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Winter is Coming….to Montreal

We have been lucky thus far with a warm October, but we cannot escape the fact that fall is upon us and that winter is on its way. So since everyone loves a good list – I thought I would sum up some of my old and new favourite spots to visit to help me forget about the cold.

1. La Khaima

142 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, QC H2T 2M5

Not only will the African comfort food served at this cozy Fairmount spot literally keep you warm this fall, but the owner and his love for his restaurant will also warm your soul. I am so glad I recently attended La Khaima‘s media night, as I got to experience this warmth first hand. The owner, Atigh, told us about his Hibiscus farm in Mauritania as he served us some of his homemade hibiscus juice with mint and baobab. He spoke of the life of the nomads who live in tents called Khaima’s as they travel to hunt their food. The menu is constantly changing based on market-fresh ingredients (much like the nomads menu!) and you could expect food with Spanish, South African, and North African influence. My favourite was the cous cous served with roasted peppers, olives, and fall-off-the-bone tender chicken. As an added bonus – La Khaima is Bring Your Own Wine and we all know that wine is key to keeping those cheeks rosy and warm!

2. Cafe Mei

5309 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, QC H2T 1A5

There is almost nothing more warm and comforting than dim sum and Chinese food and Café Mei does both very well. Definitely not new to the Montreal resto-scene, this spot on St. Laurent Blvd has been around since 1987 and is family run. When I visited, there was one chef in the kitchen making all of the dishes! A truly impressive one-man show. For generous portions of delicious Chinese food and some of Montreal’s best dumplings in a relaxing and charming space, don’t miss Café Mei!

3. Pamika

901 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, QC H2L 1L3

It is no secret that Pamika is one of my favourite spots in the city. I return again and again to savour their warm and authentic thai dishes and it is always one of the first spots I recommend when someone is looking for a non-pretentious restaurant with great food. Read my review here. And if you haven’t been yet, it’s about time.

4. Gyu-Kaku

1255 Crescent St, Montreal, QC H3G 2B1

Gyu-Kaku is Montreal’s newest Japanese BBQ spot. Each table is equipped with a grill allowing you to barbecue your own meats and vegetables. The chain is renowned internationally for its fun concept and is definitely a welcome addition to Montreal’s Japanese food scene. I would recommend trying Gyu-Kaku in a group, so that you could taste everything. Reserve in advance!

5. Café Baba Yaga

3279 St Jacques St, Montreal, QC H4C 1G8

Café Baba Yaga recently opened up in St. Henri and serves the ultimate Polish comfort food – pierogies. I can’t imagine a better way to stay warm than with potato-filled dumplings. They feature 3 types of pierogis and a surprise pierogi each week. Not to mention, they will also serve strawberry pierogies, Paczki (Polish doughnuts), schnitzel sandwiches and other Polish fare.