[takeaways] • Six standout picks: La Banquise, Schwartz's, Olive et Gourmando, Jacopo, Maggie Oakes, and Perché.
• La Banquise is the city's poutine icon, with 30-plus varieties and a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award.
• Schwartz's is a Montreal institution for smoked meat sandwiches, now included in the MICHELIN Guide's Québec selection.
• Tipping up to 20 percent pre-tax is customary, and bringing your own wine ("appiortez votre vin") is common practice.
• Tap water ("eau du robinet") is safe to drink across the city, so skip the bottled water to save money.
• A SIMOVO eSIM for Canada keeps you connected to maps and reviews as you hop between restaurants. [/takeaways]
If you're busy building a Canada itinerary and are planning to take in the biggest and best cities — while sampling the finest cuisine and traditional dishes available — you really should make a beeline for Montreal. There are absolutely tons to tuck into and enjoy here, meaning finding the best restaurants in Montreal isn't always an easy feat.
However, you can rest assured that we've hunted down some of the best-reviewed eateries in the city according to local patrons, TripAdvisor reviewers, and the SIMOVO team. Tastes and dietary needs vary, but you can always be sure you're tucking into delicious, quality food at these restaurants. If you want some background before you go, it's also worth brushing up on a few Canada facts.
Montreal food scene overview
Montreal's food scene is famous for being super-diverse and always surprising. Across the city, you'll be able to taste influences from Québécois, French, and Jewish recipes — and many believe it's the French technique that's really helped to bring the best flavors out across the city.
Montreal is the place foodies go for some all-time classic comfort dishes. Staples like Montreal bagels, smoked meats, and the iconic poutine remain must-trys for anyone who's new to dining out here. There's also a strong focus on farm-to-table dining, meaning many restaurants you visit will emphasize that you're enjoying locally sourced food.
That said, Montreal is a real patchwork quilt of world flavors and cuisines, too. Even if you're keen to try Québécois classics, you can still find eateries providing menus full of Italian, Portuguese, and Vietnamese dishes — and more besides.
But, in our collective opinion, Montreal dining is best enjoyed when you focus on local flavors and recipes, especially if you're only on vacation here for a short time.
With that in mind, if you're hunting around for the best restaurants in Montreal on the go, it's always wise to have an eSIM for Canada installed to your phone. SIMOVO's Canada eSIMs let you top up with as much data as you need, and you'll connect to the best available mobile network as soon as you land in Montreal.
That means no more having to hunt around for WiFi spots and an end to constantly watching your data usage to keep bills low. Don't board a flight until your eSIM's in place!
[esim flag="🇨🇦" label="Canada" data="5GB · 30 days" price="$10.20" href="/products/canada" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get online the moment you land, so you can find your first table in Montreal without missing a beat[/esim]
What are the best restaurants in Montreal?
Based on our collective opinion, and some tips we've received from other Montreal vacationers, we've rounded up six fabulous restaurants in the city you should prioritize when you arrive. Remember, of course, that tastes and budgets vary, and that it's well worth checking out menus, allergy advice, and ingredients before you grab a knife and fork.
All the restaurants we review here ranked highly on TripAdvisor at the time of publication, but remember that rankings can change — so, again, be prepared to dive deeper into each of these eateries. Some of the best things to see in Montreal are places to eat — and this list proves it!
[numbered title="La Banquise" pill="Montreal's poutine icon"]La Banquise serves a delicious balance in French and Canadian cuisine, and it's one of the more affordable picks for our list. It received a coveted TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award, and one thing that really gets people talking about it is the poutine. Given that you can hardly enjoy Montreal as a foodie without sampling the national dish at least once, we recommend this restaurant as your first port of call. There's menus for food for lunch onwards, and it's vegetarian-friendly.[/numbered] [numbered title="Schwartz's" pill="Legendary smoked meat"]Schwartz's is a Montreal restaurant that's a deli at its core, is extra laid-back, and again, is highly affordable if you're dining on a budget. It's also one of the longer-standing names to appear in the MICHELIN Guide's Québec selection, a nod to just how quintessentially Montreal it is, right down to its decor. It's famous for its smoked meat sandwiches and its heaped portions — just be prepared to wait a little while due to how popular it is with locals and tourists.[/numbered] [numbered title="Olive et Gourmando" pill="French bohemian bakery-café"]Olive et Gourmando offers a classic, French bohemian dining experience down on Saint-Paul West in the heart of the city. It's popular for its sandwiches, baked treats, roti, and sweet items — and there's options for vegetarian and vegan diners. It's generally open through the morning into the afternoon, meaning for many it's something of a perfect breakfast spot — just don't plan on it for dinner, as it closes well before evening. Just be prepared to pay a little more here than at La Banquise or Schwartz's (but it's worth it!).[/numbered] [numbered title="Jacopo" pill="Italian pasta and charcuterie"]Jacopo frequently tops Montreal foodies' must-try lists, and it's scaled the top of TripAdvisor's best in the city based on hundreds of reviews. Specializing in Italian cuisine and seafood, the restaurant also boasts its own charcuterie. It's a two-floor venue you'll find in Old Montreal, and it's gained a fantastic reputation for service just as much as its creative dishes and flavors. Again, like Olive et Gourmando, make sure to budget ahead (and book a table, too).[/numbered] [numbered title="Maggie Oakes" pill="Steakhouse and raw bar"]Maggie Oakes is the place to go if you're in Montreal and feel like tucking into a steak or two — with delicious meat and veggie options for all comers. This restaurant is also well-loved for its attentive and knowledgeable staff, but just be prepared to book in advance as it is immensely popular! It's highly committed to local produce and farming, too, meaning it offers some of the best authentic tastes of the region.[/numbered] [numbered title="Perché" pill="Rooftop Mediterranean and Asian"]Perché, last but certainly not least, is a sophisticated and vibrant restaurant you'll find down in Old Montreal. Open for meals across the day, this rooftop spot also supports a cocktail bar and terrace. You'll get to choose from delicious twists on Asian and Mediterranean dishes, made by some of the most talented chefs in the city.[/numbered]
Dining tips for Montreal
Before you pick your first restaurant to dine at from our list, here are some must-practice tips for eating out in Montreal.
[tip title="Budget around 20 percent for tips"]Remember that tipping is customary here, meaning you should expect to leave up to 20 percent, pre-tax, when dining somewhere that offers table service.[/tip] [tip title="Look out for apportez votre vin"]Bringing your own wine is a phenomenon that many restaurants in Montreal lean into — if you're advised "apportez votre vin," you can feel free to bring your own bottles to pair with in-house cuisine. If you're on a budget, again, it's also a useful way to save some money![/tip] [tip title="Carry a mix of cash and card"]When dining in, you can usually pay at the table with touch terminals. However, if you're buying from street food vendors and small businesses, cash is usually more appropriate. Always take a mix of cash and a card with you.[/tip] [tip title="Order eau du robinet to save money"]You can also save money by ordering eau du robinet, or tap water, for your table. The water's safe to drink across Montreal, meaning you don't have to pay to drink bottled or purified water unless you have a specific preference.[/tip] [tip title="Know the legal drinking age"]Remember that the legal drinking age in Quebec is 18, meaning you're unlikely to be served alcohol if you look younger.[/tip] [tip title="Flag allergies before you order"]Always communicate allergies and dietary needs with your server before you order! The best menus in Montreal will lay out what you can expect from dishes in terms of ingredients and allergens, but it is always important to double-check.[/tip] [faq] [q]What's the best restaurant in Montreal for poutine?[/q] [a]La Banquise is the city's go-to spot, with 30-plus poutine varieties and a TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice award.[/a] [q]Where can I get Montreal's famous smoked meat?[/q] [a]Schwartz's — a deli institution now included in the MICHELIN Guide's Québec selection.[/a] [q]Is Olive et Gourmando open for dinner?[/q] [a]No — it's a breakfast and lunch spot, closing in the afternoon rather than staying open into the evening.[/a] [q]Do I need to tip in Montreal?[/q] [a]Yes — tipping up to 20 percent pre-tax is customary wherever table service is offered.[/a] [q]Can I bring my own wine to Montreal restaurants?[/q] [a]Many do allow it — look out for "apportez votre vin," meaning you're welcome to bring your own bottles.[/a] [/faq] [esim flag="🇨🇦" label="Canada" data="5GB · 30 days" price="$10.20" href="/products/canada" benefits="Instant QR setup · Reliable 4G/5G · No contract"]Get connected before you touch down in Montreal[/esim]
