Mac and cheese is often thought of to be modest and simple – a meal from a box that’s prepared in minutes. But put this dish in the middle of the big city in the hands of some awesome culinary talent and watch it transform from low brow to spectacular.
If you’ve got a hankering for mac and cheese, here is some of the city’s best renditions.
Classic mac – Can’t beat a classic mac and cheese
Dinette Triple Crown
Located in Little Italy, Dinette Triple Crown is renowned for its picnic basket lunches (the team will pack your order in a basket for you to enjoy in the park across the street during the summer) as well as being a comfort food oasis. Authentic Kentucky fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, Dinette Triple Crown also serves one of the best mac and cheeses in the city that’s served bubbling and perfectly baked.
Le Cheese
This quaint spot in the N.D.G. neighbourhood also slings cheesey creations on their food truck that can be found around the city and at many festivals. Their mac and cheese is sold by the quarter-pound and served with green peas, roasted cauliflower, their signature cheese sauce and caramelized cheese.
L’Gros Luxe
This neighbourhood (various locations) watering hole prides itself on their creative cocktails and affordable meals. Their menu satiates all palates and appetites. Create your own mac and cheese by adding toppings like, bacon, pulled pork, tofu, goat cheese or even a fried egg to their classic mac and cheese base. Vegan option available.
Burger Bar Crescent
A place for all deliciously creative burgers and awesome mac and cheese, Burger Bar mac and cheese offerings range from a classic five cheese to one that features Buffalo chicken with Frank’s hot sauce and blue cheese sauce.
Mac Remix – Over the top mac and cheese
La Belle & la Boeuf
Everything at La Belle et la Boeuf is over the top, from décor to their dishes – and subsequent names, like the “I LOVE BACON SO WHAT!” burger or the “DEAD SERIOUS” nachos. They are home to some creative mac and cheese dishes as well, like the “MAC’OLOS” Macaroni and cheddar cheese, smoked bacon and Ringolos – yes the fried potato snack!
Macbar et fromage
If you want mac and cheese but don’t know where to go, what better place to start than at a restaurant that specializes in mac and cheese. Located in the Gay Village, Mac Bar et Fromage is the best destination to test your lactose intolerance. 13 different kinds of mac and cheeses to choose from including the “Monster Mac” – a monstrosity that is 10 inches in diameter, that is topped with one pound of meat, cheddar, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and their special “mac sauce”.
Deville Dinerbar
Deville has a reputation of reinventing and raising the bar on classic diner fare. Do you love mac and cheese? How do you feel about wontons? Check out their fried mac and cheese stuffed wontons. Then enjoy their “Deep fried Mac and Cheese Lasagna”! A blend of cheeses, chopped chorizo sausage, bell peppers, mushrooms, tomato sauce wrapped in lasagna pasta then crusted with panko bread crumbs and deep fried. Get the stretchy pants ready.
Dirty Dogs
Have you ever been in the middle of eating a hot dog or delicious burger and said to yourself, “you know what would be good right now? Mac and cheese!” That’s right, if you’ve ever wanted to top your all dressed frank or burger with a four-cheese mac and cheese with crispy bacon, get the “Mac attack” at Dirty Dogs.
Seasoned Dreams
This purveyor of delectable Caribbean cuisine puts its fiery spin on the mac and cheese. Available in three different sizes, small, medium and “heart attack,” choose from a variety of options such as jerk chicken, pork griot, oxtail or shrimp.
Haute Cheesine – Fine dining meets mac and cheese
Le Bird Bar
Guess what else they serve at this “premiere fried chicken” and champagne restaurant? Mac and cheese! But not just any mac and cheese, a sizzling hot truffled mac and cheese (literally, it’s served right in the cast-iron pan). With the aromatic and unmistakable scent of truffles, your entire experience at Le Bird Bar will be soigné.
Mac and more mac – More mac and cheese than you can handle
Jukebox Burgers
This 1950s’ retro themed restaurant located in the Westisland boast freshly ground beef burgers, floats and other diner classics, like mac and cheese – 10 different kinds to be exact. From buffalo chicken and hot sauce, to and Philly steak and caramelized onions, or one topped with homemade Italian meatballs, they’ve got a mac and cheese for all tastes.
Les Enfants Terribles
You would never expect to see mac and cheese listed on the menu of this popular local chain of French brasseries. They have multiple locations in the greater Montréal area that feature a soigné four-cheese mac and cheese made with cheese curds from Québec.
