With Saint-Laurent’s dining scene bursting at the seams, choosing where to eat can feel as overwhelming as navigating the Decarie interchange at rush hour. That’s where we come in. From cozy family-run bistros to sleek modern eateries, here are the 19 spots that make this Montreal borough a true culinary destination.
Cafe Bistro Unika
$ | (514) 543-3809 | WEBSITE
Cafe Bistro Unika’s simple laminate tables, fluorescent overhead lighting, and view of the building’s back parking lot make it feel a little bit like eating in a corporate break room. But we’re pretty sure most office cafeterias don’t come with consistently good meals and a varied menu that changes daily. And despite being tucked away at the back of 9900 Cavendish Blvd, the friendly staff and excellent service here have actually been creating a welcoming atmosphere for years.
With its straightforward setup and efficient service, it’s an ideal spot for local workers grabbing lunch, but their consistently satisfying meals also make it great for a solo bite when you need something reliable and quick.
Phở Anni
$$ | (514) 485-0235 | WEBSITE
Call Phở Anni the Cheers of Saint-Laurent, where the family who runs this place greets regulars like old friends. This BYOB Vietnamese spot has a menu of comforting classics, and the food—like the lunch special with its crispy imperial roll—is consistently satisfying. But it’s also the type of place where you’ll glance at the generous pho bowls steaming on nearby tables and immediately want to add one to share.
Restaurant Boustan
$ | (514) 543-6033 | WEBSITE
This is another spot serving generous Middle Eastern fare—you’ll find a varied menu of mixed plates, chicken and beef dishes, and vegetarian options like salads and baked potatoes. It is hard to go wrong here because the portions are substantial. But they seem to understand this, so there’s a focus on late-night dine-in service where you can enjoy hearty meals at reasonable prices. It’s also easy to appreciate the friendly staff as you eat, which is definitely what you’ll end up doing.
Pizzeria Marinos
$ | (514) 748-6971 | WEBSITE
Pizzeria Marinos’ menu is straightforward—if you ordered everything, it would probably fill up the whole dining area, wall to wall. But what’s most striking about this Saint-Laurent spot is the excellent pizza you can’t find anywhere else. The chicken tikka pizza has an excellent smoky spiciness, and their vegetarian options ditch the usual boring toppings for paneer tikka—toy thrown in for the kids’ meal for extra charm. The more common dishes are also fantastic, like the meat sauce lasagna.
It’s often busy during prime dinner time with families and friends from the area, but it’s easy to grab a spot a little later—especially since the service stays welcoming and friendly.
Pizza Pizza
$ | (514) 737-1111 | WEBSITE
We’re not sure why we don’t stop by this family-run spot in Saint-Laurent more often. It’s nice enough if you’re grabbing a quick bite with friends, but not so fancy that you’ll worry about who’s paying. Focus on the pizza—specifically the slices with that recommended Italian seasoning, where the crust stays crispy and the cheese melts perfectly. Though we normally come here for a quick, tasty meal in their small dining area, they do a great job with takeout too.
Ave. Seoul
$$ | (514) 600-6011 | WEBSITE
Pick any item from Ave. Seoul’s menu and you’ll land on something worth trying. That’s because everything at this unpretentious Korean spot in Saint-laurent is solid. That said, there are a few standout dishes you really shouldn’t skip. In particular, we love the popular soft tofu soup—served fresh and still boiling—the wonderfully varied sun dubu, and the fantastic kimchi, which has perfectly balanced fermentation with just the right amount of spice.
Simple décor and usually quiet background noise can make dining here feel more straightforward than fancy. But the friendly owner running the place is welcoming enough to make you want to come back anyway.
Café VSL
$ | (514) 744-5959 | WEBSITE
Café VSL is a cozy and welcoming spot in Saint-laurent that serves delicious pastries and coffee. This is the kind of small café where the baristas are friendly and pleasant to chat with while they prepare your order. While the menu focuses on pastries, what’s on it is great—particularly the popular pistachio croissant, the new soft and melty Kinder cookie, and the fresh and good coffee.
But keep an eye out for their vegetarian and vegan options—they rotate some special pastries that are always tasty. The service is very good, the ambiance is nice with good WiFi, though some find the chairs a bit uncomfortable.
Pizza Lion – Ville Saint-Laurent
$ | (514) 856-6555 | WEBSITE
Pizza Lion’s menu initially appears to be a line-up of the usual suspects. But while the cheese pizza at this low-key Saint-Laurent restaurant is truly delicious, you need to turn your attention to their special “wifi pizza.” It’s generously topped with meat, cheese, and sauces, providing a delicious and fulfilling dining experience that can’t be found at most of the other places on this guide.
The large all-dressed pizza tastes much better when fresh, and the thin crust with lots of cheese is highly appreciated. The atmosphere is lovely, with a warm environment that makes this pizzeria a real gold mine for quality pizza. The caring and attentive service from the two brothers who run the establishment has also been highlighted, making it a great discovery for those passing through the area.
Zyara
$$ | (514) 388-9898 | WEBSITE
Zyara is a beautiful name for this Saint-Laurent gem. On weekends and evenings—the busiest times—their warm dining room glows with people at every table. Everyone is united by one goal: savoring fantastic Lebanese flavors. And there’s added delight from a menu full of customizable options—you can swap vegetables in the fattouch salad or build your own platter. Some days, I crave the chicken taouk. Other days, it’s the generous seafood options.
Or you might see the staff (always smiling) bringing out plates of salatet el raheb, halloum and mushroom sauté, and shish taouk with that yummy garlic toum. It’s consistently delicious, and we have yet to find a dish we haven’t wanted to savor completely. Also, keep room for desserts like the LOULWA with almond semolina and ashta. Just know that the homemade pitas and cocktails enhance everything, so if you want the full experience, go for dinner—it’s worth planning a special night out.
elounda
$$$ | (514) 331-4040 | WEBSITE
Elounda is a Saint-Laurent gem. But instead of just the usual Greek fare, they have a roster of authentic dishes, particularly ones that don’t normally make cameos at other Montreal Greek spots. For starters, seafood fans can find comfort in their fresh and delicious jumbo shrimp, while the tender lamb chops bursting with flavor are perfect for any self-proclaimed meat lovers. Some standout larger plates are their grilled octopus, and their Mediterranean porgy.
But heads up: there can be a 30-minute wait in the evenings. If you lack patience when it comes to diving into a pool of Greek flavors, plan an early dinner.
Plaza Volare
Planning a special event without considering Plaza Volare should be classified as a misdemeanor, if not a felony. The magnificent rooms are elegant with attention to detail in décor and lighting, creating a grand ambiance. Follow up with the braised beef dish, which is amazing and leaves a lasting impression. Round out your experience with the welcoming and professional staff who consistently go above and beyond to make everything run smoothly.
Plaza Volare’s coordinators are communicative, organized, and knowledgeable, ensuring a stress-free and hassle-free planning process. Whether hosting a wedding, corporate event, or special celebration, the stunning facilities and top-tier service truly set this venue apart, leaving guests with unforgettable memories.
Sushi Edo Express
$$ | (514) 855-1169 | WEBSITE
Sushi Edo Express is a hidden gem tucked away in Montpellier Mall on Cote Vertu. And like the owner’s warm and welcoming demeanor, its sushi is consistently fresh and beautifully presented. That said, there are a few things you should focus on. In particular, we like the super affordable prices, the wonderfully fresh ingredients that maintain high quality over the years, and the memorable dining experience—which has perfectly prepared sushi that feels like a true find.
The restaurant is small and unassuming, but our favorite part here is its reliable, quality offerings that keep us coming back.
Pho Moderne
$ | (514) 748-8388 | WEBSITE
There was a time when it seemed like every neighborhood had a Pho Moderne, a Vietnamese staple that’s been around since the 70s. Now there’s only one in Saint-Laurent, but it still makes consistently great pho soup, featuring fresh ingredients and generous portions. They’ll also customize your broth richness from a range from light to extra-gelatinous. If you decide on anything above the standard richness, we implore you, please order extra noodles.
Sushi Shop
$$ | (514) 335-4408 | WEBSITE
Sushi Shop is a tidy, accessible spot in Saint-laurent ideal for a fast meal, serving fresh sushi with a solid selection of vegetarian choices, like classic and sweet potato Californian rolls. Beyond being a reliable takeout pick for staples such as rolls and combo platters, snagging a counter seat on a weekday afternoon isn’t too tricky—and will give you a clear view of the chefs assembling orders like the fresh salmon nigiri.
The place keeps a calm vibe even as the line builds, though you might need to be patient for your order as everything is made to order. That just offers extra moments to decide whether to tack on an extra roll to your platter.
Banh Mi Thinh
$ | (438) 228-6067 | WEBSITE
Open until 10pm every day, this cozy family-run spot in Villeray is a beacon of hope for anyone looking for authentic Vietnamese food. The small space has room for about 15 people and a wall full of photos of Vietnamese street scenes. And these images should guide your ordering—like the classic banh mi with perfectly crisp baguette and flavorful fillings, and the fresh spring rolls that have the golden ratio of crunch, herbs, and dipping sauce.
Both of these are found on “The Essentials Menu.” This is an apt name: If you order three dishes from that section, a complimentary bowl of pho broth magically appears.
Solémer restaurant et poissonnerie
$$ | (514) 332-2255 | WEBSITE
Even after relocating from its original Saint-Laurent location to its current spot, this beloved Lebanese seafood spot has kept its devoted regulars coming back. You’ll likely notice some diners in the bustling dining area who’ve been ordering the tabbouleh or hendbeh since before smartphones were in every pocket. But no matter which fresh seafood dishes you choose from the extensive menu, the one absolute must-try is their authentic Lebanese hospitality.
It’s warm and genuine, carries a touch of tradition, features attentive service from Georges and Milad, and it comes with owner Elie’s personal welcome.
Grillades Torino Place Vertu
$ | (514) 508-3060 | WEBSITE
Like many Lebanese spots, Grillades Torino Place Vertu offers quick service, but you get to enjoy authentic flavors. You can expect great value with most dishes under $15 at this clean, accessible restaurant, or family platters for around $35. The shawarma is fantastic, with its perfectly seasoned meat that has a lot of flavor. Even the simple-sounding hummus is delicious, with creamy texture, olive oil, and herbs.
The staff, especially Amine and Asaad, will probably check on your table during the meal to make sure you’re happy, and luckily, you won’t have to pretend.
Café Dépôt Ville St-Laurent
$ | (514) 332-5355 | WEBSITE
This Saint-Laurent staple has a menu full of comforting classics and café essentials. Like the perfectly made egg bagel, which has warmth and flavor in each satisfying bite. This cozy shop is brighter than it might look from the outside, but it’s welcoming even on a busy afternoon. Students tap away on laptops with coffee and pastries, while friends chat over sandwiches and drinks.
And for anyone looking for a spot to work or unwind (but not too formally), we like to settle in with their good coffee and finish with some reasonable prices.
PLTHÉ ( Bubble tea & café )
$ | (514) 721-4988 | WEBSITE
PLTHÉ is a cozy, casual bubble tea café in Saint-Laurent. Their specialty is bubble tea and café drinks, so you can expect options like Caramel Frappuccino with tapioca pearls, Hokkaido tea, and Matcha tea. The drinks are delicious and because the atmosphere is so inviting, you can expect to linger. But you can entertain yourself by admiring the Naruto figurines and other popular characters displayed on the walls.
Come here with a date or a friend for a snack like tasty waffles or spicy Buldak noodles with cheese.