Portuguese chicken in Montréal
You can smell the grilling of Portuguese chicken from almost any corner of town. The greatest thing about Montréal’s Portuguese chicken is that you can find a spot in any neighborhood – the smell is distinctive – just follow your nose.
Rôtisserie Romados
Ask any local where you can score some great chicken; more often than none, you’ll be pointed in the direction of Rôtisserie Romados in Little Portugal. This mainstay of Portuguese chicken has been perfuming the neighborhood with wood charcoal smoke for over 20 years. On a good day, the line at Romados can reach out the door. If it’s a full chicken, half, quarter-leg, quarter-breast, no matter that fraction of a chicken floats your boat, their signature Portuguese piri piri (spicy) sauce will be offered, and the answer should always be yes. Sitting on a stoop or taken home and plated, for under ten clucks ($10), you’re walking out of there with a container full of chicken, a pile of French fries and green stuff (salad) to make your mom happy.
Other casual spots include Jano, take out counter Coco Rico, Chez Doval as well as Galo – great family style eateries.
Restaurant Helena
From the ultra-casual to fine dining, the frango scene in Montréal is diverse. Restaurant Helena – headed by executive chef, Helena Loureiro (also of Portus Calle) serves a crispy cornish hen that sees a two-day brine, plated with traditional piri piri sauce and homemade seasoned potato chips. Inspired by her mother’s recipe, she puts her signature refinement on our famous Portuguese chicken.
Ferreira Café
Known for their famous seafood menu, Ferreira Café also serves their version of a classic Portuguese chicken. They offer a piri piri grilled Cornish hen served with organic green salad and homemade French fries. Ferreira Café recently announced their new venture of a grilled Portuguese chicken restaurant located in the heart of downtown Montréal.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, and find yourself in a random part of town, follow your nose, chances are you’ll find Portuguese chicken being grilled.
Jason Lee
Jason is a seasoned food writer and blogger with over 18 years of culinary adventures in Montréal. He’s a master at uncovering the city's hidden gems and transforming meals into captivating stories. Join him as he continues to explore and share Montréal’s vibrant food scene.