A Guide to Downtown Montreal with Sandra Ferreira

Skillfully combining her deep family ties to the restaurant industry with a forward-thinking approach to business, Sandra Ferreira knows Downtown Montreal like the back of her hand. 

Growing up in the hustle and bustle of her family’s flagship restaurant Ferreira Café—the flagship institution of a restaurant group including Café Vasco de Gama and Campo—Sandra was immersed in the world of hospitality from an early age. In 2014, at just 24 years old, she stepped into her present-day role. As the daughter of Carlos Ferreira, founder of the Ferreira Group, she has embraced the responsibility of preserving the company’s heritage while steering it into the future as its Director of Operations.

Passionate about hospitality, she built a solid operational foundation that could support the company’s growth, but her arrival coincided with the launch of new ventures including an expanded presence in wine and olive oil production in Portugal.

In a recent interview, Sandra let us in on her favourite places and things in downtown Montreal.

What is the best time of year to be in downtown Montreal?

“It’s right around the month of September, when it’s still summer, but when all the people who live and work downtown are coming back for the fall season.”

Where do you take guests from out of town?

“Many places, but I’d say maybe a quick lunch at Time Out Market Montréal, and maybe go for a 5 à 7 at Rose Orange on top of Place Ville Marie to observe the beautiful view.”

Time Out Market Montréal: "The best chefs and restaurants in the city under one roof"—that’s the guiding concept which built the original food hall from the Time Out Group in Lisbon, Portugal, and it’s this winning concept that’s created Montreal’s very own in the Centre Eaton de Montréal. It’s a 40,000-square-foot culinary and cultural destination with 16 food concepts, three bars, and a mocktail station for refreshments you need to try once in your lifetime.

Rose Orange: Located atop an architectural wonder of downtown, the Place Ville Marie, this terrasse-based restaurant and club is where you’ll see the greatest views (and beautiful sunsets) in Montreal. As the highest outdoor vantage point, it’s where you can enjoy a late afternoon of lounging or a late night of dancing long after the moon rises.

Where do you get your morning coffee?

“At Vasco de Gama on Peel Street, obviously! I also like to get freshly squeezed orange juice and a tosta mista, a grilled Portuguese sandwich, for breakfast.”

Café Vasco de Gama: Café Vasco de Gama is a relaxed downtown Montreal café that’s great for a quick bite or coffee break. Located in the business district, it’s a popular choice for lunch, offering Portuguese staples like frango piri piri (grilled chicken) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). The atmosphere is casual, and the menu keeps things simple but flavourful. You can pop in for a sit-down meal or grab something to go—either way, it’s a solid choice for a taste of Portuguese comfort food right in the city.

What’s your go-to lunch spot when you’re downtown?

“I’m biased, but I’m at Ferreira Café every day for some nice grilled fish and a healthy, elegant lunch.”

Ferreira Café: One of Montreal’s premiere destinations for high-end Portuguese dining, Ferreira Café has maintained its position as a staple experience of the city’s restaurant scene for more than 30 years. Its founder Carlos Ferreira’s often been called the man who put his country’s cuisine on the city’s radar, and he—along with his devoted family—have continued to deepen its influence through a focus on curated ingredients both from Canada and abroad.

What do you like about working downtown?

“It’s definitely the energy, when it gets busy especially around lunchtime, it’s quite special. People come out of the towers around us, fill up the tables—there’s nothing quite like it. When the streets are full, and the restaurants are full.”

What’s one thing about downtown Montreal that you think more people should know about?

“The proximity to nature; Mount Royal is right up the street, not even a five minute walk, and nothing beats it to take in a view or just take a walk.”

Mount Royal: Mount Royal is a central part of Montreal’s landscape, offering a mix of walking, hiking, and biking trails through wooded areas and open spaces. It’s a popular spot for locals to take in views of the city or enjoy some time outdoors. On summer Sundays, the Tam Tams, a casual drum circle near the George-Étienne Cartier Monument, has been a fixture for over 40 years. The park is also well-suited for winter activities, with maintained paths making it accessible year-round. It’s a practical, everyday green space for both casual visits and more active outings.

Where do you go to relax in downtown Montreal?

“ensō yoga, their studio is spectacular. There’s also Club Sportif MAA for anyone who wants to train, and there’s also a spa there.”

ensō yoga: ensō yoga stands out in downtown Montreal as more than just a yoga studio—it’s a space designed for personal and communal transformation. Since its inception, ensō has aimed to inspire balance, growth, and positive action through its heated yoga and hot barre classes, known for their challenging yet uplifting approach. The studio is renowned not only for its carefully crafted environment and expert instructors but also for its commitment to giving back. With 50% of its profits dedicated to empowering women, ensō blends yoga with philanthropy, creating a community where physical practice meets purpose. It’s a place to stretch, reflect, and elevate both body and spirit.

Club Sportif MAA: Club Sportif MAA has been a staple in Montreal’s fitness scene since 1881, and it’s got the history to back it up. From its early days hosting Stanley Cup-winning hockey teams to producing Olympic champions, the MAA is a part of Canadian sports heritage. Its original Peel Street location has undergone a major facelift, offering everything from HIIT and spinning to yoga and Pilates. With luxury services like laundry and top-notch instructors, it’s always been about providing a premium experience in a historic home with cutting-edge facilities for fitness and community, ready to welcome the next generation of Montrealers.

Any other businesses you want to shout out?

“I love Cloakroom for a good cocktail, or even Bar Dominion, or even Bleu Comme Le Ciel, this nice little jewelry store right around the corner.”

Cloakroom Bar: Thanks to repeated laudations from around the world, Cloakroom Bar is no longer one of Montreal’s best-kept secrets—but its speakeasy-style presentation helps to maintain that allure. Tucked away behind an unmarked door in the heart of downtown, it opened in 2015 and has since earned a reputation for its bespoke cocktails, crafted with precision and care by experts. The experience here is all about personalization—there’s no set menu; instead, the bartenders tailor each drink to your tastes, using top-quality ingredients and inventive techniques.

Bar Dominion: Bar Dominion is one of those rare spots in Montreal where old-world charm meets modern comfort. Housed in a beautifully restored space that dates back to the 1920s, this downtown bar captures the essence of Montreal’s storied past with its vintage décor—think dark wood, cozy leather booths, and softly glowing lights. The drinks menu leans heavily into classic cocktails, but with refined, creative twists here and there that help separate it from the pack.

Bleu Comme Le Ciel: Since 1998, Bleu Comme le Ciel has quietly become a beloved gem in downtown Montreal—pun most absolutely intended—thanks to offerings of jewelry that feel both personal and timeless. The boutique welcomes with a warm, Mediterranean-inspired vibe and a collection of pieces sourced from Paris and the Côte d’Azur. Something delicate, bold statement pieces, and more; their selection showcases the best of French artistry—gold, silver, and precious stones, each with their own story.

Where do you take your family downtown?

“My kids love Campo.”

Campo: Since opening in 2016, Campo has cemented itself as a top spot for Portuguese-style chicken in Montreal. The Ferreira family’s commitment to quality shines through every bite, with grain-fed, hormone-free birds marinated in piri piri sauce for 24 hours before hitting the grill. As part of the renowned Ferreira Group, Campo offers a casual yet elevated dining experience, serving everything from whole chickens to poutine with Portuguese flair. The cozy 35-seat space, designed by Provencher_Roy, feels inviting, with thoughtful touches like hanging lights and a neon flaming chicken.

Describe your perfect day in the neighbourhood.

“Come downtown for a coffee and stroll down Sainte-Catherine Street for some shopping.”

Sainte-Catherine Street: This is a major lifeline for downtown Montreal, stretching for over 11 kilometres and lined with (or easily connected to) everything from high-end shops and local boutiques to cafés, bars, and more restaurants than you can shake a fork at. Looking for a shopping spree? No problem. Just want to people-watch and soak up the city’s energy? This is the spot. This bustling street offers it all. Day or night, it’s where the heart of the city really beats.

What’s a hidden gem in downtown Montreal?

“We have so many beautiful museums. I personally really like the McCord Stewart Museum on Sherbrooke.”

McCord Stewart Museum: The McCord Stewart Museum might officially focus on Montreal’s history and its people, but its scope extends far beyond that. It serves as a dynamic hub for culture, offering everything from yoga sessions to Indigenous concerts and film screenings. Alongside its engaging programming, the museum houses an impressive archive of over a million objects, including artwork, fashion, photography, and historical documents. Many of these go on display via curated displays, which explore the city’s rich narrative.

Discover more of what downtown Montreal has to offer.