10-05-2025
15 must-try Montreal dishes with perfect drink pairings for summer 2025
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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
BOSSA
Dish: Tuna Sandwich
Drink: Mile End cocktail
Clean, citrus, bright notes balance the tuna, olives, and artichokes in this Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.
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.
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.