Montreal Food Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Eat Out

Suggestions
April 6, 2026 wq6sug (0) Comments

New to Montreal or visiting for a weekend? This practical guide explains how dining works in the city so you can enjoy every meal.

Language

French is the main language, but almost every restaurant downtown and in tourist areas also serves customers in English. A simple “Bonjour, hi!” is always appreciated.

Bring your own wine (BYOW)

“Apportez votre vin” restaurants let you bring your own bottle with no or a small corkage fee. Buy wine at an SAQ store; grocery stores and dépanneurs sell a more limited selection.

Taxes and tipping

Menu prices do not include tax. In Quebec, GST (5%) and QST (9.975%) add 14.975% to the bill. Tipping 15% to 20% of the pre-tax amount is standard at sit-down restaurants. Groups often see an automatic service charge.

Table d’hôte

Many restaurants offer a table d’hôte: a fixed-price menu with a starter, main and sometimes dessert. It is usually the best value, especially at lunch.

Reservations

Book ahead for Thursday to Saturday nights and for popular or Michelin-recognized restaurants. Many restaurants use online booking; small places may only take phone calls or walk-ins.

Food by season

  • Winter: Montréal en Lumière festival, comfort food and cozy wine bars.
  • Spring: sugar shack season (March and April).
  • Summer: terraces, food trucks, festival food and markets at their best.
  • Fall: harvest at Jean-Talon Market, apple picking and MTL à TABLE.

Getting around

The metro, BIXI bikes and walking are the easiest ways to reach the main food neighbourhoods. Parking downtown and on the Plateau can be difficult and expensive.

Next: the best food in Montreal and where to eat by neighbourhood.