Located close to downtown, this open-air market has been serving lovers of fresh veggies, fruits, flowers, eggs and other organic produce since 1933. Many of Montreal's restaurant owners drop by on their daily shopping expeditions. Farmers simply drive their trucks up to a series of stalls, and customers can stroll buy checking out the goods. Surrounding Marché Jean-Talon are bakeries, health food stores, cheese shops, a horticultural center, and a host of other stores.
Set in an art deco-building and in existence since 1933, this market has both indoor and outdoor sections. Aside from fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers, you have your choice of a wide variety of commodities: from specialty shops selling delicious baked goods to butchers and fishmongers. La Fromagerie boasts more than 400 types of cheese from France and Quebec, including a raw goat milk cheddar. The Premiere Moisson bakery is famous for its flaky croissants and game-based pâtés. Even if you have already done your food shopping, it is a great place for people watching.
Located in the cultural and tourism heart of Old Montreal, this neoclassic building dates from the mid-18th Century. It has been home to a city hall, a reception center, and public markets. In fact, following an 1849 fire in the Parliament Building, it became the seat of the United Canada Government. Today, following two restorations, the silver-domed building is used as an exhibition hall. It teems with sidewalk cafes, boutiques, souvenir shops and fine arts galleries. You will find everything from maps to fashion accessories and First People's art.
If you are an aficionado of all things vintage and antique then a visit to the Antiques Loft 9 comes most recommended. This place is stocked with a variety of articles that are sure to transport you back in time. From oil paintings, vintage jewelry to archaic, wooden furniture, rustic lamps and more, Antiques Loft 9 is filled with unique finds all you need to have is an eye for details. It could get a bit challenging for you to navigate through these items, but you can always approach the amicable owner for assistance and help.
Unicorn is a charming store selling some chic and modish apparel and accessories for women. The boutique finds itself as a busy location in the city's Mile End neighborhood and lures fashion-conscious shoppers from all corners of the vibrant city. Merchandise comprises an eclectic mix of some outre designs and comfortable patterns laid out across an inviting store display. Unicorn houses an array of designer labels like Amanda Moss, Grob, Love Nail tree and Rare Specimens, among other up and coming labels. The owner has carefully hand-picked these products and also stocks a wonderful collection of accessories, shoes and jewelry.
If you have ever wished to own a custom-made, stylish hat, then Ophelie Hats is where you should belong to. Located on the busy Saint Laurent Boulevard in the city's Chinatown neighborhood, this specialty boutique boasts of an exciting display of hats, in designs that cover various definitions of contemporary and classic. Founded in the year 1990 by Corine A. Serruya, a known Montreal-based designer, Ophelie Hats sells chic headpieces for fall, summer and winter. Other hair accessories like pins, clips and headbands also form a part of its trendy merchandise.
Originally located on Rue Ste-Catherine following a move from South Africa in 1907, Blatter & Blatter has been in its present location since 1970. Run by Peter and Robert, the grandchildren of the man who started it all and honored members of the Confrérie des Maîtres-Pipiers de Saint-Claude, the store specializes in handmade briar pipes and Cuban cigars. Popular Cuban brands include Cohiba, Partagas, H Upmann and Montecristo. As well, a full line of cigar accessories is available, from cutters and humidors to lighters.
J&R Kosher Meat and Delicatessen is the brain child of Robert Nemes who immigrated from Romania. He started this shop in 1952 to cater to the Jewish community in the neighborhood. This meat shop is one of the oldest and most renowned in Quebec that supplies quality meat. The shop relocated from its original address to a bigger space in Cavendish Mall. Over the years, the store has moved one notch higher by including amazing varieties of hamburgers, smoked meat, sausages and weekly specials as well as packaged food, takeout and delivery options.
If you happen to be strolling along the quaint streets of Old Montreal, take a few minutes to check out the unique collection at Heritage Gallery. Opened by Kosta Dios, this family-run establishment is a cross between a gallery and and a shop which reflects its owner's love for native art and his experience as a furrier. Along with an array of beautiful pieces of art and fur accessories, the store has branched into gift items, each of which is carefully hand picked to add to the impressive collection. Whether it is to buy the perfect art piece for your living room or simply to soak in the local art, this is a great place to visit.
As suggested y the name, Italmoda is a high-end menswear store which concentrates on European, and especially classic Italian, fashions. Run by the Rondina family since 1961, this elegant two-story shop boasts collections by world-renowned designers like Hugo Boss, Canali and Paul & Shark. The in-house tailor ensures that your suit fits you perfectly before you step out of the shop. Specializing in formal wear, this is the go-to place to get a new tuxedo for a wedding or a suit for an important business event.
If you are looking for the perfect suit to wear for an important business dinner, L'Uomo Montreal is the place to come to. Established in 1980, this men's clothing boutique is a time-tested establishment which offers some of the best luxury brands to be found with an emphasis on Italian labels. Some collections which are found here include Borreli, Edward Green, Attolini, Prada and Gallotti.
Situated on the hip and busy rue Crescent of Montreal's Chinatown neighborhood, Kaufmann De Suisse has established itself as a niche jewelry boutique selling some of the most exquisite diamond pieces. A city tradition since the year 1954, this Montreal jewelry emporium allures shoppers with grandiose interiors, complete with dappled walls and imposing chandeliers that radiate a whimsical aura throughout the store's opulent displays. Kaufmann De Suisse specializes in custom-designed jewels made from some of the rarest gems of the industry. Dazzling earrings, bracelets, necklaces and rings are a part of its exquisite merchandise, along with luxury watches. The Flowing Lines is one of its top-selling creations, known for its ethereal blend of Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.