15 Montreal Restaurants Where You Can Follow The New Canadian Food Guidelines
Because eating healthy doesn't mean eating boring.
Canada's new food guideline just came out, and it's been totally turned on its head. Among other things, the guide emphasizes the importance of a plant-based diet, with a new insistence on non-meat proteins. The guide also states that Canadians don't eat enough whole grains or vegetables and consume too much sugar.
For some, plant-based diets are becoming an attractive alternative. For others, vegetarian and vegan diets seem boring, unsatisfying, or too difficult. To help Montrealers get a better idea of what a diet based mostly on plants, legumes, and whole grains looks like, I've compiled a list of delicious vegetarian-and-vegan-friendly restaurants.
TL;DR Canada's food guide is asking for more plant-based proteins. Below is a list of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Montreal, organized by neighbourhood, that will make you fall in love with meat-free meals.
Old Port
Invitation V
Where: 201 St Jacques St, Montreal
What: Invitation V is an upscale vegan bistro in the Old Port. They pride themselves on making thoughtfully-sourced, cruelty-free, delicious dishes, like vegan bourguignon.
When: Brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Check them out here!
Hochelaga
Antidote
Where: 459 Ontario St E, Montreal
What: Antidote is an awesome vegan bistro and wine bar in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve. They serve veggie-rich dishes you never knew could be vegan, like burgers and BLTS. Definitely check them out!
When: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Check out their website here!
Plateau
ChuChai
Where: 4088 St Denis St, Montreal
What: This fantastic thai restaurant is totally vegan, and they have the most convinving soy meat you will ever try. Their sauces are seriously fantastic as well.
When: Lunch and dinner. Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Check them out here!
Vegano
Where: 1999 Mont-Royal Ave E, Montreal
What: Vegano is a vegan Italian restaurant in the Plateau. That's right, you heard correctly: a VEGAN italian place. The best part is that it's bring-your-own-wine. If vegan pesto can't convince you that eating less dairy is possible, I don't know what will.
When: Breakfast and lunch on weekdays; breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekends. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Check out their website here!
Sushi Momo
Where: 3609 St Denis St, Montreal
What: Two words: vegan. sushi. Sushi Momo is seriously one of the best places to eat sushi in Montreal, whether or not you're vegan. Their fare is super creative, light, and delicious.
When: Lunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Check out their website here!
Rosemont / La Petite Patrie
Santa Barbara
Where: 6696 Saint Vallier, Montréal
What: Santa Barbara is a neighborhood favourite that serves up creative vegetarian takes on classic food, but they are also self-described as "carnivore-friendly."
When: Dinner on weekdays. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on weekends. Closed on Monday.
Check out their website!
Saint Michel
Phổ Đà Sơn
Where: 3343 Jarry Est, Montréal
What: This fantastic buffet restaurant serves vegetarian Vietnamese food, including all of your comfort-food classics. The best part is that they're super affordable, which makes eating healthy, delicious food a lot easier on the wallet.
When: From 9:30 am – 9:00 pm everyday.
Read more here!
Mile End
La Lumière du Mile End
Where: 214 rue Bernard Ouest, Montreal
What: La Lumière du Mile End is a café in, you guessed it, the Mile End. They serve up hearty vegetarian meals and a wide selection of coffees. A great find for these cold days.
When: Lunch and dinner.
Check them out on Facebook here!
Birona
Where: 5417 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal
What: Birona claims to have the largest selection of hummus in the world and, honestly, I believe them. Their dishes are colourful takes on Mediterranian cuisine. They don't serve exclusively vegetarian dishes, but they have quite a few options for those who want to try plant-based proteins.
When: Lunch and dinner, everyday. Lunch only on Sundays.
Check out their website!
Restaurants with several locations across Montreal
Panthère Verte
Where: 6 locations in Montreal
What: La Panthère Verte is a Montreal vegan classic. Their uber-healthy menu features dishes like tempeh bowls and fresh soups. They're particularly well-known for their falafel.
When: Lunch and dinner.
Check them out here!
LIV Salads
Where: 3 locations in Montreal
What: Liv Salad is a favourite in the Mile End, where they first began. They offer a wide selection of dishes, with generous helpings of vegetables. Many of their ingredients are sourced right from their garden, located on the roof.
When: Lunch and dinner.
Check out their website!
Lola Rosa
Where: 4 locations accross Montreal
What: This is a popular haunt among students all over the city. Its Milton location in particular is always filled to the brim at lunch and dinner. They serve up a host of comfort-food options (mac n' cheese! burritos!), as well as delicious soups and salads. As an added bonus, some locations offer brunch on Sundays.
When: Brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Read more here!
LOV
Where: One location in the Old Port and one downtown
What: LOV is one of the most aesthetically pleasing restaurants in Montreal, and it has been featured in more than one Instagram feed. They serve light meals, pastries, coffee, and cocktails. A great place for brunch or dinner with your girlfriends.
When: Brunch, lunch, dinner.
Explore their website!
Venice
Where: 3 locations across Montreal
What: Though not exclusively vegetarian, Venice is known for its salads and poké bowls. Their delicious, rainbow-coloured meals are great examples of how to eat according to the new guidelines.
When: Lunch and dinner.
Find the locations nearest you here!
@copperbranchCopper Branch
Where: Several locations accross the city
What: Copper Branch is totally plant-based and great for a lunch pit-stop. Their meals are full of wonderful, healthy ingredients. They have super fun dishes, like their General Copper Branch Bowls, and comforting soups. A vegan classic!
When: Lunch and dinner.
Check them out here!
Happy (an healthy) eating Montreal!