07/24/2026
An ongoing series of MTL hidden gems by S&P founder, (semi) professional tour guide and fixer Danny !
As a an Ex Park Ex-er; I share with you Restaurant Canada Best , now behind my monthly pilgrimage to the old hood. Take away has always been my go to but sit down is possible if you like a NO FRILLS room with 4 tables and a similar vibe to a CLSC with windows. The Nasi Lemak brings me back to Malaysian trips. Get extra sambal, bite the cucumber to calm down the heat when needed or chug the lassi. You can head to the La Petite Boutique thrift across the street for more Parc Ex discoveries post dinner.
Along the Lajeunesse stretch of the REM, between trashy “brasseries” and mechanic shops there is cute corner restaurant that is as neighbourhood as Mr Rogers. It kinda feels like the friend you love just finished culinary school and you’re supporting them La Jeune Espiègle A hidden bistro with a great selection of wines in Youville. Remember, Youville, c’est Nousville.
La Hueca | Ecuadorian Restaurant is the perfect name for this Ecuadorian gem at the literal end of the Faubourg building’s food court. My hangover helper is their tuna and yucca fish stew, el encebollado. Pro tip, get extra aji de la casa, house spicy sauce. Provecho!
In what I call a doom spot; a space for a business that never lasts, we have finally have a solid contender. The beef tongue at Rizière melts on your tongue and I will travel for their Dandan noodles in the darkest winter. I’ve never eaten rice here 🤔
On a dilapidated stretch of Côte-Saint-Paul, my Persian friend and I were doing that happy dance in our chairs one does when the food slaps. مامان سادی/ Maman Sady deserves a Nobel prize for hands down the best Iranian food MTL has ever seen. Worth the shlep and the unbuttoning of the pants for indulgence. BYOB.
That’s it for this edition. Khodafez