Where to eat well near the Bell Centre in Montreal?
The Bell Centre is one of those iconic venues that bring Montreal to life throughout the seasons. There’s the unmatched energy of Canadiens game nights, of course, when downtown comes alive well before the puck drops, with a particular fervour during playoff time. But there are also the concerts, shows, and major events that draw crowds all year round. Whether you’re a Habs fan or simply looking for a great place to eat before a night out, one question often comes up: where should you eat near the Bell Centre?
To help you decide, we’ve put together a selection of excellent spots located within roughly a 15-minute walk of the Bell Centre. Whether you’re in the mood for a pre-game dinner, a drink with a few shareable plates before a show, or simply a good meal downtown, this list brings together delicious options for every craving. You’ll find everything from restaurants that are perfect for starting the evening off right to more casual spots for a quick bite. There are also a few great options for extending the night afterwards, whether to celebrate a win, drown a loss, or just keep the fun going a little longer.
Right in the heart of downtown, these addresses are ideal for soaking up the pre-game buzz of a Montreal Canadiens match, a concert, or another event at the Bell Centre. And if you end up following the game away from the stands, our list of the best places to watch hockey in Montreal is sure to inspire you. Also have a look at our selection of the best downtown addresses to discover other great tables in the area.
So here are our suggestions for the best places to eat near the Bell Centre.
Happy exploring!
Hiatus Restaurant et Bar
Perched atop Place Ville Marie, Hiatus, one of the city’s most beautiful restaurants, offers an experience that impresses from the start, as much for its spectacular view of Montreal as for the elegance of the setting. Open since 2023, the restaurant is a wonderful option for a pre-game meal, with a refined atmosphere that makes a pleasant contrast to the energy of hockey nights.
Montréal
Bar Furco
In a decor reminiscent of Berlin bars, Furco offers a “bar where you can eat well” formula. Decor by Zébulon Perron, the establishment has been crowded with downtown professionals, partygoers of all kinds and lovers of good things since it opened. On Thursday nights, the place is particularly busy. The menu by chef Joëlle Trottier changes every week, and offers generous portions that are fresh and easy to share. We especially like the charcuterie! The address is a 15 minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Bar Dominion
The decor of the Dominion Square Tavern is still one of our favourites; it always feels like you’re somewhere other than Montreal. The Tavern, which dates back to the 1920s, offers small dishes to share with an English accent. We especially like the Scotch egg and the pan-fried salmon served atop kedgeree. This is not haute gastronomy, but good bistronomy; the place exudes conviviality and charm. The impeccable service always adds to the experience. The place is a 7 minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Ferreira Café
Ferreira is a Montreal institution. The renowned Portuguese restaurant has earned its reputation through years of hard work and constant renewal. Ferreira has just completely redone its decor to give the establishment a fresh look. With very chic decor and chic clientele, this is Portuguese class. The octopus and the squid remind us of the coast of Portugal. On hockey nights, they offer a menu that is ready in less than one hour, and that if you return after the game, a dessert and a glass of port will be waiting for you on the house. We can’t say no to that. The restaurant is an 8 minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Jatoba
Located in the former Philips Lounge, Jatoba’s decor is classic and very chic. The place charms with its impressive and delicious seafood platters – the chef’s specialty. The restaurant also offers flavourful dumplings or tatakis at more modest prices. For the sweet tooth, the desserts are a must. Very good cocktails. The restaurant is a 13-minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Nora Gray
Nora Gray is, in our opinion, one of Montreal’s must-visit restaurants! The spot is romantic, intimate, and the food is exceptional. The menu at Nora Gray is led by chef Emma Cardarelli and features Italian-inspired cuisine — the restaurant is in fact one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal. Beyond the wonderful food, the drinks are excellent, and you’re treated like royalty. The front-of-house team is always warm and welcoming, playing a key role in the overall experience. The restaurant is an 11-minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Biiru
Biiru is a downtown Japanese bistro that offers great food in a warm and unique setting. The restaurant offers thoughtfully prepared items such as sashimi, dumplings and yakitoris, and the house salads are also very good. The restaurant is ideal if you want to enjoy a delicious, original and uncomplicated dinner at a reasonable price before a game. The place is a 15 minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
RYU Sushi Peel
Located on Peel, Ryu is one of the most polished Japanese spots downtown. In a chic, minimalist setting, the restaurant offers refined cuisine driven by exceptionally fresh fish, a kaiseki menu, and a few chef’s specialties, with a genuine commitment to sustainability running throughout. Just steps from the Bell Centre, it’s a particularly appealing address to kick off the evening in style.
Montréal
Kazu
The small restaurant on Sainte-Catherine Street is packed from open to close, in part because the spot offers delicious little Japanese bites at very affordable prices, in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The Japanese crêpe, dumplings, carpaccio, and shrimp burger are all worth trying. There’s often a line, but you eat very, very quickly. You may want to plan a little extra time, as the restaurant is a 14-minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Time Out Market Montréal
Located in the Eaton Centre, this gastronomic market brings together Montreal’s top chefs under one roof. With a carefully curated selection, it features a variety of iconic addresses, ranging from international cuisines to local specialties. Cocktails, wines, seafood, gourmet dishes, and a vibrant atmosphere—an essential destination to experience the city’s culinary excellence.
Montréal
Campo Poulet Portugais
Campo serves up excellent Portuguese chicken that’s 100% natural, grain-fed, and hormone-free. The menu features Portuguese-inspired fast food recipes created by Ferreira Group executive chef João Dias. Everything is flavourful and, above all, affordable, especially for downtown. You’ll find, of course, chicken (breast, thigh, whole), chicken wings, sandwiches, poutines, ribs, and salads. The spot is a 10-minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montreal
Escondite Union
Just steps from the former fur district, Escondite is a delightful little Mexican restaurant. It offers a selection of original little tacos and small plates of Mexican specialties. Standouts include the braised tongue taco and the cod taco. You should also try their churros. Tequila and mezcal bar, with a fun cocktail menu. The atmosphere is lively and the place is always packed. The restaurant is a 12-minute walk from the Bell Centre. Escondite Drummond is also a 5-minute walk from the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Restaurant Cappello
Perched on the 44th floor of Place Ville Marie, Cappello nicely rounds out the offerings at the top with an Italian escape that’s as warm as it is breathtaking. From the moment you walk in, the decor impresses with its refinement and an atmosphere that’s both intimate and grand. While it ranks among the most romantic restaurants in the city, the spot also lends itself beautifully to a pre-game meal, especially when you feel like starting the evening off in style.
Montréal
Sushi Hidden Fish
A discreet Japanese address downtown, Hidden Fish focuses on a more intimate experience, guided by product quality and the chef’s craft. Known for its exceptional sushi, the restaurant offers an omakase menu that’s built around the day’s arrivals and the chef’s inspiration. Just a few steps from the Bell Centre, it’s a wonderful pre-game option.
Montréal
Celeste
Housed in the Maison Alcan, Celeste impresses from the moment you walk in with its scale and decidedly chic allure. The spot offers Italian shared plates in a lively atmosphere, perfect for kicking off the evening on a stunning note before heading to the Bell Centre.
Montréal
Phillips Bar
Housed in the former National Bank of Greece building, Phillips Bar is a contemporary Japanese bistro that blends refinement and laid-back charm in a particularly spectacular setting. Created by the team behind Jatoba, the spot offers a friendly and accessible take on the Tokyo izakaya, with makis, hand rolls made to order, and hot dishes inspired by teishoku. It’s the kind of place that works especially well before a game, when you’re looking for a lively table just steps from the Bell Centre.
Montreal
Moishes
A quintessential Montreal institution, Moishes continues its story in Old Montreal. A bit further out than the other addresses on this list, the restaurant remains a wonderful option for a more traditional pre-game meal. You’ll find that sense of ritual, the polished service, and the timeless cuisine that continue to make it a go-to for special occasions as well as hockey nights. You’ll also find one of the best prime ribs in the city.
Montréal
Petit Poisson Bistro
A welcoming downtown spot, Petit Poisson Bistro serves generous Chinese cuisine designed for sharing, in an intimate atmosphere with plenty of charm. Created by the team behind Petit Poisson Dumpling (also open on Saint-Laurent Boulevard), the restaurant wins you over as much with its shared plates as with its gentle prices. Open every day, and until 2 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday, the spot works especially well before a game, but also for extending the evening after the match.
Montréal
BAR EDICOLA
Bar Edicola is a downtown spot created by the Caffettiera team, where you can stop in just as easily for a cappuccino during the day as for a drink in the early evening. As the day goes on, the space transforms and gives way to a friendly Italian offering, with antipasti, fresh pasta, and well-executed classics. A great option before a game for those looking for somewhere lively, simple, and enjoyable.
Montréal
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Photography by Balsam Inn
