Juanitos specializes in Latin American cuisine with a focus on customizable rice bowls designed for quick and efficient service. The menu highlights bold flavors, incorporating seasoned proteins, fresh vegetables, and house-made salsas served over fluffy grains. Each component is prepared to maintain a consistent standard of quality, ensuring that every order reflects the core principles of Latin culinary traditions. The kitchen utilizes authentic spices and fresh produce to craft substantial, nutrient-dense meals that prioritize bold seasoning profiles. Patrons select various toppings and garnishes to build balanced bowls tailored to specific preferences. This establishment maintains a straightforward, functional environment that caters to efficient consumption while upholding high culinary standards through precise preparation techniques and the careful selection of essential, vibrant ingredients for every single order served.
Juanitos is widely regarded as a charming and cozy neighborhood gem in St Henri, celebrated for its authentic and delicious Latin American cuisine. Patrons frequently highlight the exceptional quality and flavor of the empanadas, fresh bowls, and sandwiches, noting that the food feels homemade and satisfying. The staff is consistently described as incredibly friendly, welcoming, and passionate, which significantly enhances the overall dining experience. While the venue is intimate and can become warm, its vibrant atmosphere and reasonable prices make it a highly recommended destination for both local residents and visitors looking for a genuine taste of South America in Montreal.
I ordered the El Calentao 26oz bowl for takeout from Foordash, & when I arrived at Juanitos, I also I ordered an arepa con pollo.
I suppose I expected the El Calentao bowl to be filling, which it was, but I didn't really know what to expect in terms of yumminess. It was more flavorful than I could have imagined, & one of the best Latin American dishes I've had since spending a winter in Mexico 3 years ago.
As for the arepa, hands down the best arepa I've ever had. In full transparency, I've only had arepas from two other Montreal restaurants & from an ex-partner who was Colombian & used to make them fresh for us. I also figured when I ordered an arepa, that I'd get an arepa. Well I was wrong... it came with a big avocado sauce on the side & French fries, so that was an unexpected pleasant surprise.
The last thing I want to say about Juanitos is how friendly & warm the young man who took my order. Marco & I spoke at length. He's actually one of the owners & I found him to be genuine & nice. Great meal, great place, great vibes.
Such a lovely little family-run restaurant in Saint-Henri! I first discovered Juanito's years ago when they had their café, D'maïs,& I still remembered how delicious their empanadas were. I was so happy to find them again in their cozy new location.
The food was excellent. We tried the arepa with beef & the patacones rellenos, & both were absolutely delicious, fresh, & full of flavour. But what really makes this place special is the warmth of the people. You can genuinely feel the care they put into both the food & the experience.
If you're looking for authentic Latin American comfort food served by kind people, Juanito's is definitely worth a visit. Wishing this wonderful family business all the success they deserve!
Can't comment on the service & atmosphere since I ordered via Uber Eats but the food itself was okayish. You definitely can find way better arepas in Montreal & a bowl was pretty average & really just handful of beans. Nothing bad, just lack of flavours.
Jul 9, 2026
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THE best Colombian food in Montreal. It was like eating homemade but even better (Sorry Sra. S-T). If you haven't tried Juanitos yet, go! Their food is amazing! I had the arepa with chicharrón, avocado, egg, & plantain. They give you salsa, but you don't even need it. I used it to dip the fries which were also yummy. It's a tiny location toward the end of the commercial part of Notre-Dame in St-Henri, but before Bernice (iykyk). It really feels like a slice of South America - intimate little cantina, TV with the FIFA on, cool & refreshing, & great menu to choose from. They have a small selection of basic staples too - bunuelo mix, chorizo, guava jam, & other items that have been carefully hand-picked for their foodiness. Oh, & did I mention their prices are very reasonable & staff is amazing too? Cannot say enough good things, this place is a gem 🥰
Such a great place! We stumbled upon it & loved everything! We had yuca, arepas rellenas y empanadas to go. It was all delicious. The service was amazing. We are definitely coming back next time we're in Montreal.
J'aurais vraiment aimé laisser un bon avis pour Juanitos comme la première fois où j'y suis allée, mon copain & moi avions adoré le brunch. D'ailleurs je recommande chaudement l'assiette Arepas Rellena pour le brunch.
Cette fois nous y sommes allé pour le souper & l'expérience fût assez décevante; les oeufs dans nos sandwichs arepas étaient trop cuits, la viande était sèche & les portions nous ont laissé sur notre faim. Une assiette avec 6 petites frites de yuca coûte 7,50…
En regardant ma facture, je me suis aussi rendue compte que le pourboire nous a été chargé après les taxes (loi 72). Dommage parce que c'est le seul restaurant Colombien/Vénézuélien du quartier & j'aurais aimé y retourner.
Amazing experience!
One of the Best brunches I had in Montreal! The arepas sandwiches were fresh & tasty. the service was smooth & the workers super friendly.
I really suggest this place!
