In Montreal, local specialties are must-tries that reflect the city's heart. Smoked meat, poutine, and bagels are culinary icons that Montrealers and visitors love. These traditional dishes are part of everyday life, and every Montrealer has their go-to spot to enjoy them.
Smoked meat, with its tender meat and unique seasoning, and poutine, with golden fries and melting cheese curds, are comforting classics. Bagels, fresh and slightly sweet, are one of the city's best-kept secrets, perfect for any occasion.
These dishes tell the story of the city and allow you to taste its authenticity. They're served everywhere, from casual diners to more refined restaurants, and each bite reveals a little piece of Montreal. Montrealers keep coming back to them, proving these classics have withstood the test of time and remain essential to the city's culture.
4167 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2W 2M7
La Binerie Mont-Royal is a true Quebec institution, rooted in the Plateau-Mont-Royal since 1938. Although the address has changed, the soul of the place remains: homemade recipes, a warm family welcome, and an atmosphere that honours tradition. Famous for its baked beans "bines", the menu also features tourtière, shepherd's pie, meatball stew, blood pudding, meatloaf, and pouding chômeur. Meals are served from early morning through to dinner, with takeout available throughout the day. The cozy setting, with its maple wood finishes and illustrations by Joseph-Edmond Massicotte, pays tribute to Québec's popular heritage. Over the decades, several generations of restaurateurs have helped preserve and evolve the restaurant's original spirit. Recognized by National Geographic for its cultural significance, La Binerie remains one of the best diners in Montreal. It's a beloved stop for locals and visitors alike, offering a generous taste of Quebec's culinary traditions with all the warmth and authenticity of a place that knows where it comes from.
Read also:
18 Delis and Diners in Montréal Serving the City's Timeless Classics
Photo Credits: randomcuisine
3971 Rue Hochelaga, Montréal, H1W 1K2
After a stroll through the Botanical Garden, a climb up the Olympic Stadium or a visit to the Biodome, a hot poutine hits just right. That's where Poutine Centrale comes in. Well known in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, this spot offers around twenty versions that reinvent Quebec's most iconic dish. Crispy skin-on fries cooked in beef fat, house-made pogos, the General Tao twist or even a shepherd's pie-inspired poutine (this is Montreal comfort food done with flair). You order at the counter, grab a seat in the back and settle into a space that feels both raw and warm. The vibe is casual and lively, with a mix of locals and curious passersby. A must-visit that captures what Montrealers love to eat and share.
22 Rue St-Catherine E, Montréal, H2X 1K4
Bouillon Bilk, in the downtown core, balances finesse and discretion in a bright, white and wood-toned space. Locals drop by at lunch for a quick but refined bite. In the evening, the mood stretches into a longer tasting menu featuring thoughtful combinations like crab with rhubarb, halibut with hazelnuts, or lamb-stuffed cappelletti. The atmosphere is calm, the service attentive, and from the bar, you can catch glimpses of the kitchen team at work. The house-made bread is so good they now offer it to go. This spot draws both regulars and visitors looking for where to eat in Montreal without falling into tourist traps. You leave with the sense of having found a place that knows exactly what it's doing, no need to show off.
Multiple locations
Some cafés in Montreal come and go. Others stay with you. Café Olimpico definitely belongs to the second group. In Mile End, the café founded by Rocco Furfaro in 1970 has brought together cappuccino lovers, soccer fans and longtime friends for over fifty years. You might overhear a heated debate about a match, spot someone sharing an affogato in silence or notice regulars who greet every staff member by name. The vibe remains unchanged, even with new locations in Downtown, Old Montreal and Westmount. The espresso is still rich, the staff still welcoming. And sometimes, someone buys coffee for a stranger, just because. That is what Olimpico is all about. A beloved Montreal café where every small gesture becomes part of the experience.
68 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, H2T 2M2
In Mile End, you often follow the smell before spotting the spot. At Drogheria Fine's tiny window, pillowy gnocchi are dunked into hot homemade tomato sauce, then packed into a takeout carton. A confident scoop, a shake of Parmesan or chilli flakes, and it's done. This single dish, served for five dollars, built the reputation of a counter that started as a tasting stop. Today, the Gattuso family prepares up to 300 litres of sauce daily, sold on site in three versions: traditional, spicy and meat. Neighbours know the routine. Visitors tend to stumble upon it. Someone is always on the rainbow bench, eating or chatting. The shelves are lined with sauce jars, and the air carries a comforting tang of tomatoes. People leave with sticky fingers, lighter hearts, and the feeling they've found something quietly essential. A local staple, shared one spoonful at a time.
Photo Credits: vanessa_elik
Multiple locations
For over 25 years, Olive et Gourmando has fed both locals and visitors with a level of care that never wavers. Whether you're on Saint-Paul Street or at Royalmount, the feeling is the same. The space is warm, the energy steady, and the details always matter. Hot sandwiches take the spotlight, like the roasted pork Cubano, the Poached on Your Face panini or the gooey grilled cheese with caramelized onions. People also come for the whipped labneh French toast, the pastries of the day, or the house-made ricotta with honey and orange zest. In Old Montreal, the lineup is part of the charm. At Royalmount, things are a bit more relaxed, but just as generous. Two locations, one spirit. A place where everyday moments become something quietly memorable.
3895 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2W 1X9
Some places become legends by never changing a thing. Schwartz's Deli, in the Plateau Mont-Royal, is a perfect example. The smoked meat recipe has stayed the same since 1928, just like the narrow counters, the fast-moving servers and the hum of conversations all around. You order a hot sandwich, maybe a full plate, and squeeze in wherever there's space. The meat is sliced on the spot, served lean or fatty, always with that unmistakable yellow mustard. Celebrities have come through over the years, and Céline Dion even became a co-owner in 2012 to help preserve the place. But it's everyday people who give it life. Schwartz's is a landmark where smoked meat is more than just a dish. It's history, steam, noise and one of Montreal's most unforgettable bites.
2491 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H3J 1N6
At Joe Beef, the menu is written in chalk, and the appetite knows no limits. Since 2005, this Little Burgundy spot has paid tribute to 19th-century working-class hero Charles "Joe-Beef" McKiernan. The kitchen sends out overflowing plates of whole lobster, juicy steaks and hearty pastas, all in a warm, unpretentious setting. The atmosphere buzzes with raised glasses, lively conversations and shared dishes. Its reputation may stretch far beyond Montreal, but the spirit remains rooted in the neighbourhood. Chefs like Anthony Bourdain stopped in, drawn by the place's calm boldness and instinctive, generous cooking. You never really know what to expect, and that's exactly what makes you want to come back.
Photo Credits: twofoodphotographers
74 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, H2T 2M2
The wood-fired oven runs day and night on Fairmount Street, and the bagels still come out hand-rolled, just like they did in 1919. It all began with Isadore Shlafman and his little cottage in Mile End, where he built a wood oven right into the back of the house. Since then, his family has kept the tradition alive, following the same standards he set over a century ago. People drop by at all hours, sometimes in pyjamas, for a warm bag of sesame, rye or blueberry bagels. Others leave with a twisted Bozo or a handful of bagel chips. The flavours evolve, but the method never changes. The place doesn't try to stand out, yet it quietly feeds a city. Even astronauts have taken them to space. A true Montreal tradition, always moving forward without rushing.
Photo Credits: aablais
Multiple locations
Some brunches are nice. Others stick with you. L'Avenue definitely belongs to the second kind. Since 1994, this Montreal favourite has drawn crowds to the Plateau, Saint-Henri, Laval and Brossard. The plates are generous, sometimes over-the-top and always comforting. You might go for the carrot cake pancake, the huevos rancheros, the truffled duck eggs Benedict or the pecan French toast. Smoothies, cocktails and mocktails brighten up the table. The vibe is high-energy, the service quick, even when the lineup spills onto the sidewalk. People come solo, with friends, with kids, always looking for that signature brunch experience. L'Avenue has become a local institution, showing that breakfast can be a celebration every single time.
969 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, H2J 2J4
The line often spills onto Rachel Street, even in the middle of winter. Since 2013, Ma Poule Mouillée has become a Plateau Mont-Royal staple. People flock here for the charcoal-roasted chicken, giant shrimp, stacked sandwiches and, above all, the now-iconic poutine topped with Sao Jorge cheese and crispy grilled chorizo. Chef Tony Alves personally oversees every element of the menu, especially his signature hot sauce, refined over the years. The Louis Cyr platter is a bold nod to hearty appetites, and the portions speak for themselves. The atmosphere is lively, takeout orders fly out nonstop, and guests leave full and happy. Fueled by generosity and consistency, this place has grown into more than just a foodie stop. It is a true neighbourhood fixture.
1201 Avenue Van Horne, Montréal, H2V 1K4
An evening at Damas on Van Horne feels like stepping into a story. Dim lights, deep velvets and dishes that unfold like chapters in a living tale. For over a decade, this Outremont destination has brought Syrian traditions to the table: colourful mezze, grilled meats, spiced cocktails and rose-syrup desserts. The cuisine is refined yet warm, crafted with local ingredients and ancestral inspiration. The chef isn't trying to impress, just to share a story, one plate at a time. Loyal guests return for the memories; newcomers leave with a revelation. The sommelier offers delicate pairings, and the cocktails are infused with Levantine spices. Whether pescatarian, vegetarian or omnivore, everyone finds something to fall for. Damas doesn't seek the spotlight; it radiates all on its own.
994 Rue Rachel E., Montréal, H2J 2J3
Day or night, there's always a hot poutine waiting at La Banquise. This iconic spot in the Plateau-Mont-Royal has been serving the city since 1968, when a local firefighter opened it as a humble snack bar. Over time, it became a beloved institution offering more than 35 poutine varieties, from timeless classics to thoughtful vegetarian and vegan twists. Whether after a concert, during a night shift or simply for the craving, people flock here for generous portions and a sense of comfort. Still open 24 hours, La Banquise carries its original spirit into a new era, passed on in 2023 to a fresh generation of passionate owners. More than a poutine joint, it's a Montreal landmark, a shared ritual for locals and visitors alike.
34 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, H2T 2M1
For over 90 years, Wilensky's counter has served hot sandwiches, house sodas and a few simple rules. No tips. Mustard is always included. Sandwiches are never cut in half. The Wilensky Special, with grilled salami and bologna on a round bun, remains the undisputed star. On Fairmount Avenue, people come for a quick bite but leave with a feeling. The cash register rings, the grill sizzles, and the tin ceiling and soda fountains stay just as they were. The Wilensky family and their loyal team keep the place running, just as Moe intended. You'll also find karnatzels, open-faced hot dogs, egg sandwiches, milkshakes and fizzy drinks in flavours like cherry or pineapple. Wilensky doesn't recreate the past. It lives in it, every single day.
Photo Credits: twofoodphotographers
536 Avenue Duluth E, Montréal, H2L 1A9
Foie gras, maple syrup, rillettes, and cooks in action behind an open kitchen. Since 2001, Au Pied de Cochon has embodied a certain vision of the Montreal feast, deeply rooted in the Plateau-Mont-Royal. It only takes one service to understand why the place is still making waves more than twenty years later. The open kitchen, the bursts of laughter, the plates that overflow just a bit, everything invites you to let loose. On the menu, the classics follow one another: foie gras in all forms, suckling pig, reinvented stews, and plenty of maple or seafood-based creations. Around this restaurant, a whole universe has grown (Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon, the nearby Cabane d'à Côté, and an artisanal cidery). But it always starts at 536 Duluth East. A landmark address that redefined Québécois cuisine and helped shape Montreal's food identity.
176 Rue St Viateur O, Montréal, H2T 2L3
Tucked away in the Mile End, Île Flottante has carved out its place among the country's best. Since 2017, chef Sean Murray Smith and partner Nada Abou Younes have been offering a seasonal tasting menu where vegetables take center stage, supported by carefully sourced seafood and meats. The deep blue interior, local artwork and vintage schoolhouse lights set the mood, while the open kitchen keeps things alive and moving. The experience unfolds slowly, from house-made flatbread with Québec cheese and maple ham to floral desserts like strawberry rhubarb sorbet with tonka and hibiscus. Certified by Aliments du Québec, the kitchen celebrates local produce with precision and flair. Ranked among Canada's top 50 restaurants, this Mile End tasting menu spot proves that simplicity, when done right, can be nothing short of extraordinary.
3001 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1N9
Foiegwa is that weekend brunch spot that's bursting with indulgence, where cheesy scrambled eggs, dessert-like French toast and a vibrant atmosphere set the tone. In Saint-Henri, people gather around overflowing cheeseburgers, truffle toasts or plump vol-au-vents. At night, it rolls on with a three-course menu at 25 dollars starting at 9 p.m., the perfect way to keep the night going without breaking the bank. Created by the team behind Barroco and Bocata, the place mixes bistro and American diner vibes, retro charm and tongue-in-cheek humour. The name? A running gag from a festival in Vegas, now immortalized on the sign. The service is laid-back, the menu cleverly balanced, and the cocktails do the rest. A must-stop for anyone visiting Montreal who wants to understand the city's food scene one bite at a time.
4105 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2W 1Y7
In the Plateau, between the vibrant energy of Saint-Laurent and the tranquillity of the end of service, Le Majestique stands out with its nuanced charm. The afternoon here is calm, perfect for enjoying a drink and some savoury bites. But once the night falls, the place comes alive: plates fly out, laughter mixes with clinking glasses, and the room fills with energy. People come here alone, with friends, or in groups to enjoy fresh oysters, a comforting dish, or a last bite before closing time. The team, loyal and sharp, ensures every moment flows smoothly. With its retro and festive décor, a menu focused on quality ingredients, and a kitchen that stays open until 2 AM, Le Majestique is the perfect place for hungry night owls. It's a spot where simplicity and generosity shine in every dish, from oysters to escargots and braised pork belly, with refined cuisine served in a relaxed atmosphere. Far from just a bar, it's a place that perfectly blends great food and good times.
When you discover these Montreal specialties, you're tasting the very soul of the city. To explore further, check out our articles on Montreal poutine, smoked meat, délis or establishments part of the "Aliments du Québec au menu" program for a complete immersion in the local gastronomic scene.
