From the iconic Québécois dish poutine to grilled octopus at Rosélys, Montréal’s food scene thrives. Writer Sherry Spitsnaugle takes Real Food Travelers on a culinary tour of this city, which celebrates its French heritage and is passionate about its food.

Save this article to Pinterest to help you plan your journey into Montreal’s food scene. Photos by Sherry Spitsnaugle. Graphic by RealFoodTraveler.com.

Montréal Food: Where to Get a Real Taste 

Cars and cyclists whizzed by just a few feet from us as we sat at an outdoor café on Rue Sainte-Catherine in downtown Montréal. A friend and I were dining at 3 Brasseurs (3 Brewers), a brewpub in a popular area filled with cafés, bistros, and umbrella-covered patios.

I took a healthy sip of IPA and watched people stroll by—cigarette in hand—laughing, speaking French, and looking stylish.

It all felt wonderfully European.

On a giant screen inside the bar, two Canadian Football League Teams—the Montréal Alouettes and the Ottawa Redblacks—battled. Cheers were off the charts when the Alouettes scored.

Perhaps it was because the home team was winning, but Montréalers at the pub struck us as especially welcoming.

Our tables were so close on the patio we asked the family next to us if we could borrow their mayonnaise. Diners at two other tables overheard us, prompting three bottles of mayo to come our way.

3 Brasseurs, (3 Brewers) serves excellent beer and has a great outdoor patio.

Downtown Montréal’s Ring: A Large Steel Circle Symbolizing Unity

We were in the area known as Quartier des Spectacles, which bustles with cafés, ice cream shops, and boutiques.

The cultural district is Montréal’s hub for live entertainment, arts, and festivals, with theaters, galleries, and public spaces that draw visitors year-round.

The area is also home to the Ring, a large circular steel structure, illuminated with LED lights.

Inaugurated in 2017, the suspended landmark not only provides a fun backdrop for selfies but also “symbolizes the connection among Montréal, Montréalers, and visitors from around the world.”

From my window at Fairmount The Queen Elizabeth, I could see the Ring appear to change throughout the day—from its morning silhouette to a nighttime glow.

Downtown Montréal’s Ring.

Montréal Food: Poutine and Beer – Voilà!

Franklin’s Subs and Suds, a lively pub on a narrow street just blocks from Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montréal, had graffiti-covered walls, music blasting, and dim lighting that softened the room’s rough edges.

Franklin’s was my kind of place.

Our server grinned as she watched me photographing poutine.

The camera didn’t flatter the mix of cheese curds, pale fries, and brown gravy piled into a cardboard bowl with plastic utensils. I shifted the dish into a sunny spot on the table, hoping to make it look more appetizing.

Poutine—Québécois slang for “mess”—didn’t photograph well.

But taste? That’s a different story.

As a Kansas native, I consider these ingredients to be the ultimate comfort food. The combination suited my palate.

When I asked if poutine is always served in a cardboard bowl with plastic utensils, our server grinned and said, “At Franklin’s, it is!”

“We get swamped, and there’s no time to wash dishes,” she explained. “This is the only way we can keep up!”

TIP: Watch a soccer game or the Montreal Alouettes on the big screen while you enjoy poutine and beer.

Franklin’s, a lively pub in Old Montréal, has a fun vibe.

Old Montréal

Old Montréal is undeniably charming, with cobblestone streets, picturesque alleys, and the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the cathedral’s stained-glass windows, or attend Music O’Clock, a series featuring classical and jazz performances.

There’s even Chinatown in Old Montréal.

There, restaurants serve dim sum and bubble tea, and shops sell traditional herbal medicine.

We dipped into a store that sold hundreds of types of tea. The owner even took time to explain a sculpture of a Chinese warrior.

Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Montréal.

Hungry for more? Things to do in Montreal during the Jazz Festival.

Katiza Café, a Blend of Turkish and French Culture

Surrounded by austere buildings, Katiza Café in Old Montréal looked warm and inviting. With floral décor, soft music, and a foliage-covered patio, the bakery was the counterpart of Franklin’s.

“Our Turkish delights are imported from Turkey, and our baked goods are made fresh daily,” the person behind the counter explained as I eyed the selection of sweets.

As I weighed my dessert options, the man behind me suggested the iced latte. A Montréal resident, he said he stops by the bakery every day.

Inside, a wall of pastel florals made the café feel as cozy as its patio. I could imagine lingering there with a cappuccino when temperatures drop below zero.

Turkish delights at Katiza Café, Old Montréal.

Dinner is Served!

On our last night in Montréal, we splurged on five courses with wine at Rosélys, the fine dining restaurant within the iconic Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.

Floor-to-ceiling windows, a black-and-white patterned floor, and a bustling bar gave the restaurant a stylish yet elegant atmosphere.

Dinner at Rosélys excelled at everything a fine-dining experience should.

Sommelier Philippe Langelier described each wine in detail, using phrases like, “a complex nose” and “fruity notes.”

Charming and knowledgeable, he explained each wine’s aroma, clarity, and even history. We loved it every time he appeared at our table with a different bottle.

The zesty grilled octopus appetizer—a first for me—was tender on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Still, the standouts were wagyu with truffle beef jus and mashed potatoes, and the finale: Fresh Quebec strawberries paired with frosty sorbet. The striking dessert ended the evening beautifully.

TIP: Ask for a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Rosélys also has excellent vegetarian options.

Grilled octopus appetizer at Rosélys, the fine dining restaurant at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.

Hungry for more? Try this Montreal Moules-Frites recipe.

Savoring Everything about Montréal Food

For food lovers, Montréal offers endless ways to explore—from lively farmers’ markets to neighborhoods such as Chinatown and Little Italy.

The city serves up a fusion of traditional Québécois dishes and global cuisine.

Although we had reservations for our final dinner at Rosélys, part of the joy was wandering the city and ducking into one of its many lively cafés or pubs.

Montréal’s charm also comes from its melodic French language and European flair.

Even at Starbucks, the barista wrote on my cup, “Merci pour la visite!”

Merci à toi, Montréal.

If You Go to Montréal

Where to Stay

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is the place to stay for convenient location, impeccable service, and proximity to cafes and shops. A bonus? Gare Central Station is directly below the hotel. After our stay in Montréal, we boarded a train for the 3-hour ride to Québec City. As in Europe, the train station is also a fun place to explore, with convenience stores, coffee shops, and cafés.

For VIP hospitality, book the Gold Experience at Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. Amenities include dedicated concierge services, a private lounge, breakfast and an honor bar. The afternoon we stopped in for cocktail hour, there was a generous spread of grilled shrimp, veggies, cheese, and chocolate. The buffet was so abundant, it could have replaced a meal.

Travel with Road Scholar to Montréal and Québec City

Road Scholar, which specializes in educational travel experiences, has an excellent itinerary: French Canada: Montréal and Québec City. The program offers a blend of learning, cultural immersion, and adventure. Guides are well-versed in local history.

Take in a Montréal Alouettes Game

If you are in town when the Montréal Alouettes are playing, catch a game at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium, which offers stunning views of the city skyline. Or buy an Alouettes T-shirt, as I did, at Sports Experts, a short walk from Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth. Sports Extra is a haven for anyone shopping for the latest sports gear and apparel.

Ride the Metro

The Metro is a convenient, safe, and fast way to get around, connecting riders to many destinations throughout the city.

For More Information

For the most current and extensive information, visit the Experience Montréal website.

-Story and photos by Sherry Spitsnaugle

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