Looking for the best brunch spot in Montreal to enjoy a shakshouka worthy of the name? Good news: Montreal's culinary scene is full of places where you can savor this comforting classic with its sunny flavors.
Originating in the Maghreb, shakshouka is an iconic dish made with tomatoes, peppers, onions, and delicately poached eggs. Its name, derived from the Berber language, means "mixture", a perfect description for this flavour-packed dish.
Every region and every chef puts their own spin on shakshouka: spicy versions, versions with merguez sausage, so many variations that make it a brunch staple in Montreal.
Traditionally eaten at any time of day, shakshouka is best enjoyed with bread. In Montreal, it has naturally become a brunch staple, served with a latte, an espresso, or even a mimosa.
Here are the best spots in Montreal to enjoy shakshouka.
Darna Bistroquet
1106 Rue Beaubien E, Montreal, H2S 1T5
This small bistro offers a modern take on North African cuisine, perfect for discovering new flavors in a Moroccan-inspired setting.
For brunch, the restaurant features a classic shakshouka, served with potatoes and homemade bread. Other options are also worth trying, such as halloumi toast, msemmen bread (a Moroccan specialty), or the Berber brunch, consisting of several small bites to share: falafels, tabbouleh, chickpeas, yogurt, and more.
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Piel Canela
4542 Rue St-Denis, Montreal, H2J 2L3
Make your way to this must-visit Mexican brunch spot, known for its generous, flavour-packed dishes. Piel Canela offers a wide range of options, from meat and fish to vegetarian plates, so there's something for everyone in your group.
On the menu, you'll find a revisited shakshuka with their own signature twist, topped with ricotta, habanero, and poblano chili for a bold, slightly spicy version that's sure to impress.
Bar Le Sparrow
5322 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montreal, H2T 1S1
Head to this spot on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, which is sure to charm fans of retro decor and fancy cocktails. The brunch menu features original dishes like sage-poached eggs, Turkish eggs, poached eggs served with yogurt and dill, as well as a classic shakshouka, with the option to add merguez sausage or feta cheese to suit your taste.
Arthurs Nosh Bar
4621 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, H4C 1S5
Head to this Jewish-inspired restaurant, where flavors blend Jewish traditions with North African influences.
For brunch, try a reimagined shakshouka, enriched with baba ghanoush and goat cheese. The menu also features Moroccan eggplant toast topped with a poached egg.
La Rose des Sables - Couscous & Tajine
1815 Rue Beaubien E, Montreal, H2G 1L7
Head to this Tunisian restaurant to discover shakshouka's sister dish: ojja.
Spicier and with more toppings, this dish stands out for the addition of merguez sausage alongside the eggs. Here, it comes in three delicious versions: with merguez, shrimp, or seafood, sure to satisfy every craving.
Note: these dishes are available all day and aren't part of a brunch menu, but they're definitely worth the detour.
Duc de Lorraine
5002 Chemin de la Cote-des-Neiges, Montreal, H3V 1G6
Head to one of the fanciest brunch spots in Côte-des-Neiges, known above all for its chic pastries, particularly its impressive trompe-l'oeil creations.
In addition to its sweet creations, the spot offers a varied brunch menu, including a shakshouka topped with feta, perfect for those who love savory flavors. On the drinks side, you'll find options ideal for a boozy brunch, such as mimosas and espresso martinis.
Pub Wolf & Workman
139 Rue St-Paul O, Montreal, H2Y 1Z3
This British pub, located in a historical building, charms guests with its warm atmosphere, well-made cocktails, and comfort food. And here's the good news: the experience doesn't end at night. In the morning, the place transforms into a must-visit brunch spot in Montreal.
On the menu, you'll find the beloved classics of Montrealers: blueberry pancakes with bacon for fans of sweet-and-salty flavors, perfect avocado toast for those who appreciate beautifully plated dishes, and, of course, the true star of our selection: shakshouka.
Here, it's given a unique twist with a touch of feta, sour cream, and dill, resulting in a version that's creamy, fresh, and full of flavor.
TERRACOTTA
73 Avenue Duluth E, Montreal, H2W 1G9
Head to this Tunisian restaurant to savor authentic cuisine. On the menu, you'll find ojja with merguez sausage or seafood, a spicier and heartier version of shakshouka.
And while you're there, you can't miss a Tunisian culinary staple: mloukhia, a rich and fragrant stew made with mallow leaves.
Note: these dishes are available year-round and aren't part of a brunch menu, but they're definitely worth the trip.
Restaurant Mélisse
719 Rue William, Montreal, H3C 1N9
If you're looking for a fancy place to impress your date or simply treat yourself to some perfectly elegant dishes, head to this restaurant on William Street.
On weekends, this spot offers a varied brunch menu: cream cheese and shrimp open-faced sandwiches, pancakes, falafels… and a shakshouka with eggplant and feta.
Antipode
1602 Boulevard Laurier E, Montreal, H2J 1H9
This brunch spot is famous for its ultra-Instagrammable drinks, a must-try at least once. Among the most popular are the Bueno latte and the pistachio latte.
On the food side, the spot offers several dishes, such as bacon French toast, but especially their shakshouka, available in merguez or classic versions, which is clearly a must-try on the menu.
Améa Café
1188 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H3A 1H6
Head to this cozy spot, perfect for a gourmet stop in a setting that's both warm and elegant.
The café offers several brunch options, such as truffle scrambled eggs or a ricotta-lemon crepe. There's also a shakshouka with smoked tomatoes, chickpeas, and labneh, a reimagined version that strikes a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.
Pigeon Café & Bar
Multiple locations
This well-known Quebec coffee chain is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy a high-quality cup of coffee that awakens the taste buds.
And if your morning caffeine kick often goes hand in hand with a good breakfast, you'll be happy to know that many locations offer a varied brunch menu. You can choose from: a version with labneh and halloumi featuring Middle Eastern flavors, a version with merguez sausage, or the classic option, which is just as comforting.
Rumi
5198 Rue Hutchison, Montreal, H2V 4A9
This restaurant in Outremont showcases the flavors of Persian cuisine through a variety of generous and aromatic dishes. Highlights include mezze to share, kibbeh, vegetable-stuffed bulgur balls, and keftas.
For brunch, the menu also features a classic shakshouka, made with red peppers and eggs, for a simple, comforting, and flavourful option.
SHAY
1414 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, H3C 1K8
This Lebanese restaurant located in Griffintown is known for its generous and mouth-watering brunches. On the menu, there is a fine selection of mezze to share, including falafels, cheese rolls, and their take on shakshouka. Here, it's reimagined with saffron-scented mushrooms, an original twist that lets you rediscover this classic from a new perspective.
Le P'tit Rustik
4057 Rue Drolet, Montreal, H2J 3W8
This cute little spot is a must-visit for a brunch that's worthy in the Plateau-Mont-Royal.
Le P'tit Rustik offers a variety of dishes to satisfy all tastes: avocado toast, caramelized French toast with salted butter… without forgetting their shakshouka topped with feta and walnuts, a dish that's both indulgent and comforting.
