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Where to Eat and Drink in Villeray

From tapas to tacos — and lots of Italian in between

by Daniel Bromberg and Valerie Silva Updated Sep 28, 2021, 11:58am EDT

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by Daniel Bromberg and Valerie Silva Updated Sep 28, 2021, 11:58am EDT

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The primarily residential northern neighbourhood of Villeray, with its charmingly leafy streets and proximity to Jean-Talon Market and Jarry Park, has seen a big culinary boost in recent years. An array of cool young things — cafés, restaurants, and other neighbourhood haunts — have settled in, but among them are some longtime favourites, like Syrian-Armenian restaurant Alep, Haitian food counter and grocery store Méli-Mélo, and Spanish tapas frontrunner Tapeo.

Here are some of the best of both worlds — old and new, food and drink.

Health experts consider dining out to be a low-to-moderate risk for the vaccinated. For updated information and regulations, please visit the official sites of the Quebec government and Montreal’s public health authority (Santé Montréal).

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Meli-Melo Market

The place to go for home-style Haitian food, long-standing community staple Meli-Melo has been serving its flavour-rich griot cubes to Villeray denizens since 1984. Grab an extra jar of pikliz off to go.

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640 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1V7, Canada

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Also featured in:

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Bar Le Record

Take a trip back in time at this St-Hubert Street spot spinning classic vinyl in a space replete with Mad Man-era vibes. Wines are offered by the glass, and the cocktail menu is heavily gin- and bourbon-based — a great place for a date.

7622 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N6, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Tandem

Tandem isn’t just a fantastic Villeray restaurant or a go-to BYOB — it’s a great restaurant, period. Chef-owner Pascale Turgeon puts on a menu replete with French classics, from foie gras to meaty mains laden with mushrooms and buttery sauces.

586 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H6, Canada

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Mr. Azteca

A neighbourhood taqueria offering lots beyond the standard taco; they’re also selling chilaquiles rojos, flautas, gorditas, and plenty of vegetarian options.

7349 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N4, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

15 Terrific Taco Spots in Montreal

Tapeo

On the scene since 2004, the focus of this 100-seat Spanish restaurant is strictly tapas. Diners can choose from a wide range of dishes — all meant to be shared — including must-haves such as fried calamari, tuna albacore, and grilled shrimp. The paella is another notable highlight.

511 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H5, Canada

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Knuckles Cantine & Vins

Its “knuckles” or panzerotti (golden, fried envelopes of dough filled with tomatoes and cheese) may be the inspiration behind this Villeray newcomer’s name, but chef Vincent Lévesque-Lepage (formerly of Hoogan & Beaufort) is also serving up raved-over pasta dishes chock-full of local produce.

241 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1T6, Canada

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Restaurant Vesta

Unlike the Neapolitan style embraced by sibling restaurant Gema, Villeray’s Vesta makes its pizza thicker and crispier, drawing on North American traditions. Still sticking on this side of the Atlantic, it has cheesy Italian-American sides like mozzarella sticks and garlic knots deliciously slathered in a cacio e pepe sauce.

Open in Google Maps

206 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1T5, Canada

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Also featured in:

Huis Clos

This bar exploded onto the scene eight years ago, when few people would think of heading to Villeray as a drinking destination. Upscale bar fare centred around seafood — think oysters and tartare — seals the deal.

7659 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2R 2E7, Canada

Visit Website

Restaurant Moccione

Villeray has a strong contingent of spots where to sample Italian classics, but a seat at this three-year-old eatery may arguably be its most sought-after. Owners Luca Cianciulli and Maxime Landry bring experience from acclaimed Toqué, and the result is simple, sumptuous fare in a super cozy atmosphere.

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380 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1G9, Canada

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Also featured in:

Cafécoquetel

This Villeray newcomer takes you from morning rose latte to afternoon cocktail (or mocktail) in a cinch, with grilled cheese and veggie-heavy snacks to keep you fed.

Open in Google Maps

426 Rue Faillon E, Montréal, QC H2R 1L4, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Big Map of Brilliant Montreal Coffee Shops

Lahmajoune Villeray

The legacy of defunct lahmajoun bakery Chez Apo lives on at this Villeray newcomer started by one of its former employees in the same locale. Expect the namesake tomatoey, beefy flatbreads, plus a bevy of house-made dips, sweets, and snacks.

Open in Google Maps

420 Rue Faillon E, Montréal, QC H2R 1L4, Canada

Also featured in:

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Braseiro

Far from new and trendy, this Portuguese restaurant is a mainstay for seafood dishes (garlicky shrimp, grilled octopus, and, of course, sardines, to name a few) and grilled chicken — prepare to leave full.

8261 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2P 2M1, Canada

Café Ferlucci

Set on the ground floor of a converted duplex, this café pulls a mean Italian-style espresso while also serving traditional pastries, panini, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Peep the extensive collection of VHS tapes, too.

Open in Google Maps

432 Rue de Castelnau E, Montréal, QC H2R 1R3, Canada

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Café Vito

This Italian coffee shop founded by a barista from Mile End favourite Olimpico has a great community vibe, alongside great espresso, cannoli, and panini. Many take their coffee to go, but if you choose to stay, it’s almost guaranteed to have a soccer game playing in the background.

Open in Google Maps

151 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1G4, Canada

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La Ruelle Épicerie et Café

Steps away from Jarry Park is LaRuelle, a Colombian sandwich shop, café, and grocery store serving up veggie and beef arepas, as well as Southern comfort foods like brisket sandwiches and three-cheese mac and cheese. Stock up on the Colombian coffee, hot sauce, and plantains chips that line its grocery shelves.

7807 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2R 1X1, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Comptoir Sainte-Cécile

Five-year-old Comptoir Sainte-Cécile has you covered at lunchtime with salads, soups, sweets, and some not-to-be-missed sandwiches. Recent options include a salmon tartare sandwich filled with potato confit sour cream and one with mushrooms, carrots, basil, and curry mayo. They’ve also got you covered for drinks, with loads of wines, ciders, and beers from Quebec.

232 Rue de Castelnau E, Montréal, QC H2R 1P5, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Alep/Le Petit Alep

An anchor in the neighbourhood, Alep shines as a premier destination for Syrian and Armenian flavours in a table-clothed setting. Next door, laid-back bistro Le Petit Alep shares a kitchen and offers lunch service with the same comprehensive wine list.

Open in Google Maps

199 Rue Jean-Talon Est, Montréal, QC H2R 1S8, Canada

Visit Website

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Meli-Melo Market

640 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1V7, Canada

The place to go for home-style Haitian food, long-standing community staple Meli-Melo has been serving its flavour-rich griot cubes to Villeray denizens since 1984. Grab an extra jar of pikliz off to go.

Open in Google Maps

640 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1V7, Canada

Visit Website

Bar Le Record

7622 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N6, Canada

Take a trip back in time at this St-Hubert Street spot spinning classic vinyl in a space replete with Mad Man-era vibes. Wines are offered by the glass, and the cocktail menu is heavily gin- and bourbon-based — a great place for a date.

7622 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N6, Canada

Visit Website

Tandem

586 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H6, Canada

Tandem isn’t just a fantastic Villeray restaurant or a go-to BYOB — it’s a great restaurant, period. Chef-owner Pascale Turgeon puts on a menu replete with French classics, from foie gras to meaty mains laden with mushrooms and buttery sauces.

586 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H6, Canada

Visit Website

Mr. Azteca

7349 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N4, Canada

A neighbourhood taqueria offering lots beyond the standard taco; they’re also selling chilaquiles rojos, flautas, gorditas, and plenty of vegetarian options.

7349 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, QC H2R 2N4, Canada

Visit Website

Tapeo

511 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H5, Canada

On the scene since 2004, the focus of this 100-seat Spanish restaurant is strictly tapas. Diners can choose from a wide range of dishes — all meant to be shared — including must-haves such as fried calamari, tuna albacore, and grilled shrimp. The paella is another notable highlight.

511 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1H5, Canada

Visit Website

Knuckles Cantine & Vins

241 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1T6, Canada

Its “knuckles” or panzerotti (golden, fried envelopes of dough filled with tomatoes and cheese) may be the inspiration behind this Villeray newcomer’s name, but chef Vincent Lévesque-Lepage (formerly of Hoogan & Beaufort) is also serving up raved-over pasta dishes chock-full of local produce.

241 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1T6, Canada

Visit Website

Restaurant Vesta

206 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1T5, Canada

Unlike the Neapolitan style embraced by sibling restaurant Gema, Villeray’s Vesta makes its pizza thicker and crispier, drawing on North American traditions. Still sticking on this side of the Atlantic, it has cheesy Italian-American sides like mozzarella sticks and garlic knots deliciously slathered in a cacio e pepe sauce.

Open in Google Maps

206 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, QC H2P 1T5, Canada

Visit Website

Huis Clos

7659 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2R 2E7, Canada

This bar exploded onto the scene eight years ago, when few people would think of heading to Villeray as a drinking destination. Upscale bar fare centred around seafood — think oysters and tartare — seals the deal.

7659 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2R 2E7, Canada

Visit Website

Restaurant Moccione

380 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1G9, Canada

Villeray has a strong contingent of spots where to sample Italian classics, but a seat at this three-year-old eatery may arguably be its most sought-after. Owners Luca Cianciulli and Maxime Landry bring experience from acclaimed Toqué, and the result is simple, sumptuous fare in a super cozy atmosphere.

Open in Google Maps

380 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1G9, Canada

Visit Website

Cafécoquetel

426 Rue Faillon E, Montréal, QC H2R 1L4, Canada

This Villeray newcomer takes you from morning rose latte to afternoon cocktail (or mocktail) in a cinch, with grilled cheese and veggie-heavy snacks to keep you fed.

Open in Google Maps

426 Rue Faillon E, Montréal, QC H2R 1L4, Canada

Visit Website

Lahmajoune Villeray

420 Rue Faillon E, Montréal, QC H2R 1L4, Canada

The legacy of defunct lahmajoun bakery Chez Apo lives on at this Villeray newcomer started by one of its former employees in the same locale. Expect the namesake tomatoey, beefy flatbreads, plus a bevy of house-made dips, sweets, and snacks.

Open in Google Maps

420 Rue Faillon E, Montréal, QC H2R 1L4, Canada

Braseiro

8261 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2P 2M1, Canada

Far from new and trendy, this Portuguese restaurant is a mainstay for seafood dishes (garlicky shrimp, grilled octopus, and, of course, sardines, to name a few) and grilled chicken — prepare to leave full.

8261 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2P 2M1, Canada

Café Ferlucci

432 Rue de Castelnau E, Montréal, QC H2R 1R3, Canada

Set on the ground floor of a converted duplex, this café pulls a mean Italian-style espresso while also serving traditional pastries, panini, and grilled cheese sandwiches. Peep the extensive collection of VHS tapes, too.

Open in Google Maps

432 Rue de Castelnau E, Montréal, QC H2R 1R3, Canada

Visit Website

Café Vito

151 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1G4, Canada

This Italian coffee shop founded by a barista from Mile End favourite Olimpico has a great community vibe, alongside great espresso, cannoli, and panini. Many take their coffee to go, but if you choose to stay, it’s almost guaranteed to have a soccer game playing in the background.

Open in Google Maps

151 Rue Villeray, Montréal, QC H2R 1G4, Canada

Visit Website

La Ruelle Épicerie et Café

7807 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2R 1X1, Canada

Steps away from Jarry Park is LaRuelle, a Colombian sandwich shop, café, and grocery store serving up veggie and beef arepas, as well as Southern comfort foods like brisket sandwiches and three-cheese mac and cheese. Stock up on the Colombian coffee, hot sauce, and plantains chips that line its grocery shelves.

7807 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2R 1X1, Canada

Visit Website

Comptoir Sainte-Cécile

232 Rue de Castelnau E, Montréal, QC H2R 1P5, Canada

Five-year-old Comptoir Sainte-Cécile has you covered at lunchtime with salads, soups, sweets, and some not-to-be-missed sandwiches. Recent options include a salmon tartare sandwich filled with potato confit sour cream and one with mushrooms, carrots, basil, and curry mayo. They’ve also got you covered for drinks, with loads of wines, ciders, and beers from Quebec.

232 Rue de Castelnau E, Montréal, QC H2R 1P5, Canada

Visit Website

Alep/Le Petit Alep

199 Rue Jean-Talon Est, Montréal, QC H2R 1S8, Canada

An anchor in the neighbourhood, Alep shines as a premier destination for Syrian and Armenian flavours in a table-clothed setting. Next door, laid-back bistro Le Petit Alep shares a kitchen and offers lunch service with the same comprehensive wine list.

Open in Google Maps

199 Rue Jean-Talon Est, Montréal, QC H2R 1S8, Canada

Visit Website