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ContemporaryLittle Burgundy
Vin Papillon is the Joe Beef group's vegetable-forward wine bar in Little Burgundy, Montreal, turning charred produce and natural wine into a walk-in classic.
OrderThe rotating grilled and roasted vegetable plates.
TipWalk-in only; put your name down early and drink a glass next door while you wait.
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ItalianGriffintown
Nora Gray is Emma Cardarelli's dim, clubby southern-Italian room on Saint-Jacques in Montreal, pouring amaro over hand-cut pasta and a cult wine list.
OrderThe pasta of the night and a negroni to start.
TipThe bar seats are first-come and the easiest way in on a busy weekend.
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ItalianSaint Henri
Elena is the Nora Gray team's sunny coffee, pizza and wine room in Saint-Henri, Montreal, spinning sourdough pizza and Italian small plates off Notre-Dame.
OrderA blistered sourdough pizza and a spritz.
TipDaytime is coffee and pastries; the pizza and wine crowd arrives after five.
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ContemporaryLittle Italy
Marconi is Mehdi Brunet-Benkritly's inventive bistro near Little Italy in Montreal, plating clever, short-menu seasonal cooking off Avenue Mozart.
OrderWhatever the two-line menu is doing with the day's produce.
TipThe menu changes constantly and is short; ask the room what to order and trust it.
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BistroDowntown
Cadet is a Bib Gourmand bar and bistro on the Main in downtown Montreal, matching a smart natural wine list with sharp, snacky plates until late.
OrderThe tartare and whatever seafood snack is on the board.
TipThe bar takes walk-ins and stays lively late; it is a strong pre or post-show stop.
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BistroVilleray
Casavant is a warm Bib Gourmand bistro near the Jean-Talon Market in Villeray, Montreal, pairing convivial French-Quebecois plates with a lively natural list.
OrderThe daily plats and a bottle from the growers' list.
TipIt is a genuine neighbourhood room; book midweek and settle in for the night.