The Mile End neighborhood in Montreal is a vibrant culinary destination, offering visitors an immersive food tour that showcases the city’s diverse gastronomic landscape. Led by knowledgeable guides, this 3-hour excursion takes travelers on a journey through iconic local specialties, from smoked meat poutine to authentic Greek cuisine and refreshing ice cream. With a maximum group size of 16, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience, allowing participants to savor the unique flavors that have made the Mile End a must-visit destination. What awaits those who embark on this culinary adventure might just surprise you.
This experience made our list of the 20 Best Food Tours In Montreal.
Key Points
- The 3-hour walking food tour showcases the diverse dining options in the Mile End neighborhood of Montreal.
- Travelers can sample iconic local delicacies like smoked meat poutine, gravelax sandwich, Montreal bagels, Greek cuisine, and Québécois cheeses.
- The tour starts at Lesters Deli and concludes at Kem CoBa, with convenient public transportation access.
- The knowledgeable local guide provides an immersive experience into Montreal’s vibrant food scene, with a maximum group size of 16 travelers.
- Gratuities for the guide are included, and the tour is not suitable for those in wheelchairs due to the route.
Tour Overview
The Mile End neighborhood in Montreal boasts a range of diverse dining options that visitors can savor on this guided walking food tour.
Over the course of approximately three hours, travelers will embark on a culinary adventure, sampling a variety of local delicacies.
The tour includes iconic smoked meat poutine, a gravelax sandwich paired with a refreshing white wine and lemonade, famous Montreal bagels, authentic Greek cuisine, a tasting of Québécois cheeses, and in the summer months, creamy ice cream.
With a maximum group size of 16 travelers, this immersive experience provides an opportunity to indulge in Montreal’s vibrant food scene under the guidance of a knowledgeable local.
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Tour Stops
Visitors on the Original Food Tour by Local Montreal Tours first stop at Lesters Deli to savor the iconic smoked meat poutine, a Montreal specialty.
Next, they venture to Nita tout garni for a gravelax sandwich accompanied by a refreshing white wine and lemonade pairing.
The tour then takes them to the renowned St-Viateur Bagel, where they sample the famous Montreal-style bagels.
At Kouzina Niata, they enjoy authentic Greek cuisine, except on Tuesdays when the stop is replaced by Phyllo Bar Melinas.
The tour also includes a Québécois cheese tasting at Brebis Fromagerie de Quartier and, during summer months, a visit to Kem CoBa for a delightful ice cream treat.
Meeting and End Points
The tour begins at Lesters Deli, located at 1057 Bernard Ave in Outremont, Quebec, and concludes at Kem CoBa, situated at 60 Fairmount W in Montreal, Quebec.
This convenient setup allows participants to start and end their culinary adventure in the heart of the Mile End neighborhood.
The meeting point at Lesters Deli provides an iconic introduction to the local food scene, while the finale at Kem CoBa offers a refreshing ice cream treat to cap off the experience.
The tour route is easily accessible by public transportation, though it’s not suitable for those in wheelchairs.
Tour Details
Spanning approximately 3 hours, this walking food tour allows participants to savor a diverse array of culinary delights across a maximum group size of 16 travelers.
Confirmation of the tour booking is received either at the time of reservation or within a day of the scheduled travel date. While the route isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation options.
Throughout the tour, guests will sample a range of iconic Montreal specialties, from the renowned smoked meat poutine to the famous bagels and Québécois cheeses.
The experience culminates with a refreshing treat of ice cream during the summer months.
With gratuities for the knowledgeable guide included, this comprehensive culinary exploration provides an immersive taste of the Mile End neighborhood’s vibrant food scene.
Iconic Smoked Meat Poutine
The tour kicks off at Lesters Deli, where participants indulge in the iconic smoked meat poutine, a quintessential Montreal specialty that blends tender slices of smoked brisket, squeaky cheese curds, and rich brown gravy over a bed of crispy fries.
This famous dish is a must-try for any visitor to the city, showcasing the city’s love for hearty, comforting fare. The poutine’s textures and flavors come together in perfect harmony, with the salty, smoky meat perfectly complementing the tangy cheese and savory gravy.
It’s no wonder this dish has become a beloved symbol of Montreal’s vibrant culinary scene, capturing the essence of the Mile End neighborhood’s rich gastronomic traditions.
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Gravelax Sandwich With Beverage
After savoring the iconic smoked meat poutine, the tour participants move on to Nita tout garni, where they indulge in a delectable gravelax sandwich accompanied by a refreshing white wine or lemonade pairing.
The thin slices of cured salmon, known as gravelax, are expertly prepared and nestled between soft, fresh bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that tantalize the palate.
The crisp, tangy white wine or the tart lemonade provides a perfect counterbalance to the richness of the gravelax, making for a truly satisfying and memorable culinary experience.
The combination of the expertly crafted gravelax sandwich and the refreshing beverage allows the tour-goers to fully enjoy the diverse flavors of the Mile End neighborhood.
Québécois Cheese Tasting
Next, the tour participants make their way to the Brebis Fromagerie de Quartier, where they’re treated to a delightful tasting of Québécois cheeses.
The knowledgeable guide introduces them to an array of artisanal cheese varieties, each with its unique flavor profile and distinctive characteristics, showcasing the rich dairy heritage of the region.
From the creamy, tangy brie-style cheeses to the robust, earthy aged cheddars, the tour-goers savor the diverse flavors and textures, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skilled craftsmanship of Québécois cheesemakers.
They’re delighted to sample the local cheeses and learn about the traditions and techniques that make them so exceptional.
Seasonal Ice Cream
Finally, the tour ends with a visit to Kem CoBa, a beloved local ice cream shop that offers a rotating selection of seasonal flavors made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
During the summer months, the tour participants are delighted to sample some of Kem CoBa’s signature scoops, savoring the rich, creamy textures and vibrant, natural flavors that capture the essence of Montreal’s unique culinary identity.
The shop’s commitment to using locally-sourced, seasonal produce ensures that each scoop is a true taste of the city. Whether it’s a refreshing fruit sorbet or a decadent, creamy indulgence, the ice cream at Kem CoBa provides a sweet and satisfying finale to the tour’s culinary exploration of the Mile End neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?
The tour does not explicitly state whether dietary restrictions can be accommodated. Guests with specific dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about the availability of alternative menu items or modifications to the standard tour itinerary.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour generally caters to adults, though some children may enjoy the food samples. Families should check with the tour operator about the suitability for children, as the tour’s focus and pace may not be ideal for young kids.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
Yes, the tour can often be customized for private groups. The tour operator may accommodate special requests, adjust the itinerary, or arrange a private tour experience to meet the needs of the group.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?
The tour’s cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Within 24 hours, there’s no refund, but customers can reschedule for a different date if available.
Are There Any Additional Costs Beyond the Tour Price?
The tour price covers all food samples and gratuities for the guide. There are no additional costs beyond the tour price. Travelers just need to bring money for any extra items they wish to purchase during the tour.
Recap
The Mile End Montreal Original Food Tour offers an immersive culinary experience showcasing the neighborhood’s vibrant flavors.
From iconic smoked meat poutine to refreshing ice cream, the tour provides a comprehensive sampling of local specialties.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the 3-hour tour allows visitors to discover the unique gastronomic delights that make Mile End a must-visit destination in Montreal.
More Food & Drink Experiences in Montreal
- Montreal: Old Montreal Food and Drink Tour
- Montreal: Jean-Talon Market Non Touristy Walking Food Tour
- Montreal: Historical Food Tour With 6 Tastings
- Montreal: Personalized Private Food Tour With a Local Foodie
- OLD MONTREAL: HOT LATIN DANCE CLASS & AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD
- Montreal: Cooking Class & Tasting With Michelin-Trained Chef
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