C2 Montreal is coming to town once again May 24-26. This fully-packed immersive conference brings together 5000 people from around the world in an environment that encourages collaborations, creative meetings and new ideas. It is one of the biggest, coolest events of its kind in the world and I am so thrilled to finally be joining fellow creatives on this 3-day journey.

I thought I’d put together this short guide of dining, coffee and pastry options around the conference site. There are a lot of food options at C2 but in case you want to get out for a few minutes and explore the neighbourhood or are in need of a dining option at the end of the day, this is for you.

WITHIN A 5-MINUTE WALK

Café Lali
A combination café/art gallery serving great coffee.

Junior
Great, authentic Filipino food in a fun and lively ambiance.

Chez Sophie
Modern versions of French and Italian classics are served at this elegant establishment that has garnered great reviews. It’s open for lunch and dinner and there’s a small and charming terrace in the back.

Le Fantôme
This restaurant is a 2-minute walk from the site and a great option for your after-conference dinner. The tasting menu is always evolving but you must try their famous PBFGJ (peanut butter, foie gras and jelly) sandwich!

Restaurant Candide
Candide serves a set 4-course menu focusing on regional and seasonal Quebec ingredients and accompanied by great wines. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather because their beautiful terrace just opened!

WITHIN A 10-MINUTE WALK

Joe Beef, Liverpool House and Le Vin Papillon
Three of Montreal’s most famous restaurants are a short walk distance from the C2 site. You’ll need to reserve in advance for Joe Beef and Liverpool House but Le Vin Papillon doesn’t take reservations and opens at 3pm. Get there early and grab a seat and a glass of wine on their cute terrace. The food is fantastic!

September Surf
If you find yourself in need of a great cup of coffee and a sunny space to chill for a few minutes, head to September Surf. The café doubles as a surf workshop and has a great cool vibe.

Patrice Pâtissier
One of the best pastry shops in Montreal is just down the street from C2 and is an absolute must stop for anyone with a sweet tooth. Try Patrice’s famous “vert” (green) or chou à la crème and pack up a maple financier or a kouign amann to take home.

Foxy
The star of the show at Foxy is the wood fired oven where most of the dishes are cooked. The cocktails as great as well.

HVOR
HVOR is a fine dining establishment focusing on seasonal ingredients, including the many plants and vegetables in their very own urban garden.

WITHIN A 15-MINUTE WALK

Libertine Bakehouse
A newcomer on the pastry shop scene in Montreal, Libertine made a bang of an entry with its edgy branding and great flavour combinations. Grab lunch or a coffee but make sure you fill up on a few desserts, including the coconut and pineapple St-Honoré or the banana and chocolate tart, my favourite!

Atwater Market
The Atwater Market is a treasure trove of great eats and local Quebec colours and flavours. Take a stroll among the colourful stalls and make sure to stop at Satay Brothers’ Southeast Asian food stall for lunch. Grab an ice cream at Havre-aux-glaces for dessert while taking a place along the Lachine Canal.

Lili & Oli
An institution in the neighbourhood, Lili & Oli has been serving great coffee for over 10 years. The cozy and welcoming space is a great spot to take a break and relax for a few minutes.