Welcome to our second edition of this series on RestoMontréal, an exciting exploration of the favourites of those who make our city's gastronomic scene buzz.
Montreal, rich in cultural diversity, is full of culinary treasures that deserve to be discovered. Who better than influencers and enthusiasts in the restaurant industry to shed light on them? These personalities provide a unique perspective, guiding readers through unique gastronomic experiences that make the Quebec metropolis so exceptional.
In each article, these connoisseurs share their latest discoveries, whether they are secret spots, picturesque cafes, or uniquely ambient bars. These influencers shed a singular light on often-overlooked establishments, guiding food enthusiasts toward unforgettable experiences.
In an era where social media increasingly defines our choices for outings, this series offers an authentic dive into Montreal's culinary culture, guided by those who live it daily.
Whether you're a fan of exquisite cuisine, cozy cafes, or unique nightlife experiences, this series promises to guide you to new culinary destinations and uncover what makes Montreal so exceptional.
Read also:
Food from Screen to Table: Montreal Influencers' Restaurant Favorites
Jeannie
Follow her Instagram: jeanniesfood.
Born and raised in Montreal in a multicultural household, Jeannie grew up enjoying a variety of Asian dishes cooked by her mother. She started her culinary blog nearly 10 years ago, captivated by Montreal's dynamic food scene. Alongside her office job, blogging serves as a creative outlet for her to explore different cuisines and share her love of gastronomy with the world. Passionate about both cooking and photography, she loves taking her DSLR camera to restaurants to capture stunning photos and appetizing videos of visually appealing dishes.
176 Rue St Viateur O, Montreal, H2T 2L3
Île Flottante, formerly known as Deux Singes de Montarvie, has been a special place for Jeannie since 2017. Ranked 50th in Canada's Top 100 Restaurants in 2023, she's a fan of Chef Sean Murray Smith. The tasting menu showcases vegetables with eclectic and seasonal dishes, always exceeding expectations with artistic presentation and attentive service. A gastronomic experience deserving of a Michelin star and a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts, according to Jeannie.
330 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montreal, H2T 1P8
Jeannie adores Ohana Sushi Vegan for the passion and love that chef and owner Minh Tran puts into her work. The sushi is creative, innovative, and simply delicious. Each bite is filled with flavours. Her favourite dishes include the Touna Royal, similar to tuna but vegan, and the Black Angel, featuring black rice and black garlic, as well as the Paradis, melting in your mouth with soybean paper, shiitakes, and avocado. The service is exceptional, with friendly staff always welcoming. Ohana Sushi Vegan reinvents vegan sushi brilliantly, offering a delightful and healthy culinary experience.
4269 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, H2J 2K9
Billy, j'ai faim! is a hidden gem for brunch, according to Jeannie. Chef Billy Galindo is amazing. This charming restaurant offers limited seating with welcoming staff, reminiscent of home-cooked meals. They use high-quality local ingredients, offering superb sweet and savoury options at reasonable prices. A must-stop for their delicious fried chicken with cumin waffles, eggs benedict on their homemade focaccia, and pommes dauphines.
333, Ave. du Président-Kennedy, Montreal, H3A 2K2
Café Ri Yue is Jeannie's favourite café for Asian-inspired desserts and drinks. Daisy, the owner, is very welcoming. After running her online dessert business during the pandemic, she opened a café last year downtown, near Place-des-Arts metro. Fatcarons, similar to macarons, are filled with toppings, with her favourite flavours being blueberry cheesecake and crème brûlée. The cakes are delicious with a perfect texture, light and fluffy, not too sweet. Jeannie loves the matcha strawberry cake and the yuzu passion fruit cheesecake. Their coffee tiramisu is divine. Best enjoyed with a matcha or hojicha latte for a perfect balance.
Aretha
Follow her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Born and raised in Toronto, Aretha started documenting her explorations of Montreal restaurants eight years ago. You can find her on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where she used to share cooking tutorials. In recent years, she has become a reference for Asian culture and cuisine, always staying updated on the latest trends, possibly even setting some herself! 😜
51 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montreal, H2X 1X2
Osmo X Marusan, a favourite of Aretha's, is a trendy café with an artsy vibe. The unique atmosphere is ensured by Hideyuki, one of the owners, also known as DJ Hidi, who hosts sake disco nights. Must-tries include the delicious Japanese egg sandwiches. A perfect fusion of flavours in a trendy industrial setting, offering Japanese delights from curries to sushi, all accompanied by sake.
1861 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, H3H 1M2
Yin Ji Chang Fen, beloved by Aretha, who is of Cantonese origin, offers authentic cuisine from this region. In Montreal, this establishment is renowned for its excellent congee, a cultural staple. The ambiance is friendly, and the authenticity of the dishes is incomparable, a must-visit spot!
1411 Rue Pierce, Montreal, H3H 2K2
Toki, recommended by Aretha, offers Korean street food in a café reminiscent of Korean cafés, with its rabbit plushies. The combos are a must-try, with adorable and aesthetically pleasing dishes. Very popular among young people in Montreal, especially for their tteokbokki with rose sauce. Don't miss out on their signature drinks, like the Dalgona latte, perfect for finishing your meal! An ideal place for music, culture, and Korean food enthusiasts.
1227 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal, H3G 1Z2
Sushi Okeya Kyujiro, mentioned by Aretha, offers an unforgettable omakase experience in Montreal, by reservation only. Chef-owner Takuya Matsuda has earned a Michelin star for his restaurant in Vancouver. Offering Edomae sushi imported directly from Japan and fresh fish from around the world, each dish is meticulously prepared to maximize umami. A complete immersion in Japanese culture is guaranteed, with special attention given to authentic tableware.
A shared favourite between Jeannie and Aretha:
1380 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montreal, H2E 1S2
Mangedansmonhood, a mutual favourite of Jeannie and Aretha, is a must-visit Montreal address in their opinion. Offering smash burgers, fries, and top-quality poutine, this retro restaurant has a nostalgic feel. Jeannie loves the MDMH sauce and Ol' Dirty Fries, while Aretha is impressed by the quality of the burgers and fries, reminiscent of In-N-Out Burger. With the owners of La Belle Tonki at the helm, the quality of the food is guaranteed.
Photo credits: All the beautiful images featured in this article are courtesy of Jeannie and Aretha.
