Three foods define Montreal: bagels (St-Viateur vs Fairmount), smoked meat (Schwartz’s Deli, since 1928), and poutine (La Banquise for late-night). All three are non-negotiable.
Why It Belongs on the List
Three foods define Montreal eating and all three must be tried. Bagels: St-Viateur (5629 rue Saint-Viateur, open 24h) or Fairmount (74 ave Fairmount O, open 24h) — smaller, denser, wood-fired, sesame-coated, superior to New York. Smoked meat: Schwartz's Hebrew Deli (the 1928 original, perpetual line, eat in or takeaway) or Lester's Deli for a quieter experience. Poutine: La Banquise (24 hours, 30 variations) is the authentic local pick.
What Stands Out
- Bagels: St-Viateur or Fairmount — both open 24h, wood-fired ovens, still baked traditionally
- Schwartz's smoked meat: open since 1928, perpetual line is part of the experience
- La Banquise: 24-hour poutine, 30 variations, local crowd, best late-night option
- Note: Montreal bagels are smaller, denser, and sweeter than NY bagels — don't compare them
- All three are under CAD$15 — best food value in the city