Greater Montreal's Portuguese food scene is having a moment, with flame-kissed piri piri chicken and crispy pastéis de nata drawing crowds from Plateau to Saint-Hubert. The city's Portuguese diaspora has created an authentic dining landscape that rivals Lisbon itself.
We've combed through reviews and local recommendations to find spots serving proper bacalhau and wood-fired grills. From intimate Mile End joints to suburban family operations, these restaurants represent the soul of Portuguese cooking in Quebec.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Porto Poulet — Piri Piri Perfection
- Piri Piri — Spice-Forward Standout
- Viana Sol — South Shore Sanctuary
- Bairrada — Montreal Portuguese Classic
- Escudo Express — Boisbriand's Bold Flavors
- Viana Grillades Portugaises — LaSalle's Grilled Glory
- Aldea — Seafood-Focused Excellence
- Barcelos — Mont-Saint-Hilaire Magic
- Ma Poule Mouillée — Rotisserie Revolution
- Bocado Grill — Greenfield Park Gateway
1. Porto Poulet
✨ Best for: Piri Piri Perfection
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Porto Poulet masters the art of Portuguese flame-grilling, serving piri piri chicken with skin so crispy it crackles. Their bacalhau à Gomes de Sá layers salt cod with golden potatoes and soft-cooked eggs, while grilled sardines arrive charred and glistening with olive oil. The pastéis de nata emerge from the oven with caramelized tops and custard centers that make regulars plan their days around the bakery's schedule.
Must-Order:
Piri Piri ChickenBacalhau à Gomes de SáPastel de Nata
Insider Tip: Arrive early for lunch or dinner to secure a table, as this popular spot fills up quickly during peak hours.
2. Piri Piri
✨ Best for: Spice-Forward Standout
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Piri Piri delivers Portuguese comfort food with serious heat, centering their menu around flame-kissed chicken that locals swear by. The bird emerges from wood-fired grills with mahogany skin and meat infused with chili-spiked marinades. Roasted potatoes arrive golden and crispy, while their seafood dishes showcase the kitchen's understanding of Atlantic Portuguese traditions.
Must-Order:
Portuguese ChickenRoasted PotatoesSeafood Special
Insider Tip: Call ahead to secure a table at this intimate restaurant that fills up fast, especially on weekends.
3. Viana Sol
✨ Best for: South Shore Sanctuary
📍 Saint-Hubert · ⭐ 4.9 · $
Viana Sol brings authentic Portuguese flavors to Saint-Hubert's suburban landscape, where families gather for generous portions and traditional preparations. The kitchen focuses on time-honored recipes passed down through generations, creating dishes that transport diners straight to coastal Portugal. Their approach emphasizes quality ingredients and careful technique over flashy presentations.
Must-Order:
House SpecialtyChef's RecommendationTraditional Stew
Insider Tip: Make reservations during peak dining hours as this South Shore favorite draws crowds from across the region.
4. Bairrada
✨ Best for: Montreal Portuguese Classic
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.7 · $
Bairrada operates as a neighborhood institution where Portuguese authenticity takes center stage over trendy interpretations. The kitchen delivers traditional dishes with the kind of consistency that builds loyal followings, focusing on recipes that have remained unchanged for decades. Regulars know to trust the chef's recommendations, which rotate based on seasonal availability and market finds.
Must-Order:
Bacalhau DishGrilled MeatPortuguese Dessert
Insider Tip: Weekend reservations are essential at this neighborhood institution that locals have claimed as their own.
5. Escudo Express
✨ Best for: Boisbriand's Bold Flavors
📍 Boisbriand · ⭐ 4.6 · $$
Escudo Express elevates Portuguese casual dining in Boisbriand, where the kitchen balances traditional techniques with contemporary presentation. Their menu showcases the diversity of Portuguese cuisine beyond the typical piri piri chicken, incorporating regional specialties that reflect the country's varied culinary landscape. The space attracts families and couples seeking authentic flavors without pretension.
Must-Order:
Signature ComboGrilled FishHouse Wine
Insider Tip: Call ahead during peak hours as this Boisbriand spot attracts families making the drive for authentic flavors.
6. Viana Grillades Portugaises
✨ Best for: LaSalle's Grilled Glory
📍 LaSalle · ⭐ 4.5 · $$
Viana Grillades Portugaises in LaSalle has carved out a niche with their Portuguese poutine, a fusion that somehow works brilliantly alongside traditional grilled chicken and chorizo. The kitchen understands how to balance Portuguese flavors with Quebecois sensibilities, creating dishes that satisfy both communities. Their salads provide fresh contrast to the rich grilled meats that anchor the menu.
Must-Order:
Portuguese PoutineGrilled ChickenChorizo Plate
Insider Tip: Arrive early during peak hours to snag a table, and don't miss their unique Portuguese poutine creation.
View Viana Grillades Portugaises →
7. Aldea
✨ Best for: Seafood-Focused Excellence
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $
Aldea specializes in Portugal's legendary relationship with salt cod, serving morue salé preparations that showcase the ingredient's versatility. Their grilled fish arrives with simple seasonings that let quality shine through, while hearty stews warm souls during Montreal's brutal winters. The kitchen demonstrates deep knowledge of Portuguese coastal cuisine with every carefully composed plate.
Must-Order:
Morue SaléGrilled FishPortuguese Stew
Insider Tip: Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a table at this seafood-focused favorite.
8. Barcelos
✨ Best for: Mont-Saint-Hilaire Magic
📍 Mont-Saint-Hilaire · ⭐ 4.4 · $
Barcelos brings Portuguese warmth to Mont-Saint-Hilaire through grilled chicken that develops deep flavor over wood coals. Their Portuguese stew combines tender meat with vegetables in rich broths that demand crusty bread for sopping. The pastéis de nata receive proper attention, with custard centers that wobble perfectly and caramelized tops that crack under spoons.
Must-Order:
Grilled ChickenPortuguese StewPastéis de Nata
Insider Tip: Weekend arrivals should come early as this popular spot fills quickly, and definitely try the house-made sangria.
9. Ma Poule Mouillée
✨ Best for: Rotisserie Revolution
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.4 · $$
Ma Poule Mouillée perfects the Portuguese rotisserie game with birds that rotate slowly over flames, developing crispy skin and impossibly juicy meat. Their piri piri sauce brings authentic heat levels that separate serious spice lovers from casual diners. The fries arrive golden and provide the perfect vehicle for soaking up those addictive sauces.
Must-Order:
Rotisserie ChickenPiri Piri SauceCrispy Fries
Insider Tip: Beat the crowds by arriving early during peak hours, as this rotisserie specialist draws serious lineups.
10. Bocado Grill
✨ Best for: Greenfield Park Gateway
📍 Greenfield Park · ⭐ 4.2 · $$
Bocado Grill serves as Greenfield Park's Portuguese outpost, where combo plates featuring poulet bifana satisfy hearty appetites. Their approach focuses on generous portions and straightforward preparations that highlight quality ingredients. The kitchen excels at creating satisfying meals that work equally well for quick lunches or leisurely dinners.
Must-Order:
Combo Poulet BifanaGrilled ChickenHouse Salad
Insider Tip: Take advantage of their late weekday hours for casual dinners, with convenient nearby parking available.
Tips for Finding Great Portuguese Food in Greater Montreal
Follow the Flames: Look for restaurants with visible grills or rotisseries, as proper Portuguese cooking relies heavily on wood-fired techniques that create distinctive charred flavors.
Check the Bacalhau: Quality Portuguese restaurants will have multiple salt cod preparations on the menu, as this ingredient is central to authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Timing Matters: Many Portuguese restaurants operate on European schedules with late lunch and dinner services, so call ahead to confirm hours.
Suburban Gems: Don't overlook Portuguese restaurants in Montreal's suburbs, where larger Portuguese communities often support the most authentic family-run establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We analyzed ratings, review patterns, and local recommendations to identify Portuguese restaurants that consistently deliver authentic flavors and quality preparations. Our selections prioritize establishments with strong community support and proven track records for traditional Portuguese cooking techniques.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
