A visit to Montreal would be incomplete without at least one Wilensky’s Special, the iconic Mile End lunch counter’s grilled sandwich with beef bologna and beef salami.
Located on the same block as Fairmount Bagel (see below), the family-run eatery has been slinging sandwiches to hungry locals since 1932. And the greatest irony? Moe Wilensky didn’t originally sell bologna sandwiches at Wilensky’s Light Lunch.
He added these world-famous sandwiches at his customers’ request. They’re so popular today that the staff prepares bologna sandwiches ahead of time in an effort to keep up with the hurried lunch crowd.
Though the Wilensky’s Special is a solid sandwich with fresh ingredients and an attractive price point, the best part of eating at Wilensky’s Light Lunch is the dining experience. Diners sit on bar stools facing the grill and chat with the next Wilensky generation (Sharon and Asher) during their quick meal.
Ordering a Wilensky’s Special is easy. You can choose to add Swiss or American cheese. You can also order a side of pickles and a handcrafted fountain drink. Just don’t ask them to cut your sandwich or leave off the mustard – these requests are against the rules.
Must Eat At Wilensky’s Light Lunch
Wilensky’s Special Sandwich
Wilensky’s Light Lunch is located at 34 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M1, Canada.
9. Fairmount Bagel & St-Viateur Bagel
Crowds flock to Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood to eat bagels at all hours of the day and night. But which is the best bagel shop in Montreal?
Many argue that Fairmount Bagel has been serving the best Montreal bagels since 1919, whereas others prefer St-Viateur, open since 1957, just around the corner. Either way, these two Montreal icons are responsible for turning the donut-shaped Eastern European bread staple into one of Montreal’s signature foods.
Montreal bagels are different from their New York cousins. They’re smaller and have a sweet flavor due to a cooking process that includes a water and honey bath.
But what city makes the better bagel? Montrealers swear by their bagels with a passion often reserved for hockey. Though we personally prefer New York bagels, we appreciate the Montreal version when it’s straight from the oven and slathered with cream cheese.
One thing is for sure – eating bagels is a must when you visit Montreal whether you go to Fairmount or St-Viateur Bagel. Better yet, go to both.
Must Eat At Fairmount Bagel & St-Viateur Bagel
Montreal Bagels
Fairmount Bagel is located at 74 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M2, Canada.
St-Viateur Bagel is located at 263 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2V 1Y1, Canada.
10. Juliette Et Chocolat
Making Montreal sweeter since 2003, Juliette et Chocolat serves a menu filled with luscious treats and decadent chocolate desserts. The dessert cafe also has savory dishes on the menu, but where’s the fun in that?
Juliette Brun opened the first Juliette et Chocolat in Montreal and now has nine locations including five in Montreal. Each location serves a range of desserts like waffles, cakes and pastries. However, it’s the chocolate that makes this iconic Montreal restaurant so special.
Visitors can drink the chocolate, drizzle it over ice cream or eat it fondue style. Once you dip skewers of fruits and other treats into Juliette et Chocolat’s molten chocolate, you’ll start planning your next visit right then and there. It’s that addictive.
Must Eat At Juliette Et Chocolat
Fondue
Juliette et Chocolat has multiple locations in Montreal.
