Private Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour W/ 8 Tastings

Montreal , Canada

Private Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour W/ 8 Tastings

Active

(10 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

On our Food Tour: Montreal - Jean-Talon & Little Italy, you'll enjoy a feast of farm-to-table foods and beloved family recipes.

Our experienced guides will take you on a culinary adventure through one of Montreal's oldest public markets and the epicenter of Canada's second largest Italian population! On your journey, you'll delight in some of the freshest foods the city has to offer such as toasty breads, hand-carved meats, creamy cheeses, and ripe local produce at the Jean-Talon Market. Then, as you make your way into Little Italy, you'll hear the stories of proud immigrant families who risked everything to travel to the New World and discover how their legacy lives on through handcrafted meals passed down through generations. Nobody leaves hungry on this unmissable trek into the heart of Montreal's incredible food scene.

As a private tour, everything works around you! Our start times are much more easy going, dates can open up. It's a much more intimate and cozy experience.

Available options

Private Jean-Talon Market & Little Italy Food Tour W/ 8 Tastings

What's included

Fresh Cannoli with Italian Beverage | Authentic Pizza al Taglio

Maple Syrup Ice Cream | Crispy Golden Arancini

Cold-Pressed Apple Juice

Our Signature Secret Dish!

Gourmet Focaccia Sandwich | Seasonal Local Produce

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Jean-Talon Market is an established open-air farmer's market with many vendors selling produce, meats, cheeses, fish & baked goods. It is the largest market in Montreal and one of the largest open-air markets in North America.

Stop 2 Pass by

A historic fire station originally constructed in the early 20th century that served as a key part of Montreal’s fire protection services. The building itself is an architectural gem, with its distinctive red brick façade and classic design reflecting the civic pride of the time.

Little Italy is a charming residential neighborhood in the middle of Montreal full of old-school cafes, pizzerias, Italian grocery stores and traditional bakeries. Its roots can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when waves of Italian immigrants arrived in Montreal and settled in the area.

Stop 4 Pass by

Bustling, long-running Italian grocery stocking cheese, meat & bread, plus prepared food. A true historical institution of the metropolis, Fruiterie Milano has been serving Montrealers and attracting tourists for over 60 years.

Stop 5 Pass by

The former church of Saint-Jean-de-la-Croix, Montréal, built 1910-1927, was partially demolished in 2003 and replaced by an apartment building with similar volume, by architect Alphonse Gratton.

Stop 6 Pass by

Parc de la Petite-Italie is a park for relaxing, taking in the natural scenery or enjoying outdoor activities. Inaugurated on June 26, 1963, this space quickly became the heart of Petite Italie. It symbolizes the contribution of Canada's largest Italian community to the development and wealth of Montreal.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.

• Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.

• Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations’ availability, weather, and other circumstances.

Meeting point

We'll me in front of Jean-Talon Market - 7070 Henri Julien Ave, Montreal, Quebec H2S 3S3, Canada.

Important notes

• We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time to check-in with their guide.
• Our Secret Food Tours Guide will have an orange umbrella at the meeting point for easy recognition.

• Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can. [montreal@secrettours.com]
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.
• Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated.

• The legal minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
• Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

About Montreal

Montreal is a vibrant, bilingual city that beautifully blends European charm with North American energy. Known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning architecture, it's a city where cobblestone streets meet modern skyscrapers, and world-class cuisine meets bustling festivals.

Top Attractions

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

The historic heart of Montreal, featuring cobblestone streets, 17th and 18th-century architecture, and charming cafes.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, attractions vary

Mount Royal Park

A large urban park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offering stunning views of the city and numerous recreational activities.

Nature Half day Free

Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

One of Canada's most prominent museums, featuring an impressive collection of art from various periods and cultures.

Museum 2-3 hours Free to $22 CAD (varies by exhibit)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Montreal-style Bagels

Smaller, sweeter, and denser than New York bagels, often topped with sesame seeds.

Breakfast/Snack Vegetarian

Poutine

A dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Smoked Meat Sandwich

A sandwich made with smoked brisket, often served on rye bread with mustard.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Royal Park Skiing in Mont-Tremblant Picnicking in Parc La Fontaine Spa day at Bota Bota Visiting the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Exploring Old Montreal Swimming at Oka Beach Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the busiest tourist season with warm weather, festivals, and outdoor activities. Expect lively streets and numerous events.

20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: French
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken, especially in tourist areas

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5:00), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4:00) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Montreal is generally safe for tourists, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Getting there

By air

Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center

By train

Gare Centrale

By bus

Gare d'autocars de Montréal

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and easy to use. The metro system is a convenient way to get around Montreal.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Plateau Mont-Royal Downtown (Centre-Ville) Mile End

Day trips

Quebec City

250 km (155 miles) • Full day

A charming city with a rich history, featuring cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a fortress overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

Mont-Tremblant

130 km (81 miles) • Full day to overnight

A popular resort town known for its ski slopes, hiking trails, and charming village.

Oka

50 km (31 miles) • Half day

A small town known for its beautiful beach on the shores of Lake of Two Mountains and its historic Oka Abbey.

Festivals

Montreal International Jazz Festival • Late June to early July Just for Laughs • July Montreal World Film Festival • Late August to early September

Pro tips

Visit Mount Royal Park for a panoramic view of the city, especially at sunset.
Explore the Underground City, a network of tunnels connecting shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Try local specialties like poutine, smoked meat, and Montreal-style bagels.
Attend a Montreal Canadiens hockey game for a true local experience.
Use the STM app for easy navigation of the metro and bus system.