At EC Montreal students are always asking us for recommendations on where to go and what to eat. They want to hear from our locals on what eateries they should try. All staff always go to see Elisa as she is a proud Montrealer who loves to eat and loves to try new dishes. Elisa considers herself a foodie and is always telling everyone to download the DINR app on their phones to get last-minute reservation at the most sought out restaurants in Montreal. These restaurants are world known and most owned by celebrity chefs. We thought it would be fun to create a list of Elisa’s picks in different food categories, so here goes!
Best Montreal Pizza – Pizzeria Napoletana
This restaurant is located in Little Italy on Dante street. It is a bring your own wine restaurant. Expect long line ups and don’t expect the best service, however, expect to eat some of the best pizza and pasta you have ever had! They are known for their food, not for the atmosphere or service.
Best Mexican food – El Rey del Taco
Also located in Little Italy in the Jean Talon market, this restaurant serves the best Mexican food in the city. It is authentic cuisine. Again, they are known for their food not the atmosphere or the service. They don’t serve alcohol but you can find authentic Mexican Coca Cola made with real sugar.
Best Thai Food – Bangkok
Bangkok is located in the Gay village. They make the best Thai food in the city! Some of our favorite dishes include beef and eggplant and the chicken Pad Thai. You will crave this food – they say their secret is the fish sauce!
Best Korean food – Atti Express
Atti Express is located in a few shopping malls around the city. They have one in the Cours Mont-Royal food court. This is the closest location to EC Montreal. Our favorites include the beef japchae and the seafood pancakes.
Best Burgers in Montreal – Table 51
They have two locations; one on Decarie and one in Laval. The best burger we have ever tried is on the menu. It is called the Gucci burger. Although it is pricey, it is amazing! It has bacon and truffle mayonnaise! yummmmm!
Best Chinese Food – PM
PM is located one block away from EC Montreal. It is cheap and super delicious! Everything on the menu is incredible! Our favorites include the salty squid and shrimp as well as the beef and broccoli.
Best Hot dogs in Montreal – Cosco
Yes, we are serious! Cosco has the best hotdogs in the city! They are all beef and have a healthy amount of garlic in the mixture to make them super tasty. They are also super cheap, you can buy a large hotdog and a soft drink for only $1.50!
Best Date Night Restaurant in Montreal – Liverpool House
It is a small restaurant with dim lighting and very intimate. They have a chalkboard menu that changes often. They make incredible cocktails and only serve local produce. It is located on Notre Dame Street where most of the world best restaurants are. It is a little pricey but definitely worth every penny.
Best Celebrity hangout in Montreal – Garde Manger
Garde Manger is a famous restaurant located in Old Montreal. They don’t even have the name of the restaurant outside the building. All you will see is a pink neon box. It is like the best kept secret of Montreal. Garde Manger is owned by Montreal’s celebrity chef, Chuck Hughes. Chuck is an Iron Chef and has his own show called Chuck’s Day off. He cooks and serves food to his friends and vendors around Montreal. What is cool about Chuck is he promotes local artists so only plays music from local bands. He also only uses local and fresh produce. Eating at Garde Manger is an experience you will never forget.
Best Cocktails in Montreal – La Belle et La Boeuf
Located just downstairs from EC Montreal, they are known for their burgers and poutine, but they also make amazing cocktails. They have a very impressive bar and serve all their cocktails in large mason jars. They have a beautiful terrace throughout the summer months.
Best Tapas in Montreal – Kampai Garden
Also located right downstairs from EC Montreal, Kampai Garden has a sharing menu. All the dishes are Asian inspired. They are out of this world! You need a reservation to dine at Kampai Garden and you only have the table for a limited time. After dinner, you can stay in the club section of Kampai Garden. It is a happening hangout in the city!
Best Coffee in Montreal – Café Olimpico
Café Olimpico is located on Saint-Viateur street across the street from the famous Saint-Viateur bagel place – that you also must try. Their coffee is delicious because of the very impressive coffee machines they have that have been imported from Italy.
Best Poutine in Montreal – La Banquise
La Banquise is located on Rachel Street and is open 24 hours per day. They serve a million different versions of poutine. It is a popular hangout for after clubbing. It is the best hangover food!
Best Smoked Meat in Montreal – Reubens
Ok – this will be a controversial recommendation as when people say smoked meat in Montreal, everyone recommends Schwartz’s on Saint-Laurent Blvd. Don’t get us wrong, Schwartz’s is amazing, however, Reubens has it all! The smoked meat is delicious, the service is great and the atmosphere is inviting! They have a full bar and make great drinks too. If you still have room after dinner, you must try Reubens’ famous cheesecake! They are known for it! Reubens is located a few blocks away from EC Montreal on Ste-Catherine street.
Best Portuguese Chicken in Montreal – Ramados
Ramados is located on Rachel street in the Plateau Mont-Royal. They usually have long line-ups for their rotisserie chicken. You can get half a chicken with fries and a salad for only $10. The taste comes from their secret sauce. They put it on everything and it is absolutely out of this world!
Best Vegan Restaurant in Montreal – Chu Chai
Chu Chai is located on St. Denis street in the Plateau Mont-Royal. It is a bring your own wine restaurant. Every dish looks like a work of art. You can never tell that you are not eating meat.
Best BBQ in Montreal – Rubs
Rubs serves Texas style BBQ – pulled pork, ribs, burgers and fried chicken. They are located on Prince Arthur Street in the Plateau Mont-Royal. Their dishes are finger licking and fantastic!
Best Dessert Bar in Montreal – Juliette et Chocolat
Located right downstairs from EC Montreal, Juliette et Chocolat has the best desserts in the city. They also serve a lunch menu of a variety of crepes. Their chocolate desserts are out of this world. A perfect cheat day treat!
Best Restaurant with a view – Porteus 360
If you are looking for a restaurant that offers the best views of the city, you must dine at Porteus 360. It is a revolving restaurant that serves authentic Portuguese dishes. They are known for their fish and seafood dishes. Our favorite dish is the Portuguese style steak served with a fried egg and shoestring fries.
Best Pub food in Montreal – The Ye Olde Orchard Pub
They have many locations around the city, however, the closest to EC is on de la Montagne street. They have traditional English pub food including bangers ‘n mash, shepherd’s pie, hamburgers, fish ‘n chips and curry dishes. They also have an extensive beer selection of local and imported beers.
Best Sandwich Shop in Montreal – Santropol
They are located in the Plateau Mont-Royal and all their sandwiches are vegetarian, however, the food combinations they come up with are genius! The sandwiches are out of this world!
Best Terrace in Montreal – Les Jardins Nelson
It is only open in the summertime in Old Montreal. They play live jazz music in the gorgeous outside terrace and serve delicious French bistro food. It is a magical experience!
We hope these suggestions will make your stay in Montreal even more amazing as you devour all the flavours and savours of the city!
Join our English language school in Montreal soon!!