Where to Eat During Startupfest?

To celebrate Startupfest, we’re sharing some of our favorite foodie spots near the event so you can make the most of your experience!

Every summer, an inspiring energy takes over Old Montreal as founders, investors, creators, and curious minds from around the world gather for Startupfest. Over three days, this one-of-a-kind festival celebrates innovation and entrepreneurial boldness in the tech world. From July 9 to 11, 2025, Montreal will host the 15th edition of the event under the theme “Ambition+”—an invitation to go beyond dreams and turn big ideas into real success stories. Recognized as one of the most influential startup gatherings in the world, Startupfest is definitely an event you won’t want to miss!

Between captivating talks, meetings with industry experts, unexpected networking moments, and real investment opportunities, Startupfest is much more than a tech festival: it’s a creative and human experience where anything can happen—and where everything begins.

By the way, did you know that Tastet is part of the startup world too? Launched just a year ago, our mobile app Tastet+ is the perfect tool to discover the best restaurants, cafés, and bars nearby in Montreal and beyond. We even offer a free 48-hour trial for first-time users—perfect for checking it out during your time at the convention. You can download it right here.

For Startupfest, we’ve put together a list of iconic Montreal spots worth checking out throughout the weekend—for all kinds of occasions! Enjoy the discoveries!

Morning Coffee – Fuel Up for the Day!

Paquebot Vieux-Montréal
If you enjoy discovering great music and hearing classics played on vinyl, this third-wave coffee shop will be right up your alley.
Le Petit Dep
Located in Old Montreal, Le Petit Dep is a charming upscale convenience store offering a variety of products, including pastries and baked goods from local favorite Arhoma.
Marché Saint-Laurent
Part café, part boutique, Marché Saint-Laurent specializes in locally made products that celebrate Montreal culture. They serve locally roasted coffee and excellent pastries.
Crew Collective Café
Housed in a former bank, the breathtaking architecture of Crew Collective Café makes it one of the most stunning coffee spots in the city.
La Cave à Manger
Both a bakery and a wine shop, La Cave à Manger serves homemade pastries—perfect for starting your day on the right note.

Lunchtime – A Quick Bite Between Seminars

Olive et Gourmando
A staple in Old Montreal, this popular counter spot is a must for fans of top-notch sandwiches and pastries.
Monopole
Part of our list of beautiful, delicious, and affordable restaurants, Monopole offers a lunch menu featuring small plates, sandwiches, and fresh salads—all at reasonable prices and with a great selection of natural wines.
Dispensa Épicerie Italienne
While it’s a lovely spot for coffee and a bombolone in the morning, lunchtime is when Dispensa really shines: crispy pizzas, golden calzones, and tasty sandwiches make this a must-visit stop.
Ciccio’s
Some of the best sandwiches in Montreal can be found right here!
Mandy’s
A go-to for those looking for a lighter lunch, Mandy’s is known for its delicious and satisfying salads.
Burger Fiancé
For a hearty and indulgent lunch, Burger Fiancé is a top choice nearby. Bonus: all their dishes are 100% vegan!

Happy Hour – Network with Industry Peers

Bar Bisou Bisou
This laid-back spot is ideal for an early evening meetup, offering apéritif-style cocktails along with low- and no-alcohol options.
Nhau Bar
A festive and stylish cocktail bar hidden beneath Restaurant HÀ, Nhau Bar is easily one of the most stunning bars in Montreal.
Philémon
At Philémon, it’s all about enjoying life’s simple pleasures—refreshing cocktails and easy-drinking wines in a lively, welcoming setting.
Coldroom
Ranked among Canada’s best bars, The Coldroom is tucked behind an unmarked door in Old Montreal, housed in a former 1877 cold-storage warehouse.
Le Mal Nécessaire
This striking bar crafts some of the best cocktails in the city, blending creativity and flavor in a vibrant tropical setting.

Casual Dining – Soak in the Charm of Old Montreal

Oncle Lee Kao
Chef Andersen Lee serves a refined take on Chinese cuisine, with a focus on grilled dishes that blend tradition and modern flair.
Romies
Romies is a cozy neighborhood bistro offering hearty, American-inspired dishes. Their terrace is also one of the most beautiful in Montreal!
Mélisse
Mélisse’s menu is designed for sharing—perfect for those who love to explore and mix flavors.
Pubjelly
Enjoy seasonal small plates, indulgent Roman-style pizza, and oysters in the lively atmosphere of Montreal’s Old Port.
Bloom Sushi
Bloom offers a 100% plant-based take on traditional sushi—flavorful, creative, and beautifully crafted.
Mano Cornuto
One of Montreal’s top Italian spots, Mano Cornuto is a must-visit—don’t miss their pistachio burrata and branzino crudo.

Fine Dining – Perfect for Dinner with Investors

Monarque
Set in a stunning, spacious venue, Monarque impresses with a refined French-inspired menu and flawlessly executed dishes.
Nora Gray
For an authentic and absolutely delicious Italian gastronomic experience, this is the place to go.
Le Serpent
With its chic industrial decor, Le Serpent is one of Montreal’s most beautiful restaurants—and the Italian-inspired cuisine is just as breathtaking as the setting.
Place Carmin
This elegant Old Montreal brasserie brings a refined twist to classic French dining, all in a bright and sophisticated space—perfect for a business dinner.
Barroco
Housed in a historic building in Old Montreal, Barroco serves generous Mediterranean cuisine in a festive, welcoming atmosphere.
Dorsia
French finesse meets Italian flavor at Dorsia, where refined dishes are served in an enchanting, beautifully designed setting.

New & Popular in Montreal

Le Violon
Named “Best New Restaurant of 2025,” Le Violon—led by chef Danny Smiles—is the city’s hottest table right now. Expect finesse, freshness, and perfectly balanced flavors in every dish.
Rôtisserie La Lune
Rotisserie restaurants are a true Quebec classic. La Lune reimagines this local favorite with a gourmet twist—keeping the nostalgic flavors but elevating the experience.
Parapluie
Recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide—and with good reason! Parapluie serves refined, creative, and affordable French cuisine with a strong focus on seasonal ingredients.
Casavant
Casavant boasts a beautifully curated seasonal menu, a thoughtful wine list, and a stunning interior. It’s received plenty of praise—including a Bib Gourmand—and it only takes one visit to understand why.
Molenne
This Montreal brasserie celebrates local products with a seasonal, seafood-focused menu that’s both elegant and satisfying.
Pasta Pooks
Tucked away in Little Italy, this Sardinian-inspired counter serves up some of the very best pasta in the city.

Montreal Classics – The City’s Must-Try Icons

Toqué!
A true Montreal institution, Toqué! revolutionized the city’s food scene under the leadership of chef Normand Laprise. The spotlight here is on market-driven cuisine, prepared with elegance and precision.
Joe Beef
For over twenty years, Joe Beef has delighted diners with its rich and generous French-inspired dishes. Don’t miss their legendary lobster spaghetti!
Montréal Plaza
An iconic local address, Montréal Plaza is known for its refined yet playful small plates, crafted with seasonal ingredients and plenty of creativity.
Mon Lapin
Since opening in 2018, Vin Mon Lapin has continually raised the bar for local gastronomy. Chefs Jessica Noël and Marc-Olivier Frappier craft outstanding dishes, while sommelier Vanya Filipovic—one of the best in the country—curates the wine list.
Café Olimpico
A true institution, Café Olimpico has been serving some of the best Italian coffee in Montreal since 1970.
Fairmount Bagel / Bagel Saint-Viateur
Montreal-style bagels are the best—sorry, New York! And the top places to try them are Fairmount Bagel and Bagel Saint-Viateur, both legends in their own right.
Schwartz’s Deli
Montreal’s smoked meat sandwich is iconic, and the best place to try it is hands down Schwartz’s Deli—an essential stop for first-timers and locals alike.

Whether you’re in town for Startupfest or simply looking to explore the culinary gems of Old Montreal, this guide will take you from morning coffee to evening dinner—between pitches, inspiring encounters, or well-earned breaks. Montreal’s vibrant food scene mirrors its entrepreneurial spirit: diverse, creative, and driven by shared pleasure.

Enjoy the festival—and bon appétit!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery