Calling all food lovers: The 20 best global cities for eating and drinking right now have been released and Montreal is firmly in the mix.
Whether it’s Montreal’s famed global, culinary scene and haute cuisine, or our famous dishes and legendary cheap eats, the city—one of the most restaurant-dense spots in North America—has got it all going on.
While it would be a cardinal sin not to grab a poutine, hot dog or to visit Montreal’s best delis, diners and sandwich shops for some choice smoked meat, it’s just as sinful not to eat from the next-level selection of the city's best restaurants and the hottest new tables).
And we haven’t even talked about our tried and true world class bagels.
When the only Canadian restaurant to make the World’s 50 Best hottest global restaurant openings list for 2024 is in Montreal, and the city’s classic eateries are elevating their culinary game in the face of staffing shortages and rising costs, you know you’re in the right place to eat your heart out.
And with forward-thinking chefs like Derek Dammann and Liam Hopkins involved in one of the most high-profile restaurant openings Montreal has ever seen (if you haven’t been to Le 9e in the Montreal Eaton Centre, run, don't walk), and rooftop and terrasse season in full swing, now is the time to dig in.
The buzz around Montreal’s downtown core continues to build with Chef Paul Toussaint (Kamuy, Paul Toussaint and Americas BBQ at Time Out Market Montréal) who just won a top award on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants List 2024 on the heels of the exclusive culinary experience Chefs on Tour.
Plus the arrival of the city’s best smash burger and a new local brasserie helmed by the renowned chef at the heart of Le Coureur des Bois bistro, Cabane du Coureur, and Restaurant H3.
And just thinking about all the food vendors serving up mouthwatering eats at the city’s back-to-back summer and fall festival line-up is making us hungry.
Home to Canada’s largest food truck festival, the most popular chef in the country and the coolest street in the world dotted with Michelin-worthy restaurants, tiki bars and cheap eats galore, it’s easy to see why Montreal made the list.
Even Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively can’t stay away.
View this post on Instagram
What are the world’s best cities for food right now?
The top 20 best cities in the world for food right now are as follows:
1. Naples
2. Johannesburg
3. Lima
4. Ho Chi Minh City
5. Beijing
6. Bangkok
7. Kuala Lumpur
8. Mumbai
9. Dubai
10. Portland, OR
11. Liverpool
12. Medellín
13. Seville
14. Porto
15. Marrakech
16. Lyon
17. Sydney
18. Montreal
19. Osaka
20. Copenhagen
What is the methodology behind Time Out’s culinary ranking?
To truly experience a city, you need to taste its cuisine. But what makes a food city truly exceptional? It’s not just about awards and Michelin stars—it’s about diversity. The key lies in offering high-quality meals at reasonable prices. Time Out asked thousands of locals to rate how good and affordable their city’s dining scene is right now.
Residents shared their insights on must-visit restaurants, iconic dishes, and the best budget-friendly bites. They also evaluated their city’s food scene for both quality and affordability. Time Out then refined the list by excluding cities with lower overall ratings and featuring only the top-rated city from each country. Additionally, the global network of Time Out editors and writers provided their take on what makes their city a dynamic dining destination in 2024, along with their top dining recommendations.
Time Out has a rich history of food expertise. For decades, Time Out has been exploring and reviewing restaurants in the world’s best cities to keep our best-of lists up-to-date. This expertise has materialized in Time Out Markets across the globe, where top-notch food, drink, and cultural experiences come together under one roof. For this feature, Time Out consulted Time Out Market chefs to highlight three culinary capitals that deserve special attention for their vibrant food scenes.
RECOMMENDED:
Complete guide to the best things to do in Montreal
Best downtown Montreal restaurants
Best 50 restaurants in Montreal