Liam TrudeauSavouring savings: Exploring the best cheap eats in Montreal
People think Montreal’s reputation as a foodie haven comes with a side of sticker shock. Fancy restaurants and tourist traps would have you believe your taste buds come at a hefty premium.
Well, I’m here to shatter that myth. As a seasoned Montrealer, I’ve navigated the culinary landscape for years, and I’m about to spill the beans on where to eat like a king (or queen) without spending a fortune.
- Arepas at Arepera
- Falafel pita & sabich at Falafel Yoni
- Dumplings at Dumplings Imagine
- Buns at Patisserie Bao Bao Dim Sum
- Japanese rice bowls at Japote
- Flatbread sandwiches at Lulu Épicerie
- Smash burger at Double's Late Night
- Croquettes at La Croqueteria
- Cheeseburger at Uniburger
- Jamaican patties at Lloydie’s
- Paninis from Joe’s Panini
- Taco trios at Tacos Frida
- Chickpea roti at Caribbean Curry House
- Chicken leg platter at Chalet Bar-B-Q
- Patatine at Patati Patata
Arepas at Arepera
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Location: 73 Rue Prince-Arthur E, Montréal, QC H2X 1B4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-508-7267
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Forget imagining fluffy cornbread pockets – Arepera serves up real-deal arepas (pronounced “ah-reh-pah”). These satisfying cornmeal sandwiches are crispy on the outside, fluffy within, and packed with deliciousness.
And the best part? These flavour bombs range from $8.50 to $13.50 before tax, with even the most loaded options staying below $15.50. Good news if you’re a veggie too – this place has plenty of vegetarian and vegan options!
Want to go beyond the arepas? Snag some empanadas, fried plantains, or even a full-on entree with rice, beans, and your favourite protein ($18 to $19).
Falafel pita & sabich at Falafel Yoni
Media from falafelyoni
Location: 54 Rue Saint-Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2K8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-424-7767
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Falafel Yoni is your foodie destination if you’re a fan of big flavours and small prices. Their falafel pitas and sabich sandwiches are legendary! For just $10.50 (before tax), you get a fresh, fluffy pita overflowing with perfectly spiced falafel balls, crunchy veggies, and all the creamy tahini goodness you can handle.
The sabich is where it gets extra exciting – fried eggplant, hard-boiled egg, hummus, and a zesty Israeli salad for a flavour explosion that still costs only $12.50.
Want a side with that? They’ve got fries (even the fancy za’atar kind!), hummus plates, and salads. With locations on St. Viateur and Wellington, plus a summer spot at Atwater Market, Falafel Yoni always brings that Israeli street food energy to Montreal.
Dumplings at Dumplings Imagine
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Location: 16 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2W 1C5, Canada
Contact: +1 514-903-2886
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM
The dumplings are the real stars here – handmade, generously filled, and boiled or pan-fried to perfection. You’ve got classics like pork and chive, but also fun twists like shrimp and spinach.
A plate of 15 dumplings? That’ll run you about $10 to $12 depending on your filling choice. Talk about a feast that won’t break the bank!
They’ve got other goodies too! Noodle soups, cold appetisers, and those tasty Chinese crepes (jianbing) if you want to mix it up.
Buns at Patisserie Bao Bao Dim Sum
Media from munchieswithannie
Location: 83 Rue De la Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H2Z 1C2, Canada
Contact: +1 514-875-1388
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Forget boring buns! Bao Bao Dim Sum offers whimsical creations shaped like Hello Kitty and other characters. It’s not just about looks, though – these buns are filled with tasty goodness like BBQ beef, red bean paste, or creamy custard.
The best part? These cuties typically cost around $2 each, making it easy to try a variety of flavours without hurting your wallet.
While the character buns steal the show, Bao Bao Dim Sum offers classic steamed pork buns and other savoury dim sum options.
Japanese rice bowls at Japote
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Location: 1000 Sherbrooke West, 1000 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3R3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-269-9004
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Japote rice bowls are a symphony of textures and tastes, with fluffy white rice topped with options like chicken teriyaki, salmon, or melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly.
These flavour bombs won’t break the bank. Most rice bowls fall between $10 and $15, making them a perfect lunch option that won’t leave you feeling angry (that’s hungry + angry) by mid-afternoon.
Don’t let the price tag fool you – Japote’s portions are generous. One rice bowl is usually enough to satisfy most appetites, and their portions are known to be quite filling.
Flatbread sandwiches at Lulu Épicerie
Media from luluepicerie
Location: 2507 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1N6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-507-5858
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
This modern Lebanese gem serves up epic flavour with its incredible flatbread sandwiches. Their shawarmas, all juicy and flavorful, are wrapped in delicate markook flatbread that soaks up every delicious drop.
Or try their manakish – thin, crispy flatbreads packed with goodies like tangy cheese, earthy za’atar, and fresh pops of tomato, mint, and olives.
Also, their shawarma will only set you back around $10 to15. That’s really an affordable way to experience the best of Lebanese street food.
Smash burger at Double’s Late Night
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Location: 5171 Park Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2V 4G3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-507-5858
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 3:00 AM
Smash burgers at Double’s Late Night get their magic from physics. When the patty hits the sizzling griddle, the Maillard reaction kicks in – caramelising the outside for a crispy crust, while locking in the juicy centre.
The classic Double’s smash burger clocks in somewhere around $10 (give or take). That’s a steal for the beefy, cheesy, smash-tastic goodness that arrives at your table. You could even upgrade to one of their decadent specials and still walk away feeling like you won a culinary lottery.
Croquettes at La Croqueteria
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Location: 4520 A Park Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2V 4E3, Canada
Contact: +1 514-804-0654
Operating hours:
- Monday & Thursday to Friday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
La Croqueteria boasts a massive menu with over 30 croquette varieties. Think classic Spanish flavours, creative twists (smoked meat with mustard, anyone?), and even sweet dessert options.
Don’t be fooled by their size too! This place packs a flavorful punch and can be surprisingly filling. Prices here tend to hover around the $3 to $4 mark per croquette, which makes them the perfect snack or the foundation of an affordable, tapas-style meal.
Cheeseburger at Uniburger
Media from uniburgermtl
Location: 2001 Saint Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2X 3K8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-419-6555
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
This burger takes you back to the golden age of roadside diners. It’s simple – beefy patty, melted cheese, basic toppings, soft bun. But, it’s done well. It’s the comfort food hug of the burger world.
Their cheeseburgers clock in under $10. That’s a serious contender in a world of overpriced gourmet patties. You could snag fries and a drink and still feel like a budgeting wizard.
By the way, this place uses 100% AAA Canadian beef, never frozen. That means you get a fresh, juicy flavour that’s the star of the show, not obscured by a mountain of fancy toppings.
Jamaican patties at Lloydie’s
Media from lloydies.mtl
Location: 66 Rue Saint-Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2K8, Canada
Contact: +1 514-274-7474
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Lloydie’s throws down some of the most authentic Jamaican patties in the city, without cleaning out your pockets! Prices here are usually around the $2 to $4 mark depending on whether you want something mild, spicy, or an all-out beefy experience.
Also, Jamaican patties are the original grab-and-go. Lloydie’s is perfect for a quick lunch, a late-night snack, or fuel for exploring the city. No fuss, just flavour.
Paninis from Joe’s Panini
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Location: 1404 Drummond St, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1V9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-843-8057
Operating hours: 24 hours
Joe’s Panini has been around for over 30 years, slinging hot, delicious paninis around the clock. It’s a no-frills kind of place, the kind where the focus is on good, affordable eats.
Their menu is packed with classics – picture spicy sausage, smoked turkey – each sandwich bursting with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and their signature sauces. Best part? Most paninis will only set you back about $5 to $8.
Taco trios at Tacos Frida
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Location: 4350 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H4C 2W6, Canada
Contact: +1 514-935-9696
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
With a trio at Tacos Frida, you get to mix and match your way to taco bliss! Their menu is loaded with options – think al pastor, carnitas, cochinita pibil, the works! Prices generally start around $9 for a trio, meaning you can explore flavours galore.
If you like a little kick, they won’t disappoint. They’ve got the perfect hot sauce selection to bring the heat. Just ask – from mild to fiery, they’re ready to customise your experience.
Chickpea roti at Caribbean Curry House
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Location: 6892 Victoria Ave, Montreal, Quebec H3W 2T4, Canada
Contact: +1 514-733-0828
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Hungry for seriously good Caribbean food that won’t leave you with an empty wallet? Caribbean Curry House has your back. Since 1980, they’ve been dishing out authentic, flavour-packed roti that’s earned them a loyal following in Montreal.
Their chickpea roti is a star of the show – and at around $15 (or $22.75 for a combo plate), it’s a hearty, satisfying meal. You’ll get bold spices, tender chickpeas, and a portion size that won’t leave you wanting.
Chicken leg platter at Chalet Bar-B-Q
Media from tastemontreal
Location: 5456 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H4A 1V9, Canada
Contact: +1 514-489-7235
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
This Montreal institution, established in 1944, isn’t just serving up food – they’re offering a trip down memory lane. Set foot inside the cosy, vintage atmosphere and prepare to be transported by the aroma of their signature BBQ.
For a mere $17.25, you’ll get the star of the show: a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken leg. Marinated and slow-cooked over real hardwood charcoal, it explodes with smoky BBQ flavour in every bite.
Don’t forget their famous sauce – a tangy, sweet concoction that complements the chicken perfectly. Pro tip: we recommend ordering extra for dipping those crispy fries or classic coleslaw that round out the platter.
Patatine at Patati Patata
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Location: 4177 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y7, Canada
Contact: +1 514-844-0216
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Patati Patata is the kind of place where you walk in for the no-frills, cheerful vibe and stay for the surprisingly awesome poutine. It’s got that classic diner energy – think bustling booths, friendly chatter, and the comforting smell of fries and gravy that hits you the moment you go inside.
Whether you’re a poutine purist or love experimenting with toppings, they’ve got you covered.
Speaking of poutine, this place has a trick up its sleeve: the “patatine” (around $10). It’s their signature twist on the classic, loaded with crispy fries, squeaky cheese curds, and rich gravy, but it also features fresh vegetables for a lighter touch.
