Eat

Aug. 17, 2024

Where to eat and drink around Sainte-Catherine Street?

Les meilleures places autour de la rue Sainte-Catherine pour manger et prendre un verre, au centre-ville de Montréal

Summer is in full swing, the perfect time to savor all that Montreal’s culinary scene has to offer.

Sainte-Catherine Street and its surrounding areas are packed with exceptional places to eat and drink, showcasing the culinary diversity that makes this city famous worldwide. There’s something for everyone and every craving!

Whether you’re with family, friends, or colleagues, you’ll find lively bars, welcoming restaurants, great spots for a 5 à 7, and delicious meals, desserts, and drinks to go, each offering a unique experience.


Bars 

To kick off your exploration of the bars around Sainte-Catherine Street, here are 3 must-visits. Each of these bars offers a distinct experience, perfect for starting or ending a great evening in downtown Montreal.

Bar Nacarat, with its chic ambiance and innovative cocktails, is the perfect spot for a sophisticated evening. Its rooftop terrace offers a stunning view of downtown, ideal for beautiful summer nights.

Bar Dominion on Stanley transports you to a retro atmosphere with an exquisite selection of drinks and a decor reminiscent of the 1920s.

Finally, Bar George, located in a magnificent historic mansion, provides a unique experience combining tradition and modernity with a refined cocktail menu.

Bartender preparing cocktails at Bar Dominion, downtown Montreal.
@bardominion

Restaurants

For a memorable lunch or dinner, here are some must-visit restaurants to discover. Each adds its unique touch to your gastronomic adventure in downtown Montreal, where the possibilities are endless.

To savor the famous Montreal smoked meat, Reuben’s, Mister Steer, and Dunn’s Famous are perfect choices. Try out a Montreal specialty that will delight fans of authentic flavors.

Les Enfants Terribles PVM, with its magnificent terrace at the foot of the PVM Ring offers a unique outdoor experience. Discover this unique fusion concept between a French brasserie and a modern American restaurant.

La Fondue Hidilao offers an interactive Chinese fondue restaurant concept, ideal for an immersive culinary experience. You can prepare your dishes yourself in a flavorful broth.

For a unique gastronomic experience, Le MERCURI 109, with Chef Joe Mercuri, is a 23-seat dining bar. The chefs prepare the dishes in front of you, showcasing their creativity and expertise.

Restaurant Siciliana transports you to Italy with its famous wood-fired pizzas and calzones. Enjoy an authentic Italian atmosphere while savoring dishes made with fresh, quality ingredients.

For French cuisine enthusiasts, Le Pois Penché is the favorite Parisian brasserie in downtown Montreal. This charming establishment is perfect for those who wish to enjoy refined dishes in a sophisticated ambiance.

Red wine toasts at Reuben’s, downtown Montreal.
@reubensmtl

Happy Hour

5 à 7 are a well-established tradition in Montreal, offering the perfect transition between work and the pleasures of the evening. Take these moments to relax and discover unique spots around Sainte-Catherine Street.

The Cloakroom Bar, hidden in Montreal’s prestigious Golden Square Mile, takes the cocktail experience to another level. Experienced mixologists offer a menu of innovative cocktails and can also craft custom creations.

A café by day and a bar by night, Café de Montréal offers half-price cocktails every day from 5pm to 7pm, enjoyed at the bar or on the spacious terrace. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your evening.

Biiru, with its festive and warm terrace, is ideal for a Japanese 5 à 7, offering traditional small plates and cocktails ranging from sake to soju.

For an authentic Irish pub atmosphere, Maison Publique McLean’s Pub is the place to be. More than just a bar and restaurant, it’s a true institution in the heart of downtown Montreal.

Lastly, La Cantina offers a friendly and unpretentious happy hour with specials on all cocktails, including their margarita picante, from 4pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday. It’s a dream spot for margarita lovers.

Saké toasts for 5 à 7 at Biiru, downtown Montreal.
@biiru_mtl

Food Takeout

Looking for a quick bite? These restaurants offer fast and delicious meals, perfect for those on the go or who prefer to take their food to go.

For authentic and tasty shawarmas, Shawarmaz is the ideal spot. Perfect for a quick yet delicious meal, this place is also known for its delicious falafels.

With over 75 choices of wood-fired pizzas, Pizza Il Focolaio offers a wide variety to satisfy all tastes. These pizzas are perfect for takeout and enjoying wherever you like.

Café Vasco da Gama, a European counter and charming sandwich shop in the heart of downtown Montreal, offers excellent sandwiches and salads to go.

Additionally, Kanbei, a simple restaurant offering traditional Sichuan dishes, is known for its quick service and authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Takeout shawarma from Shawarmaz, downtown Montreal.
@shawarmaz_mtl

Desserts to Go

No room left for dessert? Take it to go! These spots offer specialties that will satisfy all your sweet cravings, even at home.

Ice cream lovers will be delighted with classics like Ben & Jerry’s or the discovery of TSUJIRI, which offers matcha and Hojicha ice creams, perfect for fans of Japanese flavors.

Les Glaceurs‘ cupcakes are a must, with flavors like the famous vanilla caramel and the classic red velvet, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

For donut lovers, you can’t go wrong with classic Krispy Kreme doughnuts or the comforting donuts and Timbits from Tim Hortons. Perfect for a sweet treat on the go.

Café Olimpico offers an irresistible selection of Italian desserts, including cannoli, tiramisu, and bombolone (Italian donuts), perfect for taking a piece of Italy with you.

Don’t miss the cheesecake from Reuben’s, a house tradition since 1976. Their strawberry cheesecake, rich in flavor and smooth in texture, literally melts in your mouth.

Cupcakes at Les Glaceurs, downtown Montreal.
@lesglaceurs

Takeout Drinks

To cool off this summer, check out these great spots for takeout drinks, perfect for staying refreshed during your summer adventures.

When it’s hot, nothing beats a good iced coffee. Tommy Café, Melk Café, and Caffettiera Caffé Bar are experts in the field, offering exceptional coffees. These establishments are run by true coffee pros and enthusiasts.

For a refreshing bubble tea break, head to Real Fruit Bubble Tea in the Eaton Centre, ideal for enjoying the air conditioning. Adventurers will love trying ÜTea, Montreal’s first bubble tea robot!

For healthy and vitamin-packed options, Spirulina stands out with its cold-pressed juices. Tropé is a juice and smoothie bar offering a variety of healthy and refreshing drinks. The classic Jugo Juice, located in the Montreal Trust and Eaton Centre, is also an excellent choice for custom juices and smoothies.

Smoothies and fresh juices from Jugo Juice, downtown Montreal.
@jugojuice

This article is part of a series of actions we are taking to help visitors and residents discover the downtown area and showcase its attractions.

This project is made possible thanks to the financial support of the Ville-Marie borough and the Ville de Montréal.

Stay tuned for downtown news