The Montreal Guide.
A European city in the Americas. Beautiful French architecture, incredible food, a mix of cultures, and natural beauty that make Montreal incredibly charming. Check out my favorite places!
Montreal is one of those cities that surprises people. Equal parts European and North American, it somehow manages to feel charming, cool, relaxed, and exciting all at once.
The old town feels distinctly French, with cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and cafés that make you want to get a little lost. But what I love most about Montreal is the contrast. Alongside all that old-world charm is a cooler, more creative side of the city with incredible restaurants, stylish bars, vintage shops, and neighborhoods that feel effortlessly cool rather than overly polished.
This is my guide to my favorite places in Montreal, from the best meals and bars to charming hotels, little shops, and spots worth going out of your way for.
As always, feel free to reach out to (carolinehariri@gmail.com) for a customized itinerary tailored to your trip.
Food
Joe Beef (French food and steaks - and one of the best restaurants in Montreal)
Le Vin Papillon (same owners as Joe Beef - and boy, do you they know what they’re doing! Every dish was outstanding, and the most home-y atmosphere)
Vin Mon Lapin (a culinary destination! Set your alarm to book in advance)
Au Pied de Cochon (excellent take on Canadian cuisine)
Olive et Gourmando (the best breakfast in the city - get the Cubano sandwich and the ham and cheese biscuit)
Le Violon (delicious French-leaning cuisine, beautifully modern setting)
Restaurant Parapluie (a beloved spot in Montreal with some standout dishes)
Mastard (had such an outstanding meal here - totally blind pre-fix and I loved every dish)
Restaurant Da Emma (cozy Italian in a cave-like setting, in old to wn)
Mano Cornuto (great modern Italian, get the sandwiches)
Nora Gray (a very beloved upscale Italian)
Bar George (stunning restaurant - the food is not the most amazing but it’s beautiful inside)
Restaurant Beba (for a special occasion)
Serrano Bar-B-Q (great lunch spot to grab a life-changing rotisserie chicken sandwich)
Mandy’s (very easy salad chain, but people in Montreal love it and say it’s a must! Good meal to grab before a flight)
Monarque (offers both a more formal dining room as well as a casual eatery in the brewery)
Garde Manger (seafood)
Motto Handroll Bar (no reservation, incredible sushi spot)
Drogheria Fine (cute, grab-n-go Italian famous for their gnocchi takeout)
Restaurant Noodle Factory (really good take out Chinese)
Aux Vivres Plateau (great lunch spot, Vegan cuisine)
Bakeries and coffee
Kouing Amann Bakery
Fairmount Bagel (one of the oldest bagel stores in Montreal. On one side of the street is the traditional one that they don’t make sandwiches there, and on the other side you can order and eat the sandwich you want. Ask them which bagel just came out of the oven and get that flavor)
Creme Mood Artisan (bakery dedicated to cinnamon rolls!)
St-Viateur Bagel & Café Mont-Royal (another famous bagel spot)
Bernie Beigne (famous donut spot)
Bars/Going Out
Nhậu bar
STILLIFE (fun, lounge-like)
Flyjin (also a daytime cafe and restaurant)
Badin (cool, speciality drinks)
Atwater Cocktail Club (speakeasy with unique drinks)
Yoko Luna (late night club spot)
Cloakroom Bar (solid option for a cocktail bar)
Clandestino (tequilaria)
Bar Bisou Bisou (very cute hole in the wall bar)
The Coldroom (famous, maybe a little touristy, speakeasy)
El Pequeño Bar (really cute Cuban bar - good for food and drinks)
Buvette Vino Disco (good for light bites and late night)
Bar Bello (really cute spot, nice outdoor seating)
Activities
Mount Royal hike! Such a beautiful park - and lot’s of uphill so it really is a hike)
Bota Bota, spa-sur-l’eau (amazing Nordic-style spa. Excellent day activity)
Rent a boat and take a cruise down the river
visit the SSENSE store
Museums:
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
PHI (contemporary art)
Day trips to Québec City! - hike the incredible Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier and see Montmorency Falls
Hotels
the Ritz Carlton
Humaniti Hotel Montreal Autograph Collection
Hotel Nelligan
Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal
Auberge du Vieux-Port par Gray Collection
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