As basic as we try to convince ourselves we aren’t, we all seek out those cafes, bars, and restaurants that see the perfect balance of Instagram-worthiness, hipster vibes and novelty. Living in a city as big as Montreal, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the infinite number of choices we have to eat and drink. In fact, it’s so easy that we often overlook the understated haunts that actually do deserve our attention. So, for all you foodies, avid Snapchat users and aspiring Instagram bloggers looking for fresh inspiration, here are some of my favourite Montreal spots of the moment:
1. Foiegwa, 3001 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
If you’re looking for mouthwatering brunch in a casual-chic diner setting, this is your place to be. This spot just opened up last summer and has made a splash in Saint Henri. Brunch comes with sweet and savoury options, along with mimosas and caesars of course! Come night time, the back alleyway opens up to the Atwater Cocktail Club, a hidden neighbourhood speakeasy.
2. Arthur’s Nosh Bar, 4621 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Just one metro station away from Foiegwa is Arthur’s Nosh Bar, another bustling and modern brunch spot to make your weekend. I opted for their Apple Crumble French toast and have literally been dreaming about it since. What’s more, you can walk off your brunch by exploring up and down Rue Notre-Dame. If you’re still craving something sweet afterwards, hop next door to Rustique, an adorable bakery known for their appetizing selection of pies.
3. Dieu du Ciel, 29 Avenue Laurier Ouest
My sister introduced me to this charming microbrewery in first year and I haven’t looked back since. Dieu du Ciel is well known around the city and beyond; they’re often regarded as one of the top breweries in Canada and boast several awards for their unique brews. Situated outside the McGill bubble, you’ll find an unpretentious crowd with fewer students and more locals. Try their rose hibiscus beer (my personal favourite) and order a plate of nachos to go around. If you’re headed there on the weekend, try to get there before 8pm to snatch seats!
4. Leaves Café, 2051 Rue de la Montagne
Are you looking to ditch Starbucks for a cute coffeehouse study space steps away from campus? Leaves serves up great coffee (be sure to specify between soy, almond and coconut milk) and even better vegan donuts. They also sell an array of mini-cactus plants for you to perch on your window sill at home. This place is frequented by students, so you won’t feel intimated pulling out your 100-page course pack and getting down to work.
5. Kampai Garden, 1616 Rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Neon signs, Asian-inspired eats, inventive cocktails and transformed industrial spaces bring a new flair to the Guy-Concordia area. A friend and I popped in during their soft-launch, i.e. before the line-ups, and were more than satisfied with their tasty bites and not to mention great service! This half-bar half-restaurant is even fit with pool tables and sofas in the back, just in case their cocktails make you want to stay for a while (they will).
6. Sparrow, 5322 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
So, as you’ve probably figured out by now, brunch is one of my favourite meals. Just around the corner from Dieu du Ciel lies Sparrow, which serves up amazing brunch in the morning (try the Buckwheat Pancakes or Breakfast Banh-Mi, trust me) and great cocktails at night. This cozy spot gets quite busy for brunch on weekends, so be sure to get there early to avoid a long wait in line! Afterwards, head upstairs and check out the Cardinal Tea Room, an elegant setting for tea and sweets with high ceilings and a chandelier.
Images obtained from:
http://montreal.eater.com/2016/6/23/12012204/arthurs-nosh-bar-jewish-restaurant-saint-henri-photos#0
https://www.instagram.com/p/BN2L9s3hm0K/?taken-by=foiegwa
http://tastet.ca/2016/11/24/kampai-garden-montreal-shaughnessy/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPxlzHVl0Mv/?hl=en