Montreal is a food lover's paradise, blending French culinary traditions with multicultural influences to create a truly unique dining scene. Here’s what to eat while visiting this vibrant city:

Montreal Bagels No visit to Montreal is complete without trying its legendary bagels. Smaller, denser, and slightly sweeter than their New York counterparts, they are hand-rolled, boiled in honey water, and baked in wood-fired ovens. Head to Fairmount Bagel or St-Viateur Bagel for the city’s best.

Poutine This iconic Quebecois dish features crispy fries smothered in cheese curds and savory gravy. Try the classic version or gourmet variations with toppings like pulled pork, foie gras, or truffle oil at spots like La Banquise or Ma Poule Mouillée.

Smoked Meat Sandwich Montreal-style smoked meat is a must-try for deli enthusiasts. Thick, juicy slices of spiced and cured beef brisket are piled high on rye bread with a smear of mustard. Visit Schwartz’s Deli, a Montreal institution since 1928, for the authentic experience.

Montreal-Style Pizza Distinct with its thick crust and generous cheese topping, Montreal-style pizza is a comforting treat. Try it at local favorites like Pizza Chez Danny or explore creative takes at artisanal pizzerias across the city.

Tourtière A traditional Quebec meat pie, tourtière is a flaky pastry filled with a mixture of ground pork, beef, or veal, often spiced with cinnamon and cloves. It’s perfect for a hearty and flavorful meal.

Maple Syrup Treats Being in Quebec, you can’t miss the chance to savor maple syrup in all its forms. Look for tire d’érable (maple taffy on snow), maple butter, or desserts like maple pecan pie. Many restaurants incorporate this liquid gold into their dishes.

Desserts Try Pouding Chômeur, a classic Quebec dessert made with cake batter baked in maple syrup, or enjoy a decadent mille-feuille from one of Montreal’s pastry shops. Don’t forget beavertails, fried dough pastries topped with cinnamon sugar or other sweet toppings.

Multicultural Cuisine Montreal’s diversity shines in its food. Enjoy authentic Jewish dishes like knishes and latkes, savor Italian specialties in Little Italy, or dive into flavors from around the globe, including Middle Eastern, Vietnamese, and Haitian cuisines.

With its rich culinary scene, Montreal is a city that satisfies every palate, making it a dream destination for food enthusiasts.