The Best Rotisseries in Montreal: Our suggestions
When the craving for comfort food hits, rotisseries are always a safe bet. Among the great classics of the genre, it holds a special place. With its beautifully golden skin, tender meat, shareable nature, and deeply comforting appeal, it is the kind of dish we never tire of coming back to.
Nothing beats the aroma of a freshly roasted chicken, the kind of smell that makes our mouths water almost on cue. On its own, it is enough to spark an appetite and make us want to sit down at the table without delay.
It goes without saying that Quebecers have a soft spot for rotisserie chicken. Despite its apparent simplicity, this classic has earned a place of choice in Canada’s culinary landscape, alongside poutine, smoked meat, and the city’s famous bagels. Why else would there be so many rotisseries across the province? Nearly every town in Quebec has its go-to spot, whether it is a local institution or a major chain like St-Hubert. Here, we love our classics, and above all, we love the sense of familiarity that comes with certain dishes.
In Montreal, rotisseries reflect the city itself: diverse, warm, and welcoming. The New York Times recently described the metropolis as a true rotisserie chicken paradise. From longtime institutions known for chicken and gravy to Portuguese spots celebrated for their piri-piri, the city offers countless takes on the genre. Whether you are team leg or team breast, a white meat or dark meat person, devoted to gravy or something spicier, Montreal has a rotisserie for you.
It is never easy to decide which ones are the best on the island, but one thing is certain: these spots will not leave you hungry. Here is our list of the best rotisseries in the city.
You can also check out our lists of the best fried chicken and the best steak frites in Montreal for even more delicious recommendations.
Emilia (Villeray)
The charming Cantine Emilia, which has a few locations across the city, is a Portuguese rotisserie. You’ll find their delicious chicken and other tasty offerings in Villeray, Mile End and Central as well as in Laval, Blainville and Lachine. Cantine Emilia embodies the classic taste of Portuguese chicken while incorporating Quebecois touches to the menu. The roasted chicken is cooked with delicious sauces – which, being a Portuguese chicken joint, means piri piri sauce, an essential element for a complete experience.
Montréal
Romados
This Portuguese counter offers quick service, serving an array of Portuguese specialties. The fast food rotisserie, Romados, is a constant that you can count on. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or to feed your kid at dinner time, their roasted chicken is good for any occasion. Their whole chicken is great for an impromptu visit. The portions are generous, tasty, and remind us of the typical flavours of Portugal. Don’t forget to grab a little nata next time.
Montréal
Rufus & Anna ⎜ Bar festif, cocktails & rôtisserie à Hochelaga
Rufus & Anna is a modern and inviting rotisserie where the festive atmosphere is perfect for lively dinners with friends or laid-back date nights. The comforting, thoughtfully crafted menu features everything from juicy roasted chicken to tender ribs, alongside a creative cocktail list inspired by the migration path of hummingbirds. It’s the kind of place where you go to eat well, drink better in a beautifully designed space.
Montréal
Chalet Bar-B-Q
This is a legendary Montreal address for roast chicken. Located on the corner of Sherbrooke O and Decarie, the Chalet Bar-B-Q marks the beginning of the Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood. This rotisserie is frozen in time both from the outside and on the menu, but that’s not a bad thing. When you have such a winning and popular recipe in your hands, why change it? Chalet Bar-B-Q is a charcoal rotisserie known worldwide for its perfectly cooked chicken. The chickens are locally sourced and cooked very slowly to ensure immaculate cooking. And when combined with their homemade gravy, it’s a duo that’s hard to beat.
Montréal
Mon Petit Poulet
This rotisserie on Rosemont Boulevard offers chicken of all kinds! Fried or roasted, their chicken is excellent. We highly recommend trying the club sandwich or the fried chicken burger, but the good old classic leg or breast make great family meals too. Photo Samuel Joubert
Montréal
Roch le Coq
Without hesitation, this upscale cantine is one of our favourite spots in Montreal. Roch le Coq, which opened last year, is a counter to try for all chicken lovers. Specializing in fried chicken, its small menu will blow you away. The chicken is prepared to perfection and is just as good in a bucket as it is in a burger. The Outremont neighbourhood can count itself lucky to have such a good place in its vicinity. It is also on our list of the best fried chicken in town.
Montréal
Ma Poule Mouillée
If there’s one thing to remember from this list, it’s that the Portuguese know how to make good charcoal-grilled chicken! Ma Poule Mouillée is a staple Portuguese rotisserie on the Plateau. Located near Lafontaine Park, this rotisserie is one of the most popular in Montreal. The chicken is grilled to perfection and is complimented perfectly by their homemade sauce, a revisited piri piri. Note that the portions are very generous!
Montreal
McKiernan Rôtisserie
As a member of the Joe Beef group, it comes as no surprise that it has earned a place on this list. Located in the Sud-Ouest borough, along the Lachine Canal, McKiernan is a restaurant we strongly associate with comfort food. Among its many comforting dishes, the roast chicken stands out with ease. It is the kind of chicken you find at family gatherings, the kind that seems straight out of our grandmothers’ cookbooks. McKiernan’s beautifully golden roast chicken makes us feel right at home.
Montréal
Rôtisserie La Lune
La Rôtisserie La Lune, from the owners of Mon Lapin, opened in December 2024. Located in the same neighbourhood, this new spot pays tribute to traditional Québécois rotisserie cuisine, with the team’s distinctive and creative touch.
Montréal
Campo Poulet Portugais
Campo, opened in 2016, is a Groupe Ferreira restaurant serving excellent Portuguese chicken that is 100% natural, grain-fed, and hormone-free. With its welcoming space and Portuguese-inspired menu, Campo offers a quality dining experience at an affordable price, especially for downtown.
Montreal
Chez Cécile Rôtisserie
Chez Cécile is a neighbourhood rotisserie on Fleury Ouest built around sharing meals at large tables. Chef Benjamin serves roast chicken, shareable dishes, and a menu that follows the seasons. The atmosphere is warm and family-friendly, making it an ideal spot for dinner with a group or a Sunday meal with family.
Montréal
