« On the Menu. Montreal: A Restaurant Story »

A Journey Through 60 Years of Montreal’s Culinary Culture

From November 26, 2025, to October 18, 2026, the McCord Stewart Museum presents an exceptional exhibition titled “On the Menu: Montreal—A Restaurant Story.” Covering more than six decades of gastronomic evolution, the exhibition offers a unique look at the establishments, communities, traditions, and transformations that have shaped Montreal’s culinary landscape.

Exploring Montreal’s Culinary Heritage

The exhibition highlights the diversity of cuisines and influences that have shaped Montreal’s gastronomic scene. Visitors discover how immigration, cultural waves, and local traditions have contributed to the emergence of unique restaurants, true spaces for socializing and sharing. With nearly 400 objects, vintage menus, photographic archives, testimonies, and immersive installations, the exhibition reveals how Montreal has grown into one of Canada’s most vibrant culinary capitals.

Photo credit: Laura Dumitriu, Chez Bong, 2025 © Musée McCord Stewart

This rich and well-documented journey reminds us that restaurants are far more than mere places of consumption: they are spaces for social interaction, witnesses to social change, incubators of tradition, and markers of cultural diversity. The exhibition also explores Indigenous culinary influences and the contributions of waves of immigration, which have profoundly enriched Montreal’s gastronomic landscape.

Valuable Insight for Hospitality and Restaurant Professionals

For restaurateurs, managers, chefs, and hospitality recruitment specialists, the exhibition offers meaningful insight into the evolution of practices and expectations within the industry. It sheds light on the rise of new generations of chefs, shifts in service models, and the ways cultural and social trends have influenced restaurant concepts over time.

Understanding this history provides valuable context for current industry dynamics: the growing emphasis on heritage and storytelling, the importance of diverse and inclusive teams, the rise of immersive dining experiences, and the increasing desire for authenticity from customers. This historical perspective can support strategic thinking and innovation across the sector.

An Engaging and Accessible Museum Experience

Designed for a broad audience, the exhibition also includes interactive activities such as observation games, a children’s activity booklet, and a playful scavenger hunt featuring “Tire-Bouchon,” the museum’s pig mascot hidden throughout the exhibit. Guided tours led by culinary columnist and exhibition spokesperson Lesley Chesterman offer an expert perspective and deeper insights into the subject.

A Delicious Contest: Win a Year of Restaurant Meals

Alongside the exhibition, the McCord Stewart Museum is launching the “Montreal on the Menu: A Year of Restaurants” contest, an irresistible opportunity for food lovers and industry professionals alike.

Participants have the chance to win:

• Monthly prize: A meal for two at one of Montreal’s featured partner restaurants
• Grand Prize: A full year of dining, with 12 meals for two in 12 different restaurants across Montreal

Running from December 1, 2025, to October 23, 2026, the contest allows participants to enter monthly to increase their chances of winning the grand prize. It’s a unique way to explore the richness and diversity of Montreal’s culinary scene year-round.

An Invitation to Rediscover Montreal

“On the Menu: Montreal—A Restaurant Story” is far more than an exhibition, it is a thoughtful and immersive exploration of a living, evolving industry. For hospitality and restaurant professionals, it offers inspiration, historical context, and valuable insights into the city’s culinary heritage.

By combining a retrospective journey with an interactive experience and a gastronomic contest, the McCord Stewart Museum invites visitors to celebrate Montreal’s rich and diverse food culture in a fresh and engaging way.

🎟️ For more information and to plan your visit: McCord Stewart Museum – On the Menu.