by Véronique Harvey
Need a holiday but short on funds to treat yourself to an exotic getaway? Why not send your taste buds on an adventure instead? Today, we propose a culinary tour of the world without ever leaving the Island of Montreal. Bon appetit!
Dolcetto & Co.
With products imported directly from Italy, you've likely never eaten such fine cured meats, not to mention their delicious oven-baked pizzas. More than anything, ask them to recommend a privately imported wine to go with your meal: you won't be disappointed!
Tapas24
In Barcelona, Tapas24 is one of the most highly regarded Spanish restaurants. And it's the same story for their international address here in Montreal. Looking for a modern tapas bar with authentic food and an excellent atmosphere? Tapas24 is where it's at!
Portus 360
Helena Loureiro's reputation is well established. Her menu, which mainly features fish and seafood is fresh, tasty and perfectly executed. Be sure to order her specialty: octopus! It can also be said that the Portuguese chef made a smart move by setting up in Montreal's only revolving restaurant, the former "Tour de Ville". Good food and a stunning view: what more could you ask?
Europea
Part of the Relais & Chateau group, Restaurant Europea is a must-visit for anyone wanting a culinary experience that's out of the ordinary: every bite is an explosion of flavour; the decor is chic; the service impeccable, and we particularly like the cheese cellar, which finishes off the whole experience in style!
Su
Have you tried Turkish cuisine? Fresh ingredients, mixed herbs, aromatic spices, colourful vegetables... In short, everything is in keeping with the food. Chef Fisun Ercan brings a breath of the Mediterranean to his food and it's up to you to enjoy it. Long live the Meze!
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OTHER GREAT SUGGESTIONS:
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Au pied de cochon
Who hasn't heard of Au Pied de Cochon? Without a doubt it’s one of the city's must-visit restaurants and has gained an international reputation. Martin Picard's food is generous, enjoyable and rich: there's no counting calories and you’ll eat your fill. Try their famous foie gras poutine – which has made a name for the restaurant since they opened. You’ll be pleased to know there's foie gras almost everywhere on the menu!
Ikanos
God, I love this restaurant! Everything is delicious: from the dishes to the cocktails, including the wines: EVERYTHING! At Ikanos, Chef Constant Mentzas serves modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Lovers of fish, seafood or lamb will find exactly what they're looking for. And everything is fresher than fresh! In the end, you'll leave satisfied but without that feeling of having eaten too much.
Ichigo ichie
Izakaya are becoming increasingly popular in Montreal, but Ichigo Ichie stands out from its competitors in the sense that it truly respects Japanese tradition. The atmosphere is lively, the dishes to share are tasty and highly varied, and the beer flows freely. In short, an authentic Japanese tavern!
Escondite
Izakaya are becoming increasingly popular in Montreal, but Ichigo Ichie stands out from its competitors in the sense that it truly respects Japanese tradition. The atmosphere is lively, the dishes to share are tasty and highly varied, and the beer flows freely. In short, an authentic Japanese tavern!
Agrikol
A rum in hand, a grilled dish in front of you, colourful decor and lively music: this is what's on offer at Haitian restaurant, Agrikol. Whether it's just for a glass of ti punch or a full meal (consisting of a protein + rice and beans + fried plantains + pikliz), I guarantee you'll leave the place grinning from ear to ear!
Le Nil Bleu
With its white tablecloths and zebra patterns this restaurant is chic. But here you eat with your hands. Yes, without utensils... Or in fact using injera, a kind of lightly moistened gluten-free bread that's rolled like a thick pancake. So the injera is used as cutlery. The Ethiopian cuisine served here, consisting mainly of stews, is very tasty with just the right amount of spice. To sum up, it's an experience in itself.
Gandhi
This restaurant serves refined, colourful and varied Indian cuisine in an understated and elegant setting. The aroma of the spices will stimulate your senses, as the dishes are all just as tasty as each other. For a culinary journey that's as exotic as you could possibly want, just go to Gandhi and order a curry, tandoori chicken or the duck tikka. But don't forget your Indian tea to top it all off.
Banh Mi Queen
This is an entirely new take-out counter worth discovering. The Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches served here are generous and seriously tasty! In short, they don't skimp on the ingredients. But what we love most of all is the price! Yep, the sandwiches are just $5. And if you're looking for a place to eat, remember that you can walk in the next door down and enjoy your Banh Mi Queen at Big In Japan as they're the same owners!
Now all you have to do is succumb to the delicious smell of exotic food and take yourself on what is thankfully a much more affordable trip!
