While noses are generally turned northward to Mile End for Montreal bagels, it’s easy to forget there are choice Ashkenazi breads found elsewhere. Run by Isa Lora Messier and Émilie Sirois, this spot has had several successful years of good coffee and sandwiches, in addition to scrumptious brunches.

Pierrette is one of Verdun's go-to Québécois greasy spoons. It's known for its poutine, but it's worth considering other Quebec favourites like the Michigan (a hot dog with a meaty sauce) or even a classic burger or sub.

Inspired by the Spanish and Italian cultures that settled in Argentina, Beba dances across all kinds of spices and cuisines for a menu that’s anything but ordinary. The small neighbourhood restaurant is helmed by Liverpool House alumnus Ari Schor and his brother Pablo. Expect creative seafood dishes, seasonal veggies, and a strong wine list that rivals some of the best wine bars in the city.

Though the newest addition to this list, Pavillon Snack Bar fits right in, with excellent sandwiches, silky smooth coffee, and some highly sought-after banana bread. Currently in the process of setting up a terrasse for the summer.

This brunch and lunch spot from Peter Simard and Paule Vezina is a sharp contrast to some of its BYOB and greasy spoon neighbours both in menu and discretion. It quietly opened in 2017 and has kept a low profile despite its positive reception: Who wouldn’t want to start their day with maple bacon-topped ricotta pancakes or a braised beef grilled cheese?

One of very few restaurants in Montreal serving food from the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, the food at Les Délices reflects the nation’s geography: near Africa, colonized by Europeans, and settled by immigrants from India and east Asia. Creole sauces, seafood, and a dal-like soup all figure prominently — and are reasonably priced.

Dylan Kier is Montreal's pre-eminent purveyor of all manner of rubbed and smoked meats. His Verdun barbecue hub is a casual affair with meaty plates, sandwiches, chili, and a famous Burnt Ends poutine topped with crispy brisket bits.

The neighbourhood’s premier cocktail bar Palco launched a new takeout menu this spring, including picnic platters (cheese and charcuterie), oysters, a club sandwich with smoked pancetta and whiskey mayonnaise, and a dried garlic flower focaccia with a side of beet pesto that’s particularly tempting. Not veering too far from its bar roots, it offers up an enviable selection of craft beers and privately imported wines.

From cookies to pie, Verdun's top bakehouse draws crowds for its perfectly executed sweets, but more savoury options like a croque monsieur are not to be sneezed at.

One of the city's few Japanese-owned sushi restaurants, Aka-Fuji is a lovely nook with even nicer rolls — split between Japanese and Americanized takes.

Verdun has handfuls of late-night pizza joints, but Rita is one of the first in the neighbourhood to serve up Neapolitan-style pies. Here, guests can expect classic pies topped with fior di latte cheese, olives, basil, and pecorino; and delicious twists, including the Enzo 97, a pie topped with mushroom pâte, marinated oyster mushrooms, and provolone. Not in the mood for pizza? Rita also boasts a seasonal selection of handmade pasta.

The hype surrounding Tota Oung’s Cambodian restaurant has never quite died down in Montreal — let alone Verdun. Among many delectable items on the menu, the stuffed chicken wings, fried papaya salad, and wasabi shrimp ceviche come highly recommended.

Verdun mightn't be as full of French bring-your-own-wine bistros as Hochelaga, and maybe that's because Wellington offers such tough competition. With tartare, pâte, and boudin, it's pretty darn French — something to be expected given that two of the owners also run O'Thym and Les Canailles.