Montreal

1. Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Montreal

Montreal has a growing number of dedicated vegetarian and vegan restaurants, as well as omnivorous establishments with excellent plant-based options. Here are some top recommendations:

Fully Vegan Restaurants

1. LOV (Local, Organic, Vegan)

   • Cuisine: Upscale vegan and vegetarian dishes with a focus on organic and sustainable ingredients.
   • Must-Try: Truffle risotto, vegan poutine, and their signature LOV burger.
   • Cost: $$-$$$ (Mains: CAD 18–30)
   • Locations: Multiple locations, including downtown (1232 Rue de la Montagne).

2. Aux Vivres

   • Cuisine: Casual vegan comfort food with global influences.
   • Must-Try: Dragon Bowl, BLT sandwich (made with coconut bacon), and vegan desserts.
   • Cost: $-$$ (Mains: CAD 12–20)
   • Location: 4631 Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

3. Sushi Momo

   • Cuisine: Vegan sushi with creative and colorful rolls.
   • Must-Try: Mango Tango roll, spicy jackfruit roll, and their miso soup.
   • Cost: $$-$$$ (CAD 20–40 per person)
   • Location: 3609 Rue Saint-Denis.

4. Bloom Sushi

   • Cuisine: Vegan sushi with a modern twist.
   • Must-Try: Tempura rolls, vegan poke bowls, and matcha cheesecake.
   • Cost: $$-$$$ (CAD 20–40 per person)
   • Location: 368 Rue Saint-Paul Ouest (Old Montreal).

5. Invitation V

   • Cuisine: Vegan fine dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
   • Must-Try: Vegan lasagna, mushroom risotto, and their decadent desserts.
   • Cost: $$-$$$ (Mains: CAD 18–30)
   • Location: 201 Rue Saint-Jacques (Old Montreal).

Vegetarian-Friendly Restaurants

1. ChuChai

   • Cuisine: Thai-inspired vegetarian and vegan dishes.
   • Must-Try: Vegan duck curry, pad Thai, and crispy tofu.
   • Cost: $$-$$$ (Mains: CAD 18–25)
   • Location: 4088 Rue Saint-Denis.

2. Resto Végo

   • Cuisine: Buffet-style vegetarian and vegan meals.
   • Must-Try: Their rotating buffet options, including soups, salads, and hot dishes.
   • Cost: $-$$ (CAD 10–15 per meal)
   • Location: 1204 Avenue McGill College.

3. La Panthère Verte (The Green Panther)

   • Cuisine: Organic, vegan fast food.
   • Must-Try: Falafel pita, tempeh burger, and smoothies.
   • Cost: $-$$ (CAD 10–15 per meal)
   • Locations: Multiple locations, including Mile End and downtown.

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2. Grocery Stores with Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Montreal has a variety of grocery stores and specialty shops where you can find plant-based products and ingredients.

1. Marché Jean-Talon

   • What to Expect: A large public market with fresh produce, vegan-friendly baked goods, and specialty items.
   • Location: 7070 Avenue Henri-Julien.

2. Rachelle-Béry

   • What to Expect: Organic grocery chain with a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian products, including plant-based cheeses, mock meats, and snacks.
   • Locations: Multiple locations across the city.

3. Tau

   • What to Expect: Health food store with a focus on organic and vegan products, including bulk items, supplements, and fresh produce.
   • Locations: Multiple locations, including 4238 Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

4. Segal’s Market

   • What to Expect: Affordable grocery store with a good selection of fresh produce and international ingredients.
   • Location: 4001 Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

5. Metro and Provigo

   • What to Expect: Mainstream grocery chains with growing vegan sections, including plant-based milks, frozen meals, and snacks.

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3. Tips for Ordering at Non-Vegan Establishments

While Montreal is vegan-friendly, not all restaurants are fully equipped to cater to plant-based diets. Here are some tips for ordering at non-vegan establishments:

• Ask Questions: Politely inquire about ingredients, as some dishes may contain hidden animal products (e.g., butter, chicken stock, or fish sauce).
• Customize Your Order: Many restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary restrictions. For example, you can request a salad without cheese or a pasta dish with tomato sauce instead of cream.
• Look for Side Dishes: Often, side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or bread can be combined to create a satisfying meal.
• Use Apps: Apps like HappyCow and Yelp can help you identify vegan-friendly options at non-vegan restaurants.

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4. Local Cultural Practices and Considerations

• Poutine: Poutine is a quintessential Quebec dish made with fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Many restaurants now offer vegan versions with plant-based cheese and gravy—be sure to ask!
• Language: Montreal is a bilingual city, but French is the dominant language. Learning a few key phrases, such as "Je suis végétalien(ne)" (I am vegan) or "Je suis végétarien(ne)" (I am vegetarian), can be helpful.
• Seasonality: Montrealers love seasonal produce, so menus often change to reflect what’s fresh. In summer, you’ll find lots of local fruits and vegetables, while winter menus may feature heartier options.
• Tipping: Tipping is customary in Montreal, with 15–20% of the bill being standard.

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5. Costs and Budgeting

• Dining Out: Expect to pay CAD 10–20 for casual meals and CAD 25–50 for fine dining.
• Groceries: Weekly grocery costs for a vegetarian or vegan diet can range from CAD 50–100, depending on your preferences and whether you shop at specialty stores.
• Specialty Products: Vegan cheeses, mock meats, and specialty snacks can be pricier, ranging from CAD 5–15 per item.

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6. Events and Community

Montreal has a vibrant vegan and vegetarian community, with events and meetups throughout the year:

• Montreal Vegan Festival: Held annually in the fall, this festival features vendors, workshops, and speakers.
• Vegan Meetups: Check platforms like Meetup.com or Facebook for local vegan groups and events.
• Cooking Classes: Many organizations and restaurants offer plant-based cooking classes.

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7. Apps and Resources

• HappyCow: A global app for finding vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
• VegGuide.org: A directory of vegan-friendly businesses.
• Facebook Groups: Search for local vegan and vegetarian groups in Montreal for tips and recommendations.

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Montreal is a fantastic city for vegetarians and vegans, with plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re dining out, shopping for groceries, or exploring the local culture, you’ll find that the city is welcoming and accommodating to plant-based lifestyles. Bon appétit!