concrete table covered in korean and japanese food

Where to Eat in Montreal’s Shaughnessy Village

Take your pick from halal kebabs sold by the kilo, handmade manti bathed in yogurt, or all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue

by Ivy Lerner-Frank Aug 17, 2021, 9:42am EDT

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by Ivy Lerner-Frank Aug 17, 2021, 9:42am EDT

JaKo/Facebook

Named after Canadian Pacific founder Thomas Shaughnessy (his mansion is now part of the Canadian Centre for Architecture), this bustling, Concordia-adjacent downtown ‘hood boasts some great food options thanks to its highly international population. Frequently described as Chinatown West, Shaughnessy Village features a collection of Asian restaurants and chains (takeaway counters like Uncle Tetsu Cheesecake and Chung Chun hot dogs), bubble tea stands, and grocery stores.

At the heart is Faubourg Ste Catherine, a formerly tony mall that’s now primarily focused on Asian food. Most of the second floor is taken up by Marché Newon, a sprawling market with a butcher counter, fresh fish and seafood, a global assortment of fruit and vegetables, rice from around the world, and a freezer section stocked with everything from frozen parathas to purple ube ice cream, while the food court one floor above hosts some pocket-friendly spots, several with some spotty post-pandemic hours.

Shaughnessy Village spans the area between Guy and Atwater, from Sherbrooke to Boulevard René-Levesque, and this map features some of the best spots to stop for a meal within those parameters.

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Sam Cha

It’s all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue at Sam Cha — as long as the whole table orders it — but if grilled meats don’t quite cut it, there’s nyang myun iced noodles for summer slurping, soondubu stews for winter warming, or Kimchi fried rice, just because it’s so good.

Open in Google Maps

2176 A Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3H 1M6, Canada

Visit Website

table covered in korean dishes

Also featured in:

20 Essential Korean Restaurants in Montreal

Avesta

Head to Avesta for hearty Anatolian treats like homemade manti dumplings bathed in yogurt sauce — and sadj kavurma, sautéed meat with caramelized onions. Everything is made in-house (often in the front window), including the hand-rolled dough wrapping for the gözleme grilled sandwiches with vegetarian-friendly options. Avesta’s dinner for four, including kebabs, kofta, lahmajoun, and salad is a great way to leave the decisions to the kitchen.

Open in Google Maps

2077 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3H 1M6, Canada

Also featured in:

15 Underrated Restaurants to Try in Montreal

Restaurant Jako

All Japanese and Korean bases are covered at JaKo (get it?), the restaurant formerly known as Ganadara. Choose from korokke to kimchi, donburi to dolsot, and if you hanker for a sweet potato and mozzarella salad with some miso soup on the side, there’s that, too.

Open in Google Maps

1862 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3H 1J8, Canada

Visit Website

KimGalbi

Pajeon pancakes, tteokbokki rice sticks in a spicy sauce, soothing tofu soups, and lots of kimchi dishes are on offer at Kim Galbi’s compact, popular premises. Marinated grilled beef rib, the namesake dish, are a must-have.

Open in Google Maps

2100 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2J4, Canada

Ichifuku

Tucked inside the Kametsuru Japanese grocery store, the Ichifuku counter remains a draw in the quartier with their summer terrasse and winter takeaway option. Ramen lovers can select pork or chicken broth, add an egg (poached or marinated and boiled) or extra nori. There’s katsu, yakisoba, and chicken karaage to boot.

Open in Google Maps

1925 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Visit Website

ramen bowl

Also featured in:

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Nilufar

Nilufar Al-Shourbaji’s generosity and optimistic falafel-it-forward philosophy have been winning fans for ages, but it’s really all about the pita wraps at her tiny and extremely affordable shop. The meat is halal, there are ample vegetarian options, and there’s even a party platter.

1923 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Chef Lee

Sammi and Soupe Dumpling owners Xiao Dan Song and Ting Liu’s newest project on the Ste-Catherine strip features Shanghai specialty sheng jian bao, an oversized, doughy dumpling with a crunchy pan-fried bottom. Stuffed with either pork or shrimp, this snack is the star of the show; other menu items include wontons (check out the chili oil variety) and various steamed bao. Qing Hua Dumplings, another of the couple’s outlets, is just a few blocks away on de Maisonneuve in case there’s a lineup.

Open in Google Maps

1901 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

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Thali Cuisine Indienne

Thali’s thali platters feature what you want, when you want it: a huge plate full of veg or non-veg flavour in tiny portions so you get to taste everything. If a full thali meal is too much, there’s always butter chicken and garlic naan — just leave room for a gulab jamun dessert.

1409 Rue Saint-Marc, Montréal, QC H3H 2G4, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Rôtisserie Poulet Bronzé

In a city full of fried chicken options, Poulet Bronzé stands out for its crispy chicken, which also happens to be halal. If birds fried in chicken fat aren’t quite your thing, check out their kabsa rice — chicken and rice cooked with Middle Eastern aromatics.

Open in Google Maps

1622 Av. Lincoln, Montréal, QC H3H 1G9, Canada

Visit Website

Cuisine AuntDai

Owner Feigang Fei had his 15 minutes of worldwide fame during the lockdown, when his exceedingly frank commentaries on the menu went viral. Since that time he’s been recounting how the dishes fare after delivery and set up his own YouTube channel: the popularity of his lamb hot pot and three-cup chicken live on, however. By his own admission, some dishes are more wonderful than others. Check out his recommendations on the website and decide for yourself.

Open in Google Maps

1448 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2H9, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Get Great Chinese Food in Montreal

Yin Ji Chang Fen

Thin rice noodle rolls are at the heart of Chinese chain Yin Ji Chang Fen’s menu, but don’t stop there: the menu includes dim sum specialties and fifteen varieties of generously portioned congee, including C9, a classic shredded pork and preserved egg option. Get the S3 youtiao (dough sticks) to dip into your soup for pure comfort-in-a-bowl.

Open in Google Maps

1861 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M2, Canada

Visit Website

rice roll with shrimp

Also featured in:

Restaurant I AM Pho

One of four outlets across the city, I am Pho offers eight different kinds of pho plus bún bò hué, the spicy lemongrass-laced beef and pork soup. Grilled dishes, iced Vietnamese filter coffee, and a tri-coloured coconut pudding round out the menu.

Open in Google Maps

1444 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2H9, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

The Best Food and Coffee Around Concordia University (Downtown)

Château Kabab

Château Kabab’s downtown location features personal pita wraps and halal kebabs by the kilo (saffron chicken and filet mignon, among others). Also on offer: Persian dishes like mirza khasemi eggplant purée, mast o khiar yogurt dip, and zereshk (chicken and barberries) or Baghali polo rice, with lamb, fava beans, and dill.

Open in Google Maps

2140 Rue Guy, Montréal, QC H3H 2L8, Canada

Visit Website

pink hued chicken

Also featured in:

Délice oriental Chinese Cuisine

Délice Oriental mixes up its menu with shredded tripe appetizers and beef slices in chili sauce next to the chicken balls with red sauce. The super BBQ fish is a big favourite here; aim for the spicy menu items like fish slices in hot oil for a truly Sichuan experience.

Open in Google Maps

1858 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada

Visit Website

Bhandari Cuisine Indienne

Bright and cheery, Bhandari’s menu is full of options, from their thalis — vegetarian or lamb, curry- or butter-chicken — to deep-fried vada, in a yogurt sauce or sambar broth. There are idlis, too, for those who love these gluten-free fermented rice and lentil orbs. Plus, lassi, sweet or salty.

Open in Google Maps

1668 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3H 1J7, Canada

Visit Website

Otto Yakitori Izakaya

This original Otto — there’s a bistro in the Plateau and a bar in Little Burgundy — features grilled and fried Japanese specialties, from skewers to karaage chicken and pork tonkatsu in a cozy setting. It’s easy to dine in or do DIY takeout with their nifty portable biodegradable grill if you get more than $50 worth of skewers.

Open in Google Maps

1441 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2M4, Canada

Visit Website

noodles with fish skewers

Also featured in:

Incredible Izakayas: Montreal’s Best Beer- and Sake-Soaked Japanese Pubs

Kazu

Destination Japanese spot Kazu features ramen and rice bowls, grilled meat and fish, sashimi, and homemade tofu on Sundays. Those who love it swear by it, regardless of the lineups. Their Japanese cocktails (head straight to the Calpico) are always a hit.

1844 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Antep Kebab

The LED photo menu proclaims what’s on offer at this popular de Maisonneuve spot, footsteps from the metro and Concordia: halal skewers on homemade sesame bread or rice. Study the menu, order fast, and wait for deliciousness to come your way.

Open in Google Maps

1626 Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3H 1J5, Canada

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Sam Cha

2176 A Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3H 1M6, Canada

It’s all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue at Sam Cha — as long as the whole table orders it — but if grilled meats don’t quite cut it, there’s nyang myun iced noodles for summer slurping, soondubu stews for winter warming, or Kimchi fried rice, just because it’s so good.

Open in Google Maps

2176 A Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3H 1M6, Canada

Visit Website

table covered in korean dishes

Avesta

2077 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3H 1M6, Canada

Head to Avesta for hearty Anatolian treats like homemade manti dumplings bathed in yogurt sauce — and sadj kavurma, sautéed meat with caramelized onions. Everything is made in-house (often in the front window), including the hand-rolled dough wrapping for the gözleme grilled sandwiches with vegetarian-friendly options. Avesta’s dinner for four, including kebabs, kofta, lahmajoun, and salad is a great way to leave the decisions to the kitchen.

Open in Google Maps

2077 Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3H 1M6, Canada

Restaurant Jako

1862 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3H 1J8, Canada

All Japanese and Korean bases are covered at JaKo (get it?), the restaurant formerly known as Ganadara. Choose from korokke to kimchi, donburi to dolsot, and if you hanker for a sweet potato and mozzarella salad with some miso soup on the side, there’s that, too.

Open in Google Maps

1862 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3H 1J8, Canada

Visit Website

KimGalbi

2100 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2J4, Canada

Pajeon pancakes, tteokbokki rice sticks in a spicy sauce, soothing tofu soups, and lots of kimchi dishes are on offer at Kim Galbi’s compact, popular premises. Marinated grilled beef rib, the namesake dish, are a must-have.

Open in Google Maps

2100 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2J4, Canada

Ichifuku

1925 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Tucked inside the Kametsuru Japanese grocery store, the Ichifuku counter remains a draw in the quartier with their summer terrasse and winter takeaway option. Ramen lovers can select pork or chicken broth, add an egg (poached or marinated and boiled) or extra nori. There’s katsu, yakisoba, and chicken karaage to boot.

Open in Google Maps

1925 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Visit Website

ramen bowl

Nilufar

1923 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Nilufar Al-Shourbaji’s generosity and optimistic falafel-it-forward philosophy have been winning fans for ages, but it’s really all about the pita wraps at her tiny and extremely affordable shop. The meat is halal, there are ample vegetarian options, and there’s even a party platter.

1923 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Visit Website

Chef Lee

1901 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Sammi and Soupe Dumpling owners Xiao Dan Song and Ting Liu’s newest project on the Ste-Catherine strip features Shanghai specialty sheng jian bao, an oversized, doughy dumpling with a crunchy pan-fried bottom. Stuffed with either pork or shrimp, this snack is the star of the show; other menu items include wontons (check out the chili oil variety) and various steamed bao. Qing Hua Dumplings, another of the couple’s outlets, is just a few blocks away on de Maisonneuve in case there’s a lineup.

Open in Google Maps

1901 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M3, Canada

Thali Cuisine Indienne

1409 Rue Saint-Marc, Montréal, QC H3H 2G4, Canada

Thali’s thali platters feature what you want, when you want it: a huge plate full of veg or non-veg flavour in tiny portions so you get to taste everything. If a full thali meal is too much, there’s always butter chicken and garlic naan — just leave room for a gulab jamun dessert.

1409 Rue Saint-Marc, Montréal, QC H3H 2G4, Canada

Visit Website

Rôtisserie Poulet Bronzé

1622 Av. Lincoln, Montréal, QC H3H 1G9, Canada

In a city full of fried chicken options, Poulet Bronzé stands out for its crispy chicken, which also happens to be halal. If birds fried in chicken fat aren’t quite your thing, check out their kabsa rice — chicken and rice cooked with Middle Eastern aromatics.

Open in Google Maps

1622 Av. Lincoln, Montréal, QC H3H 1G9, Canada

Visit Website

Cuisine AuntDai

1448 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2H9, Canada

Owner Feigang Fei had his 15 minutes of worldwide fame during the lockdown, when his exceedingly frank commentaries on the menu went viral. Since that time he’s been recounting how the dishes fare after delivery and set up his own YouTube channel: the popularity of his lamb hot pot and three-cup chicken live on, however. By his own admission, some dishes are more wonderful than others. Check out his recommendations on the website and decide for yourself.

Open in Google Maps

1448 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2H9, Canada

Visit Website

Yin Ji Chang Fen

1861 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M2, Canada

Thin rice noodle rolls are at the heart of Chinese chain Yin Ji Chang Fen’s menu, but don’t stop there: the menu includes dim sum specialties and fifteen varieties of generously portioned congee, including C9, a classic shredded pork and preserved egg option. Get the S3 youtiao (dough sticks) to dip into your soup for pure comfort-in-a-bowl.

Open in Google Maps

1861 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M2, Canada

Visit Website

rice roll with shrimp

Restaurant I AM Pho

1444 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2H9, Canada

One of four outlets across the city, I am Pho offers eight different kinds of pho plus bún bò hué, the spicy lemongrass-laced beef and pork soup. Grilled dishes, iced Vietnamese filter coffee, and a tri-coloured coconut pudding round out the menu.

Open in Google Maps

1444 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2H9, Canada

Visit Website

Château Kabab

2140 Rue Guy, Montréal, QC H3H 2L8, Canada

Château Kabab’s downtown location features personal pita wraps and halal kebabs by the kilo (saffron chicken and filet mignon, among others). Also on offer: Persian dishes like mirza khasemi eggplant purée, mast o khiar yogurt dip, and zereshk (chicken and barberries) or Baghali polo rice, with lamb, fava beans, and dill.

Open in Google Maps

2140 Rue Guy, Montréal, QC H3H 2L8, Canada

Visit Website

pink hued chicken

Délice oriental Chinese Cuisine

1858 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada

Délice Oriental mixes up its menu with shredded tripe appetizers and beef slices in chili sauce next to the chicken balls with red sauce. The super BBQ fish is a big favourite here; aim for the spicy menu items like fish slices in hot oil for a truly Sichuan experience.

Open in Google Maps

1858 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada

Visit Website

Bhandari Cuisine Indienne

1668 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3H 1J7, Canada

Bright and cheery, Bhandari’s menu is full of options, from their thalis — vegetarian or lamb, curry- or butter-chicken — to deep-fried vada, in a yogurt sauce or sambar broth. There are idlis, too, for those who love these gluten-free fermented rice and lentil orbs. Plus, lassi, sweet or salty.

Open in Google Maps

1668 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3H 1J7, Canada

Visit Website

Otto Yakitori Izakaya

1441 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2M4, Canada

This original Otto — there’s a bistro in the Plateau and a bar in Little Burgundy — features grilled and fried Japanese specialties, from skewers to karaage chicken and pork tonkatsu in a cozy setting. It’s easy to dine in or do DIY takeout with their nifty portable biodegradable grill if you get more than $50 worth of skewers.

Open in Google Maps

1441 Rue St Mathieu, Montréal, QC H3H 2M4, Canada

Visit Website

noodles with fish skewers

Kazu

1844 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada

Destination Japanese spot Kazu features ramen and rice bowls, grilled meat and fish, sashimi, and homemade tofu on Sundays. Those who love it swear by it, regardless of the lineups. Their Japanese cocktails (head straight to the Calpico) are always a hit.

1844 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montréal, QC H3H 1M1, Canada

Visit Website

Antep Kebab

1626 Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3H 1J5, Canada

The LED photo menu proclaims what’s on offer at this popular de Maisonneuve spot, footsteps from the metro and Concordia: halal skewers on homemade sesame bread or rice. Study the menu, order fast, and wait for deliciousness to come your way.

Open in Google Maps

1626 Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3H 1J5, Canada