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One thing tourists often remark on when visiting Montreal is how “old” the city feels.
Whether that’s a compliment or not isn’t always clear— are they admiring the charm of the Old Port or commenting on the pothole-ridden streets across the island? Either way, Montreal’s rich history is undeniable, and it’s not just in the architecture. It’s also in the city’s restaurants, many of which have been serving up local favourites for generations.
With that in mind, here are five of the oldest eateries in Montreal that are still going strong today.
L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel (Established in 1754)
Price: 💸💸💸
Cuisine: French-Canadian
Address: 426 Rue St. Gabriel, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel isn’t just the oldest restaurant in Montreal — it’s the oldest in Canada.
Originally built as a two-storey house in 1688, it became North America’s first inn in 1754, eventually earning the continent’s first liquor license.
Since then, this spot has been serving up a variety of French-Canadian delicacies in a rustic setting for the past 270 years and counting.
L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel website
Montreal Pool Room (Established in 1912)
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Fast food
Address: 1217 boulevard Saint-Laurent, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Montreal Pool Room is one of downtown’s quintessential late-night greasy spoons, famous for its classic steamies (Montreal-style hot dogs) and no-frills charm.
Over the years, this iconic spot, located in the city’s former red light district, has welcomed all kinds of characters, including infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone.
It’s a piece of history served with a side of fries.
Fairmount Bagel (Established in 1919)
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Bakery
Address: 74 Av. Fairmount O, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Fairmount Bagel, Montreal’s first bagel bakery, was founded in 1919 by Isadore Shlafman, who introduced hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels to the city.
Located initially off Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the bakery moved to Fairmount Street in 1949, where Shlafman built his signature oven.
Still family-run, Fairmount Bagel continues to use the same traditional methods and recipes over a century later.
Schwartz’s Deli (Established in 1928)
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Deli
Address: 3895 Boulevard St. Laurent, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Is there any Montreal restaurant more iconic than Schwartz’s Deli?
Established in 1928, this legendary smoked meat institution has been serving up its world-famous sandwiches for nearly a century.
From locals who’ve been loyal for generations to tourists who line up for hours just to get a taste, Schwartz’s remains the ultimate Montreal foodie pilgrimage.
Wilensky’s Light Lunch (Established in 1932)
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Sandwiches
Address: 34 Av. Fairmount O, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: Since 1932, Wilensky’s Light Lunch has been dishing out its legendary Wilensky Special: a grilled salami sandwich with mustard on a soft roll.
This charming, no-frills spot in Mile End is packed with nostalgia, from its vintage decor to its strict “no cutting the sandwich in half” rule.
Enjoy, Montreal!
