Top 10 Places to Eat on Monkland Avenue in NDG

So, I haven’t eaten at eeeevvverryy spot on Monkland but I’ve eaten at quite a few of them.  Here’s a roundup of my top 10 in no particular order.

1. The Italian Pantry

This is our go to place for everything Italian and Steve Marcone who owns the joint is just so super helpful and friendly.  After tasting the canned tomatoes he sells, I can’t go back to anything else and it’s also my fave joint for picking up oils, vinegars, and cheese.  We also very frequently visit this place for take away meals (lasagna, an eggplant parmesan to die for, meatballs, etc.) and the sandwiches.  They serve porchetta sandwiches every once in a while which are not to be missed.  During Christmas time this is the place in Montreal for panettone.  Go, chat to Steve and stock up.

2. Melk

For great coffee, excellent baked goods, a cool vibe and friendly staff keep strolling past Starbucks and Second Cup and make your way to Melk which is tucked away beside Lucille’s Oyster Bar and The Spice Station.  I am in LOVE with the scones and the coffee is just perfect.  It’s from 49th Parallel roasters which is one of my faves.  Plus, they have dog biscuits for all those dog owners in NDG.

Photo care of CBC

3. Gryphon d’Or

I’ve always meant to talk about Gryphon d’Or but just never seem to have gotten around to it.  Friendly service, an interesting weekend brunch and great home cooked lunches make this place a sure bet.  They also have an area through another door (not shown) where you can buy their baked goods in fresh or frozen form.

4. Claude Cuisine

Claude has it going on in his little sandwich shop where he makes amazing fresh sandwiches with totally home made ingredients.  I’m partial to pretty much everything, but his grill cheese and smoked salmon is amazing.  He also does take home meals, which are made fresh daily and available after 4:00. We’ve never been disappointed.

5. Amaranto  

We love this place for Mexican food, and frequently head there to pick up large orders which are devoured at home.  It’s all super fresh and cooked up by a Mexican family with amazing results.  We love the tacos and guacamole but they have all sorts of other fun stuff including mole and other Mexican specialties.

6. Lucille’s Oyster Dive

Lucille’s is one of the few restaurants on Monkland I can really recommend for a great ambiance.  The interior is done up nicely without being hokey, and the food is fantastic.  Well, all I ever get is the lobster rolls but the rest of my family seems to enjoy whatever they are eating.  Portions are huge and the terrace in the summer is great.

Photo ripped straight from Café de Mercanti’s Facebook Page

7. Café de Mercanti

This is a super cute and cozy neighbourhood café on the quieter end of Monkland next to The Italian Pantry.  Serving up great coffee and Italian pastries and other sweets, this tiny shop has a great neighbourhood atmosphere and the owners are super friendly.  During the summer they serve gelato that is to DIE for. Go and get some, you won’t be sorry.

Photo care of Le Devoir

8. La Patisserie de Nancy

This is where we head for all of our baked goods, and the croissants are lovely.  I believe my husband stops by with my son every time they pass for something to eat because now whenever we walk past he points and complains 🙂

9. Prohibition

I love Prohibition, although I have to admit I have only been there for brunch.  Called Prohibition when they couldn’t get their alcohol license and they must have been annoyed at people stopping at a restaurant called Vino looking to drink wine, they now serve booze (will they keep the name?).  I’d love to try them out for dinner, and it’s on my list.

10. Tourtière Australienne

Run by a Quebecois who speaks English with an Aussie accent after living there for many years, and her Kiwi husband this couple make some fantastic pies and desserts.  I love to stock up on a bunch of the mini frozen pies so that I always have something for lunch or dinner on hand.  They also make a HUGE pavlova which I ordered for my sons first birthday party.  It was a hit, and I loved it.  They also serve a variety of imported Australian, New Zealand and South African goods for all those mixing their fix.

What did I miss?

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