Montreal isn’t just known for poutine, smoked meat, and bagels anymore—2025 is proving to be a breakout year for new restaurants that offer so much more. And the best part? Many new spots are perfect for students looking for affordable, Instagram-worthy meals that don’t skimp on quality or creativity.

As tuition, rent, and grocery prices rise, finding delicious yet budget-friendly eats can be challenging. Luckily, this new crop of eateries is catering to students’ need for value without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re craving Italian comfort food, vegetarian fine dining, or just a cool place to chill after class, we’ve got you covered.

Here are eight new Montreal restaurants that every student needs to try this year.

1. Restaurant Le Violon – Plateau Mont-Royal

Tucked away on a quiet corner of Rue Marquette, Restaurant Le Violon feels like a secret spot you’ll want to brag about. With acclaimed Chef Danny Smiles at the helm, this French-Italian bistro brings fine dining into a setting that’s intimate and cozy without being overly fancy.

The dishes lean elegant—think duck breast with beet purée or handmade pasta topped with aged parmesan—but students say it’s approachable enough for a special occasion splurge. Pro tip: They sometimes offer prix fixe lunch specials that make this experience surprisingly accessible.

📍 4720 Rue Marquette, Montréal, QC H2J 3Y6
🔗 leviolonmontreal.com

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2. La Spada Osteria Romana – Saint-Henri

La Spada is the kind of place where the pasta tastes like Nonna made it, and the vibe makes you want to stay for hours. Specializing in Roman classics like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and suppli (crispy risotto balls filled with gooey cheese), La Spada is ideal for a satisfying dinner that won’t bust your budget.

Students from nearby universities especially appreciate their weekday lunch menu, which includes generous pasta portions at wallet-friendly prices.

📍 3580 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H4C 1P4
🔗 laspada.ca

3. Romies – Old Montreal

Just a stone’s throw from the Old Port, Romies brings a relaxed, diner-meets-bistro feel to Montreal’s historic core. The menu is unfussy but bold, featuring classics like double-stacked burgers, buttermilk fried chicken, and thick-cut fries.

There’s a nostalgic flair to the space—vintage art, comfy booths, and a playlist that hits just right. It’s become a go-to for Concordia and McGill students alike looking for a casual spot to study by day or grab late-night eats.

📍 465 Rue McGill, Montréal, QC H2Y 2H1
🔗 romies.ca

4. Dorsia – Old Montreal

Dorsia’s Instagrammable interior is matched only by its decadent, elevated takes on comfort food. Inspired by the swanky nightlife of the 1980s, this resto-bar blends retro charm with modern elegance.

On the menu? Upscale spins on Italian-American dishes—shrimp scampi with garlic butter, creamy vodka rigatoni, and a tiramisu that’s gone viral on TikTok. Students love it for birthday celebrations, first dates, or just a taste of luxury after a tough midterm week.

📍 396 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T9
🔗 dorsia.ca

5. Restaurant Panacée – The Village

If your idea of comfort food includes roasted vegetables, hearty grain bowls, and beautifully seasoned legumes, Restaurant Panacée might be your new favourite place. This vegetarian haven focuses on sustainability, sourcing many of its ingredients locally.

For health-conscious students or those with dietary restrictions, Panacée offers a much-needed break from the typical fast-food circuit. The interior is calming and minimalist, perfect for a relaxed meal or even an afternoon study session with a chai latte.

📍 1624 Rue Atateken, Montréal, QC H2L 3L6
🔗 restaurantpanacee.com

6. Mlle Rosa – Plateau Mont-Royal

A lively addition to the India Rosa family, Mlle Rosa serves up Latin-inspired small plates and cocktails in a bold, colourful setting. It’s the kind of place that comes alive at night, making it perfect for pre-game drinks or weekend hangs.

Tacos, ceviches, and plantain dishes dominate the menu, with great vegetarian options and frequent happy hour specials. Students love the vibrant décor, mood lighting, and unbeatable playlist.

📍 4601 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4E4
🔗 indiarosa.com/mlle-rosa-plateau

7. MATI – Old Montreal

Greek food fans, rejoice. MATI is a fresh face in Old Montreal’s growing Mediterranean scene. The menu offers a mix of grilled meats, mezze platters, and seafood specialties like octopus and calamari—served in a space that’s equal parts rustic and modern.

Though the vibe leans a little upscale, their shareable portions and group-friendly seating make it a great place to split a few dishes with friends and enjoy an evening that feels a little more elevated than usual.

📍 445 Rue Saint-Pierre, Montréal, QC H2Y 2M8
🔗 matioldmontreal.com

8. Claire Jacques – Villeray

Finally, for students looking for a laid-back space to fuel both their stomachs and their studies, Claire Jacques delivers in spades. This café-restaurant hybrid is part French bakery, part rustic bistro, and all heart.

The menu is filled with cozy classics—savory tarts, fresh pastries, and seasonal soups—with lots of vegetarian options. Free Wi-Fi, quiet corners, and generous coffee refills make it a prime pick for writing papers or catching up on Netflix between classes.

📍 8111 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2P 2G7
🔗 clairejacques.ca

Bonus Round: Student Picks That Keep Delivering

Sometimes, the best spots aren’t the flashiest. Here are a few tried-and-true late-night or low-key cafés students still swear by:

• Café Névé – Strong coffee, laid-back vibe, and always filled with students and creatives.
  
• Patati Patata – Tiny but mighty, this Plateau classic serves greasy spoons and great poutine until late.
  
• Chez José – Colourful, quirky, and home to the city’s most under-the-radar brunch.

Final Thoughts

Living on a student budget doesn’t mean sacrificing great food—and in a city like Montreal, it never should. With this list of 2025’s must-try new restaurants, students can explore some of the best culinary options the city has to offer, all while keeping their wallets in check.

So next time you're hangry after class or need a fresh spot to study, skip the chains and support local. Tag us in your meals at #MTLStudentEats—we’ll be reposting our favourites and maybe even featuring your foodie adventures in our next roundup.

Bon appétit!