Aix Cuisine du Terroir

711, Côte de la Place d'Armes, Hôtel Place d'Armes, Montréal, QC H2Y 2X6 514-904-1201

Description: No gastronomic tour of Montréal would be complete without the authentic flavors of Québecois cuisine. Step into the promenade of the Hôtel Place d'Armes and discover the juxtaposition of earthy flavors amidst the urban chic of Aix. Here the curving banquettes and sheer fabric hangings create intimate spaces in which to enjoy a smoked rack of wild boar or roasted caribou. For those less adventurous, tender veal or duck breast make excellent choices. Each and every menu item bears the stamp of local Canadian production from vegetables to vinegar.
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Beauty's

93, ave Mt-Royal ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2S5 514-849-8883

Description: This long-lived Jewish deli has been feeding Montréal well for over 50 years. Family-owned, the small place pulls in a wide variety of dedicated locals, who come for the terrific breakfast fare, including bagels, omelets (try the spinach!), sweets, and even chopped liver. Weekends, especially Sundays, are often crowded, but if you're prepared for the wait, you're in for some terrific food. And with years of experience, the staff is attentive and efficient, ensuring that all goes smoothly.
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Boulangerie Première Moisson

189, boul Harwood, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Montréal, QC J7V 1Y3 450-455-2827

Description: Presenting 40 artisan breads and an eye-popping array of gorgeous pastries, not to mention the coffee, this boulangerie is as much a delight for the nose as it is for the stomach. Light lunch options include sandwiches and salads, leaving plenty of room for the divinely crafted and presented chocolates. Try the caramels or the Valrohna for the ultimate decadence. A wide selection of pies, too ­ pure, sweet heaven!
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Byblos

1499 ave Laurier est, Montréal, QC H2J 1H8 514-523-9396

Description: Hungry for breakfast off the beaten culinary path? Step into Byblos and you may never go back to traditional eggs and bacon again. Steeped in the culinary tradition of Iran and the middle East, even the humble omelette is elevated to exotic with cardamom and rose petals. Sip mint tea and dip poppy seed bread in ginger jam or try the sweetbreads awash in the natural light from the tall windows. The place is popular so come early, or make a reservation to avoid a wait.
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Cosmos Snack Bar

5843 rue Sherbrooke o, Montréal, QC H4A 1X4 514-486-3814

Description: He's been dubbed the "man of grease" in an award-winning documentary and judging from the plates he dishes up for his customers, it is no wonder. Completely slick and tasty, each entree comes with everything: toast, eggs, bacon, sausage and Cosmo's famed potatoes. Comfort food at its finest.
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Crêpe Café

362, rue Notre Dame Est, Montréal, QC H2Y 1C7 514-759-6755

Description: Located in Old Montreal, quaint Crêpe Café is the perfect place for any meal, even a quick snack. On the menu are over two dozen different types of crêpes, from the famous Bonne Journée with sausage and eggs to the mozzarella and pesto crêpe. If you're looking for something more filling, sandwiches and salads are offered as well. Whether it's tourist season or not, take a seat as this is a great people watching spot.
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Eggspectation

1313, blvd de Maisonneuve ouest, Montréal, QC H3G 2R9 514-842-3447

Description: Eggs everything! Fabulous breakfast, lunch and even egg-snacks. Try the omelets, poached specialties, and the best selection of eggs Benedict imaginable.
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Fairmount Bagel Factory

74, ave Fairmount Ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2M2 514-272-0667

Description: Montréal-style bagels are denser and chewier than their New York counterparts, and most locals will tell you that Fairmount makes the best. There are 20 or so varieties, all baked in a wood-fired oven. Flavors range from plain, sesame seed and onion to pesto-black olive, spelt and chocolate chip. You can also get soft pretzels, matzo bread and bagel chips. All this, 24 hours a day!
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Fous desserts

809, ave Laurier est, Montréal, QC H2J 1G2 514-273-9335

Description: Montréal has no shortage of patisseries, gelato makers and chocolatiers, but Fous Desserts is at or near the top of everyone's list of favorites. The variety alone is astounding and changes with the seasons. Some things to try: le Phenix (brownie base topped with Caribbean chocolate mousse-enveloped ganache), Manjari cocoa truffles, almond croissants, and brioche aux pralines roses. Oh my.
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L'Express

3927, Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4 514-845-5333

Description: This fabulous French bistro can be hard to ferret out, but locals provide good directions, and the end result is definitely worth the effort. The place is as devoted to its locals as they are to it, and a familiar ambience pervades the space. The cuisine is well crafted, based on rich flavors and simple ingredients. Steak tartare with pommes frites is a classic, and you'll also find calf's liver in tarragon sauce, salmon, well-filled ravioli, and duck foie gras. A good selection of wines, including a number of French vintages, complement the menu, and desserts add a sweet note of completion.
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La Binerie Mont-Royal

367, ave du Mont-Royal Est, Montréal, QC H2T 1R1 514-285-9078

Description: Make a stop in this cozy diner, which serves authentic Québécois cookery. The décor recollects its opening in the 1940s with pictures and memorabilia of the era. On the menu are Quebecois traditional meat pies as well as desert pie and pastries. A full breakfast is served all day and one cannot leave without trying the Canadian specialty baked beans. Whether you're looking to fill up with a hearty meal or simply get a pastry snack, this mom and pop diner will treat your appetite right.
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La Brioche Lyonnaise

1593, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3K3 514-842-7017

Description: Linger and people-watch while enjoying a croissant and a cup of café au lait in any one of the seating areas of this charming dessert shop. Full meals are available, but many just enjoy favorites such as the Marie Clair pastries, delectable cakes, tarts or the caramel mousse with pears. Stone walls and lace curtains only add to the comfortable vibe that draws students, shoppers and theater-goers.
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La Petite Marche

5035 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2J 2L9 514-842-1994

Description: Come hungry and expect heaping plates of food to satisfy even the most gnawing of early morning pangs. However, if you are hankering for greasy, artery-clogging options look elsewhere, as the Petit Marche specializes in the fresh, the light and the tastefully prepared. Try poached eggs with fruit, roasted potatoes and tomatoes Provencal, or salmon rolled with a melange of cheeses and capers. For the ultimate value, bring a partner as the portions could easily accommodate two appetites.
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Le Montréalais

900 Rene Levesque Blvd, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Montréal, QC H3B 4A5 514-861-3511

Description: This popular bistro, located on the premises of the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, makes for a popular diversion any time of the day but is a particular favorite for afternoon tea. For one price, guests can sample a variety of decadent treats, or they can choose à la carte options if appetites are lighter. Fragrant coffees and teas warm you beautifully on a cold day and make a delightful snack when accompanied by scones, tea sandwiches and pastries. A perfect way to while away an afternoon.
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Les Continents

360 Rue St-Antoine Ouest, Intercontinental Montréal Hotel, Montréal, H2Y 3X4 514-847-8729

Description: Winner of the coveted 4 Diamonds CAA/AAA rating, this restaurant, situated in the Intercontinental Hotel, serves up fine French food informed by the Quebecois tradition and indigenous ingredients. A splendid wine list accompanies selections such as a brown rice risotto with organic asparagus and wild mushrooms, locally caught crab and crawfish or a plate of Quebec cheeses. The warm glow candles against blonde woods is the perfect setting.
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Moe's Deli & Bar

3950, rue Sherbrooke est, Montréal, QC H1X 2A6 514-253-6637

Description: High ceilings and brick walls adorned with memorabilia set the scene at this fun, casual eatery. It's great place to grab a bite to eat or to meet friends for a drink. There's plenty of room inside for groups, and the outdoor terrace lets you enjoy the weather during warmer months. The menu features sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and pastas, but they're often more interesting combinations than you might expect. For instance, there's a smoked salmon club, a Key West chicken sandwich, and a grilled vegetable baguette. You'll also find fajitas, rotisserie chicken, and several different steaks.
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Pistou Dejeuner

4489 rue de la Roche, Montréal, QC H2J 3J2 514-527-2900

Description: Enjoy breakfast all day, if you are so inclined, at this rustic yet sleek eaterie in the Plateau Mont-Royal. A moveable feast of eggs, pages of varieties from the humble (two over easy) to the sublimely regional (avec potato galettes and pleurotes), and wine if you'd like to sip a fruity varietal with your first meal. This place is popular with the local crowd and you may have to wait, but never too long. There is also a sliding door that creates a terrace in clement weather so you can enjoy a spot of sunshine to match the one on the plate.
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Republique Café

3563, blvd Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2T6 514-840-9044

Description: Check out the many faces of Café Rep, as it is affectionately known, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and especially coffee. Decorated like an art-nouveau Paris bistro with a black and white checkerboard floor, its high coffered ceilings and sumptuous red fringed lamps provide great light and an airy atmosphere in which to linger. Located on the trendiest part of the Boulevard Saint-Laurent, you can watch the world go past the wide windows while sipping one of their home roasted coffees or nibbling a crusty baguette.
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Restaurant L'Anecdote

801, rue Rachel Est, Montréal, QC H2J 2H7 514-526-7967

Description: Stylish 1950's era diner that serves all three meals, but breakfast is a standout. Classics abound: crepes, Belgian waffles, two eggs-any-style, but omelettes are accompanied by fresh, green salads, a selection of fruit and lightly sautéed potatoes. Crepes are stuffed with fresh fruit and topped with local maple syrup and whipped cream.
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St-Viateur Bagel

263 rue St-Viateur ouest, Montréal, QC H2V 1Y1 514-276-8044

Description: This unassuming shop has been producing Montréal's best bagels since 1957. Remaining faithful to the eastern European traditions its original owner employed, the shop still rolls its bagels by hand and bakes them in a wood-burning oven that never goes cold. Subscribing to the idea of doing well what you know best, the shop also crafts only sesame seed and poppy seed bagels. Patrons clamor for the fresh, chewy treats as if there were no other flavors. And topped with a bit of cream cheese, these bagels will have you believing that no other option is necessary.
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