Peruvian food has cropped up in trendy settings across the city like Tiradito and Pikeos, but Sol y Mar is more of a classic mainstay. This no-frills Saint-Hubert spot serves up flavourful classics such as ceviche, chicharrón, charcoal-grilled meats, and rice dishes, and none of them will really break the bank.

While a trip to the beautiful, sandy coastlines of the Caribbean’s largest island isn’t always possible, Montrealers can dine on Cuban cuisine, including the ever-popular Cubano sandwich and ropa vieja – pulled beef with red peppers, tomatoes and onions — as well as dishes such as croquettes, pork steak, deep fried fish, and arroz congri (rice and beans). The Bandejita is a hearty house favourite of ropa vieja served with chicharrons on top. Skip the oddball non-Cuban menu items like poutine, though.

Open since 1984, Sabor Latino is part restaurant, part grocery store — but don’t let that deter you from coming in for a full meal. The chorizo and al pastor tacos come in sets of four and are some of the best in the city, full-stop. The guacamole is excellent, there’s tamales from all over Latin America, and combo platters of stewed meat with rice and beans. With a mango Jarritos to wash it all down, you’re still looking at under $15 for a meal. For dessert, try the dulce de leche-filled churros or the conchas, which are just like those in Mexico. Now with bigger digs on St-Hubert and Bélanger.

La Matraca is the place to be if you’re on the hunt for real Mexican atmosphere and real Mexican food. In addition to tacos, the open kitchen serves up chilaquiles, sincronizadas, choriqueso, and flautas — all the best homey dishes that can be hard to find elsewhere in Montreal.

Serving Chilean-leaning classics, this long-standing Mile End corner café offers a wide variety of sandwiches for just $5.75 a piece, as well as empanadas ($3.50 each), and main dishes for around $10 to 15. Don’t leave without trying one of their alfajores, a dulce de leche sandwich cookie found all throughout South America.

This family-friendly hangout advertises itself as “gourmet Mexican street food” and hits that mark with aplomb. The vibe is a little trendier than some places around, but the food is classic: order up any combination of pork carnitas tacos, Milanesa tortas or a plate of tamales to warm you from top to bottom. Don’t miss out on any of the homemade juices, either.

One of the more traditional Venezuelan options in town, this Plateau corner spot focuses on street food classics, including cachapas ‚ sweet corn pancakes filled with butter and tons of cheese — patacóns, and arepas. If it’s your first time, go for the Pabellon (pulled beef, black beans, cheese and plantain) or the Reina Pepiada (chicken and avocado). Bonus: Cacique is open very late on weekend nights.

As the name suggests, this Plateau favourite serves delicious tacos, as well as tortas, a dish that is finally having a moment outside of Mexico. Tortas are big, overstuffed sandwiches, often filled with meat, refried beans, salsas and vegetables. The star at T & T has to be either the Cochinita, served with achiote — marinated pulled pork, pickled onions, and jalapenos — or the Milanesa, a breaded beef filet with avocado, aioli, jalapenos, and tomatoes. A full range of tequila is also on offer, to boot.

Arepera is the ideal place for a hearty Venezuelan food fix. Its extensive menu offers more than 30 types of arepas, a white corn-based patty, grilled and then filled with the likes of pulled pork, chicken and avocado, and cheese. On weekend mornings, you can pop in for a hefty brunch of tamales, cheese, beans and eggs — but the arepas are the stars of the show.

It’s all in the name at this Latin Quarter spot. Cachitos are horn-shaped Venezuelan pastries traditionally filled with ham and white cheese. Aside from the original, the spinach–ricotta, chorizo, and guayaba–cheese cachitos are common favourites. They make the perfect snack with an espresso.

Che Churro is the ideal place for a break from the cold. This little Argentine spot offers excellent churros and hot chocolate, as well as Argentine and Colombian empanadas. Products are sold individually or by the dozen — try the plain churros dusted in cinnamon sugar, or get loco with dulce de leche or chocolate.

As the only Mexican restaurant in the Verdun area, El Sabor de México has made its name as the go-to for fajitas, enchiladas, mole poblano, sopa azteca and, of course, margaritas. Available for dine-in or take-out.