Late-night dining in Montréal
Summer in Montréal is an exciting time of year. From festivals and sidewalk sales to movies in the park and a plethora of other activities and events to keep you busy, there’s no rest of the weary. Keeping yourself fueled for moonlit walks along the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, or taking in the sights and sounds of Place des Festivals is essential. In a city that barely sleeps during the summer, here are some of my favourite places for late-night dining.
No matter what time of year, Montréal’s nightlife is bustling – there is always something going on in the city. Whether it’s grabbing a bite, or making a pit stop to charge your batteries during your nocturnal shenanigans, here are some places that should be on your itinerary when discovering Montréal at night.
L’Express
The quintessential Parisian-style bistro. Open until 3 a.m. daily, and 2 a.m. on Sundays, L’Express is a popular dining destination for locals at any hour. With dishes like their famous bone marrow starter to calf liver with tarragon, their take on classic French dishes will leave you wanting more. – 3927 Saint-Denis Street
Leméac
Leméac is another great bistro that will satiate your stomachs with French classics and a wine list to match. This spot is a popular dining destination any time of day… especially after 10 p.m.! Leméac has a late-night menu that features a choice of appetizer and entrée for only $27. Open daily until midnight. – 1045 Laurier Avenue West
Big in Japan
Big in Japan is a laid back and casual eatery located on The Main that serves Japanese comfort food. A popular spot for night owls and industry professionals, this place keeps them coming back with their miso ramen with barbecue pork, sake steamed clams, and awesome cocktail menu. Open until 3 a.m., seven days a week. – 3723 Saint- Laurent Boulevard
Moishe’s Steakhouse
With a reputation built on quality and service, Moishe’s Steakhouse has been around for more than 75 years, offering a fresh and contemporary take on old world classics. Moishes’ “3 hours to midnight” table d’hôte special is something you want to get in on. An awesome meal and a great way to experience this Montréal institution without breaking the bank. Open until midnight, Thursday to Saturday. – 3961 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Restaurant Mon Nan
Located in Chinatown, Restaurant Mon Nan seems to never close. Opened daily until 4 a.m., it’s your go-to spot when you’ve got a hankering for Peking duck, or Cantonese lobster in the wee hours of the morning. It’s not uncommon to see local chefs finishing their nights here. – 43 De la Gauchetière Street East
Gibeau Orange Julep
A drive-in diner and local favourite, the gigantic orange perched aside the Décarie expressway was opened in the 30s. This institution serves up its frothy orange julep , a classic from days when carhops on roller-skates serviced diners directly at their cars. Their menu of hot dogs and burgers hasn’t changed, and probably never will. Open daily until midnight. – 7700 Décarie Boulevard
Angela Pizzeria & Restaurant
When you’ve got a craving at an obscene hour for pizza, souvlaki, burgers or salad, Angela has you covered. A Montréal institution and late-night veteran, this place is for the early bird or night owl, open until 6 a.m. daily. – 1662De Maisonneuve Boulevard West
Main Deli Steak House
This classic Montréal deli with attendant smoked-meat sandwiches, slaw, pickles and such—as well as a full meat menu of rib steak and sausages – is open until 5 a.m. daily. Must-try dish: their varenekes with sour cream and applesauce, topped with crispy fried onions. – 3864 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
AL-TAIB
A hot Lebanese bakery famous among students and 24-hour party people, AL-TAIB is a great choice for cheap, but delicious eats. The Manakish is a mainstay of the bakery, but they also serve up pizza and salads. Finish up with fresh baklava. It’s Lebanese fast food done right. – 2125 Guy Street
La BANQUISE
La BANQUISE is Montréal’s poutine institution. In fact, there are poutines that you never knew existed, such as the Kamikaze Poutine (merguez sausage, hot peppers and Tabasco). Or if your gurgling stomach can’t take the heat, they have classic poutine down to an art form. Simple and delicious. – 994 Rachel Street East
Jason Lee, blogger
Jason is a food eater and picture taker. As the blogger behind Shut Up and Eat, he covers everything food, from recipes to reviews. Jason has vowed that he will not stop until he has officially eaten his way across Montréal. It’s a big claim, and it’s one he’s making.
To see the list of our regular contributors, click here.