Looking for an exciting culinary experience in Montreal? Want to explore the city’s food scene at your own pace? Consider a self-guided food tour! Delve into diverse neighborhoods and indulge in iconic dishes like poutine and bagels.
With hidden gems waiting to be discovered, isn’t it time you embarked on a delicious adventure?
Let’s discover the food world as we guide you through an extraordinary self-guided food tour Montreal.
Planning Your Self-Guided Food Tour in Montreal
Explore various neighborhoods, discover must-try dishes, and craft an itinerary that showcases the lively food scene.
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds, get yourself into local flavors, and create unforgettable gastronomic memories.
1. Choose Your Food Tour Destinations
Pick the neighborhoods that pique your interest and suit your taste buds. From the historic charm of Old Montreal to the trendy vibes of Plateau-Mont-Royal, each area offers unique culinary experiences.
Consider cuisine variety, iconic dishes, and local specialties to create a well-rounded itinerary that showcases Montreal’s vibrant food culture.
2. Research Must-Try Dishes and Restaurants
Discover the must-try dishes and best restaurants that define Montreal’s food scene. From world-famous poutine and smoked meat sandwiches to fresh bagels and maple syrup-infused delights, the options are endless.
Check out local favorites, read reviews, and delve into the stories behind each dish to curate a mouthwatering list.
Must-Try Dishes on Your Montreal Food Tour
Montreal is a vibrant and diverse city known for its rich culinary scene. If you’re planning a food tour in Montreal, you’re in for a treat.
The city offers a wide array of delicious dishes that reflect its multicultural heritage and unique flavors. Here are some the best foods to include on your Montreal food tour:
1. Smoked Meat Sandwich in Montreal
When in Montreal, you can’t miss the iconic smoked meat sandwich. Head to Schwartz’s Deli, a Montreal institution since 1928, and indulge in their mouthwatering smoked meat sandwich.
Piled high with tender, hand-cut smoked meat and served on rye bread with mustard, this sandwich is a true local favorite.
2. Taste of Poutine in Montreal
No visit to Montreal is complete without trying poutine. This beloved Canadian dish consists of crispy French fries topped with fresh cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy.
While you can find poutine almost anywhere in the city, La Banquise is a popular spot offering a variety of creative poutine toppings.
3. Bagels in Montreal
Montreal is famous for its bagels, which have a distinct flavor and texture. Unlike their New York counterparts, Montreal bagels are slightly sweeter, denser, and baked in wood-fired ovens.
Head to St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel, two of the city’s most iconic bagel shops, and savor a warm, freshly baked sesame or poppy seed bagel.
4. Tourtière in Montreal
A traditional French-Canadian meat pie, tourtière is a must-try dish during your food tour.
Typically made with a flaky pastry crust filled with seasoned ground meat, such as beef, pork, or veal, and aromatic spices, this hearty dish is often enjoyed during the holiday season but can be found year-round in Montreal.
5. Montreal-style Pizza
Montreal puts its spin on pizza, and it’s worth trying. This style of pizza features a thin, crispy crust and is known for its unique combination of toppings.
Don’t miss out on trying a classic Montreal-style pizza topped with smoked meat, mushrooms, and dill pickles for a truly unique flavor experience.
6. Portuguese Chicken
Montreal has a thriving Portuguese community, and you can’t miss trying their mouthwatering Portuguese-style grilled chicken.
Head to the neighborhood of Little Portugal and visit one of the local rotisseries to savor tender, flavorful chicken marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection.
Best Food Restaurants and Spots in Montreal
From fine dining establishments to hidden gems and local favorites, the city offers a plethora of exceptional food restaurants and spots that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
Here are some of the best food destinations in Montreal that are worth exploring:
1. Joe Beef restaurant in Montreal
Located in the Little Burgundy neighborhood, Joe Beef is a renowned restaurant that has gained international recognition for its exceptional cuisine.
With a focus on hearty, rustic dishes made with local and seasonal ingredients, Joe Beef offers a unique dining experience. From their famous lobster spaghetti to their delectable steak, the menu is filled with delicious creations
2. Toqué! restaurant in Montreal
Toqué! is a fine dining restaurant led by Chef Normand Laprise, known for his commitment to showcasing local ingredients. Located in the Quartier des Spectacles, Toqué! offers an elegant and sophisticated dining experience.
The menu features refined dishes that highlight the flavors and quality of Quebec’s produce, prepared with impeccable culinary technique.
3. Lawrence restaurant in Montreal
Lawrence is a British-inspired restaurant located in Mile End. With a focus on using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, Lawrence offers a menu that blends British classics with a modern twist.
From their famous Sunday roast to their fish and chips, the dishes at Lawrence are flavorful and comforting.
4. L’Express restaurant in Montreal
L’Express is a classic French bistro located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood. This iconic spot has been serving up traditional French cuisine for over 30 years.
From escargots to steak frites and moules marinières, L’Express captures the essence of a Parisian brasserie with its authentic flavors and bustling atmosphere.
Food trucks in Montreal
one of the most exciting aspects of its food culture is the presence of food trucks.
These mobile eateries can be found throughout the city, offering a diverse range of delicious and innovative dishes. Here’s a glimpse into Montreal’s food truck scene:
1. Grilled Cheese Truck in Montreal
If you’re a fan of gooey, melted cheese, make sure to track down one of Montreal’s grilled cheese trucks. These trucks take classic comfort food to new heights, offering a variety of unique fillings and combinations.
From traditional cheddar and Swiss to gourmet options like brie and caramelized onions, these grilled cheese sandwiches are a treat for cheese lovers.
2. Taco Trucks in Montreal
Montreal’s taco trucks bring a taste of Mexico to the city streets. Offering a wide range of fillings such as grilled meats, marinated vegetables, and fresh salsas, these trucks serve up authentic and flavorful tacos.
Whether you prefer traditional street-style tacos or want to try creative fusion flavors, Montreal’s taco trucks have something for everyone.
3. Asian Fusion in Montreal
Montreal’s food trucks also embrace the trend of Asian fusion cuisine, blending flavors and ingredients from various Asian cultures.
You’ll find trucks offering mouthwatering dishes like Korean BBQ tacos, Japanese-inspired sushi burritos, and Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. These fusion creations bring together the best of different culinary traditions in one portable and delicious package.
4. Poutine Trucks in Montreal
Poutine, the beloved Canadian dish of crispy fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, has found its way onto Montreal’s food trucks.
These trucks take poutine to new heights by offering a wide range of toppings and variations. From classic poutine with squeaky cheese curds to loaded options with pulled pork, bacon, or even lobster.
5. Sweet Treats trucks in MONTREAL
Montreal’s food trucks aren’t just about savory dishes; they also satisfy your sweet tooth.
Dessert trucks offer delectable treats like artisanal ice cream, gourmet cupcakes, churros, and other indulgent goodies.
6. Local FOOD TRUCKS IN MONTREAL
Some food trucks in Montreal highlight the city’s local specialties and traditional dishes.
Look out for trucks serving smoked meat sandwiches, tourtière (meat pie), or authentic Quebecois dishes like pounding chômeur (poor man’s pudding). These trucks offer a taste of Montreal’s culinary heritage with a modern twist.
Food Festivals and Events in Montreal
Montreal is a city that knows how to celebrate its culinary culture, and throughout the year, it hosts a variety of food festivals and events that showcase the diverse flavors and traditions of the city.
From street food extravaganzas to gourmet showcases, here are some notable food festivals and events in Montreal:
1. The Montreal en Lumière Festival
The Montreal en Lumière Festival is an annual celebration of food, music, and arts. It features a gourmet program called “Montréal’s Table”
where renowned local chefs collaborate with international culinary stars to create exceptional dining experiences.
The festival also includes outdoor food markets, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live performances.
2. La Fête des Restos festival in Montreal
La Fête des Restos is a food festival that brings together some of Montreal’s top restaurants and chefs to raise funds for local food banks and community organizations.
The event showcases the culinary talents of the city, with participating chefs offering special menus and unique creations for the occasion.
3. MTLàTABLE festival in Montreal
MTLàTABLE is a citywide restaurant event that celebrates Montreal’s vibrant dining scene. For a limited time, participating restaurants offer fixed-price menus featuring a selection of their signature dishes.
It’s a great opportunity to explore Montreal’s culinary diversity and try out new restaurants at an affordable price.
4. First Fridays festivals in Montreal
First Fridays is a monthly food truck gathering that takes place at the Olympic Park Esplanade.
On the first Friday of each month from May to October, food trucks from all over the city come together to create a lively outdoor food festival.
Visitors can sample a wide range of cuisines, from comfort food to international delights, while enjoying live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
5. Marché des Éclusiers festival in Montreal
Marché des Éclusiers is a farmer’s market located in Montreal’s Old Port. It focuses on promoting local and sustainable food products.
The market hosts special events and workshops throughout the year, such as cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and seasonal celebrations.
It’s an excellent place to discover fresh, locally sourced ingredients and connect with Montreal’s food community.
Craft Beer and Local Breweries in Montreal
Beer enthusiasts visiting the city can explore a variety of breweries, taprooms, and beer bars that showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Montreal’s beer culture.
Here’s a glimpse into the craft beer scene and local breweries in Montreal:
1. Dieu du Ciel! craft brewery in Montreal
Dieu du Ciel! is one of Montreal’s most renowned craft breweries. Located in the Mile End neighborhood, this brewpub has gained international recognition for its exceptional beers.
Dieu du Ciel! is known for producing a diverse lineup of styles, including their famous Péché Mortel, an imperial stout. Visitors can enjoy their beers on-site while soaking in the brewery’s laid-back atmosphere.
2. Brasserie McAuslan craft brewery in Montreal
Brasserie McAuslan, also known as St-Ambroise, is a longstanding Montreal brewery that has been crafting quality beers since 1989.
Located in the historic Griffintown neighborhood, the brewery offers guided tours where visitors can learn about the brewing process and sample a selection of their beers, including their flagship St-Ambroise Pale Ale and Oatmeal Stout.
3. Brasserie Harricana brewery in Montreal
Brasserie Harricana is a unique brewery in Montreal that blends beer with art, design, and sustainability.
Located in the Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie neighborhood, this brewery creates experimental and barrel-aged beers that push the boundaries of traditional styles.
4. Le Réservoir brewery in Montreal
Le Réservoir is a brewpub located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood. Alongside its impressive beer selection, this establishment also offers a full-service restaurant, making it a great destination for both beer enthusiasts and food lovers.
Le Réservoir brews a range of styles, from refreshing ales to hop-forward IPAs, and also serves as a live music venue.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options in Montreal
The city offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options for those looking for plant-based dining experiences.
Whether you’re a committed vegan, a vegetarian, or simply someone looking to explore meatless options, Montreal has a vibrant food scene that caters to your needs.
Here are some highlights of vegetarian and vegan options in the city:
1. Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Montreal
Montreal boasts several dedicated vegan and vegetarian restaurants that focus on creating innovative and flavorful plant-based dishes.
Restaurants like LOV, Invitation V, Sushi Momo, and ChuChai offer diverse menus featuring everything from creative salads and hearty bowls to vegan burgers, sushi, and veganized traditional cuisines.
2. Vegan-Friendly Cafés and Bakeries in Montreal
Montreal’s café and bakery scene has embraced the demand for vegan options. Many coffee shops and bakeries now offer a selection of vegan pastries, cakes, and cookies.
Café Venosa, Café Dei Campi, and Sophie Sucrée are some popular spots where you can enjoy vegan treats, along with a variety of plant-based milk options for your coffee or tea.
3. Veggie-Friendly Fast Food in Montreal
Even fast food chains in Montreal have recognized the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan options.
Chains like Copper Branch, Freshii, and Burger King (with its Impossible Whopper) offer plant-based alternatives, providing quick and convenient options for those looking for meatless alternatives on the go.
4. Plant-Based Food Events in Montreal
Montreal also hosts various plant-based food events and festivals throughout the year. Events like the Montreal Vegan Festival and the Veg Food Fest bring together vegan and vegetarian vendors, speakers, and cooking demonstrations.
These events offer a great opportunity to discover new products, taste delicious plant-based dishes, and connect with the local vegan and vegetarian community.
Conclusion
With the freedom to explore and tailor your experience, our self-guided food tour allows you to savor Montreal’s renowned delicacies on your terms.
Wander through charming neighborhoods, follow your taste buds to authentic poutine joints, sample mouthwatering bagels, and savor French-inspired creations that have made Montreal a culinary capital.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or an adventurous traveler, our self-guided food tour in Montreal ensures an unforgettable journey through the city’s diverse and tantalizing food landscape. Embark on our self-guided food tour Montreal today and discover the flavors that make this city a food lover’s paradise.