Cheap Eats in Montreal: Great Meals on a Small Budget

Montreal is a fantastic city for eating well on a budget. Students, artists and families keep a whole ecosystem of affordable counters, cafés and markets alive. Prices change often, but these categories consistently deliver a filling meal for little money.

Bagels from the oven

St-Viateur and Fairmount in Mile End sell bagels hot from their wood-fired ovens, day and night. A couple of sesame bagels and a tub of cream cheese is one of the cheapest and most Montreal meals you can have.

Poutine and casse-croûtes

Classic Quebec snack bars (casse-croûtes) serve poutine, hot dogs “steamés” and club sandwiches at modest prices. La Banquise is famous and open 24 hours, while tiny spots like Patati Patata on Saint-Laurent offer small portions at small prices.

Pho, banh mi and dumplings

Côte-des-Neiges, Saint-Denis north of Jean-Talon, and Chinatown are full of family-run Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants. A large bowl of pho or a banh mi sandwich remains one of the best values in the city.

Shawarma and Middle Eastern food

Montreal’s Lebanese and Syrian communities make shawarma, falafel and man’oushe a budget staple, especially around Saint-Laurent (Ville Saint-Laurent), Côte-Vertu and downtown.

Public markets

Jean-Talon Market in Little Italy and Atwater Market near the Lachine Canal are perfect for an affordable picnic: fresh bread, Quebec cheese, fruit in season and ready-to-eat snacks from the stalls.

Money-saving tips

• Look for lunch specials (table d’hôte du midi), often much cheaper than dinner.
• Choose BYOW restaurants (apportez votre vin) to avoid restaurant wine prices.
• Remember that 14.975% tax and a tip are added to menu prices at sit-down restaurants.
• Counter-service spots usually expect a smaller tip or none.

Hungry for more? Read the best food in Montreal and hidden restaurants in Montreal.