A little rain, a lot of sun, flowers everywhere and people in a good mood on the terraces of restaurants, cafes, bars and everywhere in town. All this can also be found at the Jean-Talon Market and we wanted to help you eat when you go to the heart of Little Italy to stock up.
The Jean-Talon Market is one of the largest markets in North America and one of the oldest public markets in Montreal; inaugurated in 1933, it has been constantly updated since then in order to offer the best in terms of fresh and local agri-food products.
All year round, you can eat in various places at the Jean-Talon Market, but during the summer, small kiosks are set up in the “Restaurant Zone”, where they offer delicious treats, savory or sweet, which will make you your visits to the market even more pleasant.
The restaurant area of the Jean-Talon Market located in its northern part, welcomes visitors from May to October. This year, enjoy a terrace with several seats to enjoy your dishes and other Market discoveries in a relaxed atmosphere, whether you are alone or in a group.
Here are ten places that we recommend for, throughout the summer, to snack on good, or even very good, things. Opening hours and days vary from one house to another, we recommend that you check this in advance by calling 514 937-7754 (Marché Jean-Talon) or by contacting the merchant concerned directly.
First of all, four newbies…
Loumi
The Mahmoud-Laabi duo has made many friends with their small establishment on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Mile-End section, where they work on halloumi, this cheese so popular throughout the Middle East. They will certainly make new ones at Loumi du Marché with their sandwiches, burgers and salads.
Roxy Focaccia
Neighborhood residents almost subscribe to Café San Gennaro for its pizzas.”Al Taglio“, his sweet and its impeccable cafés on neighboring rue Saint-Zotique. Mauro Covone manages there, here, at the Market, it’s his sister Roxanne, Roxy for short. With their team of enthusiasts, they installed this counter inspired by Italian street food. Focaccia is used as sandwich bread, allowing a delicious combination between the robust base and the tasty ingredients that can be integrated into it.
Nanana
At 155 rue Jean-Talon Est, Nanana has opened an irresistible “Dessert Shop”, pastries that are as delicious as they are beautiful. At its counter at the Jean-Talon Market, you will have access to an original selection of frozen desserts in a decor as POP as at the parent address and you will be welcomed with just as much enthusiasm.
Musubi
At this brand new counter in the restaurant area, you can enjoy delicious onigiris, these ultra-fresh and ultra-gourmet Japanese rice sandwiches surrounded by a sheet of nori. The house also offers iced matchas as well as various other Japanese sweets, including mochi skewers.
…and six other gourmet stops
Eat me
Well, it’s sure that the name lacks a little poetry (!), but you would be wrong to miss this gourmet kiosk. Both vegetarian and vegan, Bouffe-moi! is an original idea of two gourmet sisters. Their menu, influenced by the harvests and the people here, will charm you with its unique creations that they call happiness foods. To try, their interpretation of Montreal pogo.
Falafel Yoni
Both on rue Saint-Viateur in Mile-End and on rue Wellington in Verdun, gourmands rush to taste the falafels from Falafel Yoni. If you stop by the Market, treat yourself by trying their emblematic products, falafels, hummus and sabichs, there is a good chance that you, in turn, will be won over. Also find them at the Atwater Market.
La Croqueteria
With a name like that, you’d expect to find kibble here. In fact, they are rather croquetas, like those we devour in Spain. All theseroquetas are based on béchamel, creamy on the inside, crispy on the outside, with Serrano ham, garlic, cheddar or based on the best the season has to offer. You can also enjoy paellas, sandwiches and desserts at La Croqueteria du Marché. Gildas Vascas. And then there is a spectacular character who prepares all these delicious things: Chef Tigreton. Quite a spectacle!
The Fattoush girls
We have been enthusiastic about Les Filles Fattoush since their launch. It is a social economy catering project which offers a first work experience to Syrian refugee women by capitalizing on their culinary talent and their desire to share. For several years, at the Filles Fattoush kiosk at the Jean-Talon market, we have been finding delicious mezzes (dishes to share) to take away. Babbaghanouj, hummus, mouhamara, kebbes, falafels, vine leaves and other Syrian specialties are among the lot. All these delicacies are available individually, but a tasting platter containing four specialties is also available.
Palomar
Palomar is a newly established fishmonger and restaurant just across the Place du Marché-du-Nord. You will taste all kinds of tapas and succulent fish plates. Open for brunch, lunch and evenings, Palomar welcomes its customers indoors or on its terrace facing the market.
The market creperie
We don’t know if we saved the best for last, but the pancakes from this house have something special that makes them closer to a treat. It is in any case the oldest house on this list because, for almost 20 years, this Breton creperie — the only 100% gluten-free in Quebec — has been offering vegan and dairy-free crepes, garnished with fresh vegetables of all kinds. of delights. The house welcomes you on its large terrace all year round, every day from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Savory or sweet, the crepes from the market creperie all have names (Ouessant, Quimper, Carnac, Saint-Brieuc) which recall the origins of the owner.
