10 Delicious Montreal Food Experiences

Fresh ingredients, cozy eateries, late nights and good company are all part of Montreal’s culinary culture. Try these local favorites to please your taste buds and feed your joie de vivre. Warning, the names might not roll off your tongue…

1. Van Horne’s L’accord mets et jus: Van Horne restaurant is one of the best in Montreal. Every last Sunday of the month, a “vegetable-centric tasting menu” is served with a sophisticated juice pairing. Watch for the September 29Sunday supper focused around harvest time. Van Horne, 1268 Van Horne Avenue, (514) 508-0828

2. Chez Victoire’s Les charcuteries maison: Served with thick crusty bread, a selection of flavoured mustards and marinated vegetables, the homemade charcuteries (pictured above) at Chez Victoire are an absolute delight whether ordered as appetizers, a late-night bite or with a glass of bold red from the impeccable wine list. Chez Victoire, 1453 Mont-Royal Avenue East, (514) 521-6789

3. L’Assomoir’s La Chatte Heureuse: L’Assomoir is the perfect meeting place for an after-work drink, or a “5 à 7” as they are known in Montreal. Although the thick cocktail menu can be daunting, this green Chartreuse, Peachtree Schnapp’s, cranberry juice and pear purée concoction is the drink of choice at this lively spot. L’Assomoir, 112 Brenard Avenue West, (514) 272-0777

4. Chez l’Épicer’s Club sandwich au chocolat: The now-famous chocolate club sandwich has been a crowd favourite and a steady staple on Chez L’Épicier’s menu for a few years. The signature dessert is served with pineapple “fries” and a creamy melon and mint “slaw”. Chez L’Épicier, 311 Rue St-Paul East, (514) 878-2232

5. Auberge Saint-Gabriel’s le “yaourt” maison: Served in an old fashioned container, French chef Eric Gonzalez’s whimsical take on homemade yogurt is served savoury, with a fresh and seasonal vegetable topping and a crunchy bread crumble flavoured with fresh herbs, black olives or bacon. Auberge Saint-Gabriel, 426 Rue St-Gabriel, (514) 878-3561

6. La Chronique’s Foie gras de canard poêlé: In the city where foie gras has become is a star ingredient on most menus, French restaurant La Chronique dishes out one of the best. The rich slices of duck liver are pan-seared to golden perfection and served on fine slices of homemade pain d’épices, accompanied by a seasonal fruit and a slightly sweet crumble. La Chronique, 104 Laurier Avenue West, (514) 288-6287

7. Le Filet’s La piscine: Dive right into this pink “swimming pool”, a smart cocktail that pairs vodka, Campari, a slightly sweet pink bubbly and an orange zest. The sensational mix of sweet, bitter and bubbly pairs perfectly well with the refined tapas-style dishes served by Le Filet… and with the great view of Mont-Royal Park from their terrasse. Le Filet, 219 Mont-Royal Avenue West, (514) 360-6060

8. Restaurant Su’s Les manti: These dainty and delicate homemade “ravioli” are iconic of Turkish cuisine and come in dozens of different flavours and shapes throughout the old country. At Su, they are served with a meat and spicy tomato sauce on a layer of homemade garlic yogurt. Restaurant Su, 5145 Rue Wellington, (514) 362-1818

9. Pastaga’s Chopped Liver “à la juive”: Pastaga and its chef Martin Juneau have garnered numerous accolades since the restaurant’s opening two years ago. An ode to the Jewish culinary influence in Montreal, Pastaga’s smooth chopped liver mousse is served with hard-boiled eggs, capers and homemade bagels. Pastaga, 6389 St-Laurent Boulevard, (438) 381-6389

10. Leméac’s Pain Perdu: Well known and loved by Montrealers, Leméac’s thick-cut pain perdu (French toast) is cunchy and golden on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. Served with a side of maple caramel and milk jam ice cream, it’s the perfect ending to any meal (or an entire meal on its own!). Leméac, 1045 Laurier Avenue West, (514) 270-0999