13 Must-Discover Spots in Sainte-Marie

Published on April 27th, 2022

Did you just move to the neighbourhood? Are you curious to discover the best spots in the area?

The Sainte-Marie neighbourhood is full of hip restaurants and bars, cool spaces to relax, and great places to shop.

Discover your new favourite places with our list of the neighbourhood’s best spots curated by the Esplanade Cartier team.

Outdoor and Indoor Activities

Les affutés

More than a space, Les affutés (the “well honed”) is a community open to anyone who wants to work with their hands and learn to make or repair objects. Every day, Les affutés offers collective workshops in various fields including cabinet making, woodworking, sewing, electronics, renovation, etc. For example, you could build a piece of furniture or a skateboard, sew a bike bag or a piece of clothing, make soap, and so on. If you have an idea or a design in mind, you could also carry out a personal project with the help of the workshop leader.

An opportunity to learn, have fun, and proudly bring home your creations!

Le parc des Faubourgs

Whether you are launching yourself down the sledding hill in the winter or cooling off by the fountain on hot summer days, des Faubourg Park is a popular and much-loved spot with locals.

It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee, read a book, or have a picnic. Outdoor movie nights and other festivals liven up the atmosphere in the summer while the skating rink, sledding hill, children’s playground, and play fountain attract sports enthusiasts and families alike. Up for a challenge? Try to find the church’s façade on one of the park’s playground games.

Le Village au Pied-du-Courant

Located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, this urban park has been reinvented and now features food trucks, an outdoor bar, craft markets, and a beach. Every summer, this unique and refreshing urban space offers a free and diverse programming, which includes festive happy hours with live music, film screenings, workshops, conferences, and many other creative events.

The perfect spot to get together with friends or make new ones.

Épiceries fines

L’Éclaircie Pastry Shop

This pastry shop is a huge hit with locals for its beautiful and delicious éclairs. Specializing in the stuffed “choux” pastry, customers can choose from a variety of different and delicious versions of the famous dessert—from the classic éclair to pistachio to raspberry to praline or hazelnut, without forgetting the flavour of the month. And if you are gluten intolerant, l’Éclaircie always has at least one gluten-free option.

Last time we stopped in, we overheard that salty éclairs and iced éclairs may well find their way onto the menu soon!

Tite frette

This store is a must-visit for beer and cider lovers. It offers a wide variety of Quebec microbrews and local products in a modern and vintage décor. The beverages on offer are all top-notch and the vast selection of bottled and canned drinks are sure to quench your thirst.

Perfect for sprucing up your happy hour.

Restaurants et bars

Abruzzo

Abruzzo serves up authentic Italian fare in a warm, elegant atmosphere. Its three watchwords: fresh, simple, and high-quality. From fresh herbs to olive oil to Parmesan, the excellence of the ingredients is behind the wide variety of flavours on the menu. Discover the fresh pasta, braised meats, antipasto, and a vast selection of gluten-free options.

Embark on a culinary journey to Italian with a meal at Abruzzo!

Bistro Passé Composé

One of the top brunch spots in Montréal, Passé Composé is a French-inspired bistro serving up some of the best brunch classic with a twist. We recommend getting there early to avoid the line-ups.

On the menu: eggs, large crêpes, and decadent sandwiches. A must try is the popular duck confit or foie gras poached eggs. The chef is committed to always impressing diners by adding new dishes to the menu every two weeks.

Moreover, this convivial and enjoyable bistro favours fresh local products. We can assure you, you will not leave hungry!

Canard Café

Just steps from home is this popular third-wave café. As with any true bean lover, Canard Café is committed to offering customers a truly top-notch coffee drinking experience. Here, beauty is not just limited to the décor but can also be found in every cup served.Stop in to discover the latest local en vogue roasters while enjoying a decadent duck confit grilled cheese sandwich. The establishment also serves vegetarian and vegan options. The menu is a blend of delicious comfort food classics.

Café sfouf

When you need a change of scenery, Café sfouf is the perfect place to meet up with friends for a delicious coffee, pastry, or gourmet toast. Popular with office workers and students alike for its simple décor bathed in natural light, the café opened its doors in 2014 and is named after the Lebanese vegetarian dessert made from wheat semolina, turmeric, pine nuts, and water. We highly recommend trying this popular dessert: a true taste of Lebanon!

Le Blossom

Le Blossom restaurant and sake bar is the perfect date destination. Its modern, elegant décor showcases a gorgeous cherry blossom tree right in the centre of the space. On the food side, you will enjoy a variety of Japanese classics such as miso soup, sashimi, vegetable tempura, and many others. But the piece de resistance is the temaki, a maki-like roll that has not been cut. Served only at the bar, the best seat in the house with room for 21 guests, temakis need to be eaten right away so the nori sheet stays crispy. And we recommend pairing your fare with one of their many sakes.

Rose-Marie

Housed in a building dating back to 1883, this restaurant treats locals to chef Michael Lemme’s Italian cuisine. The menu focuses on simplicity and fresh, seasonal ingredients to make up his selection of aperitifs, appetizers, and traditional dishes and desserts. We especially love the homemade tagliatelle Bolognese, the tuna crudo, and ricotta gnocchi.

As for drinks, the cocktail menu was created by mixologist Julien Roy-Sinclair while the wine menu showcases Italian and French wines as well as other fresh, bold selections.

Good to know: the restaurant has two private rooms that are perfect for groups.

Palme

In search of warmth and tropical flavours?

Palme restaurant serves up a variety of West Indian specialties. Come celebrate a special event or escape into Caribbean culture in their warm, tropical décor. A few must-try specialties: the chef-owner’s take on the traditional tassot de kabrit, salt cod accras, the jerk chicken, and the Creole cigars. And let yourself be tempted by one of their delicious rum-based cocktails.

Palme is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion in a jovial ambiance with live DJ.

Le red tiger

The Red Tiger is a Vietnamese pub with a laid-back and warm vibe. In a simple and original décor, diners will enjoy fresh, savoury fare. We are especially hooked on the mini pork and shrimp crêpes, the spring rolls, lemongrass beef skewers, and green papaya salad. The menu is a combination of traditional dishes and street food favourites. And don’t forget its renowned cocktail menu created by mixologist Lawrence Picard.

We recommend this spot for its no-fuss fare made with love.

Restaurant le Mousso

Part of Montréal gourmet dining scene, le Mousso restaurant, run by Antonin Mousso-Rivard and Katerine Mousso, offers a unique format hosting one sitting per evening for 30 diners. Their fixed tasting menu changes with the seasons and is accompanied by carefully selected wine pairings.

Come celebrate a special occasion or simply try their gourmet dining experience in Le Mousso’s chic and understated space. Sit at the bar and get a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes kitchen ambiance.

The tasting menu is a play on flavours, textures, and colours with the meticulously presented plates all arriving at once. This way, guests discover the evening’s delights at the same time while the chef is on hand to provide commentary.