The city of Montreal has a unique ability to preserve its most beloved landmarks. Its oldest restaurants have stayed part of daily life and memories, holding their ground for decades without chasing passing trends.
These places move through time without needing to reinvent themselves. They welcome generations as they come, around hand-sliced smoked meat, thick-cut fries piled with poutine, or a hearty breakfast enjoyed at a well-worn booth. Every counter and dining room carry an active memory, kept alive by the clatter of plates, quick exchanges between the staff, and a rhythm built over years of service.
They stand as landmarks. Iconic restaurants in Montreal where people know exactly what they are coming for: raw, authentic food, a recipe that does not need reinventing to stay good, and a space that lives without trying to explain itself.
From retro diners to historic steakhouses and legendary delis, these restaurants preserve a piece of the city's food heritage that keeps bringing people back. Not out of forced nostalgia, but because they remain woven into the natural rhythm of Montreal's life.
Through these iconic addresses, the true spirit of authentic Montreal cuisine keeps moving forward, one plate and one gathering at a time.
426 Rue St-Gabriel, Montréal, H2Y 2Z9
Open since 1754
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L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel is the oldest establishment on our list, a living witness to nearly three centuries of history. Some places stand the test of time without losing their spark, and L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel counts as one of them. In Old Montreal, it rises like a novel where each room tells a different chapter - once a patriotic printing house, later the scene of lavish dinners and cabaret nights, now a refined dining destination. Under the guidance of the Swiss-born chef Amédée Bécherraz, the menu honours Québec's local ingredients with precision. Their signature cheese fondue has become a year-round staple, alongside house-aged meats, seasonal dishes and thoughtful desserts. The space blends raw stone and playful nods to history, with an atmosphere that shifts throughout the day, from intimate to lively. This unique setting bridges heritage and modern energy. Thanks to Marc Bolay's vision, the Auberge continues to stir both memory and the Montreal night.
1217 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2X 1K4
Open since 1912
Although modest in appearance, certain locations have the power to capture the essence of an entire metropolis. The Montreal Pool Room, established by Dako Filipov, embodies this idea. For decades, this beloved snack bar on Saint-Laurent Street has witnessed the city's transformation, from the red-light district to bustling festival nights. While primarily known for serving up piping-hot frankfurters, this establishment holds a unique place in the hearts of locals. Even after relocating down the block in 2010 and undergoing multiple changes in ownership, the pool room's counter continues to attract a diverse group of patrons. Regulars mix with night owls and show-goers, all after the same thing. A fry, a steamie and a coke. The space is tight, the walls full of stories. No pool tables here, but a slice of history you can still taste. You might not linger long, but you'll come back. Again and again.
Photo Credits: johnnycrust
3895 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2W 1X9
Open since 1928
On Saint-Laurent Boulevard in the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Schwartz's Delicatessen is one of those rare places that became legendary without ever needing to change. Since its establishment over 90 years ago, this delicatessen's renowned smoked meat recipe remains unchanged, just like the cramped counters, whirlwind service, and bustling atmosphere. You sit wherever there's space, order a steaming sandwich or a full plate, and always get that unmistakable yellow mustard on the side. The meat is sliced to order, lean or fatty, but always just right. Celebrities have dropped in, and Céline Dion even became a co-owner to help preserve the place. However, its true strength lies with the regular clientele, keeping the queue alive. Schwartz's is more than just a deli; it is a landmark, proud and loud, impossible to replicate.
3180 Rue Fleury E, Montréal, H1H 2R3
Open since 1929
Chez Ma Tante continues the neighbourhood legacy at the intersection of Villeray and Saint-Michel, with effortless charm. It all started with a horse-drawn cart, where Marguerite served steamy hot dogs with a smile. Then came the food truck, the counter, and a house built right above the restaurant. Since then, the recipe has barely changed: 100 percent Shopsy beef sausage, soft buns, homemade coleslaw and crispy fries. People eat with their appetite, but also with their heart. Every bite tells the story of a woman, a neighbourhood and a tradition that still matters. This place isn't stuck in the past; it's alive and well, true to its roots. At Chez Ma Tante, people come back for the flavour, but stay for the feeling. A fry, a hot dog and a little memory in every meal.
34 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, H2T 2M1
Open since 1932
Wilensky's Light Lunch has followed the same routine on Fairmount for over 90 years. The Spécial Wilensky, a grilled mix of salami and bologna in a round roll, remains the main event. Mustard is essential; staff reject tips, and discounts don't exist. House sodas still fizz in the glasses, the grill crackles, and the cash register rings with the same charm. The team, loyal for decades, continues a tradition kept alive by the Wilensky family. The space has not changed, with its tin ceiling, soda fountains, and fixed stools. People come for the sandwich, but also for that rare feeling that nothing here is pretending. Karnatzels, split hotdogs, milkshakes, and fruit-flavoured sodas: every detail seems to be part of an ongoing story. Wilensky does not recreate the past. It lives in it.
Photo Credits: twofoodphotographers
1001 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montréal, H2Z 2A8
Open since 1938
Moishes Steakhouse embodies the rare ability to evolve without losing its soul. Now in a freshly renovated location in the heart of Old Montreal, the restaurant maintains its commitment to excellence and hospitality, just as Moishe Lighter envisioned it. The warm atmosphere and attentive service make every visit memorable, carrying Moishe's legacy forward while adapting to contemporary tastes. Juicy rib steaks, impressive Porterhouses and the iconic 62 oz Wagyu Tomahawk fill the menu with a promise of unwavering quality. At lunchtime, a three-course table d'hôte introduces new guests to a timeless tradition. In the elegance of the new dining room, conversations flow easily, like in a well-loved home. Moishes does not try to imitate anything. It simply continues to do what it has always done best, with pride, consistency and heart. A place that feeds both memory and appetite, true to Montreal and to the dream of its founder.
4167 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2W 2M7
Open since 1938
Rooted in the Plateau-Mont-Royal for generations, La Binerie Mont-Royal captures the spirit of simple and comforting Québécois cooking. Although its address has changed, its soul remains unchanged. Starting early in the morning, they serve the full lineup of a classic Québec brunch: baked beans, crispy bacon, ham, sausages, eggs, potatoes and golden toast. By lunchtime, traditional dishes take over with hearty tourtière, shepherd's pie, meatball stew, blood pudding and pouding chômeur. Everything is homemade; you can dine in or take it away. The maple woodwork, vintage illustrations and warm welcome remind everyone that La Binerie has never lost sight of its roots. It is a living landmark where Québec traditions are still savoured without pretense.
Photo Credits: randomcuisine
93 Avenue du Mont-Royal O, Montréal, H2T 2S5
Open since 1942
In the Mile End, Beautys Luncheonette tells the story of Montreal in its own way, one steaming bagel, one overflowing Mish Mash, and one warm slice of grilled banana bread at a time. For over 80 years, Hymie Sckolnick's family has run this counter, uniting generations and memories around its weathered booths and endless coffee. You hesitate between a fully loaded Beauty's Special with lox and cream cheese, a comforting Rye Special, or a fresh house smoothie before stepping back into your day. The smell of toasted bagels fills the air, conversations hum around the room, and the sound of plates hitting the counter becomes part of the rhythm. The recipes change little, the stories stack up, and every bite carries something from both yesterday's and today's Montreal. Beautys does not imitate anything. It keeps being itself, sincere and vibrant, in a space where nostalgia is never forced and naturally finds its way into every morning ritual.
5456 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, H4A 1V9
Open since 1944
In NDG, Chalet Bar-B-Q has been roasting chickens over charcoal for more than 75 years without ever changing a winning formula. Between the retro walls and the worn brown banquettes, the smell of golden roast chicken and the promise of savoury sauce still draw regulars and newcomers alike. Whole chicken, crisp fries, coleslaw and toasted buns make up generous, simple and comforting plates. Tucked along Sherbrooke West, the place has become a must for true rotisserie lovers. The recipes change little, the stories pile up, and every bite carries the familiar taste of shared memory. Behind the aged booths and authentic walls, Chalet Bar-B-Q continues to deliver the same experience it always has. It is a place where pleasure stays constant and where the essentials are savoured without fuss, one plate at a time.
Photo Credits: mtl_neons
5265 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, H3W 3C2
Open since 1946
In Côte-des-Neiges, Snowdon Deli continues to embody the spirit of a true Montreal deli. The walls covered in memories, the generous portions and the familiar scent of smoked meat create a place where everything feels a little simpler. People come for a smoked meat sandwich, a steaming matzo ball soup or a last-minute poutine, but mostly to reconnect with a living piece of the neighbourhood. The Morantz family and their successors have passed down more than just a craft: a way of welcoming everyone with honesty and a lasting smile. Kids who once tagged along with their parents now bring their own. Every hearty plate, every burst of laughter shared across the retro booths, extends the legacy built more than seventy-five years ago. Snowdon Deli remains that slice of Montreal where you taste a little bit of history with every bite, without any forced nostalgia.
Photo Credits: anchoviesanonymous
3041 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1N9
Open since 1947
Just steps from Atwater Market, Greenspot has been welcoming Saint-Henri for more than 75 years without changing its ways. Worn red booths, a jukebox that still plays, a lively counter: everything stays true to its roots. Hot dogs stacked just right, thick-cut pizza slices, hearty poutines and classic Québec breakfasts roll out from morning to night. Eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes: some things never change, and that is what makes it comforting. People come for the familiar plates, the quick service and the no-fuss atmosphere. At Greenspot, you settle in without checking the time, coffee in one hand, a crispy fry in the other, carried by the easy charm of a place that never had to try too hard to be loved.
7700 Boulevard Décarie, Montréal, H4P 2H4
Open since 1947
In Côte-des-Neiges, the Big Orange still watches over Décarie Boulevard. Born from a bold idea to serve vanilla-tinged orange juice from a fruit-shaped stand, it continues to turn heads and stir memories. The iconic drink, made from the same secret recipe for generations, still pairs with steamed hot dogs, warm burgers and crispy fries. The setting has not changed, with glowing neon lights, a retro vibe and a parking lot that fills with classic cars and hungry regulars during summer nights. People eat standing up, sometimes sitting on their car hoods, always with a sense of returning to something familiar. This is not just a snack stop. It is a timeless pause, and each visit leaves you wanting to come back.
1057 Avenue Bernard, Montréal, H2V 1V1
Open since 1951
On Bernard Street in Outremont, Lester's Deli keeps the spirit of Montreal smoked meat alive. Inside the retro dining room lined with memories, sandwiches piled high with tender meat land at the table, sided with crispy fries and crunchy pickles. The smoked meat, marinated for 72 hours, remains the undisputed star, but the club sandwiches, tuna melts on rye and smoked meat poutine have their loyal fans too. Some grab a meal to go, while others settle in for a break on the summer terrace. Service is quick, plates are generous, and the atmosphere stays true to its roots. Nothing feels forced; everything flows naturally. Lester's carries its tradition forward with the same recipe that has always worked: authenticity, simplicity and an unmistakable taste.
Multiple locations
Open since 1954
Born at the corner of Papineau and Crémazie in Villeray-Saint-Michel, Dic Ann's redefined what a hamburger could be in Montreal. Toasted bun, thin patties and warm slightly spicy sauce: a simple idea that became a local legend. From their first modest stand, Dominic "Dick" Potenza and Ann Collecchia built an institution where speed records make people smile almost as much as the memories created. Over 1500 burgers served in one hour, 800 completed in just 24 minutes: everything moves fast, but nothing feels rushed. Every bite brings back a piece of old-school Montreal, straightforward and generous. Today, the locations have multiplied, but the magic stays the same. At Dic Ann's, the taste never forgets where it came from, staying true to a spirit of quick service and real flavours that have stood the test of time.
6840 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2S 3C7
Open since 1956
Little Italy would not be quite the same without Caffè Italia. Opened by a family originally from Tuscany, this café has become a gathering place for those in search of a real espresso, a warm panini or a simple moment of pause. Luciana Serri and her daughters have kept the spirit intact, with no second location and no rushed expansion. Everything happens within these memory-filled walls, where conversations and smiles flow naturally. In the summer, the caffe crema rivals the best memories of Italy. Throughout the year, black coffee, lunchtime paninis and local pastries set the pace for a loyal crowd. Caffè Italia does not try to imitate Italy. It stands as a sincere, vibrant and welcoming extension of it, firmly rooted in the memory of Little Italy as an irreplaceable landmark.
3982 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, H1W 1S9
Open since 1963
On Ontario Street in the heart of Hochelaga, Gerry's Delicatessen has been holding its ground for over 60 years. This no-frills diner serves up generous staples, from smoked meat sandwiches and burgers to cheesy subs and loaded nachos. The dining room buzzes with game-day energy and friendly conversation, echoing the vibe of classic delis from back in the day. Regulars from the neighbourhood, families gathering over hearty breakfasts, and groups digging into wings or fries all find their place here. Fast service, warm smiles, and straightforward food tell you everything you need to know. Gerry's is what East Montreal tastes like when it's real, welcoming, and proudly itself.
351 Rue Bellechasse, Montréal, H2S 1X1
Open since 1964
In Rosemont, Elio Pizzeria isn't just a place to eat, it's a family story carried by three generations. You can still feel Elio and Nina's presence in every dish, from Franco's favourite cavatelli gira-gira to Gabriel's rigatoni or Frank's go-to cotoletta. And then there are the fries, unexpected in a trattoria but now iconic with their spicy mayo and sprinkles of Parmesan. People share them on the terrace or during a celebration in one of the spacious private rooms. Today, the team serves over 700 guests without losing the warmth of the original 18-seat space. This is a place the neighbourhood has grown up with, and every dish holds a piece of memory. Elio is a true Montreal landmark, in every sense of the word.
298 Place d'Youville, Montréal, H2Y 2B6
Open since 1969
Just steps from the Bonsecours Market, Gibby's has been gathering food lovers in Old Montreal for more than fifty years. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant nurtures more than just the memory of stone walls; it nurtures the memory of meals shared across generations. Regulars return for the crunchy croutons, crumbled bacon, warm bread, and that generous plate that never goes out of style. Perfectly grilled steaks, fresh fish, and whole lobsters are prepared with respect to both the ingredients and the house traditions. People come back for more than just a meal. They come back for that sense of belonging, for that feeling that time slows down around a perfectly cooked steak and a shared glass of wine. Every detail, from the first crouton to the last burst of laughter at the table, reminds us that Gibby's is more than a restaurant; it is a living part of Old Montreal that continues to gather and thrive.
Want to keep exploring Montreal's legendary spots? Check out our full article on the best delis in Montreal and browse even more addresses in our Montreal delis section.
