Eat in Montreal on a budget – Montreal is one of Canada’s most vibrant cultural centres, renowned for its commerce, motorsport, education, art and technology. But while technology provides plenty of places for us to find a cheap thrill online (and you should definitely check them out), the digital world still can’t provide us with a place to eat. Luckily, Montreal is full of cafes, bistros and restaurants which reflect a variety of cultures – from French boucheries and cosy South American eateries to classic all-day brunch spots.
Whatever you’re hungry for, you’ll find it in Montreal -“ and you won’t need to break the bank to enjoy good food. If you’re planning to eat in the city on a budget, this post will guide you through some of the best places offering meals that are guaranteed to fill you up without emptying your wallet.
Eat in Montreal on a budget
La Carreta, 350 Rue Saint-Zotique Est
La Caretta, a charming Salvadoran restaurant that’s located in Little Italy, has an almost cult following (just check out its raving online reviews). There’s nowhere else in Montreal where you’ll find such a delicious pupusa, which is a thick cornmeal flatbread that’s been named the native dish of El Salvador. La Caretta’s pupusas are stuffed with a variety of ingredients, from classic bean to pork and cheese – and prices are from as low as $3.
Le Vieux Velo, 59 Rue Beaubien Est
Just around the corner from La Caretta, Le Vieux Velo is the perfect choice if you’re on the lookout for brunch (but don’t want to pay the sorts of prices you’ll find on the boards in more ‘trendy’ restaurants). This laidback eatery serves breakfast all-day, its menu featuring favourites such as smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, vegan tofu scramble, various twists on the classic Eggs Benedict, and pancakes with yoghurt, fruit, granola and syrup. Don’t forget to order a hot drink while you’re there – the latte art practically deserves a place in one of Montreal’s many galleries.
Drogheria Fine, 68 Avenue Fairmount Ouest
Drogheria Fine in the Mile End has been lauded as the place to get the best pasta sauce in Montreal. Its takeaway gnocchi – which is a total steal at just $5 – is served through a window in Chinese takeout boxes, smothered in the delicious tomato sauce that has made this eatery famous. Be prepared to spend the rest of your life trying to recreate this sauce without success – it’s called ‘la salsa della nonna’, meaning Grandma’s sauce, and is made according to the owner’s family recipe of tomatoes, olive oil, and basil. The good news is you can buy your own jar of it in the Drogheria Fine shop.
Boucherie Abu Elias, 733 Boulevard de la Côte-Vertu
Boucherie Abu Elias is a corner butcher shop which sells takeout sandwiches full of fresh meat. If you’re not a vegetarian, you’ll find it hard to resist the assortment of mix grills, filet mignon, shish chicken, burgers, lamb and steak – and with the most expensive sandwiches on the menu costing just $5.99, why would you try to resist?
If you’re keen to experience a taste of Montreal, but want to save money for sightseeing, why not stop by one of these eateries? Your tastebuds (and funds) will thank you.
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