Food & groceries
Montreal is a culturally diverse city. You’ll find almost any food you’re looking for!
On- and off-campus food resources
There are plenty of food and snack options on- and off-campus.
On-campus student favourites include:
- The People's Potato
- Le Frigo Vert
- The Hive and The Hive Free Lunch
- Reggie's
Explore our Food and Dining webpage for comprehensive information about eating in Montreal, including affordable options on and near campus.
Local supermarkets
Here is a list of the main supermarket chains in Montreal. Use any map app to find the one closest to you!
- IGA : A province-wide chain with several Montreal locations, IGA offers a full range of grocery items, including cheese, bread, fresh meats and a generous frozen section.
- Provigo: This supermarket features higher-end brands. Though a weekly shop may exceed $100, the quality justifies the cost.
- Maxi: Maxi provides mid-range products at more affordable prices compared to Provigo.
- Metro: With many locations citywide, Metro has convenient late hours. However, it might not always have every item on your list.
- PA: PA is known for no frills affordability. They offer quality meat, produce, and breads, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
- L’intermarché: Serving areas east of Boulevard St-Laurent and north of the Island, L’intermarché stocks most weekly essentials, with daily deals to watch for.
- Super C: opular among young suburban families, Super C offers a variety of budget-friendly brands, with a single location in Saint-Henri for downtown access.
- Adonis: Famous for its fresh Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food, Adonis has multiple locations across Montreal. The highlight is the deli counter, a favourite among students in search of an affordable lunch.
In addition to the big supermarket chains, there are also several smaller, specialized grocery stores (for example, Korean or Latin American supermarkets) around the city and around Concordia’s campuses. Use Google to find more!
Public markets
Public markets are scattered across the island of Montreal. Throughout the year, you’ll find fresh, local and seasonal produce and products.
Many additional public markets pop-up in different neighbourhoods throughout the summer (June-October). Check out the map.
Located in Little Italy, this bustling market is one of Montreal’s oldest and largest open-air markets. It offers a mix of local specialties and international products, with year-round vendors dedicated to fresh, locally grown foods.
Nestled in Montreal’s Southwest, Atwater Market, operating since 1933, is celebrated for its Art Deco architecture. It’s renowned for its butcher shops, cheesemongers, and seasonal horticultural stands that emerge as summer begins.
In the Mercier-Hochelaga-Maisonneuve borough, Maisonneuve Market is your go-to for locally grown food and culinary discoveries. Vendors offer everything from bread and meat to spices and vegetables year-round.
Iconic Montreal foods
There are several foods Montreal is renowned for. Here are some of the most iconically Montreal ones and where you can try them!
Poutine: Originating in rural Quebec in the 1950s, poutine features fresh-cut fries topped with cheese curds and rich gravy. While you'll find it across Quebec and Canada, La Banquise in Montreal stands out, offering over 30 creative varieties.
Bagels: Montreal bagels are known for their dense, chewy texture and a lightly crisp, seeded crust—typically poppy or sesame. The debate over the best bagels often centers on two iconic shops: St-Viateur Bagel or Fairmount Bagel.
Smoked meat: This Montreal specialty involves curing beef brisket with spices, smoking it until perfectly tender, and then steaming it to lock in flavor. A beloved tradition since the 19th century, Montreal smoked meat is famously served at Schwartz's Deli.
Orange Julep: A sugary, frothy, citrusy drink – the Orange Julep is unique to Montreal. Enjoy it at the landmark Gibeau Orange Julep restaurant, housed in a striking, oversized orange structure along the highway.
