The Best Kombuchas in Montreal

Healthy living has become a trend now with many Montrealers opting for vegan restaurants, unsweetened coconut water, fresh juices and the gluten-free craze.

Kombucha is a new health trend that is taking Montreal by storm. However, most people have not experienced how amazing it feels after drinking it.

Kombucha is a naturally fermented living tea. This drink is made from 4 different ingredients; water, sugar, tea, and SCOBY.  SCOBY is a mix of yeast and bacteria for the fermentation to take place with the probiotics. Sugar is for the probiotics to eat so as to release the good bacteria. The end result is a bubbly drink that has the right balance of tartness and sweetness.

The benefits of kombucha are mental clarity, weight loss, energy increase, immune system booster, detoxification, mood stability and reduced joint pain.

The following are the best kombuchas in Montreal:

Rise

This is one of the first kombuchas to be commercialized in Montreal. It was originally available in Crudessence, everyone’s favorite raw, vegan and organic restaurant. You can now find it in grocery and department stores.

Vee

The Vee Kombucha was made by a couple in Bellechasse, Quebec and introduced into the market in June 2014. It was named Vytavy Kombucha but later rebranded as Vee.

It’s available in the IGA Atwater Market and La Salle A Manger on Mont-Royal E.

Tonica

This kombucha was started in a small Toronto kitchen in 2008 by a yoga instructor. This kombrewery grew in size and Tonica is now available throughout Canada.

You can find Tonica in retail shops such as Aliments Merci at the Jean-Talon Market.

Medicinal Kitchen

This kombucha is produced on a weekly basis to make sure that each bottle ferments right before selling. The flavors created by the owner, Claudie, are unique such as the Elderberry and Apple Spice flavors.

These kombuchas are available at Twigs Café, St-Annes de Bellevue market, and Coop du Grand Orme.

GT’s

This kombucha was created by GT Dave at the tender age of 15 years when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a way of helping her get with treatment, he studied health blogs and discovered articles on this health drink. He started delivering to grocery stores. Now, this company retails across Canada and the US with 17 different flavors now available.

Synergy

Also made by GT’s with a different method of “batch to bottle”. This method allows them to provide the most active and freshest kombuchas. You can buy Synergy at Tau.

Wonder Drink Kombucha

This kombucha is made by Steve Lee Learnt in Portland, Oregon who found the inspiration to make it in Russia. Started in the 90s, this kombucha is now available throughout Canada and the US. In Montreal, this Kombucha is available in Café Parvis and Tau.

La Bioferme des Caps

This kombucha maker is fully certified and is based close to Quebec City. They use locally sourced ingredients such as sea-buckthorn and elderberries. Many retailers stock this kombucha including C’est la Vie on Laurier Est and A Votre Sante.

Top Sushi Restaurants in Montreal

The best sushi restaurants in Montreal serve this delicacy in different varieties. The following are the top sushi restaurants in Montreal:

Sushi Momo

4669 Rue Saint-Denis

If you’re a fan of vegan sushi, then you should definitely check out Sushi Momo. This place serves vegan sushi only that is better than their meatier counterparts. Order some sushi featuring jackfruit or faux “shrimp” tempura and other finger-licking good ingredients.

This place is not just a regular restaurant, the ambiance is friendly and welcoming, fresh ingredients and expertly prepared and plated sushi. You will love Sushi Momo.

Jun – I

156 Avenue Laurier O

This place serves the juiciest, buttery, and melt in your mouth sushi and sashimi.

Their dishes are also amazing and fresh such as their poached stingray, red tuna tartar with black truffle oil and yuzu butter dish.

This place is not just for the sushi lover, it’s for those who love food that prepared with a twist.

Park

378 Avenue Victoria

This is a well-known Montreal sushi restaurant and for good reason. The sushi is simply amazing.

You can also order other dishes too such as the yummy chicken teriyaki don, or their sumptuous bibimbap.

The fresh and tasty sushi will leave you craving for more so expect to be a regular here.

Kazumi

6394 Rue Sherbrooke E

This place is a paradise for sushi and wine lovers. Kazumi serves the best sushi dishes around with amazing combinations such as the “basilica” tempura roll that includes tuna, shitake mushrooms, basil, and salmon. These combinations are enough to leave your mouth watery.

This place also has its own wine restaurant. That’s right, wine and sushi, an epic combination.

Saint Sushi

424 Avenue Duluth E

This is one of the newest entrants into the Montreal Sushi restaurant scene and has already established itself as an amazing sushi eatery.

Saint Sushi boasts of its amazing and creative recipes, high-quality ingredients and tasty dishes. You should try their tuna and salmon sushi roll featuring tempura and yogurt sauce.

This place has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere making it one of the best spots to enjoy some superb sushi.

Kyo

711 Cote de la Place d’Armes

If you are looking for a place to sit down and relax as you enjoy your sushi, look no further than Kyo.

Kyo has an amazing and relaxing atmosphere that is incredible for a date or a gathering of friends. The menu here is filled with amazing sushi dishes but you shouldn’t miss their sashimi salad featuring a yuzu vinaigrette.

Boite Geisha

1209 Avenue du Mont-Royal E

Biote Geisha is on Montreal’s Plateau and their food is super delicious, fresh and amazing.

One dish that you really have to try is the sushi pizza. The Boite Geisha sushi pizza has incredible toppings like avocado, lobster, marinated squid, and mango, on a bed of flavorful crispy rice.

Bako Sushi

4326 Rue Belanger

Everything served in this sushi spot is fresh and high-quality. Their traditional sushi rolls are made with the freshest ingredients.

The prices are fair and the staff super friendly.

Bako Sushi is in Montreal St. Leonard, this is a bit far for some people but the experience that you get makes the journey worthwhile.

Yoshi Sushi

1601 Avenue Laurier E

This place is right in the center of the plateau and is the best spot to end your sushi craving.

Yoshi Sushi serves the freshest ingredients and awesome flavors that will leave you wanting more, so much for ending your sushi cravings.

Order their tropical roll that features strawberries, spicy sauce, and scallop tempura. Their sumo with shrimp, mango, avocado, and crab is out of this world.

5 Saisons Sushi

This place has an extensive menu featuring creative sushi rolls such as their "double face" that is tuna and salmon sashimi rolled up in breaded seaweed.

5 sushi has a trendy, friendly and incredibly fun vibe making it a good spot for a gathering.

10 Best Montreal Bars that You Should Check Out

The city of Montreal has a killer nightlife. The bars feature a chic interior that creates the perfect ambiance. You will be served amazing cocktails and drinks, just the way you like it. If you’re looking for the right spot to have a good time with friends, then you should definitely check out the following bars:

Big In Japan Bar

3723 Boulevard St. Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2X 2V7

You can’t miss this bar as it’s located between a store and a restaurant right at the corner of Saint Laurent and Rachel.  Go through the big red door to discover what Big In Japan Bar has to offer.

Once you get in, you’ll notice a long wooden whiskey rack and plenty of delicious drinks. The drinks are also offered by the punch bowl.

Pullman

3424 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC, H2X 2H5

This is a well-known wine bar in Montreal on the Quartier des Spectacles. It is built in a 3-story townhouse, this will blow your mind away. Don’t forget to check out the widely talked about wine glass chandelier.

Apt. 200

3643 Saint Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2X 2V5

This bar is popular for its eclectic interior with an interior that looks like an apartment. There is a bedroom, a den, and a living room. You will also find some retro arcade games, tabletop hockey, and a pool table.

Burgundy Lion

2496 Rue Notre – Dame Ouest, Montreal, QC, h3J 1N5

This is an all English pub that has been around for six years on Notre Dame. The bar has the largest collection of whiskeys in Quebec and you can sample their tasting set including 3 different glasses of selected whiskeys.

This food area is good for hosting birthday dinner after which you can continue the party to the bar area.

Santos

191 Rue Saint Paul Ouest, Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z5

Santos is trending mainly because of their Tuesday nights that are dedicated to the ladies. However, this Spanish tapas bar is still amazing for the weekenders.

Le Lab

1351 Rachel, EST, Montreal, H2j 2K2

If you’re looking for unique cocktails that you can’t get anywhere else, then you should check out Le Lab

Be ready to be amazed by the bartenders’ juggling skills, as they mix their own syrups and liquors.

Le Lab is on the pricier side but it’s definitely worth it.

Sparrow

5322 Boulevard Saint – Laurent, Montreal, QC, H2T 1A5

Sparrow is located between Fairmont and St. Viateur. It’s a comfortable hangout serving kinds of finger foods, cocktails, and beers.

If you want a seat, you’ll want to get there around 10 or 11 as it’s filled up till after midnight.

Be sure to check out their restaurant that is a block away from the bar titled Lawrence.

Dominion Square Tavern

1243 Metcalfe St, Montreal, QC, H3B 2V5

This Montreal bar features a timely old décor and music that will take you back to a different era.

This is an awesome place to go with friends and chat over some drinks. Check out the restaurant that still holds its original elements of the 20s.

Their cocktails and mixes are pricey but you can bar hop since it’s centrally located.

Flyjin

417 Rue St Pierre, Montreal, QC, H2Y 2M4

Flyjin is a Japanese restaurant and bar on St. Pierre. It has a vibe and décor that will improve your experience.

Have a taste of their popular Zen Buddha at don’t forget to take a bite, it’s a resto-bar.

La Distillerie

2047 Avenue du Mont-Royal Est, QC, H2H 1j7

If you don’t mind drinking from large mason jars, then this bar should be your favorite spot. However, you need to get here early as it fills up fast (all three locations).

They serve contemporary and common flavors.

Baldwin

115 Laurier Ouest, Montreal, QC, H2T 2N6

One strange thing about this bar is its drug store décor – there’s an explanation to this, the owner’s grandparents used to run a pharmacy here called Baldwins. However, this place has a cool vibe where the waiters wear aprons over white vests and shirts with rolled up sleeves. The menu features old-fashioned cocktails, it’s a nice place for a date night.

Best Spas in Montreal

Are you looking for the best spot to treat your body as you relax and rest? If yes, then we got you covered.

Espace Nomad

4660 St Laurent Blvd

If you like to see beautiful things as you relax, then this plateau spa should be your number one spot. The surrounding here is calming and super relaxing.

Spa Scandinave

71 de la Commune St W

With a beautiful interior and an ideal ambiance, this spa is the best if you want to escape the Montreal buzz. You will enjoy yourself at the Spa Scandinave.

Spa St. James

1228 Sherbrooke St W

This spa is in the Ritz – Carlton Hotel in the center of Downtown Montreal. This spa is super relaxing and great.

Spa Vert

2360 Rue Notre – Dame Ouest

This spa in Little Burgundy has it all. You will get everything that you can ask for in a spa including cupping therapy that is blowing everyone’s minds.

Strom Spa

1001 Boulevard de la Foret

Ideally located on Nun’s Island, this spa is pretty big with cold and hot baths and world-class treatment to keep you relaxed for a long time. There’s also a Bistro that serves healthy and tasty treats.

Skyspa

6000 Boulevard Rome #400, Brossard, QC

This spa is right in the middle of the Dix30. It might a little smaller than other spas but they have it all. The best thing about this spa is its rooftop location where you get breathtaking views.

Finlandais

125 boul. Labelle, Rosemere, QC

This is a huge spa in Laval-area where all the dreams happen. This spa has plenty of cold baths, hot baths, steam rooms, saunas and more. In addition, this spa is right next to a hotel so if you want to take a quick nap, Finlandais got you covered.

Bota Bota

Montreal, QC H2Y 2E2

This is a well-known Montreal spa on a boat in the waters of Old Port. It has everything you can expect from a spa plus incredible views of the city. 

10 Montreal Restaurants You Should Try in 2018

Montreal is a favorite destination for foodies, there are so many places to have a bite that you might get lost in all the greatness.

You will not be able to visit all of Montreal’s eateries so we have made it easy for you by compiling the following:

Bird Bar

Located at 1800 Notre – Dame St W

This place features creative dishes like chicken waffles and regulars like fried chicken. The champagne served at Bird Bar is amazing.

Café Gentile

4126 Saint – Catherine St

This place is known for its amazing AF coffee, awesome décor, and finger-licking good food.

Emiliano’s

260 Notre – Dame St W

This is the place for Mexican food lovers. You will also love the ambiance since the place is well decorated and in an ideal place.

Olive and Citron
5508 Av de Monkland

This NDG Greek restaurant is simply amazing. You will get a menu that includes delicious foods such as souvlaki, grilled octopus and any other Greek dish that you can think of.

La Habanera

This is a Cuban restaurant at 1216 Union Ave that is downtown Montreal.

The place is properly decorated with a modern appeal.

Campo

1108 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O

This Portuguese restaurant is also in Downtown Montreal. Have a taste of their incredibly delicious Portuguese chicken wings and chicken poutine.

Arthurs Nosh Bar

4621 Notre – Dame St W

This is a brunch restaurant in Montreal’s St. Henri. The food here is amazing, no wonder this place is so popular.

Noren

77 Rachel St W

This is an incredible Japanese restaurant on Montreal’s Plateau.

The menu is ever-changing but you should look out for the takoyaki (fried squid balls), delicious!

LOV

464 McGill St

This restaurant is all organic and promotes locally grown produces.

Tasty vegan dishes and wholesome ingredients are always on the menu such as brunch and poutine.

Foiegwa

3001 Notre – Dame St W

This is the to-go place if you love some French cuisine.

14 of the Best Old Restaurants in Montreal

Montreal is an old city with amazing architecture and restaurants serving delicious meals. What’s more, you can take a stroll along the water after your meal. If you’re a foodie, you will enjoy the following 14 old Montreal restaurants:

The Old Montreal Food Tour

We promised you 14 of the best restaurants in Montreal but how about we start with six restaurants. As the name suggests, this is a food tour that makes stops in six Montreal restaurants. You will not only discover the amazing Montreal cuisine but also the district’s culture and history.

If you are a foodie, you will really enjoy this 3-hour walking tour of old Montreal.

Stash Café

This café has been around for 40 years. Originally, it was a hangout spot opened by a Montreal Gazette reporter as a hangout place for him and his buddies. This place serves the best Polish food in town and is a favorite for many celebrities.

Stash Café has a homey and comfortable feel. Make a stop in this old Montreal restaurant and make sure to try their pierogi and borscht.

The Santos Tapas Bar

With a live DJ every night playing the very best of sangria and amazing Spanish food, cocktails, and wine, this restaurant is here to feed and amuse.

Santos Tapas Bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday, however, Tuesdays 6-10pm is ladies night, ladies who spend $25 on tapas get free drinks.

You can choose between beef and fish tacos or fried calamari served with a cocktail.

Bocata

This is an amazing French restaurant serving the best seafood and meat menu and is perfect for a date night.

One thing you'll notice immediately after stepping into this restaurant are the exposed bottles and medieval paintings, you will feel like you’ve just stepped into a king’s wine cellar.

The staff at Bocata are friendly and will even tell you where the ingredients are from.

Modavie

Head over to Saint-Paul Street into this whimsical jazz bistro to enjoy their live musical acts seven nights a week. The staff at the Modavie are welcoming and the prices are fair.

Their best dishes include warm goat cheese, duck, and poutine – you should also try their rack of lamb with a sesame crust. This restaurant also has an amazing list of expensive wines that you should definitely try.

Brit and Chips

This is a trendy but unusual eating spot located at 433 McGill St. This Montreal restaurant has the best fresh fish, a friendly staff, and differently flavored batters.

Brit ‘n Chips is the to-go eating joint if you love the English cuisine.

This is Montreal’s best place to grab a bite, lunch and a beer. Even the UK visitors approve this place.

La Champagnerie

This is a new and Montreal’s first champagne bar making it the best spot for a celebration.

The chef uses local ingredients and the menu is based on what is available – the only constant thing is, the food is always accompanied by champagne.

Make sure you try either their tuna, grilled octopus, tabouleh dish or their wild boar shank with sour and sweet creamy polenta.

LOV

If you’re vegan or just into some vegetarian dishes, you will definitely like the Local Organic Vegetarian (LOV) ON 464 rue McGrill.

This Montreal eating place has a botanical garden theme, charming wooden wicker seats with each table adorned by a breathtaking terrarium.

You should try the kale mac and cheese made with squash cheese sauce with casarecce pasta.

There is also an amazing organic wine and beer list and botanical cocktails.

Garde Manger

Every food served in this restaurant is amazing, why? Because celebrity chef Chuck Hughes is the one running the show. Try Garde Manger’s own poutine, the lobster poutine or the hanger steak with bone marrow and corn custard.

You should definitely visit this amazing Montreal eatery but you will have to make a reservation (minimum one month in advance).

Less 400 Coups

Chef Jonathan Rassi has an incredible menu for this Montreal restaurant such as the kohlrabi dish made of kohlrabi, pink turnip, miso; watermelon radish and joi choy. The food is imaginative, the setup is beautiful and the desserts are out of this world.

This place is not cheap but it’s worth every dollar.

Le Bremner

With a classy décor, lovely aroma and a short menu offering incredible fish from halibut, lobsters, vegetables, and meats, this Montreal restaurant is a must visit but you will have to make a reservation.

This place is always packed but this is expected as its run by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes and Danny Smiles from Top Chef Canada.

Le Serpent

This is a new and modern restaurant with huge windows and high ceilings, it’s hard to believe that this is a converted warehouse.

The restaurant serves Italian classic dishes like pasta, seafood, risotto, and meat. Wine prices are reasonable as you can buy by the glass.

Le Serpent is the best place for a special occasion or celebration.

Olive et Gourmando

You will find visitors and locals at this Montreal restaurant trying out sandwiches for breakfast, brunch, and lunch every single day.

This spot allows you to enjoy sumptuous food in a casual atmosphere. You should this eatery during the weekends because it’s always fully packed but if you don’t mind…..

Toque

The food here is a work of art and it’s no wonder this place was ranked as the best restaurant in Canada.

The ingredients are sourced locally and Chef Normand Laprise always likes them fresh. You should not leave without trying their special duck confit and foie gras tortellini.

Main courses include shiitake mushrooms, cavatelli pasta with arugula and suckling pig lion.

For dessert, try some iced raspberry parfait.

This place is wonderful and you should definitely visit.

Le Club Chasse et Peche

This old Montreal restaurant offers a fine dining experience backed by a contemporary menu.

Try the duck magret topped with blackberries, wildflower honey, and sunchoke.

The service is amazing and the staff has an amazing knowledge of French wine.

Don’t forgo the dessert, people have raved about the caramel and milk chocolate tart with dark chocolate sorbet.

Bonus Restaurant: Maison Christian Faure

This is Montreal’s hidden gem, the succulent servings that will leave your mouth watery. This pastry is the best one in Montreal, located at 355 Place Royale.

You can have their pastries on location or go for a stroll on the beautiful Old Montreal waterfront as you enjoy the delicacies.

3 Important Things to Look for in a Top Quality Montreal Beauty School

Canada is at the top of the world’s countries that spend the most on beauty. Canadian beauty market is growing at a faster rate than the US beauty market.

This is music to the ears of people hoping to start aesthetics or hairdressing career. With Montreal already dubbed the hub for fashion enthusiasts, designers and beauty artists, there’s no better place to start.

The challenge is finding the right beauty training program in Montreal. This city has many beauty colleges and finding the right one is a challenge.

We have come up with 3 characteristics for choosing a high-quality Montreal beauty school.

A Ministry Recognized Diploma and Affordable Tuition

The Canadian beauty industry is lucrative but this doesn’t mean that you should dig deep into your pockets to get quality beauty training.

There are Montreal beauty schools that charge top dollar, however, this doesn’t always make you more employable after you graduate. Remember, whether you want a change in career or you’ve just finished school, the last thing you need is student debt or stress trying to add beauty school tuition into your tight budget.

The ideal beauty school should be affordable, under $2000 and you should receive a DVS or AVS certification from the Quebec Ministry of Education.

Big promises and glamorous facilities should not sway you. Also, check whether materials are included in tuition charges.

A Comprehensive Course

Career training programs are usually fast and intensive to push the learner into the workforce in no time. Time is valuable but the course should be comprehensive.

The best beauty training programs are broken down into modules. The information on the website should be clear i.e. the hours for each module, topics, theory, methodology, and preparation to enter the workforce.

Experienced and Caring Beauty School Instructors

If you join a Montreal beauty school that doesn’t have good instructors, you will not learn much to be competitive in the beauty market. The instructors should be caring and experienced. This gives the learners the self-confidence that they need to take the beauty industry head on and become successful.

Choose a beauty school that promises the highest education standards combined with professional and friendly guidance.

If you want the most welcoming and competitive learning that turns you into a Montreal beauty expert, look no further than Divalook.

Divalook is the best Montreal beauty school offering comprehensive, certified and non-expensive beauty courses. Choose Divalook and see yourself develop in ways you never imagined.