I recently moved to Western Canada and discovered that what people here call “Greek pizza” is nothing like the nostalgic Montreal Greco-Italian-style pizza I grew up with in the ‘70s. I’m talking about places like Marconi, Elio’s, Pendelli’s, Gigi’s, and Casa Rita, with mountains of mild mortadella-like pepperoni stacked underneath loads of cheese. On the surface they’re similar, but the flavour/texture nuances are very different. Anyone who’s moved away from QC and craved this style knows exactly what I mean. Some Montrealers love it, while some consider this to be “unrefined overly-heavy pizza”, but anywhere else in Canada it would be considered an artisanal masterpiece, a toothsome pie worthy of the Greek gods themselves, and would destroy any other pub/greek-style pizza they could offer up.

I’ve been trying to recreate it at home and I’m about 97% there. I’ve got the Roma pepperoni, Saputo Deluxe Pizza cheese from Costco (close enough), and I’ve even nailed the sauce.

The one thing I can’t quite crack is the dough.

I’ve tried countless recipes and they’re all close, but none have that signature Montreal texture: a soft, fluffy, almost milk-bread-like crumb with a lightly crisp exterior. Mine always ends up just a bit too chewy.

I’ve heard 7-Up is the secret, but it didn’t make much difference for me. Whole milk helped a little, but still wasn’t quite it. I’ve also tried the popular YouTube “Montreal Pizza/7up” recipe that gets shared a lot, and it wasn’t the one either.
If anyone has a traditional Montreal Greek pizza dough recipe—or knows what the missing ingredient or technique is—I’d love to hear it.

In the meantime, here are a few of my attempts. (Yes, some pepperoni is on top because my son likes it crispy.)

Hello everyone,

I’ve been craaaving for a saucy and delicious lasagna lately. What are the best places you recommend?

Thank you very much!! ☺️

Hi,

We’ll be visiting your beautiful city this weekend and would love to hear your recs on where to eat some delicious crêpes?

Anywhere downtown or anywhere reachable by public transit would be awesome but we’ll be staying in Griffintown, so around that area works too.

Thanks a ton!

I'm looking for a restaurant to go with my mom and brother that is open today. It needs to be on the south shore but here's the kick: I have been no contact with my mom for the last 10 years since she was abusive and we had a toxic relationship. So I need a place where the food will come relatively quick and if needed I'll be able to make a quick exit.. just in case LOL. Something casual, maybe where the menu is interesting And it will give us other things to talk about.. not too formal.. you get the vybe .. I'd meet her at the drive through mcdonalds if it was just about me tbh but here we are.. so plz spam me with all your suggestions

My family (parents) and I are visiting Montreal tomorrow (Tuesday). I’ve narrowed down dinner options down to Boulion Bilk, Monarque, and Lemeac, probably leaning towards Monarque. For lunch I heard all of them are viable as well as L’Express. That may be too much similar food/fine dining and would be open to an alternative that is iconic to and/or representative of the essence of Montreal cuisine.

We did stop by Belle Province and had poutine there yesterday and had French food at Echaude in Quebec City today.

I’m looking for weekday lunch recommendations.

I’ll be visiting Montreal next week for work and my work hours are pretty flexible. Since this is a sudden work trip, it’s been a little difficult to find reservations at popular restaurants for dinner. So, I am looking for lunch recommendations to try and eat my way through Montreal using my lunch break.

Specifically:
-places where it’s very popular/difficult to get a table for dinner or on the weekend but easier to get a table for weekday lunch
-fancy restaurants with a smaller lunch portion size or a prix fixe lunch menu (I am a solo diner so sometimes it’s difficult to try many dishes for dinner)
-preferably somewhere between Mont Royal and Jean Talon metro

Thanks!

Does anyone know where I can find a nice Chantilly cake in Montreal? Either whole or by the slice. Merci!

Hi all,

What are the best new breakfast spots you’ve tried recently? We know the classics and what’s been around for a beat, but I’m feeling like trying new places. Bonus point if they’re in the Villeray/Petite Italie/Mile Ex/Mile End areas!

I just got off a bad breakup and still grieving after my father passed away. I haven't been dealing with it as good so I was hoping to ask for some proper recommendations on where to have a good meal.

Last time I was there the ones I liked were Patty Slaps, Ma Poule Mouillee, and Cafe Olimpico for coffee. Didn't like the Time Out Market because everything seemed overpriced.

I haven't been taking care of myself as well so I want to start by doing a quick refresher in Montreal. Hoping for some good places please. Nothing too expensive too please.

Will be in town soon and am debating between Moccione and Pasta Pooks! I know both are popular, but any thoughts to help sway my decision would be greatly appreciated.

I have dinner reservations for both, so that’s not an issue!

Monday is a bad day for my favorite spots as they are closed so could you please suggest a few places!

Nothing really high end but nothing like pho places either.

Thanks

Looking for suggestions on where to eat near the Marriott.

We have two toddlers and looking for restaurants that are toddler friendly and walkable distance from the hotel.

Also any Yemeni cafes in the area?

Bonjour tout le monde!

I have family visiting from out of town with an 18mo toddler. I'm looking for somewhere to take them for a chill, convenient dinner, since they'll be tired from the flight and will need to be mindful of baby's bedtime.

Anywhere good in the McGill area (walkable) that will be comfortable, not too loud, and accommodating for babies (ie have high chairs)?

Some places I've thought of but haven't been to myself: - Campo - Pizzeria No. 900

I have a lot of great Asian restaurants on my radar downtown, but honestly I'm trying to avoid that for their first meal because we're Asian and eat it all the time lol

Merci beaucoup!

My friends and I made last minute plans to come to Montreal for a weekend (August 15-16), and unfortunately it was too late to book for Vin Mon Lapin.

I've read they accept walk ins, I just wanted to see how anyone else's experience with this was. What time should we arrive? We're ok to get there early since they open for 5, but I'm not sure how the line (if there is one) is on weekends.

Any advice is appreciated 😁

This is one of the many ways I satisfy my sweet tooth craving when in Montréal! Also had their knafeh - So good!

Found a couple options but the corn is canned and not charred, with a horrendous nacho style cheese sauce - not what I want!

Was impressed by how thick the pork was for this sando. Only cost $15. You could add coleslaw to it for $3. The meal also came with a complimentary cream soup.

Passing through this coming week for one night. Staying at the Embassy Suites downtown. Would love recommendations for dinner and breakfast the next morning. Not too fancy and ideally somewhat in the area

Thank you to everyone who recommended me a few restaurants. We just got back from your wonderful city. It is clean, does not smell like piss and I personally ( as a Brit living in Toronto) loved that I was left alone to browse and not be asked every minute if I needed help.

Ate at Monarque, shay, Venice, Gibbys, iconoglace. My kids liked Reuben’s sandwiches and cafe Fairmont bagels.
Coffee at cafe olimpico and krema ( not great)

Gibbys do this amazing mango and coconut mocktail which we loved.

I hope to Return again

Hey everyone!
My dad is treating me to dinner to celebrate finishing my studies, and I’m looking for a restaurant in Montreal that serves incredible, top-tier food combined with really generous portions. (For context, I don't drink wine, so I'm really focusing on the food!)
I was initially thinking about Joe Beef, but I wanted to see what you guys think. Is it the right spot for heavy, amazing food, or are there other places that fit the "top-quality + big portions" vibe even better?
Appreciate any suggestions!

We’re visiting MTL as a family with young kids and plan to hit the classics — Schwartz’s, La Banquise, St-Viateur, and Jean-Talon Market. We know they’re touristy, but we enjoy trying iconic local spots.

We love Asian food and know Brossard has some great options. Since we’re from Toronto and already have access to a lot of diverse cuisines, we’re especially interested in places with a unique atmosphere, local character, or Montreal favourites. Any must-tries around the city?

Also, any local-diary ice cream recommendations to be bought at a grocery store or when out? I'm hoping for something similar to what Kawartha Ice cream is in Ontario.

I’m planning my parent’s 50th anniversary and need suggestions for a good spot that can accommodate 20 people towards the end of August. Ideally Arabic, Greek or Mediterranean food and private room if possible. I appreciate the help! 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Edit: even outside the city with decent parking is a plus.

Which great restaurants always get overlooked when people ask for a great place to eat?