10 excellent Montreal restaurant/takeout counters to visit

We often have to line up in front of their doors and the impatient ones will take their meal to go. And even though a bigger local would help with the high demand of these places, this would also ruin the charm of these small canteens, delicatessen and restaurant/takeout Montreal joints. Some offer a few seated places, some not at all. Here are 10 excellent Montreal restaurant/takeout counters to visit for a flavourful meal to savour there or at home.

Épicerie Hào

L’Épicerie Hào comes to life in a magnificent and very small local with a clean and impeccable decor on Rue Rachel. There are no grocery products, but they have excellent dim sum. The place specializes in dumplings and steamed buns, which are handmade and available in two flavours, pork and vegetarian. Served with a pickled cucumber salad, they always have a delicious dessert of the day.

Adamo Pizza

Adamo has been serving slices of happiness in the Saint-Henri district since 2015. The New York-style pizza of this restaurant evocative of a welcoming Italian address of the Big Apple has become a must in the neighbourhood. One quickly ingests a slice standing up close to the counter after a game of table football or one takes it to go. Huge whole pizzas are also available for groups and hungry people.

Comptoir Rhubarbe

The Comptoir Rhubarb is a safe address for a light, sought-after and delicious weekend brunch, but also for tasty lunches as well as meals and pastries to take out. Vegetable terrine and gravlax; Sainte-Madeleine melon, prosciutto, Espelette pepper and sour cream; millet, grape and goat cheese salad, natural wines imported privately… Find everything you need for a refined picnic.

Épicerie Pumpui

This friendly curry and grocery counter in Little Italy brings much more than Thai flavours to Montreal. The place has all the characteristics of a Thai neighbourhood business, from the décor to the atmosphere. There are a few South Asian products on sale as well as products bearing the effigy of the place. The real attraction, however, is the excellent comfort food available in ready-to-eat and à la carte. The changing and never boring menu remains heavily curry oriented.

Drogheria Fine

In addition to selling excellent homemade tomato sauces and olive oils that will please connoisseurs, this Italian delicatessen on Fairmount Street in the Mile End splits into a gnocchi counter. No seating space and no risk for the undecided: only one kind of fresh pasta is offered and served in cardboard Asian takeout boxes through the grocery window. A charming concept that is matched only by the quality of the product.

Ramen 900

Ramen 900 is an excellent ramen counter that likes to be desired. This seasonal pop-up in the heart of Saint-Henri takes place in the charming Dalla Rose creamery from October to the return of summer. Three versions of ramen are available to enjoy at the small counter or to take away. All three are vegan by default, but whoever wishes can add extra eggs and/or pork. Bonus: some ice cream flavours are available during the winter season.

Brit and Chips

Inspired by the English fish and chips tradition, Brit and Chips offers an authentic overseas chippy experience tinged with Quebec culture. At this counter, various breaded and fried fish accompanied by chips in the typical cut are served, but also scotch eggs, mushy peas, cod cakes and patties. All wrapped in fake newspaper.