Enjoy the city's finest fare at home
Even though many restaurants are welcoming patrons back for outdoor and indoor dining, others are sticking to take-out for now. In fact, even some fine food shops have gotten into the game with temporary take-away counters. Montréalers have demonstrated a real appetite for enjoying local products, private-import wines and artisanal fare in the comfort of their own home.
Dine in a park
Since our summers are so short, why not make the most of the nice weather by ordering a gourmet picnic basket and dining in one of Montréal's parks or green spaces. Choose your own treats at Atwater Market or pick up a picnic basket from Labo Culinaire or Ikanos. For dessert, try a little box of sweets from the newly opened bakery Chez Potier. If you're in Little Italy, stop by Jean-Talon Market before venturing over to Jarry Park. Or maybe you're in the mood for fried chicken from Dinette Triple Crown, which is right across the street from Little Italy Park. For more ideas on what to eat and where, check out our guide to parks and green spaces in Montréal and our round-up of Montréal's take-out restaurants.
Try something new!
Montréal's food scene is constantly changing thanks to the never-ending stream of new restaurants opening their doors. Not even COVID-19 could hold back the unbridled ambition of local restaurant owners. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, the city welcomed Ayla, Verdun Beach, Mitch Déli, Kamúy and Provision Crémerie. This year we've added Danny Pan Pizza, Pichai, Mui Mui, Le Pontiac, Barranco, Chef Lee, Shay, Tropikal, Barbara, Aperitivo, Ruby's Café and Chez Potier. Their tantalizing menus are sure to get you out and exploring the city again.
Don't forget the classics!
Eight months is a long time to go without dining in Montréal's gourmet institutions and indulging in their time-tested dishes. Whether you're hungry for authentic French cuisine or a lively meal at one of the city's three new food halls, there's no shortage of scrumptious options available. And of course, no summer would be complete without breaking bread on a lush green patio.
Aim higher with haute cuisine
If you're in the mood for haute cuisine, Pastel and several other gourmet restaurants are up and running again, much to the delight of local foodies.
And there's more to come!
Three major hotels are set to open in summer 2021, each boasting unique gastronomic offerings. At DoubleTree by Hilton, Bivouac will feature the flavours of the boreal forest. The new Humaniti hotel will include the H3 restaurant, lounge and terrace. And the Hampton Inn in Chinatown will be home to Tiramisu, an Italian-Japanese restaurant, along with Carla, a French-Vietnamese bistro-bar.
Lastly, the iconic Laurier BBQ will be marking its 85th anniversary with a fresh new look.
There's no doubt that this summer will be a memorable one. Bon appétit!
