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.
More Details

Brulerie Saint-Denis

1587, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3K3 514-286-9159

Description: Perch at one of the tables on the terrace to people watch and nibble a croque-monsieur after a long afternoon of taking in the sights. Or stop for a late night caffeine injection from one of the imported, roasted-on-the-spot coffees before you head out for a night of dancing. Either way, you'll fall for the selections at this 20-year-old establishment that is most popular with the locals.
More Details

Calories

4114, rue Sainte-Catherine ouest, Montréal, QC H3Z 1P2 514-933-8186

Description: If you're in the market for a pick-me-up or just want a place to relax and indulge yourself, head over to Calories. This sweet shop provides indication of its temptations without apology. For years now, the place has been turning out homemade desserts and pastries ­ rich, flaky delicacies that patrons can't seem to get enough of. Whether you opt for cheesecake, a slice of moist cake or a fruit-topped confection, you'll revel in the pleasure it provides. A selection of beverages, including beer, is available, and you'll find sandwiches and appetizers if you need something to balance the sweetness of dessert. Popular with everyone, including calorie-immune college kids.
More Details

Chez L'Épicier

311 rue St-Paul est, Montréal, QC H2Y 1H3 514-878-2232

Description: If you're craving quality food, simply prepared and served in casual surroundings, head over to this fashionable eatery. Fresh ingredients are given prominence, and there are no repetitions; each dish is carefully and uniquely constructed. Enjoy the pan-fried Marieville foie gras escalope served as a napoleon with gingerbread, butternut squash purée, shallot compote with dried prunes, duck juice vinaigrette and allspice. The cuisine is creatively Québécois, meaning that, while many of the components are produced locally, it also takes advantage of French techniques. It's also a good place to pick up take-out for the comfort of your own home.
More Details

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.
More Details

Joe Beef

2491, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1N6 514-935-6504

Description: With a name like Joe Beef, you might expect the focus here to be squarely on steak. But such is not the case ­ fresh, market cuisine is the specialty. Whatever is best that day at the nearby Atwater Market is what turns up on the menu that night. Thus, the ever-changing chalkboard menu might feature virtually anything, from pan fried skate wing to tripe to seared tuna to rabbit ballotine. There's a raw bar as well, with a great selection of the freshest oysters, clams, lobster. The space is intimate with a rustic-yet-refined ambience, and the expert staff are amicable and well-versed with the kitchen's talents.
More Details

Kilo

5206, blvd de St-Laurent, Montréal, QC 514-277-5039

Description: Cakes, pies, mousses, coffees, even hard-to-find candies are some of the delightful offerings at this sweetshop near downtown. Sandwiches are also featured on the menu.
More Details

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.
More Details

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.
More Details

La Chronique

99, rue Laurier Ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2N6 514-271-3095

Description: Multiple-award winning La Chronique is a standout by any standard. Chef Marc de Canck's interpretation of New American market cuisine incorporates regional ingredients with exotic, global flavors ­ with fabulous results. Duck confit ravioli, pot au feu, veal filet with morels, and red tuna tartare are just some of the possibilities, and guests can choose a multi-course tasting menu, the three-course prix fixe option, or order from the a la carte menu. De Canck has extensive experience as a pastry chef, so do not pass up dessert!
More Details

Le Club Chasse et Pêche

423 rue St-Claude, Montréal, QC H2Y 3B6 514-861-1112

Description: Despite its rustic-sounding name, this widely praised restaurant is stylish and clubby, with ample amounts of dark wood and leather upholstery. Indeed, there's not a stuffed grizzly or mounted sturgeon in sight. The menu, however, features an abundance of game and fish, in sometimes wacky-sounding presentations that never fail to impress critics and foodies alike. Try scallops with fennel purée and lemon emulsion, or seared bison with physalis, cashews and chocolate. Desserts are beautiful and worth every calorie.
More Details

Le Jardin Nelson

407, place Jacques Cartier, Montréal, QC H2Y 3B1 514-861-5731

Description: Crêpes filled with sweet chocolate, sugar and apple stuffing, with maple syrup vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberies ... which to choose? Sample these and more with an excellent cup of coffee, or enjoy a full meal with savory soups and salads, omelets and pizzas, but save room for dessert.
More Details

Les Voyageurs

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

Description: Although this lounge does a brisk business in the evenings accommodating patrons who come to drink, socialize, and listen to live piano music, it's also a good bet for lunch. Seafood dishes and fresh oysters are a major draw, along with the kitchen's "cuisine of the world." Les Voyageurs knows that time is at a premium, so it guarantees efficient service and quick turnaround for business people who come to dine at lunch. Its downtown location also means that it's convenient and easy to negotiate.
More Details

Magnan Restaurant

2602, St-Patrick St, Pointe St-Charles, QC H3K 1B8 514-935-9647

Description: Still going strong since 1932, this unassuming tavern/restaurant across the river from downtown Montréal specialized in simple steak and seafood dishes served up in generous portions. The cold lobster is a must and there are surprisingly fresh seasonal vegetable sides like creamed turnips. Try the interesting selection of local brews to wash it down. Save room for dessert like the pudding chomeur covered in brown sugar syrup or a thick slice of pie.
More Details

Moishes

3961, blvd St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y4 514-845-3509

Description: Considered by locals to be one of Canada's best steakhouses, Moishes has been serving delectable steaks since opening in 1938. Should you not care for steak, other choices include salmon, char, veal and lamb. Each charcoal broiling comes with signature Monte Carlo potatoes or hand cut french fries. Great service from the waitstaff, and the wine list is thoroughly impressive, garnering a Wine Spectator award.
More Details

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.
More Details

Restaurant du Vieux-Port

39, rue St-Paul est, Montréal, QC H2Y 1G2 514-866-3175

Description: Set in an historic building that once housed sailors, this well-loved restaurant sports a crisp, blue and white color scheme and rustic stone walls. It accommodates diners in eight rooms and on an outdoor terrace, surrounding them with great service and terrific food. Steak and seafood are the specialties, and you'll find grilled salmon and swordfish, filet mignon, lobster and fresh trout. Other options include grilled chicken, lasagna, veal parmigiana and lamb. The restaurant also offers an elaborate Sunday brunch and holiday brunches as well.
More Details