Reviews describe Buboy as a cozy and authentic Filipino spot where comfort dishes like pancit, lechon, bulalo, kare kare, and kinilaw shine, with many praising bold flavors, generous portions, and a homey counter vibe. The menu is frequently cited for thoughtful twists and a strong sense of tradition, and the service is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and approachable, making for an inviting dining experience even when busy. Some feedback points to the mall location and occasional inconsistencies in temperature or preparation, while others call the price a good value and highlight highlights such as special feasts and standout pancit canton. Overall, the reviews frame Buboy as a noteworthy, often praised Filipino food destination in Montreal with enduring appeal.
I visited twice on the same Montreal trip, which I think says something. Either about Buboy's potential, or my own optimism. Possibly both.
First visit, I ordered the bulalo. At Buboy they serve it with noodles, which is their prerogative. I asked for rice on the side because I'm Filipino, & also the grandchild of a rice farmer, so this is something I take personally. The rice was dry enough that not even the bulalo broth could rescue it, which is a sentence I genuinely did not expect to write about a Filipino restaurant. The beef in the bulalo was also quite lean, which made me reconsider whether the noodles would have even helped. The broth itself was decent. I could see the vision. I just couldn't fully live in it.
The music situation: the staff were changing songs constantly, which is a pet peeve of mine both as a customer & as someone who has worked in food service.'Folded' by Kehlani came on. They changed it immediately. I am not over this.
Second visit, different friend, different order. I got the tinapa fried rice, which was genuinely good. I also paid extra for an additional egg, somewhere in the $2-3 range, & received half an egg. So I paid to complete the egg that came with the dish.
Buboy has real ideas. The menu has personality. Our friends who live in Montreal love it, & I wanted to love it too. I just think the execution stumbles on the things that should be the easiest to get right. Rice. Beef. The egg math (I know there's eggflation, but still.)
I'll probably try the ube crinkle cookie next time I'm in town. There will probably be a next time.
A steaming Filipino bowl of Bulalo: rich, clear bone broth layered with deep beef flavor, tender shank falling off the bone, sweet corn, soft cabbage, & fresh noodles soaking it all in. Comforting, honest, & deeply satisfying.
Between sips & bites, we drifted through conversations about Montreal, travels across Asia, geopolitics, & cinema, the world feeling both vast & right there at the table. 🍲🌏
Feb 19, 2026
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We tried the Kamayan Christmas dinner special-a collaboration with Dobe & Andy-& wow. If you're a meat lover, this will absolutely blow your socks off. The spread was loaded with BBQ pork, crispy pork, chicken, duck skewers, veggies, cream cheese & crab dumplings, plus a generous portion of fried rice packed with even more meat.
Reservations are required since it's a group-style meal, & it's well worth planning ahead. Other standouts for us were the coconut soup with crispy pork & the bone broth-both comforting & deeply flavorful.
Buboy is truly a rare gem in Montreal. Huge thanks to Chef Eric for consistently offering such unique, delicious dishes at prices that remain accessible.
I'd go there just for their bone broth! It's crazy good & he puts a lot of care into making it great! Great vibe! The food is really unique there, never tasted anything quite like what i had. Not vegetarian friendly
The best bulalo house in Montreal! This restaurant serves such comforting food, reminds me of my Filipino parents' cooking. My all time favourite dishes are: Bulalo Steak, Loco-Gang, & their Corned Beef Silog (made in house 😉). Also, the broth is to die for!! Not only is it super tasty & comforting, but it's good for the skin 😋 Lastly, the staff is super friendly & the ambiance is just so chill & nice. A solid 10/10
Buboy is a GEM. The absolutely delicious oxtail kare kare, all the beef dishes, the CRAB RANGOON & the best damn bone broth out there - the food is just amazing. Even the desserts! Just all around a great time & you feel good after eating. You feel the love & care through the food.
I ordered their vegetarian noodle soup & it was absolutely delicious! Tangy with just the right amount of heat! The broth was rich & savoury without being greasy & the portion was generous & packed with veggies! The service was lovely & the atmosphere is really relaxed & friendly. Can't wait to go back!
Feb 13, 2024
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I’ve been trying to visit Buboy for weeks. Finally got the chance & was not disappointed. Tried the OG Bulalo which was tastebud meltingly good - unfortunately they were out of noodles when we went so I’ll be back to try it with! Beef fell apart in the dish & the broth was so flavourful I truly savoured every spoonful. My husband tried the loco gang & fell in love with it. Naturally we took some pork siopao to go which served as a phenomenal late night snack. Was so happy to see it on the menu. Wonderfully marinated pork. Everything on the menu is really well priced & the portion sizes are absolutely perfect.
Service was fantastic & the vibe was just immaculate. We ate in & really enjoyed the time spent there. Will be back to try the entire rest of the menu (starting with those lumpia!). 100/10.
