Montreal In voluptas gustus veritas

Montreal In voluptas gustus veritas

Bertil shares his secret addresses

Introduction

Many of you already know that I am originally from Montreal, Quebec, and that I am deeply passionate about this vibrant city, its creativity, its cultural richness, and of course, its exceptional food scene. Over the years, you have often asked me which places are my favorite in Montreal. With the arrival of summer, the long weekends ahead, and the desire to discover new horizons, I wanted to share a few of my heartfelt recommendations with you. Consider this selection as a kind of magic lamp—not to grant wishes, but to guide you toward gastronomic experiences and memorable wine discoveries. This list is entirely personal and is based on places I have visited, appreciated, and that I recommend without hesitation to my loved ones. You will find restaurants, bars, and a few gourmet getaways that are well worth the detour, from Montreal all the way to the vineyards located on the other side of the border.

My goal is simple: to help you discover the best of the region while avoiding certain tourist traps. I hope these recommendations will enrich your next stay and allow you to experience Montreal like a true local. For those who prefer to travel by car, two route options are available. Both converge toward the Champlain Bridge, just before entering Montreal. If you are arriving from the south through Pine Island and wish to drive, I recommend Route 93/91. This route will take you through the Derby Line–Stanstead region, in the Eastern Townships. There you will discover magnificent vineyards and landscapes. On your return, you can then head toward New England via Route 89 to Saint-Armand (Quebec), with the opportunity to explore other wine estates before crossing the Vermont border along Lake Champlain.

Montreal restaurants etc …

For lunch

J'ai Feng. Best Chinese actual (Hip)
43 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal

Gol's Lanzahou noodle. Best Chinese Pho noodle soup in East coast
1006 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal

L'Express. Oldest Brasserie (for Steak Tartare)
3927 Saint Denis St, Montreal

Marché Atwater – Food Hall (Summer only)
138 Atwater Ave, Montreal

Best drink and snack

Canal Lounge. Enjoy cocktails on the canal in a French Peniche
22 Atwater Ave, Montreal

Buvettte Pastek. Wine Bar in old Montreal
209 Saint-Paul St W, Montreal

Le vin Papillon. The wine bar of Joe Beef
2519 Notre-Dame St W, Montréal

Dinner

Sauvage. For Atmosphere & Vibe
52 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal

Vin mon Lapin. A Must, in the top 10 in North America
150 Rue Saint-Zotique E, Montréal

Rôtisserie La Lune. The brasserie of Vin mon Lapin
391 Rue Saint-Zotique Est, Montréal

Joe Beef. A vision of Montreal
491 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal

Chez Leveque. One of the classic French brasseries of Outremont
1030 Av. Laurier O, Outremont

Bouillon Bilk. A genuine gastropub experience
1595, boul. St-Laurent

Salle Climatisé. My Secret Address
6448 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal

Minh Phat Tu's restaurants:
MUI MUI Montreal. 49 Rue Jean-Talon O, Montréal
Anemone. 271 Rue Saint-Zotique O, Montréal

The Greatest Gastros (Fine Dining experience)

Sabayon
2194 Rue Centre, Montréal

Le Violon
4720, rue Marquette, Montréal

Le toqué
900 Pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montréal

Bakery, pastries, ice-cream & wines to go

La cave á Manger.
386 Rue Saint-Paul E, Montréal
(The address for pastries, ice cream, and Natural wine, and one of the most friendly and passionate Baker.)

Farine & Cacao.
1315 Ontario St E, Montreal
(Crowned among the best pastries in the world.)

Pâtisserie Rhubarbe.
1320 Rue Charlevoix, Montréal
(Famous for its fine desserts, pies and seasonal cakes that are as beautiful as they are tasty.)

Chez Potier.
630 Wellington St, Montreal
(A must-see pastry and delicatessen for lovers of gourmet desserts, choux and mille-feuilles.)

Vineyards etc …

Eastern Townships — by route 89, Ouest side

Vignoble la Bauge (Estrie)
155 Av. des Érables, Brigham

Vignoble de Pigeon Hill (Estrie)
395 Chemin des Érables, Saint-Armand

Vignoble les Pervenches (Estrie)
150 Chemin Boulais, Farnham

Les vignes des Bacchantes (Montérégie)
653 Chemin Brownlee, Hemmingford

Clos Saragnat - Vins & Cidres
100 Chemin de Richford, Frelighsburg
For their Straw wine (dessert wine)

Domaine Pinnacle
150 Chemin de Richford, Frelighsburg
For their Ice Cider

Eastern Townships — by route 91, Est side (via route 10)

Vignoble Domaine les Brome (Estrie)
285 Chemin Brome, Fulford

Vignoble de l'Orpailleur (Estrie)
1086 Rue Bruce, Dunham

Grange Hatley (Estrie)
395 Chem. Bachand, Sainte-Catherine-de-Hatley
Please call — it's a private winery
Jean-Paul & Anne Marie
(Texto) 819-578-7244

Vignoble Pinard et filles (Estrie)
1700 Chemin des Pères, Austin

Domaine Bergeville (Estrie)
1030 Chem. Sherbrooke, Hatley