Travel without leaving Montréal

Escondite West Island
Maude Carrier

Maude Carrier

This article was published on April 4, 2024.

Montréal is renowned for its incredibly diverse gastronomy. In fact, you can travel the world just by visiting the city’s restaurants: from Mexico to the Caribbean, from Europe to Asia to the Middle East, all flavours are on the table. Leave your passport at home and become a culinary globetrotter!

Mexican cuisine 

 

Caifan, tacos

 

Mexico is a popular destination among Quebecers. While waiting for your next trip down south, treat yourself to some of the most authentic Mexican cuisine in Montréal. 

 

Caifan Mtl

4542 St-Denis Street | Website

Tequila or mezcal cocktail, anyone? Caifan’s extensive drink list doesn’t disappoint, while its menu of reimagined pivotal classics highlights the chef’s love for Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. 

 

Le Roi du Taco

232 Jean-Talon Street East | Website

Right beside the Jean-Talon Market, le Roi du Taco is an absolute must for any taco connaisseur. In addition to serving a full menu of Mexican favs, they also offer products to take home: spicy sauces, corn tortillas and much more. 

 

Mojito et Margarita

3135 Masson Street | Website

This small restaurant serves authentic Mexican (and Cuban!) cuisine in an atmosphere guaranteed to warm you up.

 

El Meson

1678 Saint-Joseph Boulevard | Website

Tradition and family recipes are on the menu at El Meson across from the picturesque 

Lachine Canal. Feel like you are in the tropics thanks to their outdoor patios. 

 

Escondite

Several locations | Website

With 5 locations in the city, Escondite identifies as a neighbourhood brasserie. Both the food and cocktail menus are long and varied, offering tried-and-true Mexican classics. 

 

Peru at its best 

There may be direct flights from Montreal to Lima, but you won’t need a ticket to savour the best of Peru and its fusion cuisine thanks to these fabulous restaurants:

 

Barranco

4552 Saint-Denis Street | Website

Ceviche, causas, taquitos... Barranco serves up all the fabulous Peruvian classics, plus, of course, Peru’s national cocktail, the Pisco Sour. 

 

Lima 14
8551 Saint-Laurent Boulevard | Website

In addition to the classics, Lima 14 showcases the fusion cuisine found in Lima, Peru, and the street food popular in the big cities.

 

Caribbean flavours

The Caribbean islands are a popular place to escape winter, but did you know that Caribbean cuisine is unique? Set off for Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica and more...

 

Mango Bay

1236 Mackay Street| Website 

Take off to experience the real Jamaica in this restaurant where exotic flavours spice up a warm décor. 

 

La Habanera

1216 Union Avenue | Website

La Habanera serves up Havana at its best: croquetas, fried chicken, Cuban sandwiches and skewers are but a few of the delicious choices that headline a delectable menu.

 

Maison du Cari des Caraïbes/Caribbean Curry House

6892 Victoria Avenue | Site web

Embrace island culture in this restaurant brimming with family vibes and homemade dishes. 

 

A taste of France 

 

L'Express

 

French cuisine is in Quebec’s DNA and these restaurants uphold the fine culinary tradition. 

L’Express

3927 Saint-Denis Street | Website 

Fly off to France for a delicious meal at L'Express. Open since 1980, this institution takes you to the other side of the ocean with its gourmet menu and typical decor. 

 

Leméac

1045 Laurier Avenue West | Website

For almost 20 years, Restaurant Leméac's menu has featured the greatest culinary classics of French gastronomy.

 

Le Molière par Mousso

1594 Saint-Denis Street | Website 

Discover celebrity chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard's new French brasserie in the heart of the Latin Quarter. Oysters, tartars, foie gras, duck and much more will dazzle and delight your tastebuds. 

 

Monarque

406 Saint-Jacques Street | Website

Le Monarque is not only worth a stop for its refined cuisine, but also for its incredible décor. Its affordable menu promises bistro classics in the brasserie, while in the dining room you can enjoy a 4-course table d'hôte in the evening.

 

Enjoy Italian dishes 

 

Un Po Di Piu

 

Montréal is bursting at the seams with gourmet Italian restaurants. From Little Italy to Old Montréal to Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie, you’ll find that Italy is everywhere in the city.

 

Caffe Un po' di piu

3 de la Commune Street East | Website

Sometimes you have to get out of Little Italy to savour Italy, and Caffe Un Po' di piu is the place to do just that. Don’t lose this address!

 

Impasto

48 Dante Street| Website

Chef Stefano Faita's first restaurant, Impasto has become a classic for Italian dishes that taste just like homemade. Fill up on foccacia, gnocchi, tagliatelle and agnello, to name but a few.

 

Jacopo

436 Place Jacques-Cartier | Website

Nestled in the heart of Old Montréal, Jacopo takes its inspiration from traditional Italian trattorias in an elegant setting. Fried calamari, gourmet salads, pasta and meats promise a tasty meal.

 

Greece in every bite 

Jet off to Greece without leaving Montréal with a meal at some of the best Greek restaurants in town. 

 

Ouzeri

4690 Saint-Denis Street | Website

This little spot on Saint-Denis Street is perfect for savouring the finest Greek dishes during an evening out with friends. Bring your own wine and enjoy.

 

Le Jardin de Panos

521 Duluth Avenue East | Website

Le Jardin de Panos has been a Plateau-Mont-Royal tradition for years. Immerse yourself in the décor reminiscent of the island of Santorini and order the excellent kebabs cooked to perfection.

 

Milos

5357 du Parc Avenue | Website

The reputation of Milos is well established: it was named "one of the most famous Greek restaurants in the world" by MIXTE Magazine. With fish imported from the Mediterranean every day, you'll appreciate the freshness of the ingredients and the authentic taste of each dish.

 

Savour India 

India fascinates with its colours and flavours. These Indian restaurants in Montréal will take you on a journey through this country that is as chaotic as it is impressive for its native dishes.

 

India Rosa

Several locations | Website 

With two locations in Montréal, India Rosa is perfect for happy hour, brunch or a meal with friends. As well as the classics, you'll also find several vegetarian dishes on the menu.

 

Gandhi

230 Saint-Paul Street West | Website

With its traditional music and elegant decor, Gandhi invites you to discover the specialities of Eastern India. Choose a combo menu for two to sample as many dishes as possible.

 

Dosa Pointe

895 Jean-Talon Street West | Website

Have you ever tried a dosa, a thin pancake filled with potatoes? Visit Dosa Pointe to savour this South Indian speciality.

 

A Tour of Asia 

 

Tri Express

 

JapanChina, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea... the different countries of Asia are represented from one end of the city to the other with their exquisite flavours. Add these few addresses to your notebook to travel by tastebud to the other side of the world! 

Tri Express

1650 Laurier Avenue East | Website

Do you like sushi? There's no shortage of good places to eat in Montreal. Tri Express remains an institution when it comes to enjoying delicious fresh sushi in a lively restaurant.

 

La Maison Kim Fung

111 Saint-Urbain Street | Website 

Located in Chinatown, Maison Kim Fung is the place to go for good stir-fried vegetables, noodles and delicious dumplings.

Sumo Ramen

1007 Saint-Laurent Boulevard | Website

For a delicious bowl of ramen, head to Sumo Ramen, where you can choose from 3 different broths and different types of noodles.

 

HoHo BBQ coréen

6521 Somerled Avenue | Website

Located in the neighbourhood of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, you'll love the variety of grilled meats on offer at HoHo. It's the perfect place for a tasty supper with friends around the grill.

 

 

WANT MORE IDEAS FOR PLACES TO TRAVEL WITHOUT LEAVING MONTREAL?

Take a look at this reel, where we mention the Maktaba bookshop, Chinatown and Mariscos restaurant!

Maude Carrier

Maude Carrier

Maude Carrier is the founder of MC Globetrotteuse and a producer who has a penchant for discovery with each new mandate she undertakes. A Montreal transplant for the past 20 years, she fell in love with the city’s diverse neighbourhoods the minute she arrived here. You can catch her working in the city’s sweet little cafés, having brunch in its excellent restaurants or catching up with friends over drinks.  

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