There is no shortage of good places to eat in Montreal. Montreal’s famous Underground City is an extensive network of interconnected hotels, shopping centres, office towers, and restaurants located in the heart of the city. With over 33 km of tunnels to explore, there is always something new to find, and it’s a great way to avoid the harsh Canadian winter conditions while still getting around the city. The name Underground City is slightly misleading, as many parts of the tunnel networks exist above ground and no residents technically live there.
With so much to offer, Montreal’s Underground City is a particularly great spot to find a variety of food. From high-end food courts to quaint bistros, and gourmet grocery stores- there is a little bit of everything!
Here are the top 6 places you should eat in Montreal’s Underground City.
Location: 1240 Phillips Square
Gourmet food meets 19th-century French design at Henri Brasserie Française. Located in the iconic Birks Building, this elegant restaurant serves fare that is inspired by the timeless traditions of French brasseries, made with the finest Canadian and Quebec seasonal ingredients. With an inviting atmosphere that consists of a bright dining room with restored stained glass and an impressive brass and marble bar, the building’s historical heritage is proudly showcased. It is one of the best places to eat in Montreal.
Location: Centre Eaton de Montreal
There is no lack of food and beverage options at the hip Time Out Market. Made up of 16 unique food concept stalls and three bars, this 40,000-square-foot market features custom creations by some of Montreal’s most-revered chefs from the highest-rated restaurants. From flavourful Caribbean fare, to comforting Italians, and dessert options such as an ice cream bar- there’s something for every palette. With locations in major cities such as New York, Lisboa, and Miami- Time Out Market takes good food seriously.
Time Out Market is also home to the Tunnel Espresso Bar, the perfect spot for a quick caffeine pick-me-up. This popular coffee bar specializes in fair trade and organic beans, along with pastries and snacks to go. Tunnel Espresso Bar is known for its friendly staff and quick service.
Location: 433 Mayor St. (Sommer Building)
Fresh dishes in an enchanting and rustic setting are on the menu at Café Parvis. With items such as creative salads, daily soups, pizzas, and a gourmet hotdog- Café Parvis puts a spin on classic comfort food. They also have an impressive assortment of crafted cocktails, global wines, and locally brewed beer. It is definitely one of the most aesthetically pleasing places to eat in Montreal.
Location: 900 René-Lévesque Blvd. West
For a true gastronomic experience, be sure to visit Rosélys Restaurant, an evolutive bistro that serves contemporary fare in a sleek setting. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu that pays homage to local flavours and is inspired by the French and English influences of Montreal’s heritage, Rosélys is all about creative dishes for any occasion. With an art-deco design, the restaurant has an appealing setting and hosts seafood and jazz happy hours, afternoon tea, and a Sunday brunch buffet.
Location: Place Ville Marie
Le Cathcart is the ultimate meeting place to dine and drink after a long day of work, to celebrate a special occasion, or to just simply hang out and relax. Featuring 13 restaurants that serve cuisine from around the world, Le Cathcart has everything under the sun, and all under one roof. Southeast Asian fare, Mexican delicacies, and Lebanese cuisine are just a few examples of what you can expect to find at Le Cathcart. There is also a spectacular 40-meter-high glass pavilion for visitors to enjoy as they munch away, and a Biergarten for refreshing microbrewery beers, sophisticated cocktails, and premium wines.
Location: 900 René-Lévesque Blvd W (Hotel Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth)
Marche Artisans is not your typical grocery store and serves gourmet food for on-the-go snacks and take-home meals. The store pays homage to good taste, excellence, and authenticity by offering the best products and cuisine from around the world and at home in Montreal. Marche Artisans is inspired by some of the world’s best food halls and at over 8,000 square feet, offers a bright, lively, and accessible environment. Its food counters have areas to sit and enjoy succulent dishes such as pizza and charcuterie, which can be enjoyed with a locally brewed beer, or wine and cider. There is also a confectionary that features the store’s line of signature chocolates and a crepe and ice cream counter with sweet treats.
Have you been to Montreal’s Underground City? Where did you eat? Share with us in the comments!
