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15 must-try Montreal dishes with perfect drink pairings for summer 2025

Time Out Market Montréal has paired the most fresh, seasonal dishes with thirst-quenching cocktails—beer, wine and prosecco included.

Laura Osborne
Written by
Laura Osborne
Editor, Time Out Canada
Le Blossom
Photograph: Laura Osborne | Time Out | Le Blossom
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As the temperature rises in Montreal, we’re all ready for sun-soaked rooftop hangs and sunset cocktails. 

We’re ready for summer menus and refreshing, cool cocktails begging to be sipped.

Thanks to some of the best chefs and restaurants in the city under one roof, and a brand new cocktail menu inspired by Montreal’s favourite neighbourhoods, there’s no better spot than Time Out Market Montréal to dig into fresh, summery dishes (and delicious drinks to wash them down with).

And we haven't even talked about the kick ass beer selection and killer wine list.

Cocktails
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal

Bonus: Discover four new fresh, fruity gin and tonic cocktails (a collab with Ubald), available until the end of May.

What dishes does every Montrealer need to try this summer?

Check out these epic food and drink pairings:

CAMPO

Dish: Caesar Salad

Drink: Rosemont cocktail

This summery combination of grilled chicken, São Jorge cheese, chouriço chips, croutons, romaine and homemade vinaigrette marries perfectly with the herbal notes of this cocktail, while the cucumber and soda bring brightness to balance the creamy vinaigrette. 

Time Out tip: Also pairs well with a Pilsner (Peroni) or Chenin Blanc (Millestream).

Campo
Photograph: Campo


MOLESKINE

Dish: Pizza Formaggi : Bianca

Drink: Mile End cocktail

The citrusy, tart notes of this delicious cocktail cut through the richness of multiple cheeses, creating a refreshing palate cleanser between bites. 

Time Out tip: Also pairs well with an Amber Beer (Bonne Aventure) or Pinot Grigio (Rocca).

Moleskine, Time Out Market Montréal
Photograph: Patricia Brochu

CHEZ SIMON CANTINE URBAINE

Dish: Chili

Drink: Quartier Latin cocktail

This smoky mezcal and spicy tamarind-habanero cocktail mirrors the chili’s hearty, comforting mix of ground meat, red bean, tomato, and homemade sauce, while the coffee notes add an earthy depth that complements the dish’s rich base flavours. It’s a bold, layered pairing that amplifies flavour without overpowering. 

Time Out tip: Also pairs will with a Lager (Cerveza) or Malbec ( Pizzella, La Posta)

Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine
Photograph: Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine | Time Out Market Montréal


AMERICAS BBQ

Dish: Vegetarian nachos

Drink: Griffintown cocktail

This satisfying blend of beans, guacamole, cheese, Mexican sour cream pairs perfectly with this sweet, tangy, and lightly spiced cocktail, enhancing the nachos’ creamy, spicy flavours.  Add ribs or smoked brisket for even more taste contrast.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs well with Riesling (Lucien Albrecht)

Americas BBQ
Photograph: Americas BBQ | Time Out Market Montréal


CLIMATS

Dish: Fish & Chips

Drink: Chinatown cocktail

Light and zingy with a hint of umami—this cocktail elevates the herb notes in the tempura (and compliments the citrus!) of these addictive, lightly-battered fish without ever overwhelming.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs will the Lager (Blonde de l’Anse) or Sauvignon Blanc (Oyster Bay)

Climats
Photograph: Climats | Fish & Chips


CHANTHY YEN

Dish: Treasure Salad

Drink: Verdun cocktail

Fruity, floral, and bright, this pairing highlights the tropical notes in the salad (fried rice vermicelli, fried taro, grapefruit, cucumber, melon radish, fried onion and plum vinaigrette) meeting its freshness and structure.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs with Lager (Flacatoune) or Rosé (Clos Cibonne Tentations)

Chanthy Yen
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal | Chanthy Yen


PAUL TOUSSAINT  

Dish: Fish Ceviche

Drink: The Village cocktail

The tropical sweetness and peppery edge of this thirst-quencher amps the ceviche’s citrus and spiciness, while the vanilla rounds out the dish’s acidity.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs with Alvarinho (Flor de Linho)

Paul Toussaint
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal | Paul Toussaint


LE TAJ

Dish: Samosas 

Drink: Saint-Henri cocktail

These spiced samosas marry beautifully with this bold, smoky-sweet cocktail, enhancing the savoury depth that matches the samosas’ tamarind sauce’s sweetness.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs well with Vinho Verde (Rua Direita)

Table
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal

LE RED TIGER 

Dish: Papaya Salad

Drink: Ho’Ma cocktail

This dish and drink pairing channels all the island vibes: a tropical, creamy cocktail echoing the bright fruit in the savoury papaya salad, creating a delightful harmony.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs well with a Lager (Cerveza) and Prosecco (Brilla)   

Table
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal

MARUSAN

Dish: Japanese Fried Chicken

Drink: Old Montreal cocktail

Crunchy fried chicken, a deeply rich-tasting karaage and creamy aioli meet a complex, aromatic cocktail.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs well with Pinot Noir (Belle Cavalière)

Marusan
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal | Marusan


LE BLOSSOM

Dish: Blossom Sashimi

Drink: Chinatown cocktail

Umami meets umami here, where this cocktail—crafted to suit the Japanese flavours in sashimi and ponzu—enhances the dish’s freshness and savoriness.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs well with Assyrtiko (Rouvalis)

Le Blossom
Photograph: Time Out Market Montréal | Le Blossom


IL MIGLIO

Dish: Spinach ravioli

Drink: P’Tite Italie cocktail

This nod to a classic Italian aperitivo, bitter and rich with a hint of sweetness, contrasts the creamy, nutty pasta in the best possible, while also paying homage to Italy.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs will with Chardonnay (Carole)

Il Miglio, Time Out Market Montréal
Photograph: Two Food Photographers

BOSSA

Dish: Tuna Sandwich

Drink: Mile End cocktail

Clean, citrus, bright notes balance the tuna, olives, and artichokes in this Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. 

Time Out Tip: Pairs well with Grüner Veltliner (Crazy Creatures)

Bossa
Photograph: Bossa | Two Food Photographers


IBÉRICOS

Dish: Fried Calamari

Drink: Rosemont cocktail

The delicate florals and crispness of this beverage elevate the fried calamari while complementing the lemon and aioli.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs well with Rioja Reserva (Marqués de Caceres)

Ibéricos
Photograph: Ibéricos | Time Out Market Montréal

TUNNEL ESPRESSO

Dish: Pistachio raspberry cookie

Drink: Rosemont cocktail

The botanical and green matcha notes in the cocktail echo the cookie's ingredients, while the elderflower and cucumber lift the raspberry for a light and elegant finish—a decadent match that creates a sophisticated dessert moment.

Time Out Tip: Also pairs well with any hot or cold drinks from Tunnel Espresso

Tunnel Espresso
Photograph: Patricia Brochu | Tunnel Espresso

For more information about Time Out Market Montréal, click here.

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