Frequent Montreal visitor looking for standout food (new + classic)
I’m a Torontonian and a frequent visitor (and admirer) of Montreal. I know the food scene reasonably well, but I haven’t been back since 2019. My partner and I are coming in May for a week and would love some updated recommendations. What’s new, what’s gotten better, and any classics I may have missed.
For context, here’s a few places I already know and like:
Au Pied de Cochon (have a reservation)
L’Express (have a reservation)
Lester’s
Lawrence
L’entrepot
Bagels: St-Viateur / Fairmount (been many times)
Kouign Amann
Cheskie’s
I tend to gravitate toward places with strong identity and execution, classic or modern, but thoughtful.
Especially interested in bakeries, bfast/brunch, and strong lunch spots, in addition to dinners.
Open to all price points and categories (casual to high-end), though I’m generally less drawn to wine bars or formal tasting menus but open if something is truly worth it.
Would especially appreciate:
Newer openings since \~2018
Neighbourhood/local favourites and lunch/casual spots (not just the hit-list du jour)
Bakeries, sandwiches, or specialty food worth going out of the way for
Thanks in advance. I’m so excited to be retuning!