A small neighborhood just north of the stars like the Plateau and Petite-Patrie, Villeray is no slouch, with a thriving community and lots of great places to visit! Montreal’s Villeray district is a true hidden treasure, where joie de vivre and cultural diversity come together in a light, welcoming atmosphere. Nestled in the heart of Quebec’s metropolis, Villeray is a constantly bustling neighborhood, offering a multitude of activities to suit every taste and mood. Whether you’re looking for delicious dining experiences, inspiring artistic discoveries, or simply a peaceful place to stroll, you’ll find it all and more in this picturesque corner of Montreal. So get ready to plunge into the heady world of Villeray, where every street corner holds a surprise and the warm atmosphere is sure to charm you.
1. Visit one of the many small cafés
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There’s no shortage of cafés in Villeray! Pass by the café Larue & Fils for a noisy, warm spot with the perfect vibe, take a trip to Rainy season to work or enjoy a beautiful, zen coffee break. Pass through Yes but no a landmark Villeray café that, according to the website, is “like a grandmother pinching your cheek”. To go from day to night, try the Café Coquetel a charming neighbourhood café-buvette.
2. Stop by Alep for a delectable meal
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Restaurant serving Syrian and Armenian cuisine, Aleppo offers a menu with generous, absolutely delectable portions. Delicious, tasty meats and dishes with incredible flavors, this is a restaurant a few steps from the Jean-Talon market that’s well worth the trip. If you want to take away or eat on the go, visit Petit Alep, which is right next door.
Address: 199 Jean-Talon Street East, Montreal
3. Discover Mondays in the sun
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A small, friendly neighbourhood café and wine bar, the Mondays in the sun is well known to Villeray regulars. Stop by to sample their daytime or evening menu, which changes according to seasonal produce, their delicious wine list and their dishes to share. A must-see in the neighborhood!
4. Take a tour of Parc Jarry
With year-round activities for all seasons, Parc Jarry is ideal for the whole family. Tennis stadium, swimming pool, relaxation areas, skating rink, playgrounds, slides and much more. It’s also close to the Jean-Talon market and its small shops, perfect for picking up a picnic before heading to the park. Central to many neighborhoods, Jarry Park is a true gathering place for families, friends, and all occasions.
Address: 205 Gary Carter Street, Montreal
5. Enjoy one of the best brunches in the area
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This little restaurant offers one of the best (if not THE best) brunches in the neighborhood. In its newly renovated decor, Toasteur Villeray offers a fresh, decadent, beautiful menu that changes every two months. “Always in brunch mode,” is their motto.
Address: 767 Villeray Street, Montreal
6. Visit a delicatessen
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The perfect combination of a grocery store, a delicatessen, a butcher’s shop and a beautiful space, and delicatessens abound in Villeray! Visit La Cena an artisanal Italian grocery, the Comptoir Saint-Cécile with its classic spaghetti bolognese sandwich, the LOCO Castelnau which offers an incredible range of products, or the legendary Jean-Talon Market this is the place to be, on the edge of Petite-Italie, where you’ll find an array of kiosks and a warm atmosphere.
Address: 422 Rue Guizot E, Montréal
7. Spend a drunken evening at Miss Villeray’s
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An iconic neighbourhood bar since 1960, the Miss Villeray is a warm and special place to spend an evening with friends, dancing and partying. If you’re ready to go out, don’t forget the 10 commandments of Miss Villeray, because they’re serious… !
Address: 220 Villeray Street, Montreal
8. Visit the Café Rose
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In this delicious little café with the most Instagram decor and the sweetest desserts, you’ll be well looked after. Visit café Rose is worth a visit for its flower wall, treats and beautiful terrace during the summer season. Visit this aptly named café today!
Address: 26 rue Gounod, Montréal
9. Take a stroll through the streets of Villeray
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With its many green alleyways and its murals villeray is a great neighborhood to stroll through on a nice weekend day. What’s more, Villeray Acoustique offers you a walk with 10 listening points the neighborhood. Take a moment to contemplate the magnitude of urban noise, nature and the symphony of Villeray! A unique experience to discover this district from a new perspective.
10. Discover Frédéric-Back Park
Located in the largest Villeray-St-Michel-Parc-Ex, it’s a neighborhood must! The park is unique in the design of its spheres, which have become emblematic of the park. They serve (as well as intriguing the public) to contain soil biogas, the result of past activities. It also features elaborate landscaping, and is a superb park in which to spend a special afternoon even more for its sunsets.
Address: 2345 Jarry Street East, Montreal
Enjoy your visit!