If you're anything like me, you know the best way to explore a city is through your stomach.
Montreal is one of those places where every meal feels like an adventure, and honestly, you couldn't eat your way through the whole city in a year if you tried. From iconic bagel shops and classic delis to secret speakeasies and cozy neighbourhood bistros, thereâs always a must-try restaurant in Montreal, just waiting to be discovered.
That's exactly why I'm inviting you on a (literary) 48-hour-ish food crawl through Montreal. Whether youâre a local or just visiting, this foodie weekend itinerary will take you from Montrealâs most iconic restos to hidden gems you might not have discovered yet.
Once you're done reading, make your reservations and dig in. Bon Appétit!
Friday evening: Dinner, drinks, and dessert at Claire Jacques
Price: đžđž
Address: 8111, rue Saint-Denis
Why You Need To Go: Start your weekend in Montreal at Claire Jacques, a restaurant that feels both homey and refreshingly new, at the corner of rue Saint-Denis and rue Jarry in Villeray.
Claire Jacques is the latest project by Laurence Théberge, who built her culinary chops as a pastry chef alongside the renowned Patrice Demers. With Claire Jacques, Laurence has created a space that blends comfort with creativity, focusing on seasonal ingredients and celebrating the artisanal food vendors in the neighbourhood.
You can start with the Villeray Charcuterie, a delicious spread featuring meats from their neighbour, Pascal le boucher, paired with cheeses from Fromagerie Anne et frĂšres, and accompanied by a fresh baguette from Fanfare Jarry â the best way to get a taste of the neighbourhood at just one table.
In true Montreal fashion, pair it with a gin cocktail. "Another Gin Bites the Dust" is a standout, made with Gin Km12 from Quebec's Distillerie du Fjord, cucumber, and Harrington tonic. The fresh, crisp notes of the gin and tonic will get your night off to the right start.
For the main course, there are plenty of options that showcase the local produce and creative combinations that Claire Jacques is known for. The roasted carrots with grapes, sunflower seeds, and labneh offer an earthy and sweet balance thatâs light yet satisfying. Or try the purple cauliflower dish, a vibrant plate featuring blueberries and black garlic thatâs almost too beautiful to eat (but you should eat it anyway... it's a delicious way to get your veggies in).
Next, of course, comes dessert. Warning: you're probably going to want to order at least two, and in my opinion, you should.
The rhubarb candy combines roasted rhubarb, fig leaf crumble, and a refreshing rhubarb granita that dances between tart and sweet. The coupe glacée, featuring haskap berry compote, sweet clover ice cream, and buckwheat honey, topped with a crisp pizzelle, is another highlight.
Friday late-night: Dancing, drinks, and snacks at Bar Le Record
Cocktails at Bar Le Record
Price: đžđž
Address: 7622, rue Saint-Hubert
Why You Need To Go: After an unforgettable dinner, keep the night going with a short walk to Bar Le Record. I actually first heard about this place from my good friend DJ White Socks (Christophe Jbeili to those who know him), an artist and hip-hop journalist who co-hosts PĂŽle hip-hop on CHOQ. Given his deep roots in Montrealâs music scene, his recommendation stuck out to me, and let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed.
Bar Le Record is a music loverâs dream, with over 2,500 vinyl records covering every genre from '40s jazz to '90s hip-hop.
The vibe here is relaxed yet electric. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like youâve stepped into a different decade, They also have an awesome selection of cocktails, including non-alcoholic and gluten-free drinks.
And donât forget the late-night snacks! Their famous popcorn is sweet, salty, and delicious. They've also got pizzas, nuts, olives, chorizo, and more.
On Fridays, the energy really ramps up when guest DJs hit the decks around 10 p.m., bringing a fresh beat to get you on your feet so you can dance your way into the weekend.
Saturday morning: The ultimate Montreal bagel at St-Viateur
Price:đž
Address: 1127, av. Mont-Royal E.
Why You Need To Go: You canât spend a weekend eating your way through Montreal without diving into the bagel scene.
There's a pretty hot debate about who has the best Montreal bagel: St-Viateur or Fairmount. Personally, I lean toward St-Viateur over Fairmount, but you really can't go wrong with either. For me, St-Viateur bagels have that quintessential Montreal texture â dense and chewy with a hint of sweetness.
Now, if youâre thinking about heading to the original St-Viateur location on rue Saint-Viateur, just know that itâs more of a grab-and-go situation. Youâll leave with a bag of bagels, but not exactly a sit-down breakfast experience. They also won't cut the bagel, so if you want to eat immediately, you might struggle a bit.
Luckily, St-Viateur has a cafĂ© where you can take your time and enjoy the full experience. They do sandwiches, bagels, and all kinds of drinks to fuel your morning adventures. My go-to is a poppy seed bagel with plain cream cheese and a latte. Itâs simple, comforting, and never disappoints.
If you want to explore beyond the basics, try a Montreal staple: the Smoked Meat Bagel. It's stacked with old-fashioned smoked meat and topped with yellow mustard in a nod to Montreal's deli culture.
The "Traditional" lox bagel is also a hit, served with smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, capers, and a slice of lemon â the kind of combo that just feels right.
Or, if youâre in the mood for something different, go for "Le Joe Bagel" with ricotta, fig jam, and balsamic glaze, as seen on Netflix's Somebody Feed Phil.
Just make sure you have cash or a Canadian debit card on hand because they donât take credit (or non-Canadian debit cards). They will, however, accept U.S. cash.
St-Viateur Bagel Menu
Saturday, early afternoon: A light lunch at Wilensky's
Price: đž
Address: 34, av. Fairmount O.
Why You Need To Go: After a morning of exploring the Plateau â browsing vintage shops, checking out local galleries, and soaking up the neighbourhoodâs artsy vibe â itâs time to refuel at one of Montrealâs most iconic restaurants: Wilensky's Light Lunch. This isnât just any deli; Wilenskyâs is a true Montreal institution that has been serving up its legendary kosher-style sandwiches since 1932, making it one of the city's oldest operating restaurants.
Stepping into Wilenskyâs feels like stepping back in time with its pressed tin ceiling, old-fashioned soda fountain, and antique grills.
In my opinion, the only thing you should be ordering is the Special. Itâs a simple, delicious combination of grilled all-beef salami and bologna, served on a roll. The rules here are clear: It's always served with mustard and is never cut for you. This will never change.
You can choose to add one of two cheeses, though: cheddar, or Swiss. I prefer the cheddar.
Wash it down with one of their homemade sodas, like cherry cola, or go classic with a chocolate egg cream. And always get the pickle.
Saturday, late afternoon: An Aussie-inspired coffee at Pikolo
Price: đž
Address: 1635, rue Clark
Why You Need To Go: After refuelling at Wilensky's, head down boulevard Saint-Laurent toward the Quartier des spectacles. Just a short walk away, on rue Clark near rue Ontario Ouest, youâll find Pikolo Espresso Bar, which offers an elevated cafĂ© experience inspired by Australiaâs dynamic coffee culture.
Pikolo is all about quality, serving some of the finest espresso drinks in Montreal. The cortado is a standout â rich, balanced, and well-crafted. The lattes are silky smooth and topped with intricate latte art that belongs on the best of curated Instagram feeds. Itâs a chic, minimalist space that draws serious coffee lovers who appreciate an expertly brewed cup without the fuss.
While Pikolo doesnât bake its own pastries, it sources them from Cafe Myriade as well as Hof Kelsten, a local bakery known for its delicious baked goods.
Saturday evening: Dinner at Le Serpent
Dinner at Montreal's Le Serpent.
Price: đžđžđžđž
Address: 257, rue Prince
Why You Need To Go: After your afternoon coffee at Pikolo, head back to your accommodations to freshen up because dinner at Le Serpent is an experience youâll want to dress up for. Nestled in the CitĂ© du MultimĂ©dia, Le Serpent is a stylish blend of chic simplicity and sophisticated dining.
With high ceilings, exposed beams, and sleek concrete finishes, Le Serpent creates a striking contrast between its raw, industrial aesthetic and the warm, comforting dishes that come out of the kitchen. The ambiance is effortlessly cool, and youâll immediately feel like youâve stepped into one of Montrealâs most fashionable spots.
The menu is a celebration of Italian cuisine, with dishes that feel both familiar and refined. Think rich risottos, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood, all prepared with a modern twist. Every plate is a thoughtful balance of flavours and textures that will leave you wanting more.
The wine list is equally impressive, with a curated selection that perfectly complements the menu.
Le Serpent Menu
Satuday night: Drinks and games at Le 4e Mur
Price: đžđž
Address: Solve the puzzle to find out!
Why You Need To Go: After an incredible dinner at Le Serpent, take your night to the next level with a little adventure at Le 4e Mur, a hidden gem in the Quartier Latin.
This isnât your typical resto-bar. Itâs a hidden speakeasy that starts with a mystery. To get in, you have to find the door first, and Google Maps wonât quite get you there.
If youâd rather not solve the first puzzle, you can fill out their contact form and have the address emailed to you. But whereâs the fun in that?
Once you locate the entrance, the real game begins. To uncover the mystery and unlock the next clue, youâll need to buy a drink or two (or six). Each cocktail comes with hints that get you closer to cracking the case.
The drinks themselves are worth the adventure, with unique flavour combinations, dramatic presentations, and a rotating menu that keeps things exciting.
Sunday morning: A hungover brunch at Le Bird Bar
Price: đžđž
Address: 1800, rue Notre-Dame O.
Why You Need To Go: After a night of solving mysteries and sipping cocktails at Le 4e Mur, you might need a slow start to your Sunday. Luckily, Le Bird Bar has you covered with brunch service.
This spot is known for its playful twist on brunch classics, so youâre in for some comfort food with a creative edge.
Whether youâre craving something sweet or savoury, Bird Barâs menu has a bit of everything.
My personal favourite is their avocado toast. I know, it sounds basic, but trust me, itâs really good. Made with homemade bread, creamy avocado, feta, and scrambled eggs, it comes with a fresh green salad on the side that balances out the richness.
If youâre feeling a bit more indulgent, you can't go wrong with their signature fried chicken. The Chicken & Waffle is a standout, served with a house waffle, maple sriracha sauce, and a refreshing watermelon mint and feta salad.
For those in the mood for something different, try the Mushroom Benny with mushrooms, homemade bread, poached eggs, and hollandaise, or the Duck Benny with pulled duck. Both are topped with silky hollandaise sauce and come with a side of crispy breakfast potatoes.
And if youâre in the mood for something sweet, the Breakfast Cake is a fun twist on dessert for breakfast. It's a carrot cake, so it's basically a vegetable, right?
Le Bird Barâs menu will have you feeling human again in no time.
Sunday evening: Poutine at Rex Pizza
Price: đž
Address: 4811, rue Wellington
Why You Need To Go: You canât finish a weekend of eating in Montreal without a great poutine, and Rex Pizza is the place to get it.
Now, this might be a hot take, but Rex Pizza serves one of the best poutines Iâve ever had in my life. Itâs also become a staple at my Dungeons & Dragons sessions.
The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the dark, savoury sauce is the stuff of dreams. And of course, the curds are squeaky.
Itâs a fitting end to a weekend of indulging in the cityâs best bites â from classic bagels and smoked meat to hidden cocktail bars and unforgettable brunches.
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Mike Chaar | MTL Blog
Mike Chaar | MTL Blog
Mike Chaar | MTL Blog
Courtesy of David Minicucci