MONTREAL - What do I miss the most about Montreal? Yes friends, family, playing rugby but the food! Whenever I run into someone here in Playa and they ask where I’m from, when I mention Montreal 100% of the time there’s a positive reaction…..usually followed by comments like “I had a great time” or “I studied at McGill” or “I love the food up there”. So if you plan on traveling to Montreal this summer, or you’re from the city and are looking to try something new, use this list as rough guideline!

PS. Results based on both Tripulu member’s feedback and my own experience. Feel free to come up with your own top 11 list and send it to me :)

Joe Beef Your classic boutique restaurant that’s focus on producing quality dishes has paid off. It’s a very small restaurant so make sure to call if you want a reservation, or you can take your chances and show up but I’m not kidding when I say it’s tiny….maybe seats 20 tops? The food there left an impression on me that I haven’t forgotten. To me that’s the ultimate test, if you can remember how your meal tasted like after many months, or years, you know it was good!

Kaizen Sushi There are a few really good sushi restaurants in Montreal but I think Kaizen edges out the others. Why? Well for one the service here is great, the fish is fresh and if you’re lucky the Blue fin tuna will be available. I liked the layout of the restaurant too. If you want to be a little private head to the back where they have a small bar, or dine out on a summer evening. Your view is of St. Catherine, nothing sexy there but hey, you’re there for the sushi, not the view.

Schwartz If you want smoke meat in Montreal this is your place. Now I’m personally a fan of Smoke meat Pete (located just off Montreal Island, Ile-Perrot to be exact). The story behind Pete is amazing and he’s become a legend but anyways, back to Schwartz’. I’ve walked by this restaurant a thousand times and every single time, I mean every time I pass by, there’s a line up. Even though I’m embarrassed to say that I’ve never eaten here, I couldn’t ignore my members and the frequent line ups which all mean one thing….Schwartz’s is a must eat in Montreal.

Le Mas des Oliviers Opening a new restaurant in Montreal has to be rough. It’s a very competitive market (great for us consumers) and businesses come and go with each new season. They say that if your restaurant can survive the first 3 years you’ll have an 80% + chance of making it long term. So imagine a restaurant that has been around so long that your kids are now old enough to take their dates here, well, you’re know something is going right at Le Mas des Oliviers.

St. Viateur Bagel The Montreal bagel wars, it’s never ending. Half of the city likes Fairmount bagel; the other half likes St. Viateur. I would love to see a taste test between them both, similar to the famous Coke vs. Pepsi taste test. I’ve been to both and they’re excellent bagel shops but the members have spoken and St. Viateur is taking this one.

The Keg Steakhouse Old Montreal Now I know many people might say that Gibby’s in Old Montreal should be here and part of me agrees, but The Keg in Old Montreal offers better value. The service is top notch, being in Old Montreal is nice, and it’s one of the few restaurants that understands how to make a good bloody Caesar! It’s usually very busy and clients always seem to walk out happy.

Pho Bang Located just as you enter Montreal’s Chinatown via St. Laurent, Pho Bang does give you great bang for your buck (ya I know that was cheesy). I’ve eaten here well over 15 times, always with smile and full tummy all for under $15 (super sized no 8 with $2 extra meat + spring rolls + coke). Go easy on the hot sauce, there’s nothing sexier than eating your soup while sweating….nose dripping back into your soup. It’s a great place to go on a cold winter day. It’s a quick in and out place that’s very informal, cheap and easy, just how I like it.

Cafe Titanic This was a tough toss up between Café Titanic and Olive-Gourmando. They’re both excellent little cafes in Old Montreal if you’re looking for a great lunch. Café Titanic makes delicious chicken sandwiches in fresh bread. You can also grab some grilled vegetables and desert to go with your main dish.

Rotisserie Romados There’s nothing like getting what my friends and I call “the dirty bird”. You know those grilled full chickens that you can find at almost any supermarket, well Rotisserie Romados makes arguably the best in Montreal (Janos would be a close second). Order their grilled potatoes to accompany that lonely chicken and you won’t be sorry. It’s a very basic restaurant, no candle light dinners here. People come here for the best BBQ chicken in Montreal.

Queue de Cheval For most people, you’ll need to win the lottery in order to afford a meal at the Queue de Cheval but for the few that have the money, or the expense accounts, you can’t ignore this restaurant. Businesses men dinning out VIP clients will surely head to the Q and most likely top off the evening at Chez Pare / Wanda’s (strip clubs). If you can pay to play, try the Queue de Cheval.

Chez L'Epicier This last pick could have easily been Version restaurant in Old Montreal….a few doors down. Why, well because it’s all about Laurent Godbout. I’ve never met this guy but every time I’ve tried one of his restaurants (Duel was another) there was always one dish that Wow’d me. My one wish is that portions would be a bit bigger but I suppose that what happens when you love what you’re eating, it’s never enough!