5 Mouthwatering Dishes To Try in Montreal, Canada

The city’s food scene is part of what draws visitors to Montreal, with many dishes spanning across several generations. Restaurants are always evolving, but many of the celebrated classics remain more or less the same. Here are some dishes that you must try while visiting Montreal.

* Smoked Meat Sandwich at Schwartz’s

Schwartz’s may well be the most famous feature of Montreal’s foodie scene. Lineups for this iconic deli on Boulevard St. Laurent can reach longer than a couple of blocks on any given day, but the wait usually isn’t too long given its no-frills dining experience. The main dish here is a classic smoked-meat sandwich with a side of fries, a pickle, and a black cherry soda. Schwartz’s has a retro vibe, and the deli boasts an 80-year-old, celebrity-endorsed history of being a beloved city landmark.

* Gnocchi at Drogheria Fine

With its tiny, unassuming location on Fairmont, it’s easy to overlook this authentic Italian shop. But it’s known for making some of the best pasta sauce in Montreal, which you can purchase by the jar—or even better, in a small, $5 carton of fresh gnocchi that bubbles in a vat by the only window. Add Parmesan and crushed pepper, and enjoy this piping-hot Italian comfort dish as you meander through the bustling heart of the surrounding Mile End neighbourhood.

* Bagels at Fairmont

Located right next to Drogheria Fine you’ll find Fairmont Bagels, one half of the most long-standing food-related rivalries in Montreal. Of course, Montreal-style bagels are a must-try while you’re in the city, best enjoyed out-of-hand and still warm. The space is snug and nothing fancy: the walls are lined with bagged bagels and behind the cash counter you can watch as the bagels are baked fresh in a large woodstove.

* Soft-Serve at Kem CoBa

Within a stone’s throw of both Fairmont Bagels and Drogheria Fine, during its active spring/summer months Kem CoBa often has queues that stretch up the block and around the corner. Most people come for a cup or cone of their artisanal ice cream or sorbet, but they also offer chocolate and pastries. The frozen desserts have no preservatives or artificial ingredients, and they offer both scooped and soft-serve in creative, homemade flavours.

* Ice Cream at Ripples

Located on St. Laurent Boulevard, also referred to as “The Main”, the ice cream shop Ripples has been around for over 15 years. Owner Richard Bernett started out by making ice cream at home and fell in love with the craft, and now his little shop offers ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt in more than 30 flavours—including Guava-Grapefruit, Halavah, Moka Almond Fudge, and Chai Tea.