Stash Café

Stash Café serves Polish comfort food on Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, in a historic building in the heart of Old Montreal. The café has been part of the old city’s dining scene since 1972, when it began as a casual hangout before growing into a full Polish restaurant, and its dark woodwork, exposed brick and antique furnishings give the room a lived-in, old-world feel. It is a welcome break from the busier tourist spots, with generous plates at reasonable prices for the neighbourhood.

How to get there

Stash Café is in Old Montreal, a few minutes’ walk from Place-d’Armes metro station (orange line). From the station, head south toward the river through the old streets; the walk takes about six minutes and passes close to Notre-Dame Basilica, so it fits easily into a day of sightseeing. Parking in Old Montreal is limited and mostly paid, so the metro is the simplest option.

What to order

Order the pierogis, filled with meat, with cheese and potato, or with mushrooms and cabbage, and the golabki, cabbage leaves stuffed with pork and rice in tomato sauce. Borscht, the soup of the day, kielbasa and beef stroganoff are other comforting choices, and the menu also includes game dishes such as roast boar and duck. Diners often mention the sweet cheese crêpe as a good way to finish. On weekends, the kitchen also serves brunch.

Atmosphere

The dining room is cozy and dimly lit, with heavy wooden tables and vintage décor that has changed little over the decades. Music is sometimes part of the evening. It feels more like a family-run neighbourhood restaurant than a tourist venue, which is exactly why many regulars keep coming back, especially on cold winter nights.

Plan your visit

Stash Café is a good choice after a day exploring Old Montreal, especially in cold weather when its hearty dishes are most welcome. Opening hours vary through the week, and the restaurant has been closed on certain weekdays, so check before you go. Notre-Dame Basilica, Place d’Armes and the Old Port are all within a few minutes’ walk, making it easy to fit into a sightseeing itinerary.

Good to know

• Address: 200 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z9
• Phone: 514-845-6611
• Neighbourhood: Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
• Nearest metro: Place-d’Armes (orange line), about a 6-minute walk
• Cuisine: Polish, with weekend brunch
• Budget: $$
• Reservations: By phone; booking ahead is wise on weekends, as the room fills up
• Best for: Cold days, visitors, casual dinners
• Tip: A good-value option in Old Montreal compared with nearby tourist restaurants

Why it is on our list

Stash Café offers a different taste of Montreal’s immigrant heritage in the city’s oldest neighbourhood, and it has kept its character for more than five decades. If you are planning a weekend in the area, our guide to brunch in Montreal and our neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide will help you round out the day.

Hours, menus and prices change often. Confirm opening hours and reservation policies directly with the restaurant before you go.