Montréal’s culinary scene, as exciting as ever

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.

Proof that Montréal’s world-class culinary scene is haler and heartier than ever is the fact that we’re falling in food love with our city once again. Seasonal spaces, pop-up events, new restaurants, take-out menus, picnic boxes for the park or even our usual go-tos—we can embrace them all. This summer, Montréal’s culinary scene has never been better. Here’s the scoop.

Enjoy the flavours of the city chez vous

When restaurant closings were announced, many chefs quickly switched to takeout mode. And while restaurants have been given the green light to reopen, most continue to offer a takeout service in tandem. This has spawned a number of online boutiques so everyone has the chance to indulge in the best of Montréal in the comfort of their own home.

Picnics in the park

Montréal’s summers are short, so we really need to get on them! Sometimes, nothing beats ordering a picnic lunch and eating it leisurely in one of Montréal's gorgeous parks or green spaces. The Atwater Market , Joe Beef, the Vin & Levain basket from Candide or even a box of sweets from Patrice Pâtissier all let you spend a few sublime hours on the banks of the Lachine Canal. If you’re in Little Italy, swing by the Jean Talon Market before venturing out to Jarry Park with your bounty, or pick up a basket of fried chicken from Dinette Triple Crown and devour it right across the street.in Parc Petite-Italie. Don’t forget to consult our guide to Montréal's parks and green spaces as well as restaurants that offer take-out menus to create your gold star picnic.

Scope out new discoveries

Montréal’s reputation for its dynamic food scene is due, in large part, to its many restaurant openings. And not even COVID-19 can dampen that enthusiasm. Ayla, Verdun Beach, Mitch Déli, Kamúy, Accommodation Danny and Provision Crémerie are just some new spots that have popped up over the course of the past few weeks.

Visit your faves again!

Three months without visiting your go-tos or savouring iconic dishes from the city's oldest restaurants is pretty long. Whether you’re keen on reconnecting with your favourite authentic French restaurants or checking out the city’s three new gourmet halls, all are excellent options. And don’t forget the city’s prettiest outdoor patios, because a summer without outdoor terraces? Unthinkable.

From fine dining to fried chicken

If you’re in the mood for a mind-blowing culinary experience, H4C par Dany Bolduc as well as many Montréal's top gourmet restaurants are back in business, as epicureans breathe a big sigh of relief.

Show our local producers and artisans the love

And finally, the lowdown on Montréal’s summer 2020 culinary scene wouldn’t be complete without including events and projects that got off the ground thanks to COVID-19, such as Trifecta and Rhinocéros, two new take-out exclusive initiatives from Le Club Chasse et Pêche, Le Filet and Le Serpent (the former), and Bouillon Bilk and Cadet (the latter). Tinc Set, Miammiammiam, Cantina Nora Gray and Casgrain let you see Alma, Vinvinvin, Nora Gray and Vin mon Lapin in a whole new light. And lastly, why not follow Menu Extra, a new project launched by top-tier chefs Francis Blais and Camilo Lapointe Nascimento, the former, Québec winner of Top Chef Canada Season 8, and the latter, winner Les Chefs ! season 10?

Montréal summer 2020: definitely unlike any other!

Tommy Dion

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