Little Italy

There are several European-style markets across Montreal, but Jean-Talon is one of the best known, as well as the largest. Open since 1933, the market shines year-round: In summer, stalls overflow with fresh fruit and produce from local farms and fresh seafood from the Gaspésie region; in winter, you can buy every imaginable maple treat (fudge, taffy, syrup, you name it). A few of our favorites include Havre aux Glaces for unusual sorbets like masala chai, lattes at Café Saint-Henri, and Quebec cheese at La Fromagerie Hamel.

The snug backyard and sidewalk terrace here are just as much of a draw as the thoughtfully edited food offering. Oddly, the menu at this Little Italy spot isn’t at all Italian—it kind of defies regional classification, actually, focusing more on quality and taste. The weekend brunch is considered to be the best in town.