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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.
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SyrianVilleray
Le Petit Alep is the beloved Syrian-Armenian bistro by the Jean-Talon Market in Montreal, a Bib Gourmand pouring Lebanese wine over warm mezze.
OrderMuhammara, sujuk and the garlicky grilled meats.
TipThe casual Petit Alep next to formal Alep is the one you want; it takes no reservations.
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ContemporaryDowntown
Bouillon Bilk is a minimalist, high-end dining room on the Main in downtown Montreal, plating precise, inventive cooking by the Quartier des Spectacles.
OrderThe tasting menu, or the pasta and fish plates a la carte.
TipIt sits by the theatres; book the pre-show seating, then linger over dessert once the crowd clears.
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SeafoodPlateau
Le Filet is Bouillon Bilk's seafood-focused sibling facing the mountain in Montreal, a dim, sultry room turning out delicate fish plates meant for sharing.
OrderThe oyster and crudo plates, then whichever whole fish is running.
TipPortions are tapas-sized; order broadly across the menu rather than one main each.
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ItalianLittle Italy
Impasto is the rustic Italian room on Rue Dante in Montreal's Little Italy, cooking market-driven pasta and salumi a short walk from the Jean-Talon Market.
OrderThe house-made pasta of the day and a plate of salumi.
TipLunch is quieter and cheaper; the same kitchen, fewer crowds than dinner.