Want to explore one of the coolest parts of the city, but don’t know where to go? We asked two experts for help: Émilie Bouchard and Stéphanie Guéritaud, residents of Villeray, who have both lived in the neighborhood for at least 15 years.
Bouchard is an arts, culture and heritage coordinator who says: “We never get bored in Villeray” and Guéritaud is a stylist, journalist and decoration blogger which says: “Villeray is a very lively district” with a great sense of community.
Of Jarry promenade To Castelnau Square and beyond, Bouchard and Guéritaud gave us their recommendations of the best places to explore if you are visiting Villeray.
Bread in the sails
Address: 357, rue de Castelnau E., Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Guéritaud calls this place “the one and only bakery”. But you don’t have to take her at her word. His wand won the title of second-best baguette in the world at the prestigious Mondial Du Pain competition in France in 2011.
“A must for its variety but also for a café-croissant on its small terrace!” said Bouchard.
Cafe Larue & Fils
Address: 244, rue de Castelnau E., Montreal, QC & 405, rue Jarry E., Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: Bouchard called Café Larue “the typical café of Villerois”.
Meson
Address: 345, rue Villeray, Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: Guéritaud described Mesón as one of Villeray’s “amazing places” to eat, especially if you want a Spanish vibe. Bouchard recommended checking out the brunch menu.
Aleppo’s little bistro
Address: 191, rue Jean-Talon E., Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: Guéritaud said that Le Petit Alep is a “classic” which is “great if you want to share some inexpensive Lebanese food”. Bouchard recommends the “exquisite mouhamara”.
Creams, Coffee & Love (Cream, Coffee & Love)
Address: 26, rue Gounod, Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Guéritaud said this cafe is the “neighborhood’s newest Instagram gem.” It serves sandwiches, ice creams, gelatos, pastries and coffees and, thanks to its flowery and colorful decor, it makes every day feel like Valentine’s Day.
Pro tip: If you’re there, you can also head across the street to the new Cantine Emilia, which Guéritaud described as “a really cute and relatively new place with affordable Portuguese specialties”.
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Daou
Address: 519, rue Faillon E., Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: This was one of Celine Dion’s late husband’s favorite restaurants, Guéritaud told us. And, according to reports, she’s right. René Angélil clearly had a taste for spotting talent, so we take his word for it also when it comes to gastronomy.
Behind closed doors
Address: 7659, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC
Why you have to go: From Miss Villeray to the EtOH Brasserie, Guéritaud has said that Villeray is “a good place to have a drink”, but one of his favorite places is Huis Clos, an organic wine bar and restaurant. with an extensive drink menu including fun cocktails.
Cafécoquetel
Address: 426, rue Faillon E., Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Bouchard suggests Rose Pepper Latte at this cozy, boozy coffee bar.
Cafe Ferlucci
Address: 432, rue de Castelnau E., Montreal, QC
Why you must go: This cafe is known for its delicious Italian coffee, massive sandwiches, and seasonal terrace. A Yellow page article described the owner’s vision for the set as something that could “blend in perfectly with any mind-blowing Wes Anderson movie” – and the vibe of Wes Anderson is exactly what Bouchard said she loves the most on this subject.
Tsikinis Fruit Factory
Address: 661, rue Jarry E, Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: “There are several grocery / fruit stores in the neighborhood which are lovely. The people are really welcoming and we keep in touch over time. The Tsikinis fruit factory with its employees who have always been there, “said Bouchard.
According to Bouchard, the service alone makes it the perfect place to pick up fruit on the way to a picnic at Jarry Park during the warmer months.
Jarry bakery
Address: 380, rue Jarry E., Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Bouchard called Boulangerie Jarry “super accessible” with “delicious food”. In particular, she said that Millet’s tourtière is excellent.
Pro tip: She also shouted the Fanfare quiches and the P’tit Atelier turmeric baguette if you want to do a bakery tour.
L’Écume des jours bookstore
Address: 420, rue Villeray, Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Bouchard recommends this friendly neighborhood bookstore that emphasizes local Quebec literature.
Randolph Shop
Address: 347, rue de Castelnau E., Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: “A hidden gem on de Castelnau is the Randolph Boutique where you can buy the best board games… and even attend events where you can play them,” said Guéritaud.
Articho Shop
Address: 300, rue Villeray, Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Bouchard said this is one of the many stores near Jarry Park that “reflects the image” of the neighborhood. Articho sells gifts from Quebec artisans, accessories and more.
Sainte-Cécile counter
Address: 232, rue de Castelnau E., Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: This restaurant / grocery store is a favorite spot for ready meals, ciders, and beer, according to Bouchard.
Knuckles Canteen & Wines
Address: 241, rue Jarry E., Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Bouchard said that Knuckles, a new casual Italian restaurant on Jarry Street, is really nice with big tables, which makes it COVID-19 friendly. Not to mention that the food will make you salivate.
May 22
Address: 194, rue Jarry E., Montreal, QC
Why you need to go: Bouchard suggests grabbing a sandwich at this simple and charming little lunch and sandwich counter.
Pascal the Butcher
Address: 8113, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC *
Why you have to go: Although Bouchard is a vegetarian, she said that “carnivores agree that Pascal le Boucher is a must”. And even if she doesn’t go there for the meat, she goes to Pascal to look for the Clos Saragnat cider so that you can really find everything there.
In Quebec, a vaccination passport is necessary to access many shops and activities deemed non-essential, including restaurants and bars.
*This article has been updated.
