10 Things To Do In Montreal's Little Italy Fall 2015

Where to enjoy 'la dolce vita'.
10 Things To Do In Montreal's Little Italy Fall 2015

Little Italy is a vibrant area filled with culture, amazing food, and lots of great places to hang out. If you're in the neighborhood, here are some of the best ways to spend your time and soak up some local culture. Enjoy!

1. Take A Trip to Marche Jean-Talon

Foodies, rejoice, you have literally reached heaven. This is probably one of the most obvious things to do in Petite Italie, but Marché Jean-Talon is famous for a reason: it's awesome. You can find all kinds of incredible local produce, fresh seafood, organic meat, artisanal cheeses and more. As one of the largest farmers' markets in the francophone world, this is the perfect place to get fresh ingredients for a tasty dinner or just wander around and let your mouth water.

2.  Take A Stroll Around Parc Jarry

As the leaves start to turn, take a minute to appreciate the last days of Summer and the coming beauty of Autumn. Grab a picnic blanket and some friends and enjoy a sunny day in Parc Jarry (possibly with some goodies you just acquired at Marché Jean-Talon).

Photo Cred - Divya Thakur

3.  Grab A Slice of Pizza

Pizza lovers, you've come to the right place. If you prefer a more old school, no frills, Italian pizza, Pizzeria Napolitana has you covered. As the oldest pizzeria in Montreal, they take tradition very seriously. If you're looking for something a little edgy and different, GEMA Pizzeria comes up with new pizzas every month for their small but varied menu that incorporates seasonal ingredients. Whatever your pizza preferences, you'll be sure to find something to your liking in this neighborhood.

Bonus: Next week is "Pizza Week" in Little Italy

Photo Cred - KC

4. Enjoy All Of The Artisanal Goodies

Did you once try an obscure, delicious cheese only to never find it again? The friendly staff and staggering variety of choices at Fromagerie Hamel can help you out. Looking for some local organic meat for one last barbecue before the end of Summer? Try Boucherie Prince Noir. If you're a chocoholic, Chocolats Privilège has many beautiful, delicious chocolate treats. Or if you're feeling adventurous, there are regional specialty shops with spices, pastries and other goodies from all around the world just steps away from Marché Jean-Talon.

5. Take A Cooking Class At Quincaillerie Dante

Have you ever wanted to learn how to make home-made ravioli, or just how to make something delicious with everything you just bought at Marché Jean-Talon? Quincaillerie Dante's Mezza Luna Cooking School offers affordable cooking classes suitable for complete kitchen beginners through budding master chefs. While you're there, you can also pick up all kinds of fancy kitchen gadgets from their shop.

6. Pop Into One Of The Neighborhood's Many Cool Bars

Since this neighborhood is so serious about food, it only makes sense that there would also be great places to grab a drink. While there are many great choices, Vices & Versa is perfect for beer fans as they have an impeccable selection of local microbrews. If you like wine and cheese Cul Sec is the perfect place to enjoy a varied wine list in a cool, unpretentious atmosphere. For those who prefer cocktails, Le Ballpark has all kinds of exciting drinks with plenty of tasty appetizers on the side.

7. Play Bocce in Parc Dante

On sunny days each weekend, Parc Dante plays host to games of bocce: an Italian ball game that is somewhere between bowling and croquet. As Summer comes to a close, this a great way to get outside and enjoy the warm weather.

8. Check Out The Many Cool Art Galleries

The Petite Italie area is a hotbed of artistic innovation. If you're interested in contemporary art, there is so much to see around here. With Dazibao showing the latest and greatest from local photographers, Eastern Bloc showing experimental new media art, and Art Mur showing contemporary art from around the world, there is so much to discover and explore.

Photo Cred - Jeffrey Tastes

9. Have A Delicious Coffee

In this neighborhood, coffee shops abound and there are really few bad choices. Caffé Italia and La Stellina are great for a traditional Italian espresso while Café Oui Mais Non makes an unforgettable iced latté.

10. Enjoy some casual people watching

The best part of Petite Italie is the atmosphere and the best way to soak it up is to find a park or a cafe and watch the crowds go by. Especially if there's a parade (which happens fairly often), there are all kinds of things to see. So sit back and enjoy la dolce vita.

Loading...