Montreal: Hot attractions in a bone-chilling city

Winter is a great time to visit Montreal despite the frigid weather, said Emily Saladinoin FoodRepublic.com. If you’re game, you’ll discover that one of this music-loving city’s best outdoor music festivals—Igloofest—raves right through late January’s subzero temperatures. Better yet, the cold greatly increases your chances of snagging the hottest tables in a town that worships food just as ardently.

Maison Christian FaureOld Montreal was “sorely lacking” in authentic French pastries until Frenchman Christian Faure opened his ambitious patisserie/culinary school in August. DIYers, including kids, can sign up for one-time classes. Others can simply sit down and enjoy “perfectly pressed coffee” while munching on “addictive” croissants or “rib-sticking roast beef on fluffy brioche.” 355 Pl. Royale, (514) 508-6452

Big in JapanThis “fun, funky, and enormously popular” izakaya-style pub specializes in crowd-pleasing fare like Japanese pork buns and “wonderfully tender” toro (tuna belly). Hot-pot dishes for sharing, like slow-roasted veal shoulder and udon, “could easily sustain a family of five.”3723 Blvd. St.-Laurent, (514) 847-2222

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Foodlab Located on the top floor of a school for digital culture, Foodlab is epicurean experimentation “done right.” Its chefs switch cuisines every two weeks, so a meal could be Spanish tapas one visit and Sardinian seafood the next. Book a table early if you want a view out the floor-to-ceiling windows. 1201 Blvd. St.-Laurent, (514) 844-2033