10 things under 10 minutes from Jean-Talon metro station

Jean-Talon station, which connects the blue line to the orange line of Montréal’s metro (subway system), is at the heart of Little Italy. In this post, we feature 10 activities under 10 minutes from this station.
The must: Jean-Talon Market

Walking time: 4 minutes

Ask any Montrealer what’s of interest around the Jean-Talon Métro station, and the first thing that comes to mind is the Jean-Talon Market. The largest open-air market in North America has been around since 1933. At this heaven on earth for any foodie, you’ll find spice and olive shops, butchers, artisanal sausage makers, fish and cheese mongers, bakers, restaurants and cafés, and, of course, fresh produce from local providers. Eat your way through the market, or shop for some edible souvenirs.

Relax: Parc Jarry

Walking time: 10 minutes

Once you’re at the Market, buy yourself some cheese, Italian salumi, a nice baguette, and some fresh fruits and veggies, and head over to Parc Jarry where you can sit on the grass or at a picnic table and enjoy the view of the fountain with its ducks. During the month of August, you can watch a tennis match or two at the Canadian Open/Rogers Cup championship at the Uniprix Stadium on the park grounds.

Shop and eat: Little Italy

Walking time: 2 minutes

Little Italy is just a couple of blocks west of the Jean-Talon Market. The Italian community has been calling La piccola Italia home since 1900. Walk down some of its streets, and enjoy the scenery of shops, cafés, exaggerated hand gestures, and passionate Italian conversations. Shop for Italian products at Milano or international spices at Anatol. In the summertime, there are quite a few festivals happening here that relate to food, fashion, Vespas, and, yes, Italian cars from vintage Fiat 500s to the latest Lamborghini.

Drink Coffee: Café Larue

Walking time: 8 minutes

There’s nothing more Italian than espresso! Coffee shops abound, and popular ones include Caffè San Simeon where you can enjoy the Malibu, a house specialty, Café Larue and its hip crowd, and tiny Café Vito and its excellent iced coffees. Sit down, do some people watching, or listen to the regular Italian patrons squabble in their native language.

Shop: Quincaillerie Dante

Walking time: 8 minutes

Quincaillerie Dante, on the corner of Dante and Saint-Dominique, has been a staple in the neighbourhood since 1956. Part kitchen supply store and part hunting store, this unique shop “c’è tutto per tutti” (has everything for everyone). There are pasta demonstrations by famous cook Elena Faita every Saturday afternoon and a cooking school run by Faita next door. At Quincaillerie Dante, you’ll find the best of Italian products, whether you’re a hunter or a cook.

Gourmet stop: Restaurant Inferno

Walking time: 8 minutes

Inferno is located on Dante Street (as in Dante’s Inferno, get it?), but the only heat you’ll feel here is the one coming from the amazing ambiance and great food. Everything at this restaurant is cooked to perfection, from the gnocchi (feather light!), creamy risotto, succulent roasted meats, and perfectly flaky fish to the delicious tripes (if you’re a fan, it’s an Inferno specialty). Sit on the lovely terrasse in the summer or in the energetic dining room all year round, and enjoy the evening.

Gourmet snack: Chez Vincenzo gelateria

Walking time: 6 minutes

One of the best Italian gelato shops in Montréal is a short walk north of the Métro station. Chez Vincenzo has garnered a great following since it opened in 2012. On hot summer days, line-ups for the artisanal frozen treats are long but well worth the wait.

Must see: Church of the Madonna della Difesa

Walking time: 8 minutes

Founded in 1910 and recognized as an historical site by the Government of Canada in 2003, the Church of the Madonna della Difesa is at the centre of Italian community rallies. The fresco inside is beautiful, and you have a great chance of witnessing a wedding on any given Sunday in the summer. Buy yourself a cannolo from the Alati Caserta bakery across the street and watch the festivities, or enjoy your treat at the quaint Parc Dante across the street.

Have a drink: Miss Villeray

Walking time: 10 minutes

A hip neighbourhood bar, Miss Villeray is a great place to grab a drink and get to know the locals. Open since 1960, it’s seen many incarnations the latest of which is terrific. It’s a great place for a “5 à 7” (Quebec’s very own version of Happy Hour) or to lull the night away in a fun and electrifying atmosphere.

Eat mezzes: Le Petit Alep

Walking time: 10 minutes

Le Petit Alep has been offering the tastes of the Middle East for the past 20 years. Aleppo cuisine blends the best of Syrian and Armenian fare for a unique dining experience. Mouth-watering mezzes (small dishes meant to be shared), divine grilled meats, delicious sandwiches, luscious desserts, and a great wine list are all part of the experience. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will become instant fans of this beloved little restaurant.