Bites and Sights: Must-Try Eats and Experiences in Montreal (Paolo’s Recs)
Little Italy/Petite Patrie:
Vin Mon Lapin: #1 restaurant in Canada; may be difficult to get a reservation)
Bottega: Napolean style pizza
Jean-Talon Market: great to walk around, sample food, have a drink, etc.
Caffe San Simeon: Italian coffee bar
Café San Gennaro: Another Italian coffee bar
Marinelli Brothers: Yet another Italian coffee bar (there are many more in the area too...)
Plateau Mont-Royal/Outremont/Quartier des Spectacles:
Le Chien Fumant: One of my favorites; cozy French-ish restaurant on a quiet street (sit at the bar if you can)
Damas: Amazing Syrian food
L'Express: Iconic French bistro
Boulangerie Cheskie: Jewish bakery (Orthodox neighborhood)
St. Viateur Bagel: Montreal bagels
Schwartz's Deli: Montreal smoked meat (get there early for lunch); have a medium fat smoked meat sandwich, fries, pickle and a cherry coke
L'Avenue: Recommend for breakfast, but wait can be very long for a table
Bouillon Blk: Great tasting menu
Walk or bike up and around Mount Royal
Walk through the Plateau Mont-Royal
Old Montreal / Griffintown:
Bota Bota: Spa on a boat, great if you just want to relax for a few hours
Cirque du Soleil - Kurios: Cirque show under the big tent
Notre Dame Basilica: Check out the Aura light show
Place Carmin: Minimalist French restaurant
Arthur's Nosh Bar: You have to get the pancakes here, best I've ever had
Dorsia: Newer venue, great food nice ambiance
Olive et Gourmando: Great spot for breakfast
Joe Beef: Popular restaurant
Mano Cornuto: Trendy Italian restaurant
William Grey Hotel Rooftop: Great for a drink
Hotel Nelligan Rooftop: Great for a drink
Cafe Olimpico: Italian coffee bar in the William Grey Hotel
Walk around le Quartier des Spectacles
Walk through old Montreal / old port, art galleries, etc.
Walk along the St. Lawrence River and Lachine Canal