As summer winds down, you’re probably thinking back on all the good times. Maybe you’re thinking about all the times you hit the road to the beach, or all the cocktails you sipped on terraces, or all the partying you did ’til sunrise, or even all the AC you blasted in your apartment to survive the heat.
But with fall just around the corner, your wallet might be feeling the aftermath of all that fun.
So if you’re running low on cash but still hungry, don’t sweat it. Here are my seven favourite spots in Montreal where you can score something tasty for under 10 dollars.
And that’s seven spots that aren’t McDonald’s (or Tim Hortons)!
1. Buffet Four Seasons
1622 Boulevard De Maisonneuve Ouest
Montreal, Quebec
H3H 1J5
My favourite: One dish and rice combo plate (7.99$)
Just a short walk from Concordia’s downtown campus, you can get one dish and rice for just eight dollars at Four Seasons. The portions are so generous that you might even have leftovers for later. And if you’re really hungry, their buffet, packed with a variety of dishes, is just 18 dollars. It’s Chinese comfort food with a price that’s hard to beat in the heart of downtown.
2. Drogheria Fine
68 Avenue Fairmount Ouest
Montréal, Quebec
H2T 2M2
My favourite: Gnocchi with cheese (5.00$)
The next time you’re wandering through the Mile End and craving something comforting, you’ve got to try Drogheria Fine‘s famous gnocchi. It’s served in the perfect takeout box and smothered in rich, homemade tomato sauce and cheese, and the best part is: it’s only five dollars! Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a local favourite.
3. Marché Oriental
7101 Rue Saint-Denis
Montreal, Quebec
H2S 2S5
My favourite: Pork banh mi (5.00$)
Five-dollar banh mi. Need I say more? Marché Oriental is single handedly fighting inflation one banh mi at a time. They’re made fresh on the spot, with soft baguettes and generous fillings that burst with flavour. They’re so good, I feel like I’m robbing them every time. So if you haven’t tried this spot yet, do yourself a favour and check it out!
4. Mexico Restaurant
2474 Rue Jean-Talon Est
Montreal, Quebec
H2E 1W3
My favourite: 4 tacos (7.50$)
And if I told you you could get tacos for less than two dollars each, would you believe me? If you’re craving authentic Mexican food, at Mexico Restaurant you can get 4 tacos for just under eight dollars, and they’re well stuffed with your favourite, flavourful meats, fresh salsa, guacamole, and all the toppings you could want. They also serve the biggest, tastiest horchata, and the service is incredibly fast!
5. Phyllo Bar Melina’s
5733 Park Avenue
Montreal, Quebec
H2V 4H2
My favourite: Spanakopita (6.83$)
If you love phyllo pastries, you’re gonna love Melina’s. My favourite after-school snack is their spanakopita: layers of crisp, buttery phyllo filled with spinach and cheese. They also offer sweet options like baklava and bougatsa, plus delicious soups, salads, and sandwiches. And with generous portions, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth!
6. Restaurant Lafleur
9534 Boulevard Gouin Ouest
Pierrefonds, Quebec
H8Y 1R1
My favourite: All-dressed steamed hot dog (0.99$)
You can never go wrong with a classic Lafleur steamé. These steamed hot dogs are big, juicy, filling, and if you time it right, you can snag one on special for just 99 cents! I always get mine all-dressed with mustard, coleslaw, and relish. De-licious! But if hot dogs aren’t your thing, they also have a variety of burgers like the cheeseburger or the volcano burger, all for under ten dollars!
7. Ta Pies
4520 Park Avenue
Montreal, Quebec
H2V 4E3
My favourite: Classic beef hot pie (7.95$)
The best pies in the world. Ta Pies brings a slice of Australasia to Montreal with their homemade, gourmet meat pies that are as comforting as they are delicious. Filled with everything from traditional beef to more inventive flavours like butter chicken, you can grab a hot pie and enjoy it on their terrace, or purchase it cold to bring home. Oh, and don’t forget your vegemite!
So, there you have it: seven awesome spots in Montreal where you can eat well without spending a fortune. Next time you’re craving something delicious on a budget, be sure to check out one of these seven local gems.
Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
The Lilac Blog 