We all love cheap food, and Montreal has a ton of it. However, what often ends up racking up a high bill are the drinks that we get while we eat. Cocktails, beers, wine... Alcohol is sold at a pretty steep price in restaurants.
And, let's be real: we don't know the difference between dep wine and the real fancy stuff.
If you're looking to save on your next restaurant outing, consider a BYOW restaurant. BYOW doesn't mean that a restaurant is "bad" or "cheap": often, it just means that a restaurant wants to save on liquor licenses.
Try any of the restaurants on this list and you'll see what I mean!
READ ALSO: 20 Montreal Restaurants Where You Can Eat A Lot For Under $20
TL;DR The restaurants on this list are all BYOW, so you can try new food without breaking the bank. Thank me later!
Eduardo
Where: 404 Avenue Duluth E, Montréal
What: Eduardo is a great mom-and-pop Italian restaurant in the plateau. They have a great selection of Italian pasta dishes, as well as meat dishes and pizzas. The atmosphere is super cozy, and great for large gatherings like birthday parties. Definitely check out this adorable hole-in-the-wall.
The restaurant doesn't have a website or Facebook page but check out its Yelp page!
Thanjai
Where:4759 Ave Van Horne, Montreal
What: This Indian restaurant is loved by the whole neighborhood. Their specialty? South Indian food, which is a lot less common in Montreal than North Indian food. The restaurant, which also has a location in Ottawa, is run by a husband and wife duo. If you like spicy food, this is the place for you!
La Raclette
Where: 1059 Gilford, Montreal
What: Cheese and BYOW? Sign me the HECK up. We've raved about La Raclette before, because it's a truly excellent restaurant that serves different cheese fondues and raclette.
Pizzeria Napoletana
Where: 189 Rue Dante, Montréal
What: This awesome restaurant serves fresh, homemade pizza, along with other authentic Italian dishes. Make sure to hit an ATM before you go — the restaurant is cash-only.
Vegano
Where: 1999 Mont Royal Est, Montreal.
What: "Montreal's first vegan Italian restaurant" is not only open for dinner — it also serves breakfast AND brunch. They re-imagined all Italian favourites to create super tasty vegan dishes. And they're BYOB! Love that.
Pho Viet
Where:1663 rue Amherst, Montreal
What: Pho Viet is famous accross the city for its great soups. Their Tonkinese soup absolutely cannot be beat. Not to mention how affordable they are. The restaurant is cash only, so make sure you have change with you!
Check out theirFacebook page!
O'Thym
Where: 1112, boul. de Maisonneuve Est, Montréal
What: This Village haunt is great for a romantic dinner. The atmosphere is relaxed yet elevated, much like their food. Though the price for dishes can run a little high, the plates are sophisticated and well thought-out. PS: they do brunch, too.
Le P'tit Plateau
Where: 330 Marie-Anne St E, Montreal
What: Le P'tit Plateau features on every single BYOW list in Montreal, and for a reason. They serve French regional cuisine, with specialties like mouth-watering foie gras and lambshank confit. If you haven't tried this place yet, you have to go ASAP.
Bombay Mahal
Where: 1001 Rue Jean-Talon Ouest, Montreal
What: This mom-and-pop restaurant offers the best of Indian cuisine. Not only do they have fantastic lunch specials, but they also have an affordable dinner menu, too. Not to mention that they have tons of vegetarian options.
Petros
Where: 1539 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal AND 4785 Sherbrooke St W, Westmount.
What: Montreal has a lot of good greek food, but Petros is definitely amongst the best. I love the option to order a lot of different starters, so you can sample as many dishes as possible. They also have a wide selection of fresh, stand-alone dishes.
Khyber Pass
Where: 506 Avenue Duluth East, Montreal.
What: This traditonal Afghan restaurant has been a plateau favourite for over 10 years. The warm atmosphere will make you feel right at home, as will the home-style cooking. They serve pretty affordable "tables d'hôtes" which will allow you to sample a variety of dishes.
Check out the restaurantFacebook page!
Quartier Général
Where: 1251, rue Gilford, Montréal.
What: Quartier Général is also a must on the BYOW list. The French-inspired Plateau bistro is well known for its refined cuisine. Definitely try their lunch menu, which is super affordable for the quality of the food.
Monsieur B
Where: 371 Rue Villeneuve E., Montréal.
What: Monsieur B is yet another French bistro on this list! It's here for a reason, though. Their dishes are absolutely phenomenal, and the staff is uber friendly.
La Khaima
Where: 142 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal.
What: La Khaima, which means "nomadic tent," is a restaurant that serves traditional Moroccan food in a beautiful setting. Dishes are created using the "slow food" method, which means that tastes and spices really come to the front in the dishes.
Grenadine
Where: 2004 Hotêl de Ville, Montréal.
What: Grenadine is a French fusion restaurant in downtown Montreal. Their dishes are super unique, and you won't be able to find a similar fusion of French and Asian cuisines anywhere else in the city. The staff is uber friendly and the restaurant is cozy. Definitely check them out!
@grenadinemtlHappy eating (and drinking), Montreal!
