The Best Lobster Rolls: Our suggestions
Lobster rolls season has finally arrived! This gourmet snack is one of our greatest guilty pleasures when summer starts to peek around the corner. Lobster fishing is a historically significant industry, particularly in the Gaspé and other Canadian maritime regions. However, these rolls actually originated on the American northeast coast around the 1930s, in the New England era. Eating lobster rolls in this American region along the Atlantic Ocean is a must when visiting.
Whether in Montréal, the Gaspé, the Maritimes, or the United States, you’ll typically find lobster rolls at small local snack bars that also offer a variety of dishes showcasing seafood. Flavour and freshness are always at the forefront. In its most classic form, this dish features two key elements: a hot dog–style bun stuffed with a generous amount of fresh lobster meat. Variations can then take over to enhance the flavour of the crustacean: mayonnaise or melted butter, celery, tarragon, lettuce, green onions, fresh or toasted bread, and much more.
Here are a few spots in the city where you can enjoy excellent lobster rolls!
Cantine Ste-Flavie
Nestled at the gateway to the Gaspé in Sainte-Flavie, this snack bar is an absolute must-stop for travellers seeking authenticity. With its breathtaking view of the St. Lawrence River, Cantine Sainte-Flavie charms visitors with its laid-back atmosphere and warm service — perfect for a delicious road-trip break. The cantine’s must-tries are undoubtedly the northern shrimp poutine and the lobster rolls, along with the shrimp and crab versions. The cantine kicks off its 2026 summer season on May 7.
Sainte-Flavie
Lucille's Oyster Dive
Lucille’s Oyster Dive welcomes you into a rustic setting reminiscent of a seaside snack shack! This restaurant in the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood is known for its friendly, welcoming vibe. You’ll find a fantastic lobster roll here, served in its most classic form: a generous portion of lobster meat in a brioche bun with mayonnaise, accompanied by fries on the side.
Montréal
Épicerie Mange-Tout
Located on Sherbrooke Street West, Épicerie Mange-Tout cleverly combines a butcher shop, fish counter, fine grocery, and takeout deli all under one roof. This charming neighbourhood spot also offers sandwiches to die for! Every bite showcases the house’s treasures, with a special nod to their lobster roll — the undisputed star of the season. As a bonus: a ready-to-eat section for busy evenings without compromising on quality.
Montréal
Chez Mag, La Fine Cantine
Chez Mag is one of our favourite spots on Île d’Orléans. You’ll find all the great snack-bar classics, revisited and reimagined by true food lovers. In short, this is an upscale cantine where premium ingredients meet Quebec’s beloved fast-food staples — an experience you can also enjoy in Kamouraska and Baie-Saint-Paul.
Sainte-Famille
Billy, j'ai faim!
Billy, j’ai faim! is one of our favourite spots on the Plateau Mont-Royal. Set in a charming, unpretentious little space full of character, Billy serves up delicious and affordable daily specials inspired by French cuisine with a Montreal twist, always prepared with local, seasonal ingredients. Their menu features a rotating lobster roll of the moment that changes with each fresh delivery. And before heading out, stock up on ready-to-eat dishes for home — all part of an eco-friendly, zero-waste approach.
Montréal
Chez Delmo
Originally opened in 1932, Chez Delmo offers a fine menu featuring excellent seafood and fish. Over the years, the place has built a very good reputation and attracted a loyal clientele. In a chic and friendly atmosphere, you can enjoy lobster in all its forms (Bellevue, Newburg, Thermidor) and in a tasty homemade roll.
Montréal
Chez Chantal
Casse-croûte Chez Chantal sits along the shores of the St. Lawrence River in La Malbaie. A true local institution, this spot wins hearts with its vintage look, gourmet classics, and absolutely irresistible lobster poutine. You’ll find all the snack-bar essentials: hot dogs, poutines, club sandwiches, and frozen treats. But what really put this place on the map are its famous lobster rolls and lobster poutine. Don’t miss it on your next Charlevoix getaway!
La Malbaie
Arthurs Nosh Bar
Arthurs Nosh Bar has opened its doors on Notre-Dame Street West, right in the heart of Saint-Henri. Tucked among the neighbourhood’s growing line-up of businesses, this charming little restaurant has it all: gorgeous décor, attentive service, and a relaxed atmosphere. Starting in June, the spot will be serving a delicious lobster roll on a brioche bun. Definitely worth a try!
Montréal
LE CENTRAL
As its name suggests, the Gaspésie Camion Gourmand counter at Le Central puts Gaspé cuisine front and centre. They serve an excellent lobster roll in season, of course, along with plenty of other seafood offerings like Gaspé snow crab.
Montréal
Café Paper Hill
Paper Hill, on Saint-Alexandre Street downtown, has established itself as a neighbourhood gem where people love to linger for the atmosphere as much as for the food. For the summer, the kitchen will be serving a lobster roll on a soft brioche bun with chives, lemon, and a lobster bisque gently elevated with Caribbean notes. Adding to the appeal: chef Jae Anthony, of Top Chef fame, is in residence at Paper Hill for the season. A version that promises to hold its own among the lobster rolls worth trying this summer.
Montreal
