Where to Eat Affordably in Montreal
As we all know too well, prices have been going up everywhere! With inflation on the rise, many people are missing out on the joys of eating out. However, eating out doesn’t have to be expensive! Tastet is delighted to share our list of the best cheap eats in Montreal, so that you can treat yourself on a budget.
Low prices do not mean low quality. On the contrary! The metropolis is full of places offering a delicious menu at low prices. Whether for lunch, take-out, a late-night snack or dinner, we’ve come up with our favourite places to eat really well for less.
So, without further ado, here’s our list of the best inexpensive restaurants in Montreal! For more choice, we also invite you to check out our list of nice, delicious and affordable restaurants in Montreal, as well as our 5 delicious cheap eats without breaking the bank.
Special Mentions
Le Jardin Chow Mein, in Saint-Lambert, offers delicious authentic Cantonese and Chinese cuisine at very reasonable prices. Of course, it’s also known for its delicious chow mein, available at almost ridiculously low prices.
La Chilenita, on rue Roy, offers a selection of delicious Chilean and Tex-Mex specialities. The homemade empanadas and sandwiches (try the Barros Luco!) are a must.
Meli-Melo Market
Located on rue Jarry, Marché Méli-Mélo is an institution in Villeray that’s been around for 30 years (!). It’s no secret that behind this little Caribbean grocery shop you’ll find a takeaway counter offering some of the best griots in town, and at very reasonable prices! Don’t forget the extra pikliz!
Montréal
La Toxica
If you like Mexican food, you must visit La Toxica. Their menu is concise and everything is absolutely delicious! From birria, shrimp, or cochinita pibil tacos, to quesadillas… their dishes transport us to Mexico with their sophisticated flavours. And the portions are so generous, you really get what you pay for!
Montréal
Hwang Kum
Hwang Kum is a small, unpretentious restaurant serving some of the best Korean food in town! Here you can enjoy an authentic Korean experience, with flavours reminiscent of the comfort of home, all at low prices. A must-visit address in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.
Montréal
Pushap
Pushap is a tiny restaurant in a somewhat remote corner of the city. The decor is nothing special and the service can often be slow, but Pushap still manages to maintain its popularity by offering vegetarian thalis of all kinds at very low prices. Pick up a few sweets on the way out, as the owner often gives his customers unbeatable deals.
Montréal
Falafel St. Jacques
Falafel Saint-Jacques is a hidden gem of a restaurant-counter offering delicious, original and affordable Middle Eastern cuisine to its customers. The menu is entirely vegetarian, and its unique flavours and generous portions are much appreciated. Salads, sandwiches, home fries, hummus, falafel and pitas: everything is delicious and fresh!
Montréal
Pho Lien
Pho Lien is a famous restaurant in the Côte des Neiges neighbourhood; always busy, they boast one of the best pho soups in Montreal! We love this place for their excellent, unpretentious Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices.
Montréal
Pollo Gustoso
Unlike many new places that specialise in fried chicken, the food at Pollo Gustoso de Campagne is affordable, even cheap! Inflation doesn’t seem to exist for this neighbourhood grocery shop on Beaubien Street East. And they serve some of the best fried chicken around! Pollo Gustoso is also a great option for feeding your guests at a house party. You can choose from one of their many combo options, including wings and/or legs and/or breasts.
Montréal
Montreal Chinese Crepes & Dumplings
As its name suggests, Montreal Chinese Crêpes and Dumplings is a small establishment in Montreal West offering delicious dumplings and very tasty Chinese crêpes! Although the menu doesn’t change, the chef sometimes offers daily specials. The dishes are fresh, tasty and affordable.
Montréal-Ouest
Bombay Mahal Indian Food Restaurant
Bombay Mahal is a very popular bring-your-own-wine restaurant in Parc Extension, offering delicious, affordable, Indian cuisine! One of the city’s most popular Indian restaurants, Bombay Mahal serves hearty, authentic dishes. The house speciality is definitely the famous butter chicken.
Montréal
Lulu Épicerie
This counter/épicerie serves delicious Lebanese street food. Everything here is homemade: from sauces and salads to marinades and breads. You can taste the freshness of the ingredients and the authenticity of the dishes in every bite. The meat is undoubtedly the star here: the beef shawarma in particular is tasty and juicy beyond compare. For those on a budget, we suggest the Battata sandwich, a large roll of markouk bread topped with fries, or one of the delicious manakeesh, preferably fully loaded (for a small extra charge).
Montréal
Serrano Bar-B-Q
An institution on rue Saint-Viateur, Rôtisserie Serrano Bar-B-Q is renowned for its delicious and tasty sandwiches. Served in round Portuguese buns, the sandwiches are quite simply the hallmark of the establishment – chicken breast or leg, sausage, crispy pork belly and even potatoes. You can also get whole chickens, sausages, crispy pork, roast potatoes and coleslaw to make your own feast at home at a totally reasonable price.
Montréal
Drogheria Fine
Drogheria Fine is a small, European-style window and counter on Fairmount Avenue West. Located in the heart of Mile End, they serve delicious gnocchi with tomato sauce for a modest sum. You can add Parmesan cheese or chilli flakes to spice things up a bit.
Montréal
Wilensky's
The Wilensky Special is undoubtedly one of Montreal’s most iconic dishes. Since it opened in 1932, Wilensky’s has been adamant about the way it’s served and eaten; in fact, it’s written in big letters on the wall behind the counter: “There’s something you should know before you order: the Special is never without mustard, is never cut. Don’t ask any questions, it’s all for the best. That’s how we’ve been doing it since 1932!” Prices also seem to have stood the test of time: the famous Special is available for a modest $5 and hot dogs for less than $3.
Montréal
