Bonjour à tous! Welcome to the second edition of ‘Montreal Monthly Highlights,’ where I’ll recap my favorite restaurants, bars, activities, and unforgettable moments from the past month and in turn give you inspiration for your own Montreal adventures. Join me for Montreal Monthly Highlights: October Edition!
Amazing Pizza & Pasta at Pizzeria Geppetto
Pizzeria Geppetto is a Montreal institution, serving up incredible pizza & pasta. There are 4 locations of Pizzeria Geppetto; Rosemont, Verdun, Little Burgundy & Mont-St-Hilaire. I visited the Little Burgundy location at the start of October, when the weather was still lovely & warm and we were able to sit outside. The restaurant was packed, especially for a Thursday night and there was such a warm, vibrant atmosphere dining al fresco. We started with a round of cocktails & the Mushroom Crostini & then shared the Linguine Carbonara & Diavola Pizza with honey. I loved how the carbonara came with an egg yolk on top, adding to the flavor and authenticity. We ended the meal with a delicious Vanilla creme brulee. The entire experience, including two cocktails, a starter, two mains, and dessert, cost around $98, making it an incredible value. Check out my Instagram Reel here for more highlights; I highly recommend Pizzeria Geppetto for your next date night!
Hot Stone Massage at Massage Experts
In October, I visited Massage Experts, a hidden gem located at 1055 rue Wellington – Montréal, Québec, H3C 1V6 in Griffintown. Booking an appointment was a breeze and I was able to book online just a couple of days in advance. The lovely owner informed us that many clients can even secure a same-day booking, which is fantastic if you’re in need of a last-minute massage fix. I decided to treat myself to a 60-minute Hot Stone Massage, while my boyfriend opted for a 60-minute Swedish massage. The masseuse was amazing and expertly focused on relieving my specific areas of tension. The magic of the hot stones worked wonders, leaving me completely rejuvenated and nearly asleep! One of the best aspects of Massage Experts is its unbeatable price point. My 60-minute session cost me just $119.99, and my boyfriend’s 60-minute massage was even less at $89.99. In fact, all first time visitors can get $20 off their first massage – find out more here. They also offer insurance receipts, so you can get back the cost of your service if applicable. With the winter chill settling in, I highly recommend indulging in some much-needed relaxation at Massage Experts. It’s the perfect way to pamper yourself during these cold months.
Sensational Thai Food at Siam
Siam is a culinary gem in Quebec with locations in Dix 30, St-Jean, and Montreal Centre-Ville. I visited the Montreal location at 1325 René-Lévesque Blvd W this October on a busy Saturday night, having booked in advance online the same week. The two-story restaurant was bustling with people, and we sat in the upstairs dining room. Everything about the experience was incredible, from the vibrant atmosphere, the friendly servers to the mouth-watering food. We ordered the Duck Wontons & Vegetarian Dumplings to start & then shared the Green Curry with Chicken & Pad See Ew with Filet Mignon. Each dish was a symphony of unique flavors, striking the perfect balance between spice and succulence. The grand finale was the White Chocolate & Coconut Lava Cake with Coconut Ice Cream, a sweet sensation that capped off our memorable meal. While Siam’s culinary excellence comes at a price, the quality and impeccable service makes it more than worthwhile. Overall, Siam has the best Thai food I’ve had in Canada, and I can’t wait to go back! You can book your own experience on their official website online here.
Hiking Mont-Royal and witnessing the Stunning Fall Foliage
Since moving to Montreal in May 2023, it took until this October for me to finally go on my inaugural hike up Mont Royal! I opted for the Mount Royal Park Loop, which is a 8.5 km moderately challenging trail with a 208 m elevation gain. We started at 2000 Chemin Remembrance at the Parking lot where we were greeted with beautiful views of Beaver Lake. Following the Olmsted Trail through vibrant fall foliage, we encountered the first set of stairs—339 steps that proved grueling but rewarded us with breathtaking views from the top. The Kondiaronk Lookout, even on a rainy day, offers the best panoramic view of Montreal, stretching for miles and showcasing peak fall foliage. The summit is equipped with binoculars to check out the views as well as a convenient cafe, allowing you to refuel before your descent. For a firsthand perspective of the hike, check out my Instagram reel here. As we enter the cooler months, Mont Royal can still be hiked and you can even go snowshoeing, tubing and cross country skiing! You can find out more here.
Mouth Watering Mexican at 3 Amigos
3 Amigos stands as an iconic Mexican/ Tex Mex restaurant, with 8 notable locations across greater Montreal. The Centre-Ville 3 Amigos at 657 Saint-Catherine St W is my go-to restaurant in downtown Montreal when I’m craving delicious Mexican cuisine. After hiking Mont-Royal, I made a beeline for the restaurant and indulged in their Vegetarian Nachos with melted cheese, jalapeno, Pico de Gallo, sour cream & lettuce and the Grilled Corn with chipotle mayo, lime & cotija cheese, topped off with a celebratory Pina Colada. Not only are the portions generously large, but the drinks are served to the brim! They even kick off your dining experience with complimentary chips and salsa. The best thing about 3 Amigos is undoubtedly the price point, where you can expect to pay less than $20 for a delicious & filling meal. I highly recommend exploring one of their eight locations for a delectable Mexican dining experience & fun night out!
I hope you have enjoyed reading my October highlights and get some inspiration yourself for amazing places to dine in Montreal & fun things to do. Share your monthly favorites in the comments below. Want more inspiration and detailed guides? Start Uncovering Montreal today!
