Our Favorite Restaurants and Activities In Montreal That Families Will Love

A family of fives stands with a view of Montreal behind them.

We took our family to Montreal and ate our way through the city, enjoying some of the best restaurants in Montreal for kids. In fact, we had amazing meals – from delicious brunches to bistro lunches and quintessential French dinners and desserts. Plus, we also enjoyed a wide variety of kid-friendly activities in Montreal too The kids loved the food, as well as exploring the Montreal neighborhoods, playgrounds, museums, and more. Plus, we also enjoyed a wide variety of kid-friendly activities in Montreal too. Montreal with kids is an ideal family trip! If you’re headed to Montreal, I hope you try one of our favorite Montreal restaurants or activities for families.

RELATED: Fantastic Three-Day Montreal Itinerary with Kids

Our Favorite Things to Eat

Montreal is certainly a haven for foodies! But that doesn’t mean families need to be left out. There are several kid-friendly restaurants near Montreal to enjoy. We are proof of it! If you’re wondering where to eat in Montreal with kids, we’ve got you covered from morning coffee to dinner.

Where to Get Coffee in Montreal with Kids

A table laden with sweets and breakfast items from Boulangerie Pastries in Montreal.
Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Feingold

Starting out with the right breakfast means little tummies will be full and ready for exploring! During our visit, these were our favorite cafes in Montreal for families. Whether you are looking for a quick croissant or a great cup of coffee, this list has your visit to Montreal with kids covered!

Best Cafes in Montreal with Kids

The Standard Cafe – This was our favorite breakfast when visiting! If you’re searching for one of the best restaurants in Montreal with kids for breakfast, I highly recommend this place. You’ll get a great cup of coffee, and a fun vibe to relax in before the day’s adventures! You can also grab bagels from Fairmount Bagel (next door) to enjoy with your coffee.

Dispatch Coffee – For a great cup of coffee and a morning treat, this cafe is perfect for families. Plus, there are several locations around Montreal. Ideal for those wondering where to eat in Montreal with kids no matter where in the city you decide to stay!

Caffè In Gamba – If you’re a fan of Italian-styled espressos, this cafe is a must-stop! Not only will you find Instagram-able espresso drinks, but kids will love their tasty morning fare (think: cheese croissants!). Certainly, this is one of the best places to eat in Montreal for families!

Nous Sommes CafHere, friendly staff will ensure your family has everything they need to start the day off right. Great coffee and house-made pastries mean everyone in your family will be happy and ready for adventure.

Hof Kelsten – One of the best restaurants in Montreal with kids, this cafe has an incredible bakery. With Jewish and French roots, you’ll find an amazing array of bakery items and a great morning cup!

Pro Tip: Don’t expect to find any Splenda or Half & Half anywhere. 

Where to Get Brunch in Montreal with Kids

Are you truly on vacation if you haven’t stopped for brunch at least once? Some of the best kid-friendly restaurants near Montreal are ideal for a nice family brunch. From traditional American-style pancakes to local flavors, you can’t go wrong with this list!

Best Brunch Spots in Montreal with Kids

Fabergé RestaurantThis place is best described in three words. Easy, local, and yum. Looney Tunes on the TV, plus coloring sheets and books provided to the kids. What’s not to love? Well, there are lines on the weekends, but The Standard Cafe and Fairmount Bagels are right next door, meaning you can grab a quick snack while you wait.

L’Avenue – Delicious and friendly – you can’t go wrong with a meal here! I loved my egg with beer-soaked ham, caramelized onions, and arugula. They even give everyone a skewer of fresh fruit as an appetizer. This was the only place in Montreal with Crepes American (e.g. pancakes). Go early to avoid the long lines, as this is definitely one of the best places to eat in Montreal for families!

Régine CaféHere, expect a very long wait (though they brought out hot tea and pastry samples to us!). It is incredible and well worth the wait, however! In fact, the kids’ menu is amazing with very sweet options, plus they get to decorate their own cookie! The adult menu is likewise fantastic. I ordered the Champi and am still dreaming of it. Go early! I am obsessed with this place! Certainly, one of the best restaurants in Montreal for families.

Fairmount Bagel – These are not like NYC bagels, but we had to try these Montreal favorites for the experience. Order a bunch to try (I liked the everything bagel), buy a tub of Philadelphia cream cheese from their fridge, and eat on the bench outside or inside The Standard Cafe. There were no lines on weekdays. 

Where to Get Lunch or Dinner in Montreal with Kids

A family of five enjoys one of the best restaurants in Montreal for families while visiting.
Photo Courtesy: Stephanie Feingold

If you’re headed to Montreal with kids, you’ll have no shortage of options for the best kid-friendly restaurants in Montreal for lunch and dinner. Here are a few of our favorites to help you plan your meals in Montreal.

Best for Lunch in Montreal with Kids

Schwartz’s Deli – This is Montreal’s version of Katz Deli. There were no lines mid-week for early dinner, but the lines were down the block other times we drove by. We got a half-chicken for the kids and their classic smoked meat sandwiches (e.g. corned beef) for us with a side of half-sour pickles. We had a super friendly waiter who gave my daughter a mug as a birthday present. It doesn’t top NYC but is a Montreal institution and we had an enjoyable experience with no lines, a chatty waiter, and locals at the counter. Certainly, one of the best places to eat in Montreal for families!

St-Hubert Express – This is a classic Montreal fast food joint, and it’s delicious. Plus, the counter service is so nice! A waitress told us this place is beloved and nostalgic to everyone who grew up in Montreal. You can get kids’ nugget meals, rotisserie chicken, and more. Finally, you can choose to eat in, get to-go for the car, or have them deliver.

Szechuan Par Mr Ma – This authentic Chinese restaurant was a gem with amazing food and the friendliest waiter. Completely put everyone in a great mood after dodging the pouring rain outside. Afterward, stop to explore the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History.

Best for Dinner in Montreal with Kids

LeméacThis is one of the best kid-friendly restaurants in Montreal, despite the white tablecloths and the fact that it is an upscale neighborhood French bistro. In fact, we went back twice just for the hanger steak! The meal was excellent and the wine suggestion was perfection. 

Les Deux Gamins – If you find yourself wondering where to eat in Montreal with kids, you have to try this french bistro with warm, toasted bread and great wine. At 5:30 pm we had the place to ourselves. Afterward, we walked up the block for dessert at Juliette & Chocolat, which I thought was overpriced and touristy, however, the kids loved it. 

L’ExpressIncredible French bistro that we were lucky to get into without a reservation at 5:00 pm. The “granddaddy” of the Montreal restaurant scene. Not to mention, one of the best restaurants in Montreal for families. Incredible food, wine was perfection, and they were very friendly to the kids, giving them crayons and joking around. My recommendations are the goat cheese salad, chicken, Croque monsieur (even my picky kid ate every bite), and the ravioli (I am still drooling over the classic French sauce!). We also got their classic dessert and it was amazing.

Our Favorite Things to Do

Two kids enjoy an exhibit at the Archaeology Museum in Montreal?

Food isn’t the only thing Montreal has to offer families! While you’ll certainly find amazing fare, you’re bound to find fun things to do in Montreal with kids too! In between dining at some of the best restaurants in Montreal with kids, enjoy everything from museums to historic churches, Montreal offers a fantastic variety of family-friendly things to do.

RELATED: 19 Best Things To Do In Montreal With Kids (All Ages)

Things to Do in Montreal with Kids

Montreal Museum of Archaeology and HistoryThis museum was excellent and is located at the exact point where Montreal was founded. It was relatively interactive and really well done. In fact, the kids and adults both enjoyed it! 

Playgrounds – We found some great ones for the kids to explore around Montreal. There were lots of balancing and climbing activities. Our favorite was Jarry Park for all the climbing and balancing activities. Additionally, we also enjoyed Parc Beaubien, a small neighborhood playground that was conveniently located across the street from our Airbnb in the Mile End district

A father and son take position at the starting line of a running track inside the Canadian Olympic Experience in Montreal.

Canadian Olympic Experience (not at the Olympic stadium!) – This experience is an awesome value and is super fun for kids to try Olympic sports like bobsleigh, skiing, and fencing. It was so fun, our kids wanted to go back the next day!

Mount Royal Park – In this stunning park, you can spend an hour hiking up the mountain or drive up and stop at the overlook (can also walk a bit from here too). This is a manageable walk with kids. Plus, the view is unforgettable.

Saint Patrick’s Basilica – This Catholic basilica is a great alternative to waiting in a long line at Notre Dame, especially when visiting Montreal with young kids. It was gorgeous and we got to hear the organ play and caught a service too.

Neighborhood Exploring – We walked through Old Montreal which had some cute shops, but seemed touristy to us. We loved driving around all of the different neighborhoods in Montreal and experiencing the different vibes they had. 

Things to Skip When Exploring Montreal with Kids

Sugar Shacks – We also visited the Sugar Shack in Montreal with kids, however, I would not recommend this activity, even though you will see it come up as a “must try” experience. If you can book the ropes course for your kids well in advance, it may be worth it. Aside from a climbing structure, there is not much to do and we did not feel like we learned much about the sugaring process.

Port of Montreal – We found the Port of Montreal to be very touristy and wouldn’t recommend it, unless your kids wanted to do the activities offered (zip line and ropes course, etc). I really enjoyed the Jean-Talon and Atwater Markets, but the kids could have cared less!

Happy Travels!

Three kids throw rocks into the water in Montreal.

Montreal is a great family travel destination! We were able to easily navigate the city and plan out our days. Montreal has everything from amazing architecture to natural views to fabulous dining options. We were able to pack in so many fun activities and the adults and kids all left happy! We hope you have just as much fun. And, are able to sample some of the best restaurants in Montreal with kids!

Top 50 Montreal Vacation Rentals | Vrbo.com

*Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article are courtesy of Stephanie Feingold, who authored this article. The banner image atop the article is courtesy of Christine Kim.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Stephanie Feingold

Stephanie Feingold is a mother of 3 (kids are 9, 6 and 4) and lives in New York City. A foodie and recreational photographer who recently took a pause from her legal career, she loves traveling and meticulously planning her family vacations. Stephanie prioritizes authentic experiences, delicious meals, impressionable moments, and balancing the iconic with the path-less-traveled. Above all, she strives to educate, inspire, and excite her family (and those who follow her itineraries) through travel!