You’re ready to see your favorite team, the Montreal Canadiens, play at Centre Bell, there’s just one thing – you want somewhere to eat first. The good news is that the culinary offerings around this iconic venue play a significant role in setting the mood for the evening. Whether you want to get a quick bite before the game or sit down and relax with friends, the restaurants and food concessions near Centre Bell cater to various preferences and tastes. In this guide, we will share the best dining options available, ensuring you have an unforgettable culinary experience before or after the game.
La Cage
La Cage is a sports bar just a minute from Centre Bell. It is well known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive menu. It is a beloved local chain in Montreal and offers many popular items, including poutine and wings. It’s an ideal spot for sports fans looking to fuel up before attending a game.
Deville Dinerbar
If you love all things retro and comfort food, this retro-style diner combines classic comfort food with a modern twist. Locals know it for delicious milkshakes and hearty burgers, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a laid-back dining experience.
Bazarette
If you plan on staying within the Centre Bell complex to be close to your seat and not have to worry about walking a great distance, Bazarette is ideal. This casual dining option offers a selection of finger foods and shareable plates. It’s a great choice if you go to the game with friends and want to sit down to several shareable plates.
Restaurant Europea
Perhaps you are more in the mood for something upscale, but you still want to be within walking distance of the venue. Restaurant Europia is your go-to, not only for an upscale dining experience but also for its innovative cuisine. It offers patrons a multi-course dining experience, showcasing the best of Quebec’s culinary scene. Celebrated chef Jerome Ferrer is behind the concept here, making it a must-visit for foodies and those looking for an unforgettable dining experience.
Bar George
Maybe you plan on simultaneously finding something slightly more upscale yet comforting and classic. Bar George is located in the historic Le Mount Stephen Hotel and is known for its Scottish and British cuisine. Its menu is served in an elegant setting, and signature cocktails make it an ideal spot to relax with friends before you find your seat for the game.
Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Drummond St
Hiatus
If you are looking for somewhere scenic to sit and have a meal before the game, Hiatus is perched on the 46th floor of Place Ville Marie. Not only does it offer patrons stunning views of the city, but it also offers an exciting menu that blends Japanese and French culinary cuisines. It’s a perfect choice if you like to experiment with your food options and show off the local upscale fare to family and friends.
Poutine Stands
Perhaps you are happy to settle for something more traditional and straightforward before you find your seat for the game. Centre Bell wouldn’t be a popular Montreal venue without its fair share of poutine stands. Various stands in the arena offer this delicious dish, featuring crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. You must try this local specialty if you are from out of town.
Hot Dog Stands
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention hot dog stands at sports games. While it is easy to assume that the hot dogs available at the arena are stale and of low quality, the good news is that Centre Bell offers a number of hot dog concessions made with fresh ingredients. You can even customize your dog with various toppings to suit your taste.
Siam Restaurant
You may want to stay within Centre Bell and wish for an unforgettable dinner experience. The good news is that Centre Bell also features gourmet food concessions, allowing you to enjoy your evening all within the venue. Siam is located within Centre Bell and offers a selection of Thai dishes that are both satisfying and flavourful. From curries to pad Thai, this food concession offers a unique twist on traditional arena food.
Mise au Jeu
Mise au Jeu is an exclusive food concession within Centre Bell, reserved for ticket holders and Club Desjardins members. It is a fine dining experience with a menu crafted expertly by executive chef Yves Lowe, featuring interactive culinary stations and a gorgeous selection of Quebec cheeses.
Otto Yakitori
If you are more in the mood for Japanese food, Otto Yakitori offers a unique dining option within the venue. Specializing in Japanese skewers, this food concession also offers grilled meats and vegetables on the menu, a perfect option if you plan on sharing.
Campo Poulet Portugais
Maybe the whole family is out for the night to see the game with you, and you need to find somewhere that serves family-friendly fare. This restaurant is known for its grilled Portuguese chicken but is also a casual eatery that is perfect for families. The menu features options that appeal to both adults and kids, making it a great choice if you have little mouths to feed.
1108 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest
Time Out Market Montreal
What better way to get a meal as a family than to go to a food hall where there are a number of different cuisines available? Time Out Market Montreal is a great option, with a variety of vendors, offering everything from sushi to burgers so that everybody can find what they feel like eating.
Stanley
Last but not least is Stanley, located in the Centre Sheraton Montreal. It offers a diverse menu catering to families and with options like salads, burgers, and pasta. This makes it a great choice if you are trying to find a pregame meal, but you know that not everybody has the same preferences as you.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of food options to choose from the next time you see your favorite team play at Centre Bell. We would argue that dining around Centre Bell is integral to the overall experience. Whether you prefer to stay within the venue and make the most of its upscale dining options, or you’re happy to step out and find a sports bar or something more upmarket with a view, we’re confident you will find the cuisine that caters to your preferences.