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    Cantine Emilia

    3.4 (15 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

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    Not nearly the quality as the sister resto, Poule Mouillée. Fries were soggy and greasy, chicken cold.
    Cat D.

    Absolutely no for me. Went here about a month ago and I'm still smarting from the experience! I had this place on my radar since I read of its opening and that it's from tbe owner of Poule Mouillée, which is my favorite Portuguese chicken spot by far. I saw the menu online and noticed that they had several items that were not on offer at Poule (more sandwich options, crazy nata flavor combos etc). I did also notice that the prices were higher than that of Poule and also that there was no mention on the menu of the taxes being included in the price (as is the case at Poule Mouillée). I still figured I'd make it up there one day, even if it was further out than I usually venture. Well, the day came this January when we were hankering for that salty, juicy, smokey chicken and Poule was down and out due to a fire. So we made the trek near to Jarry park. First observation was that the location seems odd to me. It's one or two streets in off the main road, and is in a totally residential area. That makes parking easy, but it's definitely not a destination spot in terms of dining or things to do. The resto seems a bit out of place with its bright white and blue theme in a sea of brown brick, rather dull buildings. Place is basically self-serve (so yeah, don't ask me for a tip on your Interac machine) and self cleanup with those carts a la Ikea for you to slide your tray into once finished. So the more spiffy interior (which, I admit, is super cute and nice) is a bit lost on me, since the service is super casual and kinda non-existent. Cashier was not very helpful in recommending items from the menu. The shockers: the prices and subpar food! First, the prices don't include taxes and are significantly higher than the mother ship, Poule. For example, their half chicken plate with fries and salad (called Le Maria du Ciel) is $15.95 plus tax. That same plate (with much better chicken) is now (albeit, after several price increases from the original $10) $13, tax included. Why, oh why, are they asking approx $5.50 more for the "same" item in the middle of bumF*** nowhere (no offense to anyone living there, but it's not an area I would consider a destination of its own like the neighborhood where Poule is located). I'm upset about this because, clearly, the owner picked this area to put his Cantine due to lower rental prices, yet he's charging approx 40% more for his food?? It's an insult to the people who live there, who, IMO, generally don't have the same financial means as the overall population in the Plateau, and who now have to deal with foodies and hipsters (myself included here as a foodie) taking up the free parking spots. Portuguese chicken, while amazing, is not gourmet chichi poupou food, so Emilia's price points seem a bit removed from reality IMO. I can only assume the owner kept his prices lower in the Plateau at Poule due to the competition from the original source of Portuguese chicken, Romados, which is in close proximity. Now to the last and most egregious point: the chicken sucked! On both my chicken sandwich and on the chicken poutine, the chicken was COLD and not fresh. I couldn't believe I was actually eating in a place related to Poule and paying significantly more for it lol. I should have realized something was off when I first entered and didn't smell even a whiff of chicken from the semi-open kitchen. I'm almost under the assumption the chicken is grilled elsewhere and simply reheated. As well, for the poutine, the gravy was different and just not as tasty as that of Poule Mouillée. The poutine, which is usually a big hit, was really just not good. My dining companion didn't even bother to finish it, which is unheard of generally lol. And ok, another mention here of the price to quantity and quality ratio: Since I wasn't very hungry, I ordered the chicken sandwich, which automatically comes with fries OR salad (no chance of just getting the sandwich alone like at Poule Mouillée, which is $7). This sandwich combo is $12.95 plus tax. I figured, ok, must be a big sandwich. Well, yeah, no. It's the same $7 sandwich as Poule, the round palm-sized one, and to add insult, cold chicken inside this one, with an uninspired, small cup of salad on the side. So $15 for that. Those are Old Montreal prices people. In fact, this place gives me exactly that vibe. A tourist trap perfectly suited to Old Montreal, which otherwise wouldn't survive elsewhere in the city. I have never predicted the demise of an establishment before this, but I'll do so now: once the novelty of this place wears off (I mean, do we really need to mess with a nata and add Oreos to it people??), I don't see how this place will stay in business. Even if I had never tasted the chicken from Poule (and the less perfect but still very good, Romados) and didn't know any better, I would not return to Cantine Emilia, due to the blah chicken and ridiculous price point for such basic food. As you can see, I take my chicken to heart :)

    Jackie S.

    Cantine Emilia is such a great eatery in Villeray. Given that it was our first time there, the girl at the counter made some suggestions (we didn't ask for the help but she was friendly and looking out for us!). We ordered the Tio Antonio which includes two sides and two quarter chicken legs. The chicken was amazing; it was flavourful and moist and just a bit spicy. The house piri piri was so tasty I was dipping everything in it! I love Portuguese chicken and am excited to have this new addition in the area.

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    7 years ago

    Delicious chicken and really nice salads. Our family was very happy to lunch there and had egg tarts to go!

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    Ma Poule Mouillée

    Ma Poule Mouillée

    4.4
    (714 reviews)
    4.4 km
    $$

    I'm a huge fan of Somebody Feed Phil, and after watching Phil's Montreal episode, I knew I had to…read moremake a stop at Ma Poule Mouillée. It ended up being one of the best meals of my trip. When I arrived, there was a short line, and as soon as I walked inside, the incredible aroma of rotisserie chicken filled the room. That's when I knew I was in for something special. I was told to order the wet hot chicken plate, so I did--and it absolutely did not disappoint. I also couldn't resist trying the famous chicken poutine. The flavors were bold, rich, and incredibly satisfying. The portions were enormous, too; there was easily enough food for several meals. Before leaving, I picked up a small homemade tres leches tart for dessert. It was the perfect ending to the meal. The cake was moist and delicious, and the caramelized burnt sugar on top added an amazing flavor and texture. I honestly wish Ma Poule Mouillée had a location in Detroit because this would become my monthly dinner spot without question. This place is the definition of "winner, winner, chicken dinner." If you're visiting Montreal, don't miss it--you'll leave full, happy, and already thinking about your next visit.

    This has been a favorite Montreal spot of mine for over a decade. The last time I was in Montreal,…read morethese guys had fire and I was afraid they wouldn't reopen. I'm so glad they did and still just as good as always. We ordered the chicken legs, the poutine, and pastel de nata. The ordering can be a bit confusing as it's not clear what line is which. So the move is your line up and order by the cooks in front then move to the back to pay at the cashier. The portions are large and even the small poutine can feed a family. I lived the spicy chicken and pastel de nata. The poutine was good but didn't need the sausage. Overall very happy we revisited and that they're still amazing.

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    Ma Poule Mouillée
    #3
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    Inside the place

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    Inside the place
    Romados

    Romados

    4.2
    (573 reviews)
    4.3 km
    $$

    I've lived in the Little Portugal area of Mile End, Montreal for 5 years now, and I don't know how…read moreI missed this spot for so long. Thank god I found it because one large chicken + chorizo poutine can feed my hungry wife and I and we even have leftovers! The fries are fresh, crispy, and the gravy is made with drippings of their own rotating rotisserie chicken. The chorizo sausage is barbecued to perfection. Did I mention they give you a lot of food for the price!? They also have a beautiful bakery with Bolas, strawberry cheesecake, and other fresh-made bakery items. They also have great service, with friendly cashiers, and the quality of food is 6 out of 5 stars. It's my favorite place and I come here almost once a week. They are passionate about their food and generous, and if you don't feel like paying up-the-arse for delicious Portuguese chicken Romados is the place for you. It's homey, they have spicy and mild Piri Piri sauce to choose from, the fries are tasty but not too salty, Chicken Salad is really delicious, and furthermore, they have family options, rice, potatoes, and you can order a half or quarter chicken, as well as other options like soup and barbecue pork (also very good). Thank you Romados!

    No fuss setting…read more Portuguese Chicken with Poutine = heaven on a plate. The chicken was tender, seasoned well and complimented by the tangy spicy sauce we selected. The patis de nata (I believe) would taste much better if it was heated. We bought it from the case. Otherwise, the service was fast, friendly and efficient.

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    Romados
    Romados
    Romados

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    Casa Minhota

    Casa Minhota

    4.1
    (55 reviews)
    4.6 km
    $$

    Casa Minhota is a homey Portuguese restaurant with great service, authentic food, and a relaxing…read moreatmosphere. The prices are what you would expect from a nice restaurant, a bit expensive but fair, and they have numerous selections to choose from. I hadn't tried Portuguese fried sardines before and they were quite delicious, and served with lemon and a spicy piri piri sauce that really enhanced the dish--big portion and had leftovers! The grilled Chorizo was delectable as well, with the charcoal flavor really shining through--not too spicy. My favorite dish was the Pork and Clams stew, a classic Portuguese surf and turf dish that was a little potato heavy but the flavor was perfect with hints of lemon, red pepper paste, and a salty, but not-too-salty brine on the tender pork loin. Another dish I tried was the grilled pork medallions: it was a bit average but still good. The potatoes were a little soggy/not crispy and the green salad was a touch too simple with just balsamic vinegar and olive oil; nothing special, but decent. The grilled Portuguese chicken was pretty nice and had that charbroiled/grilled flavor and the meat was quite juicy. The large serving is enough to share if you aren't too hungry and came with same sides as the pork medallions dish, which felt a bit repetitive... The waiter was very attentive and checked up on our table often. Good service. I prefer Aldea, another Portuguese restaurant a few blocks away, since they had similar prices and a bit better quality, more uniqueness of flavor...but if you are feeling a more homey, family-style energy then Casa Minhota is perfect for you.

    The entire experience has been a true, happy journey to Portugal, elevated by the enthusiastic…read moresharing & care of the front of house staff. It starts with the parking out back, which is about 10 spots immediately adjacent to the rear of the restaurant. Parking there is only for restaurant patrons but there is usually parking on Rue St-Laurent, a most happening of places. The side is a happy Portuguese tiled experience, which I say with authority having dined in the most Portuguese place, Ironside neighborhood of Newark, NJ. The music is extremely well chosen Portuguese modern music which greatly enlivens the entire mood. I cannot say Africa things about the food. We came during Montrèal Restaurant week, locally called MTLáTable, which has C$27 3-course brunch specials which are ssoooo gooood, our party of seven ordered all different dishes and the quality presentation and unique cooking style of each one is to be complemented. Clearly the prep staff made fresh choices of ingredients of every type. Many highs include the unique drinks menu and the happy staff whose attitude make you want to go straight to Portugal, a famously idealized land & people, appropriately so. Salud!

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    View to the front
    View to the front
    Garlic Shrimp with Rice
    Garlic Shrimp with Rice
    Garlic snails

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    Garlic snails

    Cantine Emilia - portuguese - Updated August 2026

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