Liam TrudeauTaste your way through the best lunch spots in Montreal
Knowing a good lunch spot isn’t rocket science. It just needs great food, generous portions, and an ambience that makes you want to stay up to dinner. While you can’t always have it all, some places deliver top-notch flavours and keep you returning.
After chasing one recommendation after another, I’ve finally found the best spots for lunch in the city. Some are refined restaurants featuring international flavours, while others are perfect for cheap and light bites.
So, if you’re hungry and ready to dive into some delicious food, just look at this list!
1. Bouillon Bilk
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Website: http://www.bouillonbilk.com/
Address: 1595 Boul St-Laurent
Contact Details: +1 (514) 845-1595
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
Bouillon Bilk is the perfect spot for a classy business lunch or a little treat if you enjoy a peaceful meal. It’s sophisticated, with attentive service that doesn’t feel overbearing.
The meals cost $50 to $60 per person, which is not cheap. However, the service and ambience make it worthwhile. Plus, they lean into seasonal ingredients, so there’s always something to look forward to with every visit.
If you plan to dine here, allocate about 1.5 to 2 hours to savour their four-course lunch. The portions are satisfying and their flexibility even allows you to swap dishes within their table d’hôte.
It’s recommended that you book at least two weeks in advance, as the spot is quite popular. Parking is manageable, but it’s best to avoid peak festive seasons.
2. Omma
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Website: http://ommarestaurant.com/
Address: 51 Rue Ontario O
Contact Details: +1 (514) 379-1183
Operating Hours: Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM | Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
Omma is a cosy Korean restaurant tucked away at Ontario and Clark Streets. It’s just steps from the Saint Laurent metro, so it’s easy to reach even without a car.
It’s a small spot with only a few tables and bar seats. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak hours at lunchtime.
If you’re in the mood for starters, fried squid and kimchi are popular choices. The octopus bibimbap and cajun (a crispy seafood pancake) are solid choices for those who love seafood as a main course.
While the food is delicious, portions can be on the smaller side. The traditional banchan (side dishes) aren’t complimentary and must be ordered separately.
3. Nouilles de Lan Zhou
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8EHVgwJ2jYCfRwPT9
Address: 1006 Saint Laurent
Contact Details: +1 (514) 800-2959
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Price: $
If you’re craving authentic hand-pulled noodles, Nouilles de Lan Zhou in Chinatown is a must-visit. Walk by their window, and you’ll immediately spot a chef crafting fresh noodles.
Don’t know what to order? You won’t go wrong with their classic beef noodle soup with a tea egg. The generous portion is so satisfying that you wouldn’t finish it all in one sitting.
One thing I loved was the option to customise your meal. You can choose the thickness of your noodles and the size of your bowl. If you want something chewy yet tender, opt for the #4 thickness and get the medium-size option.
4. Escondite
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Website: http://escondite.ca/
Address: 1206 Avenue Union
Contact Details: +1 (514) 419-9755
Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 – 10:00 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$
For a full-on Mexican lunch, Escondite is the top lunch spot. I couldn’t resist trying the beef and cod tacos for the main course, and they did not disappoint.
The $35 tasting menu is an excellent option if you’re sharing with friends. There’s plenty of variety with vegetable and fish dishes like the cauliflower tacos and ceviche. The portions are perfect for sharing without overdoing the ingredients.
To top it all off, you can pair your meal with a Jarritos soda with a pleasant fruity taste. Their drink menu also includes creative cocktails, mescal, and tequila if you want something more potent.
And yes, you can’t skip dessert. The churros are a highlight – crispy, cinnamon-coated delight paired with a rich dipping sauce!
5. Toqué
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Website: https://www.restaurant-toque.com/fr/
Address: 900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Contact Details: +1 (514) 499-2084
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$
Known for its market-fresh approach, Toqué is the place to go if you love locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily based on what’s available, so there’s always something exciting to anticipate each visit.
I tried their roasted guinea fowl. It was tender and juicy, paired with a flavourful cabbage roll and chicken-flavoured broth. It’s the right dish for a hearty meal without breaking the bank.
If you’re willing to spend more, check out their private imported wines. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, the sommelier’s recommendations are always spot-on.
Finally, no visit to Toqué would be complete without trying their house-made desserts. One standout is the sticky toffee apple date dessert. It’s a delightful treat that nicely balances sweetness with texture.
6. Stash Café
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Website: http://www.restaurantstashcafe.ca/
Address: 200 rue Saint-Paul Ouest
Contact Details: +1 (514) 845-6611
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $
Stash Café is a go-to for those craving authentic flavours from Poland! With over 50 years in the neighbourhood, it’s easy to see why locals and tourists flock here enthusiastically.
For lunch, one of their best dishes is the traditional pierogies. Stuffed with either potatoes or beef, these dumplings are hearty enough to satisfy you. It’s also served with tangy sour cream that never fails to impress.
Another must-try is their kielbasa platter. The sausage is perfectly cooked, with this smoky flavour that pairs with their creamy potato salad and fresh coleslaw. If you’re looking for something light, just an order of salad will be enough.
7. Café Parvis
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Website: http://cafeparvis.com/
Address: 433 Rue Mayor, Montréal, QC H3A 2K7, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (514) 764-3589
Operating Hours: Tuesday- Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: $
Though it might appear small outside, Café Parvis is a spacious and casual lunch spot. The restaurant spans two floors, providing various seating options ideal for intimate meals and group lunches.
The menu at Café Parvis is small, but it’s thoughtfully curated. One of my favourites is the gravlax appetiser. It has a flavorful sauce that complements well with the silky fish.
The cantaloupe salad is another interesting choice. It features unique ingredients like parmesan whipped cream. However, the flavours are a bit tricky to balance.
For pizza lovers, you can’t miss the chicken tzatziki pizza. The balance of creaminess and seasoning is just right – you can probably finish the whole plate!
If you want something lighter but creamier, the avocado and watercress pizza are the better options.
8. Mandy’s
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Website: http://www.mandys.ca/
Address: 2067 Crescent, Montreal, QC, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (514) 419-0779
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Prices: $
Mandy’s is a must-visit spot for anyone craving a fresh and satisfying salad lunch in Montreal. The place alone is worth the visit, as it has large windows that bring in plenty of natural light.
I recommend their famous Wolfe bowl if you want the perfect salad. It contains mixed greens, quinoa, and more. It’s also drizzled with a delicious tamari dressing, which gives it a nice kick.
The crunchy sesame salad is an excellent pick for something lighter. This bowl features romaine lettuce, mandarin oranges, and crunchy noodles. It’s then tossed in a sweet sesame vinaigrette that ties it together.
9. Bar Dominion
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Website: http://www.bar-dominion.com/
Address: 1243 Metcalfe St
Contact Details: +1(514) 303-0266
Operating Hours: Sunday – Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Wednesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM /2:00 AM | Friday- Saturday: 4:00 PM–2:00 AM
Price: $$$
Bar Dominion offers an old-school charm with its beautiful vintage interior. Originally a hotel restaurant in 1927, the space retains its historic appeal while keeping up with modern trends in terms of food.
The lunch menu stands out, especially for those who appreciate a solid value. For $40 to $50, you can enjoy a meal that includes an appetiser with your main dish. I highly recommend the bruschetta and beet salad if you want something perfectly portioned.
I recommend pairing your meal with one of their unique cocktails or wines. The classic Negroni and Espresso Martini are great options if you want something laidback. For something more unique, you can try their homemade tonics that elevate their gin-based cocktails.
10. Campo
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Website: http://www.campomtl.com/
Address: 1108 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest
Contact Details: +1 (514) 903-9639
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: $
Campo is the place to go if you want to indulge in a Portuguese-inspired menu. Their grilled chicken is the star of the show. It’s marinated for 24 hours to ensure each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Whether you opt for a whole chicken plate or a lighter sandwich, you can enjoy it with delicious sides like quinoa or crispy fries. The meals also come with a generous portion of homemade gravy, so every plate is super satisfying!
For something extra special, the chicken poutine is a must-try. It combines tender grilled chicken, São Jorge cheese, and chouriço chips. They’re placed on a bed of crispy fries and smothered in a savoury homemade chicken gravy.
11. Maison Boulud
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Website: http://www.maisonboulud.com/
Address: 1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest, Montréal, QC H3G 1H6, Canada
Contact Details: +1 (514) 842-4224
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Wednesday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price: $$$
Maison Boulud is the ideal lunch spot for a refined French dining experience. One of the highlights is the stunning glass roof because it gives diners a beautiful view of the interior garden and a pond with ducks.
The restaurant’s menu is impressive, with a dish like the salmon tartare. It also features classic Lyonnais charcuterie and casual options like gourmet burgers.
You can also have a truly special experience with their three-course meals, which usually cost $75. The service matches the price, delivering an experience that feels worthwhile.
12. Joe’s Panini
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Website: https://joespanini.com/
Address: 1404 rue Drummond,
Contact Details: (514) 843-8057
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: $
This sandwich spot has been serving customers for over 30 years. In fact, it earned a reputation for its flavorful paninis – you can probably already tell from its name!
One of the highlights is the smoked turkey and cheese panini. It’s served with a generous dollop of rich, flavorful pesto sauce – a fantastic option for its price.
The paninis are not overly complicated but are packed with flavour. It makes it a top choice for anyone looking for an affordable meal.
Joe’s Panini also offers catering services for business lunches and cocktail receptions. If you’re planning an event, Joe’s can ensure your guests are satisfied with various sandwiches and salads.
13. Olive et Gourmando
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Website: http://oliveetgourmando.com/
Address: 351 Rue Saint-Paul O
Contact Details: +1 (514) 350-1083
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Prices: $
Olive et Gourmando is a must-visit spot in Old Montreal. It’s where you can indulge in incredible French-inspired pastries and a solid coffee selection.
The Cuban sandwich here is a favourite. It has layers of well-seasoned meat and tangy mustard. Although it’s pricier at around $20, it’s worth it for the quality and portion size.
If you’re looking for something different, their mushroom mac and cheese is another awesome dish. It’s ideal if you want something creamy, though this one tends to be smaller.
Vegetarians will also find plenty of options here. The eggs Benedict sandwich is a great choice served on challah bread. You can easily request to omit the meat, and they’ll gladly accommodate.
