I’ll be honest, for most trips I take, I enjoy researching to find the best places to eat and drink. For my recent girls’ trip to Montreal, I traveled extensively for work leading up to our trip. This left me with little time for research but you know what, we still ate and drank like queens! While I typically have a few spots on my hit list in a new city, knowing who to ask for guidance once you’ve arrived is sometimes the best option. If you are traveling to Montreal solo, be sure to check out my solo travel post!
Personally, I enjoy seeking recommendations from bartenders for great coffee spots and baristas for their favorite food and drink spots. While it may not always yield perfect results, generally you will be sent to some pretty good places by individuals in the industry. Therefore, a big thank you to all those fantastic bartenders and baristas who are consistently helpful and insightful! 🙂
With that in mind, allow me to reveal my preferred places for wining and dining in Montreal!
Tiradito
We began our long weekend getaway with a visit to Tiradito, a Peruvian restaurant. Tiradito is known for its ceviche, tapas-style small plates, and signature cocktails. Our trip took place in late August, and the weather was ideal for al fresco dining, so we took advantage of outdoor seating whenever possible.
The staff at Tiradito were super friendly and we didn’t require a reservation on a Saturday night although we did arrive a bit earlier than the dinner crowd.
Menu highlights: Pisco Spritz, Ceviche, Dumplings, Chicharron and Mango Salad, and the Crispy Shrimp
Asian Night Market
After leaving Tiradito, we set out to find a roof bar and stumbled upon a huge Asian street food market in Chinatown. This four-day festival was extremely popular and we found long lines to try everything from smoked meats to seafood skewers. Since we had just eaten, we walked through the festival and admired the beautiful dishes. Eventually we couldn’t resist and decided to order the chargrilled octopus to share and a spiked watermelon smoothie. I’m uncertain whether this event occurs yearly, but I absolutely recommend attending if the opportunity arises.
Terrasse Place d’Armes
Next up on our list was finding a roof bar for a nightcap. We found Terrasse Place d’Armes which is found atop The Place D’Armes Hotel. This bar had a lounge-like ambiance and offered a limited food menu, though we opted solely for cocktails and wine.
The standout feature of this venue was its breathtaking view. Montreal’s architecture is undeniably stunning as you can see in the photo below. We had a great time, filled with laughter, as we savored our cocktails and absorbed the incredible scenery.
La Finca café & marché local
One common theme I discovered in Montreal is that the wait for food and drinks is often justified! The coffee at La Finca was exceptional, so good we made a return visit the next day. The café has plenty of indoor seating, but if you venture towards the back, you’ll find a charming outdoor courtyard. Weather permitting, I highly recommend securing a seat outside.
Maggie Oakes
Located on Pl. Jacques-Cartier, a chic square at the heart of Old Montreal, Maggie Oakes served as a suitable spot for a swift spritz and charcuterie. As that’s all we enjoyed, I can’t provide feedback on their other offerings. Nevertheless, their outdoor seating provided a perfect vantage point for people-watching and a respite from the sun under their covered patio.
Mignon Steak Petite-Bourgogne
For cocktails and an awesome wine selection, we found Mignon. We may have stayed here longer than expected mostly do to the amazing ambiance and service. Shoutout to Midi for crafting us unique cocktails and keeping us fully entertained. Again, we didn’t eat here but they did fill up fast once their afternoon oyster special started. Their food has pretty good reviews online but I can’t personally speak to it.
Terrasse Nelligan
You’ll likely need a reservation if you plan to visit this rooftop bar during the summer months. While it has mixed reviews online, the three of us had a blast (some some delicious orange wine) at Terrasse Nelligan.
Dandy
Dandy offers an amazing brunch in one of the cutest dining rooms I’ve seen in Montreal! Their all day brunch menu has everything from sweet to savory. They also have some great cocktails and wine to go along just in case you are feeling a little thirsty.
Menu highlight: Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Olive & Gourmando
This petite bakery and café provides a wide array of options, including pastries, soups, salads, and more. Their paninis are generously sized, so I would suggest sharing one if you’re dining with someone else and possibly complementing it with a soup or salad if you have a hearty appetite at the time.
Menu highlight: The Cuban
Le Dépanneur Café
We made a brief visit to this charming café, primarily for a quick coffee. To our surprise, they also had a selection of canned beverages, ice cream, pastries, and even a small gift shop. Due to the limited indoor seating with just a few tables, you might need to opt for a grab-and-go approach. It’s worth noting that this café is also quite popular, so be prepared for potential crowds.
Terrasse Sur L’Auberge
During our last evening in Montreal, we came upon what turned out to be my favorite rooftop venue so far: Terrasse Sur L’Auberge. Situated directly along the St. Lawrence River, it offered great views. As we arrived just before sunset, we ordered a glass of wine and unwound while fondly reminiscing about the highlights of our extended weekend.
The Ultimate Guide to Montreal Food & Drink
I would absolutely recommend visiting Montreal if only for a few nights. It was an amazing location to enjoy with friends but I can also see it being super fun with a significant other or even a solo trip. The city felt very safe and it is easily walkable.
If you’ve stopped by Astonished Abroad previously, you’ll know we love sharing our top picks for food and drink. Be sure to check back often for most travel and wellness tips. If you’ve been to Montreal and have more suggestions, drop them in the comments below so we can check them out on our next trip back!
Finally, if you are looking for ways to stay active while traveling, check out this post on maintaining your fitness routine on the road. Safe and healthy travels.