Outremont

Montreal residents are about as fanatical about their smoked meats as they are about their bagels. Lester's owner Billy Berenholc has reigned supreme over this corner of Barnard for sixty years and is a total neighborhood fixture who knows everyone’s name. Lester’s version of the ubiquitous medium-fat, smoked-rye sammy is called the Cadillac, and that—washed down with a beer and several spoons of mustard—is the perfect introduction to the expansive menu of smoky briskets, pickles, and breads for a first-timer.

-Since its 2001 opening, Leméac has steadily grown to be one of Montreal's best restaurants. Come here for classic French comfort food, like steak frites and cabillaud (cod), as well as an extensive (and pretty intense) wine list. Save room for the cheese plate or one of the dozen of homemade desserts made in-house each night. In true Parisian-bistro style, the interiors are warm and it's always packed with a good mix of locals and tourists. There's a terrace that's perfect for an outdoor Sunday brunch in the spring or summer.