-try. The tender duck is slowly cooked in its own fat, resulting in crispy skin and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's a dish that embodies French cooking at its finest and is commonly found at many of Montreal's French bistros.
Where to Try It:
Au Pied de Cochon: Known for their extravagant French-Canadian dishes, including their mouth-watering duck confit.
Bistro à la Bière: A cozy spot serving traditional French fare, including duck confit.
Tip:
Order it with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to balance out the richness of the dish.
Quebecois Tourtière (Meat Pie)
Tourtière is a Quebecois classic—a savory meat pie typically made with ground pork, beef, or game meat, and seasoned with a variety of spices. It's hearty, flavorful, and often served during the holiday season, but it’s available year-round in many Montreal restaurants.
Where to Try It:
La Binerie Mont-Royal: A charming diner known for its classic Quebecois comfort foods, including tourtière.
Le Pied de Cochon: Another top-notch spot offering a gourmet take on the traditional meat pie.
Tip:
Enjoy your tourtière with a side of pickled vegetables or a salad for a well-rounded meal.
Maple Syrup Products
No trip to Montreal is complete without indulging in maple syrup in some form. From maple syrup candies to maple butter and everything in between, this sweet treat is a quintessential part of Quebec’s culinary identity.
Where to Try It:
Montreal's Public Markets: Markets like Jean-Talon or Atwater feature several local producers selling a variety of maple syrup-based products.
Cabane à Sucre (Sugar Shack): For a truly authentic experience, head to a traditional sugar shack just outside the city, where you can enjoy maple syrup on snow and other local delicacies.
Tip:
Take home some artisanal maple syrup as a souvenir—nothing beats the taste of pure Quebec maple syrup!
Craft Beer and Microbreweries
Montreal has an outstanding craft beer scene, with dozens of microbreweries offering everything from IPAs to stouts and lagers. Pair your food with a local brew for a truly Montreal dining experience.
Where to Try It:
Dieu du Ciel: One of Montreal’s most popular craft breweries, offering a variety of beers that pair perfectly with the city’s food scene.
Saint-Houblon: Another excellent craft brewery known for its creative brews.
Tip:
Try a flight of local beers to find your favorite brew while you enjoy your meal.