Great meals on the go for under $20 in Old Montreal

Working in Old Montreal or just passing on through, and your stomach won’t stop rumbling away? Feast your eyes on this address book of fantastic places to eat on the fly for less than 20 dollars.

Last update : January 15, 2024

Olive + Gourmando has long been a neighbourhood favourite of locals, tourists and visiting celebrities alike. We go for the delectable glazed salmon and brown rice bowl, which also comes in a vegan-friendly version. For those looking for a bit of a kick, we highly recommend the “Poached egg on your face” panini with spicy poached egg salad.

For a meal that has some serious character, make your way to Le 409 Indian brasserie, where the chickpea samosas and the decadent Butter Chicken Poutine will have you planning your next visit after the very first bite.

When it comes to Asian fusion cuisine, long live Sesame! We simply can’t resist their mini salmon poke, not to mention the papaya salad and vegetable fried rice. Here, say goodbye to that rumbling in your belly while your taste buds find their happy place, delighted by an exciting and varied array of flavours and textures that never disappoints.

Italian panini, brimming with cheese and authentic flavours, are a tried and true classic of great take-away food, and for that, we happily direct your attention to Bello. Couple one of their tasty creations with a perfectly brewed coffee or a refreshing beverage and you basically have La Dolce Vita to go!

Pizza fans, get on over to NO. 900! Perfect for a feast to share… but if you’re flying solo and keeping all the deliciousness to yourself, we understand perfectly – your secret is safe with us. This place is worth the visit as much for the outstanding freshness of ingredients as for that irresistible wood-smoke flavour with each bite that just keeps us coming back for more.

When it comes to the English pub side of things, Brit & Chips delivers the goods. These folks have truly mastered the golden-crispy arts, offering up a selection of delectable house batters you definitely don’t see every day. Not only are the fish n’ chips always spot-on here, we also have a great appreciation for the owners’ commitment to consistently using sustainably caught fresh fish on the menu. Served in a newspaper-covered plate in classic “chip shop” style, a lunch here is sure to transport you across the pond in the very tastiest of ways.

Tejano BBQ Burrito is our go-to place for burritos, whether in sandwich or bowl form, available in meat, vegetarian or vegan versions. For a few mouthwatering moments, you’ll be convinced that you’re having lunch under the warm and wonderful Mexican sun… for a whole lot less than the price of a plane ticket, that’s for sure. ¡Buen provecho!

When it comes to eating on the go, Slice + Soda are downright specialists. Here, you’ll find a nice selection of pizza slices to choose from that pair beautifully with their homemade fruit sodas, hence the name. This place arguably serves up one of the best Margherita pizzas in town, boasting a tomato, cheese and fresh basil balance that is particularly, and most deliciously, well achieved.

After you’ve placed your order at Franklin’s Subs and Suds, may we suggest a game of arcade Donkey Kong while you’re waiting? The retro decor here is worth the trip alone, and the submarines, hotdogs and burgers – with vegetarian and vegan options – are guaranteed to satisfy your every old-school diner craving. If the timewarp has you feeling a little bit nostalgic, by all means go for a decadent pogo, and their original milkshakes simply can’t be beat.

On Notre-Dame Street, Le Petit Sao has something for everyone, with an extensive menu of spring rolls, bowls, phos and banh mi. Immerse yourself and enjoy revisited classics of Vietnamese cuisine in a warm and familial setting at this unique and vibrant establishment. During the day, take advantage of their lunchtime express menu and, for a more intimate experience, the dinner and cocktail specials in the evening are not to be missed.

Mandy’s is and has been a favourite of countless Montrealers for some time, and with good reason. These days, we eagerly make our way there through the sleet and snow to enjoy their comforting winter menu. Hoisin duck salad with kale, grated carrots and roasted sesame seeds. Happen to be a super fan? Good news: you can also purchase their signature vinaigrettes to try out at home.

Ciccio’s, an Italian diner with a retro-chic feel, offers up sandwiches and salads at a small price but with big flavour, including the Parmigiana sandwich with breaded eggplant, mozzarella, tomato confit and pesto, and the Jules salad with romaine lettuce, raw broccoli and parmigiano. Their “plateau” option is also perfect for a delicious and convenient team lunch at the office that everyone can enjoy.

Le Beau Marché is a veritable lunchtime haven: sandwiches, salads, quiches, viennoiseries and a whole lot more. The fridge, featuring ready-to-eat dishes as well as a variety of beverages, is also a perfect option if you only have time for heating up a delectable little something at work or back at home.

For a quick bite to eat in a warm and inviting ambiance, make your way to Caféterra. This family-run café situated just a stone’s throw away from the Notre-Dame Basilica offers gourmet sandwiches (hello ham and cheese or smoked salmon croissant!) and also proposes a “Trio Extra” for those with a small appetite, which includes a mini soup of the day plus a coffee or soft drink for less than $5.

For a gourmet stopover you’re sure to love, head to Shnoopi. On the menu: Mediterranean cuisine whose inspiration runs the gamut from the Tuscan countryside to the Côte d’Azur, with a bright touch of Greek sun and Egyptian heat. Between the artichoke and chicken salad, the roast beef sandwich and the oven-baked pasta, the choice is hard to make here. Our recommendation: just bring several dishes back to the office with you and sample it all!

Photos : Sara Megan - Ciccio's - Le 409 - Sésame - Tejano BBQ

NOTA BENE: Your business would fit perfectly here but isn’t mentioned? Don’t hesitate to write to us at info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com, and it would be our pleasure to include it.