The Main's massive Montreal 2024 holiday gift guide: Food & drink
The joy of sharing good local food and drink with thoughtful gifts that speak to the heart—and the palate.
Finding the perfect gift for the person who loves to eat and drink in your life can feel like a tall order. But whether they’re a passionate home cook, budding cocktail connoisseur, or a fan of indulgent desserts, there’s no shortage of options here.
Local creators and artisans are doing it right: Think small-batch preserves that bring a twist to charcuterie boards, handcrafted syrups that elevate cocktails and mocktails, hot sauces that burn so good, or pastries and cakes infused with cultural traditions and premium ingredients. And for those who prefer experiences over things, dining memberships, digital gift cards, or craft beer selections make memorable presents.
Celebrate the joy of sharing good food and drink with thoughtful, flavour-filled gifts that speak to the heart—and the palate.
See The Main's full 2024 gift guide here.
Food & Drink
Photograph: (Clockwise from top left) @mtlpreserves / @bayardroyal / @34oztonic / @mthell.shop
DINR
For the culinary enthusiast in your life, a DINR Premium membership offers unparalleled access to the most sought-after dining experiences. Launched in Montreal, this app is a favourite among discerning diners looking for exclusive reservations and insider benefits. It’s a great gift for those passionate about exceptional gastronomy and hospitality.
TREATER
Offer an unforgettable dining experience from Montreal’s top-rated restaurants with TREATER digital gift cards. Whether it’s a refined evening at Jun I, Damas, Moccione, or another amazing spot, these gift cards—redeemable at 75+ local dining spots—make supporting Montreal’s culinary scene effortless. Best of all, TREATER cards never expire.
Épicerie Mange-Tout
Épicerie Mange-Tout is NDG’s answer to high-quality, locally sourced groceries, balancing the art of butchery, fishmongery, and fine goods under one roof. Helmed by Montrealers Zachary Eberts and Gabrielle Nasri, the shop stocks everything from in-house smoked salmon and marinated meats to craft beers and ready-to-eat meals by chef Dominik Guindon.
MTL Preserves
MTL Preserves turns the art of canning into a flavour-packed celebration, offering jams, jellies, and marinated delights that balance tradition with a touch of spice. From classic blueberry and strawberry spreads to the fiery-sweet kick of Cowboy Candy jalapeños, each jar is a testament to small-batch craftsmanship. Perfect for the foodie on your list or anyone who loves elevating their charcuterie boards.
Le Mélèze
Le Mélèze, created by self-taught pastry chef Marc Antoine Arrieta in Montreal, redefines the traditional fruitcake with a Québécois twist. Each handmade cake blends local ingredients like blueberries, cranberries, and maple syrup, infused with brandy for a rich, tender treat that ages like fine wine—perfect for the holidays.
Sucre Brun
Sucre Brun is Lindsay’s heartfelt tribute to the joy and connection found in homemade desserts. Drawing inspiration from her Caribbean roots and her mother’s cherished recipes, Lindsay’s creations evoke the warmth, love, and happiness that define her family gatherings. Every treat from Sucre Brun is crafted to bring smiles and a touch of indulgence to life’s special moments.
Bayard Royal
Bayard Royal, made in Montreal, crafts rum-infused cakes that celebrate Caribbean culinary traditions with a modern touch. Rooted in founder Frénie’s Haitian heritage, these moist, flavorful desserts are made with natural ingredients and agricultural rum, delivering elegance and authenticity in every bite. Perfect for sharing, their vacuum-sealed freshness allows them to travel across Quebec and beyond.
3/4 oz.
3/4 oz. is a Montreal-based company dedicated to crafting small-batch syrups that elevate cocktails and mocktails with fresh, refined flavours. Founded by friends Alexandrine Lemaire and Hannah Palmer, the brand combines a love for design, photography, and gastronomy to create artisanal syrups that pair perfectly with high-end spirits.
MTHELL
MTHELL began as a backyard experiment turned passion project for founder Zack. Inspired by a desire to grow and create, Zack built a raised garden bed and started cultivating peppers like habaneros, scotch bonnets, and reapers. After experimenting with fermentation and flavour combinations, he crafted a hot sauce that’s earned a lot of praise since.
Le Sans Taverne
Le Sans Taverne's co-op offers an exceptional lineup of craft beers brewed with care in Pointe-Saint-Charles that you can easily gift six-packs from. From the rich, malty notes of the Blackwhale Porter Baltique to the tartness of the Ya Albi Apricot Sour, each brew tells a story inspired by history, nature, and local culture. There are great non-alcoholic yet full-flavoured options as well.
Read The Main's full 2024 gift guide here.
