Where can you find healthy restaurants in Montreal that truly transform conscious eating? Quebec's metropolis reveals a culinary scene in full bloom, where wellness and flavours flourish with remarkable creativity. Far from austere clichés, these establishments redefine the codes of wellness dining.
From urban farms in Ahuntsic-Cartierville to vegan creations on Plateau-Mont-Royal, each neighbourhood unveils its nutritional gems. Fresh microgreen counters sit alongside vegan sushi tables, while butcher-caterers reinvent the art of tartare with top quality aged meats. This diversity reflects the evolution of Montreal's eating habits.
These restaurants not only offer balanced menus; they create universes where nutrition rhymes with emotion, proving it's possible to reconcile taste pleasure and nutritional wellness in every carefully prepared bite.
1 Pl. Monseigneur Charbonneau, Montreal, H3B 2B6
This dirty dining will have you dirty dancing, it's so fresh. Nestled in the heart of the Cathcart food court in Place Ville Marie downtown, Dirty Greens has earned its rep with really creative salad-meals, all loaded with contrasting flavours and textures so that every bite is interesting. You can keep it simple with their original House Salad, which offers true satisfaction with its chicken, kale, Romaine, broccoli, dill, fresh Parmesan, Parmesan chips, house granola and Caesar dressing, or branch out with the extra hearty Chicken Parm Salad (for leg days - it involves pepperoncini!) or the Dirty Dirty Chopped, a super refreshing tuna-packed work of salad art.
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1460 Rue Mackay, Montreal, H3G 2W5
A big mess of veggies topped with pure protein: health on a bowl. At BEI that comes in the form of shawarma beef bites, gorgeously spiced chicken or falafel balls served up over a mix of fattoush, cabbage, corn, tomatoes, tabbouleh, with a dollop of hummus and a sprinkle of sweet'n'sour pomegranate seeds for good measure. Design your own mix out of their selection of salads, toppings, mezze and pickles to tailor your protein-packed meal exactly to your taste, and take a seat at this clean and contemporary lunch counter to enjoy.
1067 Rue de Bleury, Montreal, H2Z 1N1
Two steps away from Place des Festivals sits this sweet whitewashed café with airy high ceilings. The menu is short but attractive with its descriptions of fresh and light fare: protein-loaded open-faced sandwiches, a Spanish omelette topped with a mountain of fresh greens, and lots of daily specials that change every season. Pair your pick with homemade drinks like their hibiscus lemonade or stellar coffee selection, and in the warm months, take your meal out to the hidden backyard terrasse. It's a secret well-kept by locals.
Multiple locations
What started out as a small Plateau lunch counter with lines out the door grew in popularity to become a reference for Middle Eastern restaurants in town, especially for online orders. The reason is the complexity of flavours: fragrant spices like sumac, nutmeg, cumin, Aleppo peppers and coriander shine brightly throughout the dishes and add dimension to Omnivore's multitude of salads, plus their brochettes. Take your protein in a sandwich or, for more veggie factor, add a side of brochettes to a mixed salad plate. The fibre count will be off the charts.
26 Rue Gounod, Montreal, H2R 1X1
This Villeray restaurant dubs itself a health bar, and it's uplifting from the moment you enter. You can smell the freshness of the fruit and veg they use in their freshly-pressed juices immediately, specials like the Aqua Boost (apples, coconut water, lemon, spinach and ginger) and the Red Tonic (apples, lemon, beets, celery and ginger) that have anchored their reputation with locals. After or before a day in Jarry Park, stop by and fuel up on liquid gold, avocado and salmon-topped toast, an acaï bowl or a killer salad like their Bangkok one: an addictive, texture-packed mix of kale, red cabbage, carrots, edamame, shallots, coriander, quinoa, avo and crunchy peanuts tossed in a roasty-toasty sesame dressing.
Multiple locations
Just because it's an ultra popular chain available in malls city-wide doesn't mean it's the bad kind of fast food. Poulet Rouge provides some of the simplest, most easily attainable healthy meals you could choose, with its focus on lean chicken breast meat spiced and sauced one of four ways: sweet BBQ, lemon, garlic or spicy. You just pick your fave, select a small or large bowl, and get them to load you up with whatever you desire from the huge selection of whole grains and fresh vegetables behind the counter. No fuss, no muss.
9855 Rue Meilleur #100, Montreal, H3L 3J6
North America's largest urban farm lives in Ahuntsic-Cartierville, where microgreens fuel a bold, fresh dining experience. From the unexpectedly vibrant Kale Boost smoothie to gourmet sandwiches like the Pousse Fumé-smoked meat meets housemade wasabi mayo-every dish celebrates daily-harvested, additive-free superfoods. This social initiative turns urban agriculture into a Montreal foodie hotspot, blending innovation and tradition with passion. Here, healthy eats aren't just smart-they're good through-and-through.
330 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montreal, H2T 1P8
This vegan gem on Plateau-Mont-Royal disrupts all traditional codes with stunning sushi creations. The Touna Royal captivates with its fish-like texture, while crispy tempura makis reveal impressive technical mastery. Each platter becomes artwork adorned with edible flowers and colourful sprouts, transforming meals into visual spectacles. The mushroom tartare surprises with complex textures, while multicoloured poké bowls marry crunchy vegetables with refined homemade sauces.
3535 Autoroute Jean-Noël Lavoie O, Laval, H7P 5G9
Specializing in aged meats at Marché 440 in Laval, this butcher-caterer elevates tartare artistry to new heights. Cuts aged between 20 and 200 days in their climate-controlled cellar develop incomparable tenderness and flavours. Bison tartare sits alongside sophisticated meal salads, creating the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. Artisanal charcuteries without antibiotics demonstrate a quality commitment, while homemade desserts crown each meal. This modern vision of upscale ready-to-eat transforms lunch breaks into exceptional moments, illustrating how tradition and innovation redefine healthy options for all food lovers.
187 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montreal, H2T 1P2
Flexible and modern, this Plateau Mont-Royal place adapts perfectly to contemporary urban rhythms. Smoked salmon bagels sit alongside freshly pressed smoothies, while salads like La Végé transform lunch breaks into nutritional pleasure. The bright space welcomes both business meetings and extended weekend brunches. Protein quinoa bowls satisfy athletic appetites, while Radiant juices provide essential vitamin doses.
Multiple locations
This Canadian chain builds its reputation on daily morning preparation across its many locations. Each team starts early to assemble six fresh salads, two daily soups and a complete range of sandwiches on artisanal breads with carefully selected charcuteries. Golden muffins emerge from ovens while yogurt parfaits and fruit salads complete this varied nutritious offering. Smoothies and specialty beverages meet the needs of busy urbanites who care about eating healthy with balanced options prepared fresh on-site daily.
Multiple locations
Pan-Asian flavours come alive in these two bright locations near Jean-Talon market and in the West Island. Varied bases of jasmine rice, crunchy vermicelli and vitamin-rich kale welcome garnishes with multiple influences. Certified halal proteins demonstrate this attention to food inclusivity. The relaxed atmosphere and efficient service perfectly illustrate how this modern vision of healthy restaurants in Montreal harmonizes Asian tradition with contemporary nutritional requirements.
Multiple locations
Californian inspiration animates this small chain in the Montreal region, where fresh salads sit alongside expert grills, creative pizzas and the famous salmon tartare in a generous menu highlighting quality ingredients. Revisited burgers meet more refined dishes, illustrating this versatility that appeals to all generations. The trendy atmosphere welcomes romantic dinners and lively happy hour gatherings among colleagues. This Quebec vision of Californian dining marries international influences with local expertise.
Multiple locations
Founded in 2021 by entrepreneurs Jessica and Olivia, this chain deploys a holistic health bar concept across four modern spaces in Westmount, Mount Royal, Old Montreal and downtown. Vitamin-packed smoothies like Clean Green with spinach and spirulina sit alongside gourmet toasts garnished with avocado and fresh microgreens. Superfoods like turmeric and hemp seeds integrate naturally into accessible preparations that change regularly. Tropical açaí bowls and vegan Caesar salads demonstrate this constant nutritional creativity. This complete wellness approach goes beyond simple dining to create a community around a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
1253 Rue Ottawa, Montreal, H3C 0T2
Carefully selected local and organic ingredients define this modern Griffintown counter's approach. Colourful creations like the Mediterranean Bowl with quinoa and humus sit alongside generous salads with fresh green mixes and crunchy vegetables. The oven-baked Salmon Bowl and healthy handheld wraps illustrate this mastery of balanced preparations adapted to urban lunch breaks. The sunny terrace pleasantly extends the nutritious experience, particularly appreciated for light lunches.
440 Rue Saint-Francois-Xavier, Montreal, H2Y 2T3
This bohemian refuge in Old Montreal gives form to the Californian escape, blending Pacific flavours with a unique, relaxed atmosphere. Colourful tuna and salmon poke bowls encounter chipotle lime chicken tacos in an eclectic menu that prioritizes fresh ingredients. Indian bowls with sweet potato curry and avocado toasts garnished with sea salt illustrate this creative diversity adapted to Montreal's climate. The bright space with bohemian accents particularly welcomes groups of friends seeking authenticity. Artisanal cocktails and homemade desserts crown memorable meals.
Multiple locations
Vietnamese family recipes shape this chain's identity across seven strategic locations, from Atwater Market to Old Montreal. Authentic banh mi, from the vegetarian Buddhist to the Chà with lemongrass pork patties, showcases this artisanal expertise preserved for decades. Fragrant pho soups and crunchy papaya salads complete an Asian street food offering adapted to Quebec palates. The touching story of the founder, nourished by her parents' Marseille traditions, shows through each carefully prepared dish. This respectful approach to traditions offers varied healthy options that appeal to busy professionals and families curious about authentic culinary discoveries. The rapid yet attentive service maintains a perfect balance between tradition and modernity across all locations.
1720 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, H2X 3K6
This vegetarian institution in the Quartier Latin spreads across three levels in a century-old space. The buffet on the second floor offers a pay-by-weight formula that encourages exploration of vegetarian and vegan dishes renewed daily. The Gourmand Counter on the ground floor facilitates quick lunch breaks with sandwiches, pizzas and wraps accessible directly from Saint-Denis Street. Two outdoor terraces extend the experience in this spacious and peaceful atmosphere. This flexible approach without strict constraints allows everyone to compose their meal according to preferences, attracting a varied international clientele seeking affordable and authentic healthy options. The fresh vegetable juices and variety of choices make this spot ideal for discovering new flavours.
Multiple locations
Nearly 20 years of vegan innovation have shaped this Montreal chain that extends from the Plateau to Westmount and beyond. Brothers Michael and Liam Makhan pursue a tradition of excellence where each menu item demonstrates remarkable technical mastery. Nutritious Thai bowls and revisited BLT sandwiches illustrate this ability to reinvent classics without compromising taste. The 2014 acquisition of Noble Bean and expanded distribution to IGA, Concordia and Sainte-Justine Hospital demonstrate this food philosophy's growing impact. This holistic vision makes this establishment an essential reference for healthy eating in Montreal with creativity. The centralized Mile End production now supplies major retailers, proving how culinary passion can change eating habits.
Multiple locations
The family legacy of Abe and Mary Claman inspires these two downtown and Town of Mount-Royal establishments that combine cafés and luxury boutiques. Mary's memory, a Holocaust survivor passionate about cooking, shows through this generous approach where every customer leaves satisfied. Signature salads like Jeff Lam with quinoa sit alongside energizing superfood smoothies in a balanced menu designed for daily wellness. The 100% peanut-free establishment welcomes all sensitivities with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. This "everything to moderation" philosophy creates a unique experience where social mission and culinary excellence meet in an authentically familial spirit.
Multiple locations
These two sisters' entrepreneurial adventure began modestly in 2004 before becoming a city-wide success in Montreal and expanding to Toronto and Vancouver. In addition to the ultra popular house-designed salads and health bowls, the "create your salad" concept allows you to personalize each composition among an impressive variety of fresh ingredients, from dried figs to sunflower seeds. Quinoa, orzo or kale bases welcome creative proteins like togarashi-seared tuna, completed by 14 homemade dressings, including Green Goddess.
3990 Rue St-Urbain, Montreal, H2W 1T7
Nestled inside an old house on Saint-Urbain Street, Café Santropol counts as one of the most iconic healthy restaurants on the Plateau. Since 1976, it has served stacked sandwiches, creamy soups and its well-loved hibiscus lemonade. The space feels alive, with mismatched furniture, a uniquely beautiful and leafy backyard garden and walls filled with memories. It's not only about food; it's about taking the time to chat and enjoy a quiet moment while chowing down.
Multiple locations
Freshii stands out among healthy restaurants in Montreal by combining speed and personalization. The menu offers crunchy wraps, smoothie bowls and nutrient-rich meals that you can easily customize. This chain is a great option for those on the go, providing a quick and balanced meal. Each location focuses on fresh ingredients and variety, with vegetarian, gluten-free and protein-packed choices. With its upbeat vibe and flexible options, it's a reliable go-to for health-focused meals that fit into busy schedules.
For an even broader selection across all neighbourhoods, explore our comprehensive healthy restaurants section, which covers Montreal's complete wellness food landscape. Be well!
