Montreal Travel Guide (Montreal, Quebec)

Montréalers conduct much of their business and their social lives in the city's eating places , and Montréal food is as varied as its population, ranging from the rich meat dishes of typical Québécois cuisine to bagels bursting with cream cheese. Masses of restaurants line the area around rue Ste-Catherine downtown, though American fast-food chains seem to be taking over, while Vieux-Montréal has an ever-expanding number of places to eat, though here most are touristy and slightly overpriced. The best for food, and upbeat atmosphere, is in the more French area of the metropolis, around the Plateau and Quartier Latin . Montréal comes a close second to New York as the bagel capital of the world, and they are sold everywhere from grimy outlets to stylish cafés - particularly delicious when fresh, warm and crammed with cream cheese and lox (smoked salmon).

For those on a tight budget the delis, diners and cafés are perfect, and if you're really broke the so-called pizza war downtown has got slices of pizza down to 99¢. Apportez votre vin establishments, of which there are many on rue Prince Arthur and ave Duluth, are the cheaper restaurant alternatives.