514eats is two childhood friends turned opinionated restaurant bloggers that like to go out and talk about it. We are not self-proclaimed "foodies"; we simply love eating and drinking, and we thought we would share our findings, good or bad, with the hopes that somebody out there gets something useful out of them. We will go anywhere and we will say it like it is.
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Every passing year confirms the death of fine dining as we once knew it. Small, affordable, made-to-share plates have cut across all cuisines and eased their way into the upper echelon of Montreal’s newcomers for 2017. Fall may be creeping in on us soon, but there’s still plenty of time to try one of our suggestions below – the places that caught our attention, for better or for worse. (Added suggestions by Kelsey Rolfe)
It comes as no surprise that Montreal’s local food movement is a force to be reckoned with. As a result, scores of chefs have jumped on the bandwagon; some do it out of an ideological drive, others to satisfy an increasingly demanding and scrutinizing clientele. The following list of restaurants place an emphasis on sourcing locally, relying heavily on nearby farms, game and fishing. [Image credit: iStock]
Montreal’s rich and complex dining scene goes through its fair share of fads and trends every couple years. Of late, we’ve witnessed an explosion in Japanese izakayas, which were followed by Neapolitan pizzerias and more recently taquerias. The following list showcases our city’s various takes on the Mexican staple, from its most traditional form to experimental renditions that are bound to amaze. [Image credit: iStock]
Setting aside the purported health benefits of consuming animal flesh in its pure, unadulterated form, it can actually taste absolutely fabulous! Far from pushing restaurants that suggest a chiefly raw menu, the following list is simply a roundup of spots serving standout raw dishes – excluding sushi – from tartares and crudos to tatakis and ceviches. [image credit: iStock/MiguelMalo]
Whether you’re trying to save for a big purchase, or simply like your restaurants to be affordable, Montreal has plenty of budget-friendly options that will fill you up with good food at a reasonable price.
Montréal en Lumière is back for its 18th edition, this time shining the spotlight on the French city of Lyon - one of the world’s premier culinary destinations. A slew of gastronomic events satisfying all tastes, occasions and budgets is slated to kick off on February 23rd. If you feel overwhelmed by the multitude of choices, our curated list is here to help you out. Hurry, some events have already sold out. [Image: iStock]
There is no slowing down the juggernaut that is the Montreal restaurant scene. Year after year, we witness a fair share of closings, but those are offset by a tide of openings across all price ranges and neighborhoods. Here’s our curated list of eateries to watch out for in 2016.
Long considered a restaurant desert, save for a couple of fixtures, this posh neighborhood has recently seen a boom in eateries. Locals now have a range of daytime options covering every need, from quick bites to upscale lunches. As expert residents of the area, we’re happy to share our favourite neighbourhood eats.
If you care less for what’s on the plate than who’s around you, this list is for you. Fancy the latest fashion trends? Loud music? Possibly some champagne popping? We’ve got you covered. Don’t get us wrong, though - some of these trendy spots actually excel in the kitchen on top of being “in.” [Image credit: iStock.com/andresr]
Montreal’s fabled Saint-Laurent Boulevard, though once the city’s nightlife artery, has severely declined in recent years following prolonged road work that saw many businesses close up shop as restaurateurs and chefs took their business and talents elsewhere. Fret not though - amid the turmoil, one can still find a few gems here, from mainstays to newcomers.
We’re not very big on desserts, but we’re aware that for some sweet tooth types, the finale can make or break an outing. Look no further than the following list the next time you want to finish a strong meal with an even stronger dessert.
Being of Syrian origin, it really vexes us that most people associate our region’s cuisine with shish taouk and shawarma only. With this list, we're taking it upon ourselves to promote our colorful, healthy and delicious cuisine. Do us a favor and visit one of these places for an experience you won’t soon forget. We guarantee they’ll make you feel like family!