Plaza Saint-Hubert has a fresh new look

Laure Juilliard

Laure Juilliard has been writing for over 10 years. She specializes in lifestyle, tourism, travel and food, she writes for the media as well as for different companies, agencies, freelancers or associations. Always in search of innovative concepts and top places to be at, she is also constantly preparing her next trip.

This article was updated on October 11, 2023.

Delineated by Bellechasse Street to the south and Jean-Talon Street to the north, Plaza St-Hubert is home to some 400 dynamic shops and businesses. Along this lively, rapidly changing street, sparkling wedding and prom dress shops are neighbours to with ultra-contemporary bistros, natural wine bars and the collections of young, stylish designers. In fact, ever since this artery was revamped, places have been popping up faster than you can say “boutique”. All in all, just another reason for this guide, which shares our top picks and the must-visits of this ebullient but very down-to-earth street. Whether exploring it on foot or aboard a self-driving shuttle bus, let the treasure hunt begin!

 

A hotspot for global food

The Plaza’s very global and eclectic profile continues to wow a wide range of palates. One of its highly-popular culinary spots is Montréal Plaza, a wonderfully creative and local brasserie brought to you by Charles-Antoine Crête, Cheryl Johnson and Sébastien Blanchette. The newly-opened Brouillon café-buvette is a dynamic culinary space that features new Québec cuisine such as delicious tapas and seasonal dishes paired with natural wines. Or head to Bistrot Beaufort, a newcomer to the Plaza, and enjoy grilled octopus and veggie burgers that are in the running for the best in Montréal. 

In the mood for Asian comfort food? Munch on delicious, fresh dumplings handmade before your very eyes at La Maison de Mademoiselle Dumplings, or discover Vietnamese street food at the brand-new canteen, An Choi Plaza.

For a taste of the Caribbean, try the delicious cuisine at Comptoir Plaza Créole, which serves island classics such as pork griot, plantains or beef tasso. 

For Latin and Central American delicacies, the Peruvian and Colombian restaurant Tenorio’s promises to surprise you with its grilled meats and ceviches, while  La Toxica, Así es México or Place Juárez will delight you with their generously plump tacos and chilaquiles. 

Hungry after a night out on the town? Le Roi du Smoked Meat, a street staple, opens its doors at 3 in the morning, so you can sit down to poutine, smoked meat sandwich or plate of spaghetti in a cozy bench, post-revelry. 

Lastly, slightly below Bellechasse, dig into delicious Thai dishes at Pichai and authentic grilled Portuguese grilled meats at Restaurant Casa Alentejo

Discovery-worthy bars and terrasses

If you’re looking for a place to meet for drinks, the Plaza’s many bars welcome you with arms wide open. 

A restaurant, bar and nightclub all in one, the brand new Le Système is the perfect spot to grab a bite and a drink before geting your dance on. Back on the scene, Ausgang Plaza is once again an ideal club offering diverse artists and vibrant events.  

Another great drinking establishment offering refreshing microbrewery beer is bar Le Vestiaire. Order a classic 1920s-inspired cocktail at the festive Nestor tavern, or snuggle in to a seat at the Snowbird Tiki Bar (and be sure to check out hidden rooftop terrace in warmer weather). Vegans will love the menu at the zero-waste pub La Cale and everyone will be wanting to check out the brand-new Chez Ernest, a self-billed “cabinet of curiosities” and café-cabaret-bar where you can also watch sports or take advantage of their weekly program filled with a variety of activities (live music, DJ sets, swing shows, improvisation, dance and much more).

A flavour fest at the grocery stores

Whether you’re picking up a gift for someone special, packing the ultimate picnic basket or simply do your grocery shopping, the Plaza’s grocery stores have a bounty of yummy eats.  

Go to La queue de cochon butcher shop for sausages, blood sausage, pâtés and delicious locally-made and traditional dishes free of additives.  

The Épicerie Conserva not only treats you to its lovely minimalist design, but an abundance of local products, gourmet sandwiches to-go and an excellent counter for cheeses, meats and charcuteries.  

For catering and fine foods, Panier Gourmand features faves that include viennoiseries and pastries, prepared dishes, cheeses and charcuteries.  

Lastly, a little further north, you can immerse yourself in the scrumptious flavours of Latin America at the Sabor Latino supermarket and delish meals to go from its take-out counter.   

Snack time for young and old alike

Fear not, sweet tooths, there’s lots for you too!  

Treat yourself to sublime Portuguese specialties at Pâtisserie du Rosaire, traditional Colombian products from the Produits Calientitos bakery, highly creative sweet éclairs from the pâtisserie L’Éclaircie pastry shop,  custom chocolates from the Atelier Fraise chocolate shop, or perhaps even delectable French petits fours from Les P’tits plaisirs pastry shop.

Kids and adults alike will feel the sugar rush the instant they step inside the candy kaleidoscope known as Biscuiterie Oscar.

 

Fashion forays and more

On the Plaza, boutiques selling wedding dresses or kitsch ball gowns rub shoulders with the design space of a Montreal designer or a well-groomed multibrand. This mix of genres affirms the identity of the street and clearly makes its originality.

In a very eclectic decor, stroll to Belle et Rebelle or Arloca, which showcase Quebec and Canadian designs. Shop for hoodies and stylish streetwear pieces at the Lopez concept store, Pony or Beurd. Or stop by La Kishta et c'est Beau, both a barbershop and an exhibition space for works by local artists, available for purchase. At Boutique Espace Urbain, store exclusive Afro, Urban and Vintage fashions, including one-of-a-kind jewelry, clothing and accessories.

If you keep company with bookworms, be sure to check out what’s on the shelves at Librairie Racines, which highlights works of BIPOC authors and creators, the Librairie Parenthèse, which stocks books, CDs and board games, the independent bookstore Librairie Raffin or Librairie Westcott, which is owned by an expert in anglophone literature.   

Happy discoveries! 

Laure Juilliard

Laure Juilliard has been writing for over 10 years. She specializes in lifestyle, tourism, travel and food, she writes for the media as well as for different companies, agencies, freelancers or associations. Always in search of innovative concepts and top places to be at, she is also constantly preparing her next trip.

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