Guidebook for Montreal
Food Scene
The coziest restaurant in the universe, we might be biased because it's where we met....
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Restaurant Graziella
116 Rue McGillThe coziest restaurant in the universe, we might be biased because it's where we met....
Extremely popular spot for delicious coffee and lunch. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
254 abantu bendawo batusa
Olive et Gourmando
351 Rue Saint-Paul OExtremely popular spot for delicious coffee and lunch. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Fresh, tasty and cheap dumplings in ChinaTown. We are addicted. Moved to 1084 St-Laurent.
14 abantu bendawo batusa
Mai Xiang Yuan
1082 Boul. Saint-LaurentFresh, tasty and cheap dumplings in ChinaTown. We are addicted. Moved to 1084 St-Laurent.
Café Luna d'Oro
469 R. Saint-François-XavierDelicious sandwiches made by a very sweet lady.
Café Titanic
445 Rue Saint-PierreGreat spot for lunch - gigantic sandwiches and homemade soups.
Fish and chips and other English snacks, deemed excellent by real live English people.
121 abantu bendawo batusa
Brit & Chips
433 Rue McGillFish and chips and other English snacks, deemed excellent by real live English people.
Good sandwiches, friendly service, really good coffee... try the brownies.
6 abantu bendawo batusa
Bello Deli
363 Pl. d'YouvilleGood sandwiches, friendly service, really good coffee... try the brownies.
Pavé Lunch Experts
243 Rue Notre Dame OTasty sandwiches.
Unassuming café in the lobby of a little hotel, for when you just need a good coffee and that's about it.
Le Petit Hotel
168 Rue Saint-Paul OUnassuming café in the lobby of a little hotel, for when you just need a good coffee and that's about it.
Helena
438 Rue McGillGorgeous space, great Portuguese food.
Super Loco
5417 St Laurent BlvdGorgeous, atmospheric spot for dinner.
BARROCO
312 Rue Saint-Paul OAnother funky spot for dinner
Solid, old-school Italian resto in a gorgeous 1840 building. Lovely terrasse.
45 abantu bendawo batusa
Da Emma
777 Rue de la Commune OSolid, old-school Italian resto in a gorgeous 1840 building. Lovely terrasse.
Mangiafoco
105 Rue Saint-Paul OMy favourite chef in the city says great things about the pizza.
Food is fantastic. Good soundtrack. Pricey but worth it in my view.
159 abantu bendawo batusa
Garde Manger
408 R. Saint-François-XavierFood is fantastic. Good soundtrack. Pricey but worth it in my view.
Tokyo Sushi Bar
185 Rue Saint-Paul OSolid spot for sushi in Old Montreal if you're craving it.
Homey Polish restaurant, been around forever, food is great. Often some live piano in the evenings.
75 abantu bendawo batusa
Stash Café
200 Rue Saint-Paul OHomey Polish restaurant, been around forever, food is great. Often some live piano in the evenings.
Fun terrasse on McGill Street. Good food and drinks. I love brunch here.
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Hambar
355 Rue McGillFun terrasse on McGill Street. Good food and drinks. I love brunch here.
Widely considered the best restaurant in Montreal. Cozy. Unbeatable service.
53 abantu bendawo batusa
Le Club Chasse et Pêche
423 Rue Saint-ClaudeWidely considered the best restaurant in Montreal. Cozy. Unbeatable service.
Différance
449 Av. Viger OExcellent coffee!
Eclectic seafood comfort food in a cozy sunken space. Pricey but worth it. Our go-to when we have guests.
45 abantu bendawo batusa
Le Bremner
361 Rue Saint-Paul EEclectic seafood comfort food in a cozy sunken space. Pricey but worth it. Our go-to when we have guests.
Finally, amazing tacos in Montreal. No fuss place. Cool art. In Chinatown in a former Chinese restaurant, and they kept the plates. Mezcal!
60 abantu bendawo batusa
La Capital Tacos
1096 Boul. Saint-LaurentFinally, amazing tacos in Montreal. No fuss place. Cool art. In Chinatown in a former Chinese restaurant, and they kept the plates. Mezcal!
Les Glaceurs
453 Rue Saint-SulpiceDelish cupcakes and Bilboquet ice cream!
Restaurant Gandhi
230 Rue Saint-Paul OVery tasty Indian food, should you have a craving.
Bistro Le Balmoral
Rue BalmoralAiry spot for brunch, lotsa locals.
VERY low-key lunch counter with basic sandwiches and salads for cheap. Run by the nicest and most efficient family you'll ever meet.
Clafouti Le
402 Rue Saint-JacquesVERY low-key lunch counter with basic sandwiches and salads for cheap. Run by the nicest and most efficient family you'll ever meet.
"Farm-fresh Québécois dishes & tasting menus from renowned chef Normand Laprise, plus fine wines."
85 abantu bendawo batusa
Toqué!
900 Pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle"Farm-fresh Québécois dishes & tasting menus from renowned chef Normand Laprise, plus fine wines."
Just go in and take a look at their beautiful pastry counter. And get a croissant. My favourite in the city. Almond croissants particularly recommended but go early, they sell out!
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MAISON CHRISTIAN FAURE
355 Pl. RoyaleJust go in and take a look at their beautiful pastry counter. And get a croissant. My favourite in the city. Almond croissants particularly recommended but go early, they sell out!
Beautiful glass-walled restaurant of the Pointe-a-Calliere museum, with OK food but a lovely view.
16 abantu bendawo batusa
Pointe-à-Callière - Boutique du Musée
165 Pl. d'YouvilleBeautiful glass-walled restaurant of the Pointe-a-Calliere museum, with OK food but a lovely view.
Very good wood-oven pizzas in a lively setting. Always a few bachelorette parties in progress here. Lots of red.
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Pizzeria Bros
410 R. Saint-VincentVery good wood-oven pizzas in a lively setting. Always a few bachelorette parties in progress here. Lots of red.
Thé Mon Café
376 Rue Notre Dame OUnhurried local coffee haunt serving local office workers.
No coffee, it's actually a tea shop and boutique. A gem of a place. Go for the full tea experience. So lovely.
Ming Tao Xuan
451 Rue Saint-SulpiceNo coffee, it's actually a tea shop and boutique. A gem of a place. Go for the full tea experience. So lovely.
Our go to pho spot. Share a table with your fellow pho lover as the place is popular!
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Pho Bang New York
1001 Boul. Saint-LaurentOur go to pho spot. Share a table with your fellow pho lover as the place is popular!
NUDO Restaurant
1055 Boul. Saint-LaurentHand-pulled noodles in a sterile environment with surly service. Recommended!
Classic Cantonese dishes. Open late for the shady folks. Big tables!
22 abantu bendawo batusa
Beijing Restaurent
92 Rue De La Gauchetière OClassic Cantonese dishes. Open late for the shady folks. Big tables!
Not a restaurant. More of a mecca for drunk people craving fresh bagels at all hours. Buy 6, eat one now, and keep the rest for breakfast. The only acceptable kinds are poppy seed or sesame seed.
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Fairmount Bagel
74 Av. Fairmount ONot a restaurant. More of a mecca for drunk people craving fresh bagels at all hours. Buy 6, eat one now, and keep the rest for breakfast. The only acceptable kinds are poppy seed or sesame seed.
Restaurant Ruby Rouge
1008 Rue ClarkDim sum!!
STUNNING old bank very recently converted into a hip workspace and cafe.
200 abantu bendawo batusa
Crew Collective & Cafe
360 Rue Saint-JacquesSTUNNING old bank very recently converted into a hip workspace and cafe.
Awesome spot to sit outside by the water in summer. Very good food. A great place to hang out on a sunny day. Not that touristy as it's on the west end of Old Montreal.
21 abantu bendawo batusa
Marché des Éclusiers
400 Rue de la Commune OAwesome spot to sit outside by the water in summer. Very good food. A great place to hang out on a sunny day. Not that touristy as it's on the west end of Old Montreal.
Fish Bone
420 Rue Notre Dame OOft-recommended tapas spot.
Gibbys
298 Pl. d'YouvilleIconic steakhouse.
Vegan desserts! I'm not vegan so I cannot vouch for them but they seem to be quite popular :)
11 abantu bendawo batusa
Cookie Stéfanie
272 Rue Saint-JacquesVegan desserts! I'm not vegan so I cannot vouch for them but they seem to be quite popular :)
Jellyfish Montreal - restaurant
626 Rue Marguerite-d'YouvilleFun, great food and drinks.
Restaurant Racines
444 Rue McGillLovely Greek food.
Small batch BBQ highly recommended by chef friends (haven't been myself).
8 abantu bendawo batusa
Lattuca Barbecue
15 Rue de la Commune OSmall batch BBQ highly recommended by chef friends (haven't been myself).
Tommy
200 Notre-Dame St WClosest spot to the apartment for good coffee.
Venice Mtl
440 R. Saint-François-XavierPoke bowls, avocado toast and the like. Everything is white.
MUKI
187 Pl. d'YouvilleSit outside and admire the Basilica.
Le Local
740 Rue WilliamGood food, outdoor seating, excellent wine list.
Mandy's
425 Rue Saint-NicolasDelicious salads in a gorgeous setting.
Emiliano's
260 Rue Notre Dame OElegant Mexican cuisine. Terrasse in summer.
Kyo Bar Japonais
711 Côte de la Place d'ArmesGood sushi, terrasse on the street.
Our favourite go-to noodle shop in Chinatown. Barebones. Amazing soup. Go see them make hand-pulled noodles.
21 abantu bendawo batusa
Nouilles de Lan Zhou - Noodle Shop
1006 Boulevard Saint-LaurentOur favourite go-to noodle shop in Chinatown. Barebones. Amazing soup. Go see them make hand-pulled noodles.
LOV
464 Rue McGillVery popular and beautiful vegan bistro.
Beautiful and huge new restaurant, French cuisine. Getting great reviews.
29 abantu bendawo batusa
Monarque
406 Rue Saint-JacquesBeautiful and huge new restaurant, French cuisine. Getting great reviews.
Chill restaurant and pub with quite good food. Relaxed vibes.
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Pub Saint Pierre
410 Rue Saint-PierreChill restaurant and pub with quite good food. Relaxed vibes.
Kind of cheesy French cafe/bistro but I often grab a big sandwich on a crusty baguette here, and it's probably the best deal in the neighbourhood.
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Marché de la Villette
324 Rue Saint-Paul OKind of cheesy French cafe/bistro but I often grab a big sandwich on a crusty baguette here, and it's probably the best deal in the neighbourhood.
Le Serpent
257 Rue PrinceExcellent food, big white room.
Drinks & Nightlife
Beautiful lounge literally a 30-second walk from the apartment. Great cocktails.
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Brasserie 701
701 Côte de la Place d'ArmesBeautiful lounge literally a 30-second walk from the apartment. Great cocktails.
Café Balance
417 Rue Saint-PierreIt's a restaurant but I'd skip the food and go for a cocktail.
Very cool spot for cocktails and looking cool. Get a fancy drink in a pineapple or coconut.
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Bar Le Mal Nécessaire
1106B Boul. Saint-LaurentVery cool spot for cocktails and looking cool. Get a fancy drink in a pineapple or coconut.
Philemon Bar
111 Rue Saint-Paul OBeloved local nightspot. Enter by side door.
Popular spot for drinks after work until the wee hours. Beautiful view. Right on the water.
131 abantu bendawo batusa
Terrasses Bonsecours
364 Rue de la Commune EPopular spot for drinks after work until the wee hours. Beautiful view. Right on the water.
Drinks on a rooftop with yet another pleasant view! You can also eat.
50 abantu bendawo batusa
Terrasse Nelligan
106 Rue Saint-Paul ODrinks on a rooftop with yet another pleasant view! You can also eat.
More rooftop drinks, view of the eastern part of Old Montreal - my favourite rooftop view.
11 abantu bendawo batusa
Auberge du Vieux-Port
95 Rue de la Commune EMore rooftop drinks, view of the eastern part of Old Montreal - my favourite rooftop view.
Bistro-Brasserie Les Soeurs Grises
32 Rue McGillFor beer lovers! Good food too.
Lively night spot. Drink among the stained glass and repurposed church pews, feel slightly guilty!
38 abantu bendawo batusa
Bar Le Confessionnal
431 Rue McGillLively night spot. Drink among the stained glass and repurposed church pews, feel slightly guilty!
Not in the neighbourhood, but a must for serious beer connoisseurs.
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Dieu du Ciel!
21 Av. Laurier ONot in the neighbourhood, but a must for serious beer connoisseurs.
Pullman
3424 Av du ParcFantastic wine bar with a cool vibe.
Mimi la Nuit
22 Rue Saint-Paul EastFood surprisingly good. Small terrasse for early evening.
Scena
Place Jacques-CartierAcceptable spot for a drink by the water if you're not too fussy about wine or haute cuisine.
One of those places with secret entrance but everyone knows about it. Cool spot. Go further down to the tequila bar if that's your thing!
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BOHO
436 R. Saint-François-XavierOne of those places with secret entrance but everyone knows about it. Cool spot. Go further down to the tequila bar if that's your thing!
Delicious Cuban cocktails in a very tiny space - technically only 11 people can be in the bar at once.
El Pequeño Bar
401a Rue Saint-VincentDelicious Cuban cocktails in a very tiny space - technically only 11 people can be in the bar at once.
Clandestino
436 R. Saint-François-XavierSort-of hidden-away spot with excellent tequila selection.
Nhậu bar
600 Rue WilliamCool spot, definitely a scene
Bord'Elle Boutique Bar & Eatery
390 Rue Saint-JacquesAnother scene!
Velvet Speakeasy
426 Rue St GabrielCocktails and dark corners. Gets crazy later on.
Gorgeous views from all angles. Worth it for the view in my opinion.
9 abantu bendawo batusa
Hôtel William Gray
421 R. Saint-VincentGorgeous views from all angles. Worth it for the view in my opinion.
Shopping
Rooney
395 Rue Notre Dame OBeautiful and well-made clothes and accessories.
Local and handmade souvenirs in a stunning historical building. Some Quebec clothing designers. Not super trendy from what I recall.
54 abantu bendawo batusa
Isakhiwo seBonsecours
350 Rue Saint-Paul ELocal and handmade souvenirs in a stunning historical building. Some Quebec clothing designers. Not super trendy from what I recall.
Shop selling souvenirs *actually* made in Quebec. Avoid the tourist crap made in China!
ImpresArts Boutique cadeaux souvenir Montréal.
Shop selling souvenirs *actually* made in Quebec. Avoid the tourist crap made in China!
Boutique métiers d'art du Québec
Quebec art, certified by the government.
Papeterie Casse-Noisette
445 Rue Saint-SulpiceStop in if you love stationery, like me!
Very cool local shop selling all types of containers for storing and transporting food. Everyone needs that!
À Table Tout le Monde
361 Rue Saint-Paul OVery cool local shop selling all types of containers for storing and transporting food. Everyone needs that!
Noël Éternel
60A Rue Notre Dame OLovingly curated year-round Christmas emporium. Gift for your mother in law?
PJC Jean Coutu Santé-Beauté
614 Rue Saint-JacquesClosest pharmacy. Inconvenient hours. Sorry!
Espace Pepin
350 Rue Saint-Paul O Gorgeous clothes.
Librairie Bertrand
430 Rue Saint-PierreOur local, independently-owned bookstore.
Delano Design Inc
70 Rue Saint-Paul OCool clothes for cool people
Arts & Culture
Cool museum of Montreal history - see the city's original fortifications through the glass floor.
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I-Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
350 Pl. RoyaleCool museum of Montreal history - see the city's original fortifications through the glass floor.
Centaur Theatre
453 R. Saint-François-XavierTop-notch theatre in a gorgeous building
Delightful science museum, kid-friendly, and the site of our wedding reception in 2013!
247 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Centre yeziFundo yeMontreal
2 Rue de la Commune ODelightful science museum, kid-friendly, and the site of our wedding reception in 2013!
Bell Centre
1909 Av. des Canadiens-de-MontréalHockey.
Small, inexpensive museum PACKED with information about Montreal. Until Dec 2016 check out the temp exhibit on Vice, Crime and Morality!
45 abantu bendawo batusa
Centre d'Histoire de Montreal
335 Rue Saint-PierreSmall, inexpensive museum PACKED with information about Montreal. Until Dec 2016 check out the temp exhibit on Vice, Crime and Morality!
Always an interesting exhibit on. Virtual reality films. Check listings.
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Phi Centre
407 Rue Saint-Paul OAlways an interesting exhibit on. Virtual reality films. Check listings.
Excellent art museum. Feel cultured and pensive.
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IMontreal Museum of Fine Arts
1380 Rue Sherbrooke OExcellent art museum. Feel cultured and pensive.
Sightseeing
Place d'Armes
Place d'ArmesMy favourite public square - lovely at night.
Gorgeous building - try to overlook the stench of corruption wafting from inside!
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Montreal City Hall
275 Rue Notre Dame EGorgeous building - try to overlook the stench of corruption wafting from inside!
Go exploring and find a piece of the Berlin Wall displayed in a random spot.
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Montreal World Trade Centre
747 Rue du Square-VictoriaGo exploring and find a piece of the Berlin Wall displayed in a random spot.
We copied the one in Paris, but ours is still pretty nice.
819 abantu bendawo batusa
INotre-Dame Basilica
110 Rue Notre Dame OWe copied the one in Paris, but ours is still pretty nice.
My favourite church. Beautiful view of the harbour.
38 abantu bendawo batusa
I-Chapel ye-Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours
400 Rue Saint-Paul EMy favourite church. Beautiful view of the harbour.
Bustling square with restaurants all round, near City Hall. Always a performer or two. Very touristy. If you go, try to find Cafe Olimpico for coffee nearby...
15 abantu bendawo batusa
Place Jacques-Cartier
Place Jacques-CartierBustling square with restaurants all round, near City Hall. Always a performer or two. Very touristy. If you go, try to find Cafe Olimpico for coffee nearby...
Entertainment & Activities
La Ronde
22 Chem. MacdonaldIf you're into amusement parks!
Casino de Montreal
1 Av. du CasinoA cool building! Lots of gambling!
Kind of strange - it's a manmade beach! No swimming, but plenty of people-watching.
73 abantu bendawo batusa
Plage de l'Horloge
1 Clock Tower Quay StKind of strange - it's a manmade beach! No swimming, but plenty of people-watching.
Workshops & Flavors - Vieux-Montréal
444 R. Saint-François-XavierCooking classes!
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau
Rue de la Commune OuestSpa on a stationary boat with great views.
Just like the name says - a Scandinavian spa right in Old Montreal!
50 abantu bendawo batusa
Scandinave Spa Vieux-Montréal
71 Rue de la Commune OJust like the name says - a Scandinavian spa right in Old Montreal!
The closest yoga studio, owned by my friend and favourite yoga teacher - but there's a twist, it's also a pole dancing school - do yoga among the poles! Drop-ins welcome!
Yoga Vieux Montréal
50 Rue Saint-JacquesThe closest yoga studio, owned by my friend and favourite yoga teacher - but there's a twist, it's also a pole dancing school - do yoga among the poles! Drop-ins welcome!
A lovely sunny yoga studio. Extremely popular. Check schedule online. Drop-ins ok!
10 abantu bendawo batusa
Luna Yoga
231 Rue Saint-Paul OA lovely sunny yoga studio. Extremely popular. Check schedule online. Drop-ins ok!
Everything Else
Montreal's major convention centre - we're across the street!
102 abantu bendawo batusa
Montreal Convention Centre
1001 Pl. Jean-Paul-RiopelleMontreal's major convention centre - we're across the street!
Crazy fountain by great Montreal artist JP Riopelle. Water changes to fire every hour. Seriously. (not in winter)
17 abantu bendawo batusa
Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Place Jean-Paul-RiopelleCrazy fountain by great Montreal artist JP Riopelle. Water changes to fire every hour. Seriously. (not in winter)