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After weeks of searching and an open call that attracted creators from across Quebec, Restaurants Lafleur has revealed its new digital ambassador: Zachary Fortin.

His selection follows the Lafleur Auditions, a campaign that invited the public to take part in finding the brand's next social media personality. The live audition held on June 7 brought together 26 finalists and generated more than 100,000 views and 4,600 interactions. Across the full campaign, Lafleur's audition-related content surpassed 5 million views, while generating 100,000 engagements and 3,000 new followers.

Fortin stood out for his natural on-camera presence, humour and spontaneous personality. He represents a new kind of Lafleur ambassador: an enthusiastic customer who knows and enjoys the brand's classic offerings while bringing a fresh, social-first approach to the content.

The collaboration also signals a new chapter for Lafleur's digital presence. Following the long-running character Lucie, the brand is now turning its attention to its community and choosing a personality who naturally reflects the enthusiasm and authenticity of its customers.

Over the coming months, Fortin will appear in a series of digital campaigns, videos and on-site activations. New content will roll out across Lafleur's social platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

With Zachary Fortin now at the helm of its social media presence, Lafleur is entering a new era of content built around humour, authenticity and a love for its iconic fast-food classics.

After making a name for itself through a series of pop-ups and culinary collaborations across the city, Jinjin has finally found a home of its own. The Montreal teahouse is currently welcoming its first guests as part of a soft opening, with an approach that should especially appeal to those looking to experience tea and matcha prepared with true care and craftsmanship.

Behind Jinjin is Zhang Wenhui, who grew up in her parents' teahouse in Nanjing, China, surrounded by a culture where tea is as much about craftsmanship as it is about sharing. With Jinjin, she is now bringing that heritage to life in Montreal in her own way, alongside an all-female team.

Here, there are no unnecessary frills. Tea is truly at the heart of the experience, prepared with care and respect for the techniques and traditions behind it, all within a decidedly modern space where guests can simply sit down, take their time, and appreciate the craft. It's a beautiful way to make tea culture more approachable without watering down its traditions. For now, Jinjin is open during the day until 5 p.m., but there is more to come. Eventually, a Chinese food offering will be introduced in the evenings, adding a whole new dimension to the project.

After taking her teahouse concept around Montreal, Zhang now has a space of her own where she can bring her family traditions to life and, above all, continue sharing the knowledge she grew up with. It's a promising new opening that is sure to bring something special to the neighbourhood.

After weeks of building excitement, Croquette is officially open in a few days Montreal's Saint-Henri neighbourhood. Already one of the season's most anticipated openings, the new restaurant offers comforting cuisine inspired by classic Quebec diners, elevated with the craftsmanship and attention to detail of a modern bistro.

The menu features shareable plates alongside classics such as beef tartare, a bologna club sandwich, a signature burger, guinea fowl, prime striploin and a selection of house-made desserts. The food is complemented by an impressive list of natural wines, thoughtfully crafted cocktails and carefully selected beers.

With its warm interior inspired by nostalgic diners and an approach that feels both refined and approachable, Croquette has all the makings of a new neighbourhood favourite.

Reservations are now open. You can reserve your table now by clicking here.

Until September 8th, 2026, Île de France, located on the 9th floor of Montreal's Eaton Centre, invites guests to enjoy a three-course summer prix fixe inspired by the flavours of the French Riviera.

Priced at $55 per person, the menu highlights fresh Mediterranean ingredients and classic French techniques. Guests can begin with either sweetbreads served with olives, green beans and marinated onions, or hamachi crudo with orange vinaigrette, basil and Espelette pepper.

The main course features a choice between grilled chicken thigh with fennel, zucchini and lemon-caper sauce, or tonnarelli with sea snails, mussels and pistou. A peach and yogurt parfait rounds out the meal with a light, summery finish.

Guests can also add a curated wine pairing for a total of $95 per person, featuring selections from Provence, Spain and Ontario.

Served in Île de France's historic Art Deco dining room, the summer prix fixe offers a taste of the French Riviera inspired by the relaxed spirit of Nice, Cannes and Provence, right in the heart of downtown Montreal.

Montreal and food trucks have a love affair that comes back every summer with the same enthusiasm. As soon as the warmer days settle in and festivals start bringing the city to life, food trucks begin popping up all over Montreal.

Whether they stay parked in one spot throughout the season or hit the road for the many festivals and events that fill Montreal's summer calendar, food trucks have become an essential part of the season. And that's exactly what we love about street food: ordering something delicious and enjoying it while walking around, sitting on a park bench, lounging in the grass or catching a bite between two shows.

Tacos, bánh mì, generously filled sandwiches, Greek specialties, poutines, churros and plenty of other creations made to be enjoyed on the go: Montreal's street food scene has grown considerably over the years. Some trucks have become familiar faces at the city's biggest events, while others give established restaurants a chance to step outside their usual locations for a festival or two.

Since 2012, the Association des restaurateurs de rue du Québec (ARRQ) has brought together members of the industry and helped develop Quebec's street food scene. Today, these trucks can be found everywhere from festivals and public gatherings to weddings, corporate events and private celebrations.

Whether you're looking for your next lunch on the go or simply wondering which trucks to keep an eye out for this summer, here are some of the best food trucks to discover in Montreal and the surrounding area.

There was a time when late night dining options were plentiful in Montreal, both in terms of demand and supply. Think of restaurant workers finishing their shifts, actors wrapping up a performance or a day on set, office workers staying late unexpectedly, or anyone looking to end a festive evening with a proper meal. In other words, people who wanted to sit down for dinner somewhere other than a fast food chain along a busy commercial strip.

Back then, the choices were endless. So why has it become so difficult to find restaurants that still serve food late into the evening? The pandemic certainly changed dining habits, but so did the rise of food delivery apps, which made restaurant meals more accessible without ever leaving home. As a result, fewer people are heading out to dine after 10 PM, prompting many establishments to shorten their operating hours.

With that in mind, we created this guide for anyone nostalgic for Montreal's late night dining scene and looking to rediscover the city's best spots where a proper meal can still be enjoyed at an hour that would make many Europeans smile.

Summer is the perfect time to hop on your bike and discover Montreal from a different perspective. Along the city's cycling paths, you'll ride through charming neighbourhoods, cruise beside the Lachine Canal, discover new local cafés and, most importantly, find plenty of delicious reasons to stop along the way.

Whether you're heading out for a short ride around the city, a full-day adventure or an excursion along La Route verte, great food is never far away. From specialty coffee shops and outstanding lunch spots to beautiful patios where you can linger a little longer, here are some of the best places to stop before getting back in the saddle.

And if you don't own a bike, no worries. Many of these routes are just as easy to explore using Montréal's BIXI bike-sharing system.

There comes a point in every cocktail lover's life when sweet stops being interesting.

You begin ordering drinks with names that confuse your friends. You develop opinions about vermouth. You start judging bars by the size of their ice cubes. And eventually, whether by curiosity or accident, someone slides a Negroni across the bar.

It's equal parts gin, sweet vermouth and Campari. Three ingredients. Endless personality.

Legend has it that the cocktail was born in Florence in 1919, when Count Camillo Negroni asked his bartender to strengthen his favourite Americano by replacing the soda water with gin. More than a century later, that simple swap has become one of the world's most iconic cocktails.

A great Negroni isn't trying to please everyone. It's bitter, bold and unapologetically complex. The first sip can catch you off guard, but that's precisely the point. Unlike sweeter cocktails that reveal everything at once, the Negroni rewards slow sipping. The bitterness softens, the botanicals begin to shine and, before you know it, you've completely understood the obsession.

Perhaps that's why the cocktail has stood the test of time. It feels just as appropriate on a sunny terrasse before dinner as it does in a dimly lit cocktail bar long after the sun has set. It's elegant without trying too hard, timeless without ever feeling outdated and versatile enough to pair with everything from oysters and charcuterie to pizza and pasta.

A new destination has opened its doors in Montreal's Faubourgs neighbourhood. Currently in its soft opening phase for the café, Éléphantine brings together specialty coffee, a future wine bar and cultural programming under one roof.

Located at 2237 Larivière Street inside a former 50-square-metre gym, the space has been completely redesigned by the founding team. Its industrial-inspired interior combines concrete, metal and wood, while latex-covered light fixtures add a colourful and unexpected touch to the décor.

For now, visitors can enjoy coffee brewed with beans from Café Saint-Henri alongside excellent pastries from Feuilleté Café. In the coming weeks, the offering will expand with a wine list curated in collaboration with Le Vin dans les Voiles, as well as a lineup of cultural events and DJ sets.

The name Éléphantine was chosen with intention. It references elephant herds, where a matriarch leads the group, a nod to this project imagined and led by women.

From its very first days, the café has received a warm welcome from local residents. Hoping to become an integral part of the Faubourgs community, Éléphantine has also launched #DessineTonÉléphantine, an initiative inviting neighbourhood artists, artisans and creatives to leave behind a drawing, a poem, an idea or even a simple grocery list. It's a thoughtful way of turning the space into a place for connection, creativity and community.

After weeks of building excitement, Croquette will officially open in a few days Montreal's Saint-Henri neighbourhood. Already one of the season's most anticipated openings, the new restaurant offers comforting cuisine inspired by classic Quebec diners, elevated with the craftsmanship and attention to detail of a modern bistro.

The menu features shareable plates alongside classics such as beef tartare, a bologna club sandwich, a signature burger, guinea fowl, prime striploin and a selection of house-made desserts. The food is complemented by an impressive list of natural wines, thoughtfully crafted cocktails and carefully selected beers.

With its warm interior inspired by nostalgic diners and an approach that feels both refined and approachable, Croquette has all the makings of a new neighbourhood favourite.

Reservations are now open. You can reserve your table now by clicking here.

Where can you find the best international pastries in Montreal?

Montreal offers a true haven for pastry lovers of all horizons. The city's cultural richness, shaped by communities from around the globe, makes it a culinary paradise. People from the UK, Europe, Japan, India, South America and Africa have chosen to settle here, bringing a precious culinary heritage.

And what better way to share a piece of home than in the form of a sweet treat? Through colourful window displays and enchanting aromas, these passionate artisans invite us to taste their corner of the world.

Are you ready for a sweet trip around the world without leaving Montreal? From rich Portuguese pastéis de nata to delicate Japanese cakes, crisp baklava and decadent cannolis, follow us on a selection of the metropolis' finest international pastries.

Born from the imagination of Lorenzo Aquino,'noy Asian Snack Bar is much more than just a restaurant. It's a celebration of Asian culture, hospitality, and culinary creativity. Driven by a passion for exceptional cuisine and unforgettable dining experiences, the two founders envisioned a place where the vibrant flavors of Asian street markets could be elevated without losing their authenticity.

Nestled in the bustling heart of Griffintown, at 1974 Notre-Dame Street West,'noy Asian Snack Bar seeks to redefine Montreal's culinary scene by transforming the bold flavors of Asian street food into a refined dining experience. Inspired by the bustling alleys of Tokyo, the night markets of Bangkok, the colorful stalls of Manila, and the dynamic culinary culture of Seoul,'noy was founded on a simple belief: street food deserves the same respect as fine dining.

For travellers who eat their way through a city, public markets are the ultimate starting point. More than just a place to shop, they offer an unfiltered look at local food culture: seasonal produce piled high, artisan vendors, and the kind of neighbourhood energy you won't find in any restaurant. In Montreal, the network of public markets serves a bigger purpose too: connecting city dwellers directly with local producers, market gardeners, and agri-food artisans, and improving access to fresh, quality food across the island. It's a model that works since more than three out of four Montrealers visit the Montreal Public Markets. Below is a little history and some fun facts about the city's major markets.

Good news for specialty coffee lovers: Côte Café is opening a second location in Montreal. Starting this Saturday, August 1, the café will welcome its first guests at 90 Avenue des Pins West, right in the heart of the Plateau-Mont-Royal.

After five months of renovations, the team is unveiling a completely redesigned space that reflects their vision. Larger than their first location, this new café can seat 27 people indoors and features a warm, light-filled atmosphere thanks to its huge floor-to-ceiling windows. True to its identity, Côté Café aims to offer an experience where the quality of the coffee comes first, in a setting filled with plants, colors, and artwork that celebrates Montreal's creativity.

Designed as a true gathering place, this second café promises to become a new go-to spot for enjoying excellent coffee. The doors officially open this Saturday, August 1!

When a heat wave settles over Montreal for several days, we all start dreaming of a little relief. Instead of staying in the city searching for the nearest patch of shade, why not take the opportunity to hit the road and discover some of the region's best cafés and restaurants, all within 90 minutes of Montreal?

To us, the perfect summer day looks something like this: a great specialty coffee in the morning, a memorable meal at a destination-worthy restaurant, followed by a refreshing swim in a nearby lake or river before heading home. The best part? You don't have to travel far to enjoy this kind of getaway.

From the Eastern Townships to the Laurentians and Lanaudière, here are 10 foodie destinations less than 90 minutes from Montreal that are perfect for escaping the heat, discovering new favourites and making the most of summer. Many are just minutes away from beaches, lakes or scenic swimming spots where you can cool off.

Looking for healthy and revitalizing drinks in Montreal? The city is full of great spots where you can enjoy smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and nutritious beverages made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Whether you're an athlete, on a detox journey, or simply in the mood for a wholesome treat, Montreal offers an impressive variety of options to suit all tastes and needs.

Made with seasonal fruits, superfoods, and natural ingredients, these drinks combine delicious flavours with health benefits. Many places even let you customize your order for a boost that fits your lifestyle.

Join us as we explore some of the best spots in Montreal to sip on refreshing smoothies and energizing juices, all tailored to your way of life.

Whether you're visiting Montreal for the first time or have called it home for years, there's something undeniably enjoyable about exploring the city's most beautiful streets. And what better way to do it than by discovering an excellent café, lingering over a memorable meal, or settling onto a terrace for the evening? Whether pedestrianized during the summer or simply charming to wander year-round, these food-filled streets are among Montreal's very best. Here are the ones that deserve a spot on your next stroll.

Time to make that tea date happen.

Afternoon tea experiences are popping up all over Montreal, attracting more fans than ever. But this beloved ritual is far from a passing trend. It dates back to the 1840s, when Anna Maria Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, found herself feeling peckish between lunch and dinner. She asked to be served a pot of tea with bread, butter, and a few pastries. Before long, this simple habit became a social gathering among friends, giving rise to the tradition of afternoon tea.

Around the same time, British workers embraced a different custom: high tea. Unlike afternoon tea, high tea was a hearty evening meal enjoyed after work, paired with a strong cup of tea to refuel after a long day.

Whether you're chasing a Bridgerton-inspired afternoon or simply looking for an excuse to slow down over tea and pastries, Montreal has no shortage of elegant tea rooms to discover.

Here are 12 places to sip tea, indulge in sweet treats, and catch up on all the latest gossip.

For years considered a beloved Southern U.S. classic, banana pudding has recently made a major comeback. Fueled by TikTok and made famous by iconic spots like Magnolia Bakery in New York, this comforting dessert has won over food lovers with its generous layers of vanilla custard, cookies, fresh bananas, and whipped cream. The good news? Montréal is now home to several excellent places where you can indulge in this viral treat. Here are some of the best spots to try it.

What would Montreal be without its cafés? More than just places to grab a coffee, they serve as neighbourhood gathering spots, remote work hubs and everyday meeting places. No matter the season or the time of day, there's always a good reason to stop in for a coffee. While the city's café scene has never been more diverse, certain establishments continue to stand out for the quality of their coffee, the consistency of their craft and the expertise of their teams.

Third-wave coffee is about much more than beautiful latte art. This approach treats coffee as a true artisanal product, emphasizing traceable sourcing, close relationships with producers, lighter roasting profiles that highlight each bean's unique character, and carefully executed brewing methods that bring out every nuance.

Whether you're craving a bold Italian espresso, a perfectly crafted cappuccino or a fruit-forward pour-over, these are our favourite coffee shops in Montreal. From third-wave pioneers to beloved neighbourhood institutions, every café on this list deserves a place on your culinary bucket list.