The essentials according to Bossa chef Daniel Lo Manto

Daniel Lo Manto isn’t your typical chef-turned-entrepreneur.

At 23, he launched the Italian deli & grocery store Bossa in Verdun, and it quickly became a local institution. It was a family affair: Lo Manto’s roots run deep, from learning how to jar tomato sauce with his grandparents to sourcing fresh ingredients from the shop's own backyard garden.

We wanted to ask the man behind the community staple that churns out hundreds of sandwiches daily—chicken parm, porchetta, you name it—what he considers essential to his day-to-day, and where we can pick it up from in town.

Knives from L’Émouleur

1081 Avenue Laurier Ouest

"One of my most-used items is my knife set from Émouleur, the Japanese knife shop in Montreal. As a chef, I use them every day. Fun fact: it’s bad luck to gift a knife, so the recipient should 'buy' it with a penny to avoid bad luck... maybe a nickel though, now that pennies are out of circulation."

For 15 years, L’Émouleur on Laurier Ouest has been the go-to for chefs, food enthusiasts, and collectors craving the sharpest blades and a dose of artistry.

At its helm is Guillaume de L’Isle, a microbiologist turned blade savant who stumbled into this world selling knives door-to-door. He’s now a trusted name for sharpening, importing, and curating exquisite Japanese knives that grace the kitchens of some of Montreal’s most celebrated chefs.

Kitchenware from Boutique Réunion

4750 Wellington Street

"They have kitchen supplies, butcher blocks, plates, and glassware—all locally made. They also carry books and unique gifts. I do most of my holiday shopping there."

Anchored on Wellington, this sprawling space blends the literary with local craftsmanship. Beyond the bookshelves, you’ll find a cozy café and direct access to Réunion, a homeware destination for Québécois goods: Whether you’re hunting for unique gifts, sprucing up your walls with vibrant posters, or upgrading your kitchen with beautiful accessories, Boutique Réunion delivers. Every item is thoughtfully selected to celebrate local talent while bringing harmony and charm to a space.

Cigars from Dream Catcher Cigar Lounge

QC-138, Kahnawake, Quebec

"This is my uncle’s cigar shop in Kahnawake. They have a great selection and a lounge where you can enjoy a drink with your cigar."

Dream Catcher Cigar Lounge is for those who savour the art of a good cigar. Born from the founders’ obsession with perfect smokes and inspirations from their travels to lounges around the world, it’s a leather-and-cedar-clad retreat where aficionados and novices alike can unwind.

The lounge channels the timeless charm of a gentleman's club, complete with warm wood panelling, oversized leather chairs, and a humidor crafted from Spanish cedar. High ceilings and big screens playing everything from UFC to PPV make it a space equally suited for sports nights or quiet indulgence.

Sporting goods from Quincaillerie Dante

6851 Saint Dominique Street

"I love cooking, and I love shooting. Because I hunt, and I get my supplies from Dante in Little Italy. It’s funny—they sell kitchen items in the front and firearms in a hidden back section."

Quincaillerie Dante is a love letter to Montreal’s Italian roots, blending hardware, culinary passion, and family legacy. Since 1956, it has evolved from a go-to spot for Italian-made tools and appliances into a hub for hunters and home chefs alike. Originally founded to serve Italian immigrants longing for a taste of home, Dante later expanded under Antonio and Giuseppe Vendittelli, adding a firearms counter for hunting—a move that united cultures through shared outdoor traditions.

By the 1980s, Elena Faita-Vendittelli’s culinary vision transformed Dante yet again, shifting its focus toward kitchen essentials. Today, Dante stands as a Montreal institution, drawing everyone from casual cooks to renowned chefs within its storied walls.

Clothing from influenceu

1400 Saint-Catherine Street West

"My girlfriend’s father owns it, and they curate cool clothing, much of it locally made. They’re opening a second location downtown, and another in Royalmount."

influenceu is a boutique that has been a staple in the city’s fashion scene for over two decades. The store offers a curated selection of high-end fashion and streetwear brands, including Adidas Originals, Moose Knuckles, and UGG. Customers can explore a range of products from clothing and accessories to footwear, catering to both men and women. The boutique is known for its unique and trendsetting pieces, providing a shopping experience that appeals to those seeking stylish and exclusive clothing options.

Gourmet goods from Bossa

4354 Wellington Street

"We have the best selection of panettone in the city; we've got thousands and we order them months in advance. We get some specialty ones from Elena as well, and those are particularly fantastic."

Bossa's claim to fame as a sandwicheria and neighbourhood cornerstone extends to its shelves stocked with Italian grocery staples. Family-run since 2018, this spot is known for its sandwiches like the meatball sub and chicken parm. But it doesn’t stop there. The shelves are stocked with everything you need to bring that flavour home: fresh pasta, olive oils, homemade sauces, and a selection of pantry essentials straight out of Nonna’s kitchen.