Montreal is all about its vibrant nightlife, but if you’re not nursing a hangover, there are some incredible spots to grab lunch in the city. If you’re like the Divas, you tend to stick to dinner dates instead of lunch, but these lunch spots are worth rolling out of bed for.
Comptoir 21
Comptoir 21 is a fish n’ chips diner with three locations in Montreal: Verdun, Mile End, and Downtown. It is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week till 11:00pm. The décor is cozy with counter seating on stools and that typical marine décor; we love it! It boasts a creamy and hearty clam chowder ($5.95), excellent fish n’ chips ($10.45) made with haddock, and cod croquettes ($12.95) made with potatoes.
21 Rue Saint Viateur Ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2K7
(514) 507-3474
1117 Ste. Catherine Est, Montreal, QC
(514) 750-3474
4844 Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1X5
(514) 564-3474
Dépanneur Le Pick Up
Dépanneur Le Pick Up is a quaint dépanneur with an old school lunch counter serving delicious meaty or vegetarian sandwiches. They also have coffee, preserves, and other home-made products. Dépanneur Le Pick Up is a little treasure located on the corner of Waverly in the newly named neighbourhood of Mile-Ex, near the Jean-Talon Market. With seating inside and outside, it’s ideal for a quick bite at lunch. Must-haves are the grilled haloumi sandwich ($6.25) and the pulled pork sandwich ($7.50). Open 7 days a week, it closes at 7:00pm every day except Sunday when it closes at 6:00pm.
7032 Rue Waverly, Montréal, QC H2S 3J2
(514) 271-8011
Olive et Gourmando
Olive et Gourmando has been a popular bakery and lunch spot since it opened on St. Paul West in Old Montreal. You’ll find line-ups out the door but the charcuterie, sandwiches, and baked goods are worth every minute of your wait. Indulge in a flaky palmier pastry (3.25$) while waiting for your table. The Cuban sandwich ($11.95) with braised pork, pancetta, gruyère cheese, and chipotle mayo is divine. The mac n’ cheese ($16) with mushrooms and truffles is perfectly creamy. Make sure to buy some of their homemade ricotta. They are open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00am to 6:00pm and are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
351 Rue Saint Paul Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 2A7
(514) 350-1083
Le Gros Jambon
Le Gros Jambon is a typical diner – long and narrow with barstool seating overlooking the grill, an old school milkshake blender off to the side, and knick knacks to fill the empty spaces. And the food? Not your typical greasy spoon fare. Try the four cheese mac n’ cheese ($8) and add in lobster (+$MP) or some duck confit (+$12). For a decadent treat, order the fried chicken and waffles ($14), definitely a Diva pick! They also serve brunch with faves like eggs benedict and varied BLTs, perfect to quell your hangover. They’re open every day from 11:00am until 4:00pm.
286 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T6
(514) 508-3872
Dinette Triple Crown
A picnic in the park is a great way to spend a sunny day and Dinette Triple Crown has everything you need. Located in Saint Édouard, on Clarke, Dinette Triple Crown packs your food in a basket with all the fixings, right down to the red and white checkered table cloth. Indulge in the Big Nasty ($10), a biscuit topped with gravy and the best fried chicken in the city. You can also enjoy traditional southern sides like hush puppies ($3.50) or mac n’ cheese (small – $7). Lemonade and ice tea arrive in mason jars and sauces are packed in squirt bottles. They also do take-out and are open every day of the week until 9:00pm except on Wednesdays.
Rue Clark, Montréal, QC H2S 3E9
(514) 272-2617
The Montreal Food Divas have been frequenting restaurants since November 2011. In some (most) circles, we are known for causing trouble; therefore, our Thursday nights are reserved for plotting (b**ching), drinking (getting tipsy), and eating great food (gluttonous indulgence) with great company (an unholy alliance). We just love food and want to share our Montreal dining experiences.