These Montreal Restaurants Want to Warm You Up This Winter

Ramen, rum, and relaxation

by Mallory Frayn and Daniel Bromberg Updated Jan 15, 2019, 9:30am EST

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by Mallory Frayn and Daniel Bromberg Updated Jan 15, 2019, 9:30am EST

Kinton Ramen/Facebook

Let’s be honest, surviving winter in Montreal can be tough. Freezing temperatures and short days can make it difficult to find the motivation to want to do much other than curl up under the covers and stay cozy. However, these eats are worth braving the cold for. From hearty soups to spicy rice bowls, rum cocktails to heaps of pasta, they are all ensured to warm you up, and keep you that way, this winter.

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Impasto

Pasta is always a good idea when you’re in need of some food that is guaranteed to warm the soul. Co-owned by chefs Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione, Impasto’s pasta game is particularly strong. From homemade ricotta gnocchi to spaghetti chitarra alla carbonara, they likely have the carbs you're craving.

48 Dante, Montreal, QC, Canada

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Le Jardin Du Cari

This hole-in-the-wall spot on St. Laurent just past St. Viateur is not to be missed. Its goat curry with homemade roti is exactly what you want when it’s -30 degrees out and you’re dreaming of a vacation to the Caribbean.

5554 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1S8, Canada

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Bishop & Bagg

This ain’t just your average English pub: this happening Mile End locale offers several seasonal salads and a particularly diverse menu that go well with a homemade cocktail or two. The lamb pitas are out-of-this-world and easy to share. Recommended for gin lovers: the Sergio.

52 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2K8, Canada

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Damas

Syrian food might not be a staple in your dining out repertoire, but it should be. Damas does it right with a comprehensive tasting menu to get you exposed to all the cuisine has to offer. They also have a great wine list if your plan is to drink your way through to spring.

1201 Van Horne, Montreal, QC H2V 1K4, Canada

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Au Pied de Cochon

What do you get when you put together foie gras, all of the pork products you can possibly imagine, and some maple syrup to top it all off? Quebecois comfort food at its finest. Au Pied de Cochon offers their decadent menu all year long but it’s best suited for winter when all you want to do is curl up and eat.

536 Ave. Duluth Est., Montreal, QC H2L 1A9, Canada

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Also featured in:

Khyber Pass

Nothing helps you forget about the weather outside more than cozying up in a comforting, cavernous space and chowing down on a lamb shank with myriad other Afghani side dishes. Not to mention, Khyber Pass is also BYOW so you can warm up from the inside out. Expect a different façade next time you pass by.

506 rue Duluth Est, Montreal, QC H2L 1A8, Canada

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Also featured in:

L'Express

Sometimes all you need to get you out of that winter funk is some fun, lively times with friends. That’s easily accomplished over a good bottle of wine and some great French bistro eats at L’Express. It’s a Montreal landmark for good reason: the dishes are classic and simple, but are executed on point.

3927, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Agrikol

If you can’t make it to the tropics this winter, an alternate bet is to go have a drink and some bites at Agrikol. Their ti ponch with barbancourt rhum and crispy griot will have you forgetting that you are actually living in the Great White North and not soaking up the sun in Haiti.

Open in Google Maps

1844, rue Amherst, Montreal, QC H2L 3L6, Canada

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Noren

With limited counter space available, this comforting Japanese spot is downright homey. Pork (or mushroom) okonomiyaki and takoyaki (fried octopus balls) are the two main focuses, along with a rotation of udon noodle dishes, curries and soups. Bring an appetite and try a little of everything.

77 Rue Rachel O, Montréal, QC H2W 1G2, Canada

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Also featured in:

Icehouse

A solid place to waste away a few hours than this Tex-Mex taco and burrito bar in the heart of the Plateau. Order a bucket of fried chicken and watch it get dumped out right onto your table, otherwise, the portobello mushroom tacos, steak burrito, and bourbon lemonade are amongst some of the other classics.

51 Rue Roy E, Montréal, QC H2W 2S3, Canada

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Also featured in:

Darbar

Take off your shoes and sit cross-legged on plush cushions at this family owned and operated Indian restaurant in the Quartier des Spectacles area. The must haves include the lamb madras, shrimp biryani and chicken tikka. The vegetable pakora is also seriously unbelievable.

2027 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2T3, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Kinton Ramen

This map makes it clear: warm broth and noodles are a winter necessity. Nothing cures cold-related blues better than slurping up a giant bowl of ramen, and Kinton has plenty of options to choose from, starting with pork or chicken broth and adding in plenty of garnishes like egg, scallions, and chicken breast.

1211 Bishop, Montreal, QC H3G 2E2, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Sen Vàng

Nothing can warm the spirits quite like a steaming hot bowl of Vietnamese pho, and the secret is out on this family-owned restaurant in Côte-des-Neiges. Arguably serving up one of the best Tonkinese soups in the city, other options such as the vermicelli bowls, served with fried imperial rolls, are also a solid choice. Cash only.

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5690 Avenue Victoria, Montréal, QC H3W 2P8, Canada

Visit Website

Arthurs Nosh Bar

Bubby is down in Florida for the winter and you’re dying for your next fix of matzoh ball soup? Arthurs has you covered for classic and refreshed takes on Jewish fare. Its extensive menu has a mix of healthy and non-healthy options that’ll cater to just about everyone’s needs, from a robust schnitzel sandwich and latkes to cottage cheese pancakes. Pro tip: use their new Waitlist feature avoid waiting in (often lengthy) lines).

4621 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1S5, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Elena

One of the hottest new(ish) places in town, Elena offers two spaces for diners — one that requires reservations (full menu) and another café (by day) that can be accessed by the back alley, serving salads, pizzas, and cannoli (both have bar licenses). The must have is the munjabel pizza, but all the wood-fired pizzas are excellent, as are warming pastas.

5090 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1T1, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Mon Ami (multiple locations)

Korean fried chicken and beer is great anytime of year, but especially on those dark, winter nights when you need something to lift your spirits — even better, this location also offers barbecue. Best shared with a group of friends and a couple bottles of soju on the side. Not ideal for vegetarians.

Open in Google Maps

6521 Avenue Somerled, Montréal, QC H4V 1S7, Canada

Visit Website

Les Street Monkeys

A hot-spot in the rapidly-evolving borough of Verdun, Les Street Monkeys fills up hungry Montrealers with flavours from Cambodia. Traditional dishes include spicy papaya salad, fish amok and Khmer chicken and beef brochettes, although some great fusion items exist as well.

3625 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1T9, Canada

Visit Website

Also featured in:

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Impasto

48 Dante, Montreal, QC, Canada

Pasta is always a good idea when you’re in need of some food that is guaranteed to warm the soul. Co-owned by chefs Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione, Impasto’s pasta game is particularly strong. From homemade ricotta gnocchi to spaghetti chitarra alla carbonara, they likely have the carbs you're craving.

48 Dante, Montreal, QC, Canada

Visit Website

Le Jardin Du Cari

5554 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1S8, Canada

This hole-in-the-wall spot on St. Laurent just past St. Viateur is not to be missed. Its goat curry with homemade roti is exactly what you want when it’s -30 degrees out and you’re dreaming of a vacation to the Caribbean.

5554 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2T 1S8, Canada

Bishop & Bagg

52 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2K8, Canada

This ain’t just your average English pub: this happening Mile End locale offers several seasonal salads and a particularly diverse menu that go well with a homemade cocktail or two. The lamb pitas are out-of-this-world and easy to share. Recommended for gin lovers: the Sergio.

52 Rue Saint Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2K8, Canada

Visit Website

Damas

1201 Van Horne, Montreal, QC H2V 1K4, Canada

Syrian food might not be a staple in your dining out repertoire, but it should be. Damas does it right with a comprehensive tasting menu to get you exposed to all the cuisine has to offer. They also have a great wine list if your plan is to drink your way through to spring.

1201 Van Horne, Montreal, QC H2V 1K4, Canada

Visit Website

Au Pied de Cochon

536 Ave. Duluth Est., Montreal, QC H2L 1A9, Canada

What do you get when you put together foie gras, all of the pork products you can possibly imagine, and some maple syrup to top it all off? Quebecois comfort food at its finest. Au Pied de Cochon offers their decadent menu all year long but it’s best suited for winter when all you want to do is curl up and eat.

536 Ave. Duluth Est., Montreal, QC H2L 1A9, Canada

Visit Website

Khyber Pass

506 rue Duluth Est, Montreal, QC H2L 1A8, Canada

Nothing helps you forget about the weather outside more than cozying up in a comforting, cavernous space and chowing down on a lamb shank with myriad other Afghani side dishes. Not to mention, Khyber Pass is also BYOW so you can warm up from the inside out. Expect a different façade next time you pass by.

506 rue Duluth Est, Montreal, QC H2L 1A8, Canada

Visit Website

L'Express

3927, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4, Canada

Sometimes all you need to get you out of that winter funk is some fun, lively times with friends. That’s easily accomplished over a good bottle of wine and some great French bistro eats at L’Express. It’s a Montreal landmark for good reason: the dishes are classic and simple, but are executed on point.

3927, rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W 2M4, Canada

Visit Website

Agrikol

1844, rue Amherst, Montreal, QC H2L 3L6, Canada

If you can’t make it to the tropics this winter, an alternate bet is to go have a drink and some bites at Agrikol. Their ti ponch with barbancourt rhum and crispy griot will have you forgetting that you are actually living in the Great White North and not soaking up the sun in Haiti.

Open in Google Maps

1844, rue Amherst, Montreal, QC H2L 3L6, Canada

Visit Website

Noren

77 Rue Rachel O, Montréal, QC H2W 1G2, Canada

With limited counter space available, this comforting Japanese spot is downright homey. Pork (or mushroom) okonomiyaki and takoyaki (fried octopus balls) are the two main focuses, along with a rotation of udon noodle dishes, curries and soups. Bring an appetite and try a little of everything.

77 Rue Rachel O, Montréal, QC H2W 1G2, Canada

Visit Website

Icehouse

51 Rue Roy E, Montréal, QC H2W 2S3, Canada

A solid place to waste away a few hours than this Tex-Mex taco and burrito bar in the heart of the Plateau. Order a bucket of fried chicken and watch it get dumped out right onto your table, otherwise, the portobello mushroom tacos, steak burrito, and bourbon lemonade are amongst some of the other classics.

51 Rue Roy E, Montréal, QC H2W 2S3, Canada

Visit Website

Darbar

2027 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2T3, Canada

Take off your shoes and sit cross-legged on plush cushions at this family owned and operated Indian restaurant in the Quartier des Spectacles area. The must haves include the lamb madras, shrimp biryani and chicken tikka. The vegetable pakora is also seriously unbelievable.

2027 Boul St-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2T3, Canada

Visit Website

Kinton Ramen

1211 Bishop, Montreal, QC H3G 2E2, Canada

This map makes it clear: warm broth and noodles are a winter necessity. Nothing cures cold-related blues better than slurping up a giant bowl of ramen, and Kinton has plenty of options to choose from, starting with pork or chicken broth and adding in plenty of garnishes like egg, scallions, and chicken breast.

1211 Bishop, Montreal, QC H3G 2E2, Canada

Visit Website

Sen Vàng

5690 Avenue Victoria, Montréal, QC H3W 2P8, Canada

Nothing can warm the spirits quite like a steaming hot bowl of Vietnamese pho, and the secret is out on this family-owned restaurant in Côte-des-Neiges. Arguably serving up one of the best Tonkinese soups in the city, other options such as the vermicelli bowls, served with fried imperial rolls, are also a solid choice. Cash only.

Open in Google Maps

5690 Avenue Victoria, Montréal, QC H3W 2P8, Canada

Visit Website

Arthurs Nosh Bar

4621 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1S5, Canada

Bubby is down in Florida for the winter and you’re dying for your next fix of matzoh ball soup? Arthurs has you covered for classic and refreshed takes on Jewish fare. Its extensive menu has a mix of healthy and non-healthy options that’ll cater to just about everyone’s needs, from a robust schnitzel sandwich and latkes to cottage cheese pancakes. Pro tip: use their new Waitlist feature avoid waiting in (often lengthy) lines).

4621 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1S5, Canada

Visit Website

Elena

5090 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1T1, Canada

One of the hottest new(ish) places in town, Elena offers two spaces for diners — one that requires reservations (full menu) and another café (by day) that can be accessed by the back alley, serving salads, pizzas, and cannoli (both have bar licenses). The must have is the munjabel pizza, but all the wood-fired pizzas are excellent, as are warming pastas.

5090 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1T1, Canada

Visit Website

Mon Ami (multiple locations)

6521 Avenue Somerled, Montréal, QC H4V 1S7, Canada

Korean fried chicken and beer is great anytime of year, but especially on those dark, winter nights when you need something to lift your spirits — even better, this location also offers barbecue. Best shared with a group of friends and a couple bottles of soju on the side. Not ideal for vegetarians.

Open in Google Maps

6521 Avenue Somerled, Montréal, QC H4V 1S7, Canada

Visit Website

Les Street Monkeys

3625 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1T9, Canada

A hot-spot in the rapidly-evolving borough of Verdun, Les Street Monkeys fills up hungry Montrealers with flavours from Cambodia. Traditional dishes include spicy papaya salad, fish amok and Khmer chicken and beef brochettes, although some great fusion items exist as well.

3625 Rue Wellington, Verdun, QC H4G 1T9, Canada

Visit Website