What do you get when you combine rich European architecture, cozy local neighbourhoods, arts and nightlife and add a generous portion of a mouth-watering culinary scene? That’s right, an unforgettable island getaway! There’s no white-sand beaches, warm turquoise water or palm trees here because the island we’re talking about is Montréal! Here is a culinary round-up that offers all gastronomic explorers an authentic taste of the island. 

“X” marks the spot

These must-visit spots are found on any travel itinerary to the island of Montréal. Discover these local claims to fame and follow the arrows that all point to bagels, smoked meat and poutine on the iconic Montréal food treasure map.

Pick up a baker’s dozen any time of day at the legendary Fairmont Bagel or St-Viateur Bagel, the city’s favorites for generations.

It’s common to see a lineup at the famous Schwartz's Delicatessen on any day of the week for smoked meat. But gems like Smoked Meat Pete, Reuben’s and Dunn’s Famous, make it easy to get your smoked meat fix where ever you’re exploring around the city.

If you’re up for adventure, make sure you check out the different variations of poutine - the dish of French fries, squeaky fresh cheese curds and brown gravy at La Banquise, Patati Patata, Ma Poule Mouillée, and Paul Patates.

Taste the world one plate at a time

Prepare to set sail and taste worldly flavours when you visit Montréal -  it’s easy to see why the city is proud of its rich cultural diversity when it comes to food.

Discover the amazing cuisine of the Caribbean (islands of another kind) at restaurants like, Kamúy and Mango Bay where they elevate classic Caribbean dishes with a unique Quebecois flair. Spots like Caribbean Curry House, Boom J’s Cuisine and Kwizinn keep their feet planted with no-frills comfort food.

Enjoy the flavours of Japan with a fine dining omakase experience at Restaurant Park, Juni or pub grub at Imadake Izakaya,Kazu, Bar Otto, Maiko and Sho-Dan.

Slurp copious amounts to southeast Asian soup noodles at Nguyen Phi, Pho Tay Ho or Mae Sri Comptoir Thai, Pho Jean Talon,Restaurant Ha, and Satay Brothers.

Chow down on street tacos and ceviche from La Toxica, Escondite, Tiradito and Chifa, food from the four corners are well represented in Montréal.

Local legends

You need to eat at these places, otherwise you never really visited Montréal.

Make your reservations at Joe Beef, Au Pied du Cochon, L’Express and Toqué! early. World acclaimed and made popular by celebrity chefs, these institutions have been juggernauts in the Montréal food scene for years offering fine dining Québecois cuisine highlighting local and seasonal produce.

On the haut-cuisine flipside there is Wilensky’s Light Lunch, Beauty’s, Montreal Pool Room for famous casual fare.

Don’t forget about the celebrated and most recognizable giant orange beacon of sunlight; Gibeau Orange Julep. It might not be a piña colada along the beach, but this orange julep drink is the nectar of our island and it overlooks the steady waves of traffic on the Décarie express way.

Whether you’ve washed ashore, or plotted a map, the island of Montréal is a delicious destination.