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As the season of music festivals arrives, it is time to start planning transportation, lodging and, most importantly, where to eat. Eight artistic directors and performers weigh in on the best local spots. Here are our insiders’ picks of their favourite restaurants, cafés, and bars at summer music festivals across Canada.
Early Music Vancouver’s Summer Festival
Selections by Artistic and Executive Director Suzie LeBlanc
www.earlymusic.bc.ca
Favourite Spot for a Meal: Maenam
“They have excellent food, ambience and service. A great place for a healthier meal with friends and collaborators.”
Favourite Spot for a Drink: Notch8 Restaurant & Bar
“(This is) a great place for artists to meet for a drink after a concert. The cocktails are delicious, and the service runs late. You can enjoy the beautiful, cozy atmosphere while sharing stories and memories.”
Favourite Spot for Sweets: Mon Pitou Bistro & Bakery
“When running between rehearsals, concerts and the office, Mon Pitou Bistro & Bakery is the perfect place to get a delicious French pastry and energizing coffee. The atmosphere makes you feel like you just stepped into a café in France.”
Bonus: The Public Market on Granville Island
“Many options for different meals, drinks and treats by the ocean.”
Granville Island Public Market. Photo: Jay Esplana, Wikimedia Commons
Banff Interplay
Selections by Artistic Director Joel Ivany
www.banffcentre.ca
Favourite Spot for a Meal: Maclab Bistro
“One of the BEST restaurants in the Bow Valley. Food is made well and ingredients are always fresh.”
Favourite Spot for a Drink: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Favourite Spot for Sweets: COWS Banff or HANKKi
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Photo: Kimpayant, Wikimedia Commons
Toronto Summer Music Festival
Selections by soprano Caitlin Wood | Ava in Missing (July 24)
www.torontosummermusic.com
Favourite Spot for a Meal: The Duke of York
“With its welcoming atmosphere, spacious back patio, great selection of drinks, and tasty meals, it’s the perfect spot to relax before or unwind after a performance. My favourite dish? The Classic Turkey Club on a gluten-free bun.”
Favourite Spot for a Drink: Bar Reyna
“Tucked into a charming Victorian house in Yorkville, it has a cozy and chic vibe, perfect for sipping while people-watching in one of Toronto’s most fashionable neighbourhoods. If I’m in the mood for something refreshing with a kick, I go for the classic Pimm’s Cup. But when I want something non-alcoholic, their Butterfly Pea Flower Lemonade mocktail is perfect for a summer drink: vibrant, floral, and completely satisfying.”
Favourite Spot for Sweets: L’Espresso Bar Mercurio
“It’s the perfect place to grab a treat and a coffee and enjoy a quiet, sweet moment between concerts. Plus, it’s been known to attract some notable visitors, Margaret Atwood is a regular, so you just might spot a Canadian icon while you’re there.”
Bonus: B Espresso Bar (in the atrium of the Royal Conservatory of Music)
“It’s truly the lifeblood of the festival, at least when it comes to caffeine! You’ll spot artists and patrons alike grabbing a quick bite, a sweet treat, and a much-needed coffee as they dash between events. It’s a perfect little hub of festival energy.”
Music and Beyond
Selections by Artistic and Executive Director Julian Armour
www.musicandbeyond.ca
Favourite Spot for a Meal: Feleena’s, RamaKrishna Indian Restaurant, or Afghani Kabob Express
“All of these are central, and are guaranteed to offer a meal you will want to talk about for the rest of the evening!”
Favourite Spot for a Drink: The Royal Oak – Bank at Gloucester or The Sir John A Pub
“Nice places, fast service, and close to key venues—super important when you have just played a concert and are very thirsty!”
Favourite Spot for Sweets: Bread and Roses Bakery
“I love the bread; my boys love everything else they make!”
Bonus: Planet Coffee in the ByWard Market or The Happy Goat in Sandy Hill
“Great coffee is always a must!”
Happy Goat Coffee Company. Photo: Alexandra Healy
Montreal Baroque Festival
Selections by Artistic Director Matthias Maute
www.montrealbaroque.com
Favourite Spot for a Meal: Restaurant Île de France – Le 9e
Favourite Spot for a Drink: L’infâme Tittle Tattle
Favourite Spot for Sweets: Café du Marché Bonsecours
Île de France
The Festival de Lanaudière
Selections by Artistic Director Renaud Loranger
www.lanaudiere.org
Favourite Spot for a Meal: Restaurant Le Manseau
“Splendid cuisine and good wine selection.”
Favourite Spot for a Drink: Marcel Café-Caviste
Favourite Spot for Sweets: L’Âtre Bistro
Festival d’opéra de Québec
Selections by baritone Olivier Bergeron | Moralès in Carmen (July 30–Aug. 3)
www.operadequebec.com
Favourite Spot for a Meal: Honō Izakaya
“If I can find the time for a quick lunch or dinner at Honō Izakaya, in St-Roch, I’m a happy man. Everything there is exceptional, but I have a soft spot for the marinated quail eggs and the butabara.”
Favourite Spot for a Drink: Café Olive or JJacques
“JJacques (has a) beautiful menu of small dishes to share with friends if you’re feeling peckish after a long evening at the theatre.”
Bonus: Cook for yourself!
“As much as I love discovering a city’s culinary scene, the first thing I do when I arrive somewhere new for work—if there’s a kitchen—is cook with fresh local produce. It’s my way of settling in. Making my own meals helps me feel grounded and well, ready to walk into a rehearsal room or step onto a stage.”
Under the Spire
Selections by Concert Manager Noelle Pettipas
www.underthespire.ca
Favourite Spot for a Meal: Island Stone Pub
“This casual lunch and dinner restaurant has a wonderful menu and great staff. Their locally sourced products reflect the best in island cuisine—from seafood to farms!”
Favourite Spot for a Drink: C&B Corner Cafe
“This iconic Kensington cafe always has a seasonal drink menu on rotation, along with a standard coffee menu. On hot summer days, you have to try their iced French vanilla latte!”
Favourite Spot for Sweets: Frosty Treat Dairy Bar
“The Frosty Treat Dairy Bar in Kensington has been operating since 1973. This fun summer dairy bar is well-loved by islanders from all corners of P.E.I., and serves ADL ice cream—a local favourite brand.”
Bonus: Ship to Shore
“For a true island summer experience, Ship to Shore restaurant is the place to visit. Their menu is expertly curated and tastes just a bit better as you look at the ocean view from their restaurant.”
Island Stone Pub (located in the Historic Kensington Railway Station). Photo: Tristan in Ottawa, Wikimedia Commons
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