Where to Have Lunch in Montreal Without Spending a Fortune
Eating well on a tight budget is a quest many share in Montreal—and the good news is, the city excels at serving up delicious, affordable meals. In Montreal, eating well without breaking the bank is practically a way of life. The city is full of great spots where you can enjoy a quality lunch without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Whether you’re a student watching your budget, a busy worker in need of a quick bite, or simply a fan of a good deal, there are countless options for lunch that won’t drain your wallet. Every neighborhood is home to culinary gems that prove you can eat well for less.
Montreal has a unique way of blending warmth and culinary diversity. Whether you’re craving a flavor-packed sandwich, a comforting bowl of soup, or a hearty, globally inspired dish, you’ll find places where the value for money is hard to beat. What’s more, many of these restaurants are committed to using fresh, local ingredients, offering a meal that’s both affordable and thoughtful.
With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of the best places to grab a cheap lunch in the city. Whether you’re downtown or a little further out, these spots will treat you to a satisfying lunch that’s kind to your budget. So go ahead—explore the city’s flavors without overspending, with our round-up of the best cheap lunch spots in Montreal.
And don’t forget to check out our list of Montreal’s best beautiful, good, and cheap restaurants, as well as our guide to where to eat affordably in the city.
Bon appétit!
Café Vasco da Gama
Vasco de Gama Café is a charming sandwich shop located in the heart of downtown Montreal. On the menu, you’ll find both daily specials and house classics. We especially recommend the classics: the duck and fig sandwich, pulled lamb, the vegetarian with goat cheese, and our personal favorite—the tuna burger. At lunchtime, burgers and sandwiches come with a soup or salad, and the prices remain very reasonable.
Montréal
Capitaine Sandwich
Capitaine Sandwich is a counter-style spot on Duluth Avenue serving up delicious sandwiches to go or to eat on-site. The small space offers only a few seats, making it better suited for those looking to grab a tasty sandwich during lunch hour and take it to go.
Montréal
Petit Poisson Dumpling
At Petit Poisson Dumpling, all dumplings are served two ways: either steamed in charming bamboo baskets or pan-fried. Either option is pure joy. The dumplings here are so delicious, it would be a real shame to walk past this discreet spot without noticing it. Modestly tucked into a semi-basement, Petit Poisson Dumpling reveals a bright, homey interior just a few steps down, featuring a large mural and vibrant artwork on the walls—including a reproduction from Tintin’s The Blue Lotus.
Montréal
noren
Noren opened its doors in June 2016 at 77 Rachel Street West. This charming little spot, with just about ten seats, serves up tasty small plates at very affordable prices. As soon as you walk into Noren, the vibe is clear: it’s relaxed, delicious, and beautifully simple. The tiny space, open to the kitchen, makes the experience both intimate and welcoming.
Montréal
Billy, j'ai faim!
Saint-Denis Street may not be what it once was, but thankfully, Billy, j’ai faim! is still around to fill our bellies with delicious dishes to go or to enjoy on-site. The chalkboard menu features about ten dishes that change daily, with a few staples: the brioche-wrapped sausage, fish soup, pappardelle, and vegetable couscous, which are always available—with the occasional twist. Portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable.
Montréal
CAFÉ Le NIGIRIZ
In the heart of Montreal’s vibrant Plateau neighborhood lies Le NIGIRIZ—a charming little café where Japanese culinary traditions are served with simplicity and heartfelt hospitality. The café offers an authentic experience focused on onigiri—those delightful rice balls wrapped in seaweed and filled with tasty ingredients like the classic tuna and mayo. Even the name, Le NIGIRIZ, carries meaning: nigiri refers to the act of grasping in Japanese, while riz (French for rice) speaks to the very essence of the dish.
Montreal
La Chilenita
La Chilenita serves up handmade empanadas daily, crafted by a small, friendly, and dedicated team. We were won over by the warm service and flavorful dishes. La Chilenita offers a humble, modern take on Chilean cuisine. Highlights include the chilena, a classic Chilean beef empanada, and the spinach-filled vegetarian option. The menu also features surprisingly indulgent sandwiches worth trying.
Montréal
Ohayo
Café Ohayo, located on Mont-Royal Avenue, serves up tasty Japanese dishes and excellent coffee in a bright, modern setting. Just steps from Concordia University, Sammi & Soup Dumpling is a go-to spot for students craving affordable comfort food—especially in the form of dumpling soups.The appeal of Sammi & Soup Dumpling only grows when you realize that a satisfying meal here rarely costs more than fifteen dollars. Named Ohayo—which simply means “Good morning” in Japanese—this charming café offers a variety of flavorful Japanese small plates, including several vegetarian and vegan options.
Montréal
Sammi & Soupe Dumpling - (Ste-Catherine St. O)
Just steps from Concordia University, Sammi & Soup Dumpling is a go-to spot for students craving affordable comfort food—especially in the form of dumpling soups. The appeal of Sammi & Soup Dumpling only grows when you realize that a satisfying meal here rarely costs more than fifteen dollars.
Montréal
Patati Patata Jean-Talon Friterie Deluxe
Patati Patata is an unpretentious gourmet fry shop that’s been serving up delicious casse-croûte classics for over 20 years! It’s one of those spots you keep coming back to—whether for breakfast, lunch, or to satisfy a craving for a delicious, no-frills poutine—all without breaking the bank.
Montréal
Omnivore St-Laurent
Omnivore is a Middle Eastern “healthy fast food” restaurant with a flavorful menu! Here, you can enjoy delicious Lebanese-Montreal fusion dishes at especially affordable prices. It’s no surprise that this spot remains on our list of Montreal’s “beautiful, good, and cheap” restaurants.
Montréal
Café chez Téta
In a modern, warm, and welcoming space, you’ll find Antoun and Mélodie—a passionate couple sharing their love for traditional Lebanese cuisine with a local twist.Their dream was to open a place that combined two of their favorite things: quality third-wave coffee and the comforting flavors of Lebanese home cooking. And that’s exactly what they’ve done.
Montréal
Pho Tay Ho
Pho Tay Ho embodies everything we love about Vietnamese cuisine: bold flavors, comforting dishes, consistency, and of course, pho soups. The restaurant specializes in northern Vietnamese cuisine—warm, full of flavor, and affordable.
Montréal
Bombay Mahal Indian Food Restaurant
Bombay Mahal is a very popular restaurant in Parc Extension—and for good reason. It offers delicious, affordable Indian cuisine with a bring-your-own-wine policy! People come to Bombay Mahal to enjoy a tasty meal without spending too much. The place is unpretentious and almost always packed!
Montréal
Café Santropol
For nearly 50 years, Café Santropol has been crafting joyful cuisine at the corner of Duluth and Saint-Urbain streets. Joyful in many ways—whether you’re a strict vegan or a more moderate omnivore, you’ll find something to satisfy you here. Nothing overly complicated, just lovingly prepared small dishes: soups, salads, sandwiches, and other little moments of happiness for big appetites. And when the weather is nice, you can enjoy your meal in the garden!
Montréal
Romados
A true institution for Portuguese chicken. On the menu, you’ll find the delicious piri-piri chicken—a beloved favorite and one of the best Portuguese chickens in Montreal. To this day, the secret behind their amazing sauce remains a mystery.
Montréal
Au 14
This Vietnamese restaurant has charmed diners with its consistency for nearly half a century. Leaving the restaurant after enjoying a generously sized meal and paying a very modest bill is always a cause for celebration. For these reasons, Au 14 is featured on our list of “Best Vietnamese Restaurants in Montreal: Where to Find Them?”
Montréal
Serrano Bar-B-Q
The sandwiches from Rôtisserie Serrano have been a staple in the lives of many Mile End residents since their youth. As if frozen in time, the recipes and staff have remained the same for years—and that’s exactly what gives this spot its charm. It’s definitely a place worth discovering or rediscovering.
Montréal
Il Miglio
Il Miglio is an Italian canteen offering excellent products to enjoy either on-site or take away! It’s now part of our list of the best Italian spots in Montreal, as well as our selection of beautiful, good, and affordable restaurants in the city.
Montréal
Dispensa Épicerie Italienne
Hidden on William Street in Old Montreal, Dispensa is a well-kept secret among local lovers of good food and Italian culture. Dispensa is especially known for its delicious sandwiches—breaded chicken, porchetta, burrata—topped with a variety of condiments, including succulent marinated eggplants and several flavorful sauces like the famous basil mayonnaise.
Montreal
Campo
Le Campo opened its doors in September 2016, offering excellent healthy Portuguese chicken and a well-crafted fast-food menu! The fourth establishment of the Ferreira Group is a great success. The Campo’s menu features Portuguese-influenced fast food recipes, created by the group’s executive chef, João Dias. Everything is flavorful and affordable—especially for downtown.
Montreal
Boucherie et Grillades Farhat (Cote Des Neiges)
Opened in 1989, Farhat Grillades quickly established itself as a top-notch sandwich shop, butcher, and grocery store in the Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood. The reason is simple: you get delicious, inexpensive sandwiches here. Though the place may look modest, people don’t come for the décor but for the famous grilled meats prepared fresh and served fast.
Montréal
Pho Lien
Pho Lien, located in Côte des Neiges, is renowned for its pho soups, considered among the best in Montreal. Open since 1994, this unpretentious spot offers an authentic and affordable Vietnamese menu, featuring a variety of flavorful dishes—including their signature pho soup and a memorable Vietnamese coffee.
Montréal
Mexico Restaurant
Walking into a restaurant serving the cuisine of a particular country and seeing many tables filled with people from that very country is already a reassuring sign. At Mexico, quietly located on Jean-Talon East, most tables look just like that. When the menu arrives, you understand why: tempting dishes, inviting prices, and very generous portions of tacos leave no doubt. Mexico Restaurant is definitely one to add to your little notebook of great, affordable, and welcoming spots.
Montréal
Épicerie Mange-Tout
In addition to its grocery section, Mange-Tout offers absolutely decadent sandwiches that earn a spot on our list of the best sandwiches in the city. Their creations truly showcase their quality ingredients.
Montréal
ChomChom - Griffintown
The Lucky Belly Group (Red Tiger, Blossom, Tiramisu, Terrasse Carla) opened Chomchom two years ago in the Central district and has since enjoyed great success with fans of modern Vietnamese cuisine. To our delight, it is now possible to savor Chomchom’s delicious offerings in Griffintown.
Montréal
Dunya
Dunya, a recently opened restaurant in Montreal, is already establishing itself as a must-visit spot for lovers of Lebanese cuisine. The young and dynamic team invites us to rediscover Lebanese cooking through simple dishes prepared with great finesse.
Montréal
Krapow
While Krapow is mainly known for its takeout, the small venue does have a few seats for those who prefer to enjoy these delicious Southeast Asian dishes on-site.
Montréal
Restaurant El Chalateco
We’ve heard about El Chalateco restaurant many times, often through word of mouth from numerous members of Montreal’s food scene. They serve traditional Salvadoran dishes with unique flavors at very affordable prices, including some of the best pupusas in the city.
Montréal
