Verdun
Departure point: De l’Église métro station
Distance: 2.3 kilometres
Places to enjoy your snack, meal or drink: Plage de Verdun, Parc J.-Albert-Gariépy
Chez Robin
3819 Wellington Street #102 | Website
Chez Robin is a small local grocery store that every neighbourhood needs. Not only does it offer exactly what all supermarkets offer, but it stocks organic items and/or products made by local artisans. They even have a bistro where you can enjoy a scrumptious snack, absolutely guilt-free.
What to order: Shish taouk sandwich, the duck burger or the vegetarian pad Thai from the bistro, and from the grocery store, whatever you need for the kitchen.
Alice & Théo
3870 Wellington Street | Website
If you’re a fan of cream puffs or ice cream sandwiches, you have to check out the pastry shop Alice & Théo. For one, we love the fact that the cream puffs are small, because that means we can delve into a bunch of different flavours like matcha, amaretto, raspberry, chocolate or the flavour of the day. For another, you can create your own ice cream sandwich. Ever try stacking up a sweet creation of matcha cookies, pecans, chocolate or raspberries? Total bliss for the taste buds.
What to order: A half-dozen cream puffs. The chocolate, matcha and amaretto are my favourites.
Station W
3852 Wellington Street | Website
I’m with you on this: it’s high time they opened a café. And finally, folks, Station W is here to sate your caffeine cravings. If you don’t drink coffee, no worries; you can enjoy smoothies, kombucha, yerba mate, iced mocha or the house iced tea as well. We love neighbourhood cafés like this!
What to order: An iced coffee or an extra refreshing iced tea.
© Caroline Perron
Pâtisserie Sweet Lee’s
4150 Wellington Street | Website
Since 2010, Sweet Lee’s bakery and pasty shop has been a real go-to for sweet tooths. The family trio made up of the sister, brother and mother have found the winning recipe with their gourmet but comforting treats. Go there for deep-dish pies, brioches, giant cookies as well as their cakes and muffins. You can even order a number of vegan and savoury products.
What to order: A muffin and/or a cupcake.
© Caroline Perron
Bar Palco or Benelux
4019 Wellington Street | Website
4026 Wellington Street | Website
Whether you feel like going there for half an hour or two hours, the tucked-away backyard patios of Bar Palco and Benelux are two excellent choices. Bar Palco offers a tempting menu of wines and cocktails, while across the street, microbrewery beer is that star at Benelux. Roasted nuts, crunchy chips and/or charcuterie and Québec cheese boards are the perfect accompaniment to your beverages.
What to order: It’s happy hour! So, of course, drinks and delicious snacks.
Bossa
4354 Wellington Street | Website
This little Italian delicatessen/mercato set up shop a few years ago and it has already made a big splash thank to its copious and affordable sandwiches on fluffy, crusty bread just like you can find in Italy’s sandwicherias. Browse its well-stocked fine food section, from its array of sweets to its Italian roast coffee to complete your trip to the Bel Paese.
What to order: The Porchetta and Philly Hoagie sandwiches are my faves.
Café le 5e | Épicerie LOCO
4437 Wellington Street | Website
Café le 5e has embraced a zero waste philosophy that we really need more of in Montréal. It offers mostly organic products, locally sourced to the greatest extent possible and fair trade, all while reducing their waste output. The Épicerie LOCO, which is located in the same space, take the concept next-level by offering a vast selection of foods, cleaning products and body care products in bulk.
What to order: Kick your day off with a coffee (in a reusable cup, of course) with some bulk products from the Épicerie LOCO.
Librairie de Verdun
4750 Wellington Street | Website
I highly recommend you stop at Verdun’s independent bookstore for the surprising number of booking on cooking and gourmet food. Right after, you can wander over to Réunion (one of my favourites), and browse a goldmine of wares that will thrill gourmet chefs and epicureans.
Other suggestions for take-out or a drink: Les Street Monkeys, Beba, Le Verdun Beach, Kokochi Izakaya, Pigor.
Tommy Dion
Tommy is 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 brand, always related to food and gastronomy.
