MTLàTABLE is back this year with a more gourmet and diverse edition than ever. True to its tradition, the festival not only celebrates the richness of Montreal’s gastronomic culture but also the culinary diversity that makes our beautiful city thrive. From October 31 to November 17, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover restaurants offering flavors from all around the world, with something for every taste!
Montreal shines through its cultural diversity, and this is reflected in its gastronomic scene. From Mexico to Italy, passing through the Middle East, the Caribbean, Asia, and much more, MTLàTABLE 2024: A Celebration of Montreal’s Culinary Diversity invites us on a culinary journey without leaving the city. The event’s website allows you to sort restaurants by price range or neighborhood, as well as by the type of cuisine that makes your mouth water. With fixed-price menus ranging from $35 to $80, the festival reminds us that eating well in Montreal also means discovering diverse cuisines in an accessible way. All that’s left is to choose, sit down, and enjoy!
Here are some suggested addresses to visit, selected by type of cuisine.
Africa: Le Virunga ($65)
Le Virunga, located on Rachel Street East, opened in June 2016. Behind the project are a mother and daughter duo, Maria-José and Zoya De Frias, both originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The restaurant’s clientele is particularly diverse, with the only requirement being curiosity and a love of good food. Le Virunga offers delicious African flavors that harmonize beautifully with Quebec products: a truly wonderful spot!
Latin America: Sabrosa ($65)
A delightful fusion of rich and flavorful dishes, paired with warm service and a cozy, muy caliente décor awaits you at Sabrosa. The restaurant offers Latin American cuisine with multiple influences, as well as cocktails with exotic flavors.
North America: Mignon ($50)
Mignon is a bistro-style restaurant that pays homage to the classic steak frites. It’s served with other seasonal side dishes, such as soups, salads, and a variety of appetizers.
Asia: An Choi Plaza ($50)
An Choi Plaza is a Vietnamese eatery located on Plaza Saint-Hubert, where you’ll find a wonderful selection of wines and dishes bursting with flavor. The restaurant is a blend of two worlds — that of a traditional Vietnamese restaurant and a wine bar. It was important for the kitchen team not to be limited to what is typically known about Vietnamese restaurants in Montreal. You’ll find beautifully composed small plates brimming with freshness.
France: Foiegwa ($35)
What we loved most about Foiegwa is a bit of everything: the service is charming and welcoming, the menu comforting and flavorful, and the décor is lovely. The restaurant offers reimagined French classics. The plates are well-crafted, and the dishes are quite tasty. A wonderful spot!
India: Rutba (Brunch Menu – $25)
Indian brunches are quite rare to find, which makes Rutba stand out. The restaurant offers a Thali brunch, honoring the vibrant flavors of India.
Italy: Graziella ($65)
Restaurant Graziella is one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal. Here, you can enjoy the delicate and subtle cuisine of Chef Graziella Battista in a chic setting. The team ensures that customers are fully satisfied, and the many regular clients are proof of this!
Middle East and North Africa: Heni ($65)
Heni invites us to travel to the Middle East and North Africa through an inventive menu, crafted with mastery and excellence, showcasing Quebec’s local products. Nestled in Little Burgundy, the restaurant offers a unique experience and a concept that blends sophistication and friendliness. Every meal is a celebration, a moment of sharing and discovery.
Quebec: Bonheur d’Occasion ($80)
A warm welcome, attentive service, and carefully prepared dishes await you at Bonheur d’Occasion. The dishes offered here are fresh, refined, and gourmet, highlighting Quebec products in a sublime way. It’s a restaurant we particularly love!
Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery
