Food itinerary: Old Montréal
Gastronomy Old Montréal and Old Port
Old Montréal is home to a host of fabulous cafés, restaurants, bakeries and other delicious addresses. Here are some suggestions where to eat well in Old Montréal.
Old Montréal food itinerary
Departure point: Place d’Armes metro station
Suggestions where to enjoy your meal, snack or drink: Place d’Armes, Old Port
Le Petit Dep
Le Petit Dep is exactly my kind of corner store… and honestly, probably yours too! It’s got everything you’d expect from a dépanneur, but with a local twist and way more charm. Think grab-and-go bites, shelves stocked with Québec-made goodies from drinks to soaps, and a soft-serve counter with rotating flavours. And let’s be real: this is hands down the best corner-store coffee you’ll find anywhere in Quebec.
What to order: Soft-serve ice cream and some local products to take home.
179 Saint-Paul Street West
Slice + Soda
It’s officially all over Montreal now: I’m talking about classic New York–style pizza, the kind you fold and eat on a park bench or while strolling around and, of course, about Slice + Soda, the local chain popping up all over the city. Its success is no fluke: it’s the winning combo of a massive, ultra-thin slice that’s gooey inside and crisp on the outside, paired with a playful, unmistakably New York vibe.
What to order: A slice (naturally!). My recommendations: cheese, veggie or meat lovers.
201 Saint-Paul Street West
Olive et Gourmando
Back when Old Montréal was really in need of some love, Olive et Gourmando was already there serving breads, sandwiches, salads, and pastries to a neighbourhood that was constantly reinventing itself. More than 20 years later, chef and co-owner Dyan Solomon has built a rock-solid reputation, thanks in large part to the consistency and honesty of her cooking. Everything is still made in-house — from the sauces to the slow-roasted pork in their famous Cuban sandwich. No, it’s not a ten-buck lunch, but honestly, every penny spent is worth its weight in gold.
What to order: Hard to choose, but among my favs are the Cuban sandwich, seasonal salad, savoury ricotta of the day, brownie, scone and brioche.
351 Saint-Paul Street West
Café micro espresso
For the crème de la crème of coffee in Old Montreal, head straight to micro espresso café. Simon, the barista and owner, will make exactly what you’re craving, using only the best beans he’s got. With nearly ten different coffees behind the counter, just let him guide you the same way a sommelier would at a restaurant.
What to order: The best latté or cortado in Old Montréal
417 St-Pierre Street
Chez Potier – Épicerie Gourmande
If you’re hunting for top-tier pastries and show-stopping little cakes, the new Chez Potier pâtisserie is where you need to go. The moment you step through the door, you’ll be dazzled by a stunning display case packed with a dozen different creations, something you rarely see in Montréal. And that’s before you even get to their famous croissants, chocolatines, king-size croissants, vanilla flan, kouign-amann, canelés, and a whole selection of made-that-day creations.
What to order: First timers must absolutely try: a croissant or chocolatine, chocolate éclair, Paris-Brest, Millefeuille. But really, no matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong.
630 Wellington Street
Crew Collective & Café
On your way back, you absolutely have to stop into Crew Collective & Café, often ranked among the most beautiful cafés in the country. Housed in the former Royal Bank of Canada building (dating back to 1928), the place is breathtaking with its grand, historic architecture. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee or just soaking in the space, it’s a must-see.
What to order: Coffee made with care and light, little plates to savour
360 Saint-Jacques Street
Chez Mère-Grand Café et Épicerie
You’ll fall for this little café tucked just outside Old Montreal: it’s the kind of spot you’ll remember the next time you’re wandering through the neighbourhood. The coffee is solid, the homemade treats are pure comfort, and the simple food menu hits all the right notes. And quite honestly, the fact that everything is made in-house just makes it even better.
What to order: Breakfast sandwich, dish of the day and a slice of carrot cake (if it’s available). If not, the cake of the day is scrumptious, too!
800 Berri Street
Café Olimpico
Café Olimpico is a true Montréal icon. Its very first location on St-Viateur Street opened back in 1970 and quickly became a go-to gathering spot for Italian newcomers. Today, founder Rocco Furfaro has passed the torch to his daughters and grandchildren who, by the way, are the ones behind the Old Montréal and downtown locations.
What to order: The Remix, or a tight, no-nonsense espresso that packs in all the flavours of the very same coffee blend they’ve been serving for over 50 years.
419 Saint-Vincent Street
Café Paquebot
Café Paquebot is another third-wave spot that really nails it: from the bean selection to the branding, right down to the in-shop experience. You’ll probably get a kick out of chatting with the baristas over the sound of the turntable, but don’t linger too long… the caffeine-deprived folks waiting behind you might not be as amused!
What to order: If you’ve already had your fill of caffeine for the day, try the house kombucha or their other summery drinks.
520 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Pub BreWskey
Think pub vibes, a large whisky selection, comfort food galore (wings, jalapeño poppers, fried fish, ribs) and, above all, a beer experience that’s tough to beat. With 30 taps and cask pumps—including their famous “smoothie” or “slush” beers made with fresh fruit— it’s a good time, guaranteed.
What to order: A smoothie sour alongside house specialties and Brewskey nachos
380 Saint-Paul Street East
La Cave à Manger
Part bakery, part wine cellar, La Cave à Manger has earned its local fame thanks to its croissant rolls and other flaky, trend-setting treats. And since you’re already there, good luck walking out without one of their signature drinks in hand—whether you go for a fun, inventive coffee or a beautifully scented hot chocolate.
What to order: A croissant roll and a seasonal drink
386 Saint-Paul Street East
Salon de thé Paparmane Tea House
Step into Paparmane’s rococo world, where scones, homemade pastries and crust-less sandwiches are meant to be enjoyed pinky up—but never with an ounce of pretension. Your tiered tray gets even better with a tea, a cocktail or a glass of bubbly on the side.
What to order: Omnivore, vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free platter
209 Notre-Dame Street West
Clandestino
This intimate speakeasy, tucked below Saint-François-Xavier Street, offers over 100 different mezcals and tequilas, served any way you want: neat, as tasting flights or in cocktails. The baroque décor—think carpets, velvet and retro armchairs—channels the charm of yester year hidden bars
What to order: Their Margarita will leave you speechless
436 Saint François-Xavier Street
Chez Delmo
Chez Delmo keeps the art of seafood cooking alive in a classic, impeccably maintained setting with attentive service. Here, you’ll dig into dishes whose recipes haven’t changed in decades: Dover sole, walleye fillet amandine or meunière, lobster bisque, clam chowder and of course, their famous cream of tomato soup with croutons. It’s a timeless spot that ignores trends, which makes it so comforting.
What to order: Dover sole with rice pilaf, seafood fettuccine, the lobster club sandwich when it’s in season, and the cream of tomato soup
275 Notre Dame Street West
Le Petit Sao
This cozy little spot shines a light on fresh, wholesome, home-style Vietnamese cooking. Come for the generous bún bowls, the fully loaded bánh mì, the rolls, the pho, and of course, Mama Thi’s famous nems. Perfect for a quick, colourful and lively meal.
What to order: Mama Thi’s nems, Island bowl, bánh mì
237 Notre-Dame Street West
L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel
Set inside a house dating back to 1688, Auberge Saint-Gabriel is a true piece of history: the first inn in North America to receive a liquor licence, and once home to the printing press of Le Patriote. Today, its dining room, warmed by a crackling fireplace, offers an intimate, elegant setting for refined, modern, locally inspired cuisine.
What to order: Rotisserie-style cauliflower, beef tartare, and most importantly, Marc Bolay’s Swiss fondue!
426 Saint-Gabriel Street
LOV McGill
LOV is exactly the kind of spot you hope to find in the neighbourhood: creative plant-based cooking served in a bright, elegant space. It’s ideal for a fresh, feel-good lunch, a decadent brunch, or an evening full of delicious surprises.
What to order: Big LOV cheeseburger, arancini, curry-coconut bowl, mushroom risotto
464 McGill Street
Monarque
This standout Montréal restaurant blends timeless elegance with contemporary cuisine rooted in local flavours and the rhythm of the seasons. Between the “Brasserie” and the “Dining Room,” you’ll find dishes that lean more classic on one side and more modern on the other, always crafted with expert technique and made even more succulent by vegetables sourced from their own market garden, Les Jardins du Monarque.
What to order: On the dining-room side, settle in for their four-course set menu. Over at the Brasserie, it’s all about the gougères, the Bastien family’s boudin, and the bone marrow with escargots. And whatever you do, don’t skip dessert - pastry chef Lisa Yu makes it more than worth it.
406 Saint-Jacques Street
Le Serpent
It’s a neighbourhood staple: low-key, but home to one of the best dining experiences in Old Montréal. Contemporary art meets contemporary Italian cooking, all supported by attentive, professional service and a uniquely intimate, subdued atmosphere.
What to order: Linguine with cauliflower, speck, and truffle, octopus, risotto, and any dessert by chef Masami Waki.
257 Prince Street
Restaurant Brit & Chips
It’s a touch of Britain in Old Montréal, famous for a fish ’n’ chips that you can practically smell from hundreds of metres away - and yes, it’s worth the detour! When you’re craving pure comfort food (ideally with a pint of Guinness), this is the place to go.
What to order: Fried haddock, samosas, Scotch egg and a side of mushy peas
433 McGill Street
Original article in French by Tommy Dion, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.
Tommy Dion
Tommy is a journalist, food critic, and the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brands, always related to food and gastronomy.