The Only Locally Owned Non-Touristy Food Tour by Spade & Palacio
Description
We visit the less touristy hoods around the Jean-Market on our food tour. From a single mom-no-pop shop we learn about our Latino community and sit down at a Salvadoran neighbourhood joint where locals go. We learn about the different communities that make up the area and pop into Little Italy for an iconic bakery when open. The Jean-Talon market is the largest of its kind in the country. We try goat cheeses that are so farm to table they remind us of that scene from Portlandia. We visit a spice den, point out other great vendors, try some of the best charcuteries in the province as well as a few surprises like a forager and more depending on the season! You’ll want to go back to the market after the tour. In Little Italy we explore the streets and area, sip third wave joe and learn about our progressive coffee scene. We head to a bean to bar award winning chocolate “factory” that will showcase some of the best stuff Montréal has to offer, period. 100% locally run, licensed guides!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Here we will visit vendors, specialty shops. We will taste multiple samples and bites/platters and learn about the businesses craft as well as the market as a whole. Free time is included!
He're we'll talk and sample progressive coffee and learn about the neighbourhood.
We'll be sitting down at a mom and pop for a Salvadorian tasting. Wandering the small streets to learn about the communities in the area. Sampling progressive coffee at a small family third wave location. We'll be visiting a bean to bar chocolate factory for a high end tasting
Learn about the diffrerent waves of immigration and taste award winning chocolates!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- If you have any food restrictions or allergies, you must specify in the Special Requirements box at checkout
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Vegetarian option is available; please advise at time of booking if required
Reviews(810)
This food tour was a highlight of the trip. The tastings were varied. Our guide, Mel was knowledgeable about the food, the establishments and the area. She provided interesting information about the area and it’s history. We especially enjoyed the trip to the outdoor market where we had over five tastings although the tasting at the bakery came in a close second.
Rufus was a wonderful, knowledgeable guide. He's fun, funny, and a real historian - teaches Canadian history during the academic year. We're a tough audience and he had us in the palm of his hand! The food was delicious, the pacing really excellent, and we loved the local owners we met. Can't recommend this enough.
Rufus, our guide, was great! He was knowledgeable and friendly and was a true local to the neighborhood. The food stops were plentiful, delicious, and varied. We took 3 food tours on this trip (what can I say, we like to eat!) and this was our favorite.
Excellent tour! Fred is a local and very knowledgeable about the area, its cruise and history. We had a great time and would recommend it for anyone interested in Little Italy, the Latin Quarter of Montreal, and Jean Talon Market.
Extremely eye opening. My mother and I had the pleasure of having Fred as our guide. She was so passionate and enthusiastic about sharing her love for food with us. She went above and beyond and was kind enough to give us extra recommendations for her favorite stalls at the Jean Talon Market. 10/10 would recommend if you want have your mind blown culturally.
Really lovely tour for our first day in Montreal, with a good mix of city history and a truly diverse section of foods to try. Rufus loved answering questions and telling us the stories behind the foods and businesses we were sampling. A perfect way to spend an afternoon in a new city, and an incredible value on food and learning packed into just 3–4 hours.
Everything about our food tour was fantastic. Our guide Rufus was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and really knew the history of the area. The food selections were amazing and we ate a LOT! I have been on a lot of food tours and travelled around the world and this is one of the best tours I have been on. No bagels, no poutine but delicious food and 5 star guide!
Rufus was the most amazing, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable guide. He is a local with a love for his city and its cuisine. Thank you for a delightful and delicious afternoon tour. We highly recommend it!
After spending a few days downtown, it was great to explore a less touristy side of Montreal with Fred. Through the food, we felt we got a much better sense of the city and its different communities. The tour included Salvadorian and Italian food, a visit to the market, and tastings of seafood, Middle Eastern food, ice cream, coffee and chocolate. Fred was informative and engaging throughout, and the variety made the tour really enjoyable. A great way to experience another side of Montreal while trying some excellent food. We’d happily recommend Fred.
This was our first tour with Spade & Palacio, but it won’t be our last! Rufus was our tour guide. His enthusiasm for Montréal’s culture and history was evident. We enjoyed his insightful and knowledgeable commentary on everything from architecture to charcuterie. The tour pace was perfect, not too rushed and not dragging. All the food tastings were unique and tasty and definitely not touristy!!! Highly recommend this tour if you want a real taste of Montréal!
