My Go-To Montreal Eats: 4 Budget-Friendly Gems I Keep Coming Back To!

After nearly seven years in Montreal, I've taste-tested (and occasionally suffered through) countless trendy restaurants. With prices skyrocketing these days, these four spots remain my holy grail for flavor, value, and dishes I could never replicate at home—plus, they’ve been my comfort food saviors during many a gloomy day. 🥹💖 1. Restaurant Rizière 📍 4495 St Laurent Blvd Why? Cozy, authentic Chinese flavors that hit like a hug from home. Must-order: Their braised beef noodles (so tender, so nostalgic) and Sichuan peanut dumplings (spicy, nutty perfection). Damage: ~$20/person 2. St-Viateur Bagel 📍 Multiple locations Why? Montreal’s iconic bagels—chewy, slightly sweet, and best fresh out of the wood-fired oven. Pro move: Skip the line at the main spot and hit their Mont-Royal café for a sesame bagel with scallion cream cheese. Damage: ~$5 for a legendary snack. 3. La Banquise 📍 994 Rue Rachel E Why? Poutine that actually justifies the hype. Open 24/7 for post-bar cravings. Order: Classic poutine or go wild with toppings like pulled pork or guacamole (yes, really). Damage: ~$15 for a coma-inducing portion. 4. Pichai 📍 1201 Ave Van Horne Why? Thai food so vibrant, it’ll make you forget Montreal winters. Star dishes: Duck offal salad (trust me) and mango sticky rice (illegally good). Damage: ~$30/person (worth every penny). Honorable Mention: Dunn’s Famous for smoked meat sandwiches that put delis to shame. 🍴 Life’s too short for bad food. 👨‍🍳💋 #MontrealEats #BudgetFoodie #ComfortFood #LocalFaves #MTLOnABudget #EatLikeALocal