Linger with the locals inside the welcoming Café Vito or grab your morning macchiato to go at the corner café’s handy walk-up window. The coffee, brewed from beans roasted in Italy and shipped directly, is perfectly nutty and creamy. Pair it with Nutella biscotti or homemade cannoli filled fresh with each order. 151 rue Villeray.
Find nautical-inspired striped sweaters and pretty shirt-dresses at Boutique Archive. The shop owners have an affinity for cool coastal style, which is reflected in the labels they carry, including Montreal designers Eve Gravel and Catrie. They even stock beautifully crafted surfboards. 318 rue Villeray.
Get lost in the dizzying display of goods at Boutique Articho, from street-influenced wall art to artisanal bath bombs. The whimsical store offers pieces from over 100 local craftspeople. Stroll over to the workshop in the back to find a gorgeous selection of silver jewellery handmade by co-owner Isabelle Kapsaskis. You can even commission a custom piece from her. 300 rue Villeray.
Looking for that quintessentially Parisian blend of casual style with elegance? A stop at Boa Bijoux is a must. Check out the curated mix of sophisticated recycled-fur stoles, stunning statement necklaces and delicate bangles at surprisingly affordable prices. 363 rue de Castelnau Est.
Chill out in the cool, lo-fi neighbourhood joint Huis Clos. It’s part casual-fun bar, part elaborate kitchen, with a retro vibe. Sip the signature Maple Old Fashion and get lost in the awesome tunes — the DJ starts his set at 10 p.m. on Saturdays. The eclectic menu features perfectly shareable dishes, including charcuterie, fresh oysters and gourmet hot dogs. 7659 rue Saint-Denis.
Pick up some of your favourite wine before heading to Tandem, a cozy romantic French bistro, where patrons are encouraged to bring their own bottles. Chefs serve up comforting cuisine like a delectable crème brûlée de foie gras appetizer, a Quebec-centric cheese platter and rack of lamb with herbes de Provence. 586 rue Villeray.
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