Montreal Restaurant Deals

This post is a lot shorter than it would have been 10 or 15 years ago, when this city had lots of good, inexpensive places to eat. Now, unfortunately, most restaurants are pricey and noisy and the portions leave something to be desired.

Still, Montreal's multi-ethnic character ensures that a few bargains remain. One of my favourites is the Vietnamese restaurant called Au 14 Prince Arthur ouest, near the corner of St. Laurent Boulevard. Their spring plates are a refreshing mixture of sprouts, rice noodles and your choice of beef, pork or shrimp, starting at just $11. The ginger chicken is also the best of that dish I have ever tasted.

If you prefer Greek fare, check out Kalimera in the Cote des Neiges area near the University of Montreal. It offers a pleasant terrace in summer, and good traditional Greek dishes at reasonable cost. In addition, you can bring your own wine for savings.

A little farther north in Cote des Neiges across from the Jewish General Hospital is a place everybody raves about for its pho soup. Look for the line-ups outside at lunch time.

Should you happen to be in Montreal on Canadian Thanksgiving and in search of a turkey dinner, B & M Restaurant on Somerled Avenue is a good choice. The price last year for turkey and all the trimmings was $25. I haven't been able to locate any places downtown that still serve turkey for the holiday.

Westmount is an leafy area with few restaurants, and those there are tend to be pricey. Bistro on the Avenue on Greene Avenue has a pleasant atmosphere and prices that are not exorbitant. Portions, though, are getting mingy. Another option for budget dining nearby is the 5 Saisons grocery store at the corner of Greene and de Maisonneuve. There is an extensive take-out section and places for customers to sit and eat. I'm looking forward to the opening soon of a Greek bring-your-own-wine restaurant at the corner of Grosvenor and Sherbrooke.