There are many reasons why people go to the Bell Centre: a Montreal Canadiens hockey game, a musical performance by an international artist, the latest show by a Quebec comedian or a conference bringing together the best specialists in a specific field. For these spectators, the idea behind this evening is always the same: to live the most exciting experience possible.

And very often, it all starts with a good meal at the restaurant. Since you already have your ticket for the long-awaited event presented in the Montreal amphitheatre, let us suggest restaurants located near the Bell Centre where you can eat well and start your experience off right.

The Bell Centre is the busiest amphitheatre in Canada and one of the five busiest places of its kind in the world. The ranking thus obtained does not only take into account hockey games (which welcome more than 21,000 spectators per game), but also shows and other events.

In fact, the Bell Centre ranks among the most important tourist attractions in the city of Montreal and, on its own, accounts for more than a third of the tickets for shows and events sold in Quebec.

In addition to the hockey games presented about fifty nights a year, other very popular events are presented each year: national and international musical shows, comedy, personal growth conferences, performances by Cirque du Soleil and even WWE wrestling.

But all these shows would not be complete without first thinking about eating well beforehand. That is why we have created the list of restaurants to choose before visiting the Bell Centre.

Bazarette

Inside the Bell Centre itself, several food counters are open during each event. This is the case of the Bazarette, which is open before and after games or events.

You can choose from a starter platter (cold cuts, terrines and cheeses, served with baguette pieces and fruit ketchup), a beef tartare, a caprese-style burrata (burrata, strawberries, heirloom tomatoes, garlic oil, praline pistachios and balsamic reduction), a braised beef cheek poutine (pepper sauce, cheese curds and fries), a braised lamb shank (cooking juices, gratin dauphinois and garlic rapini) or the cheeseburger (ground beef patty, bacon slice, pickle, cheese sauce, tomatoes and potato hamburger bun, served with fries or salad), including a vegetarian option available upon request.

To accompany it all, opt for their signature cocktails.

Also reserved exclusively for ticket holders for the game or show, the Mythik, 9-4-10 Steakhouse and Canti Osteria restaurants are also located inside the Bell Centre.

La Mise au Jeu

This restaurant, which operates as a private club, was inaugurated in 1967, first at the Forum. It is open exclusively during Montreal Canadiens games and is reserved for Club Desjardins members and subscribers. They can go there before and after the games.

The culinary offerings at La Mise au Jeu are high-end and the atmosphere is perfect for a hockey fan. The restaurant's proposed concept is made up of culinary stations. It is possible to return to your table between periods and enjoy other specialties prepared especially for the occasion.

La Cage Brasserie Sportive

Also located at the Bell Centre, but accessible at all times, La Cage Brasserie Sportive is the most famous restaurant for athletes in all of Quebec. It was only natural that this chain would set up shop near the building of the most glorious hockey team.

Formerly called La Cage aux Sports, you will find an electrifying sports atmosphere thanks to the hundreds of screens showing sports at all hours of the day and the decor recalling the exploits of our heroes.

As soon as you enter the restaurant, you can also grab a basket of free popcorn.

On the menu, the dishes offered are made with fresh and local ingredients.

Among others, the new Pidzz pizzas cooked at high temperature in an authentic oven are available in several flavors: chicken and pesto (handmade pistachio pesto, marinated Quebec chicken breast, Italian cherry tomatoes, parmesan and mozzarella), margherita (homemade tomato sauce, fior di latte cheese, parmesan and fresh basil) or bacon, sausages and onions (homemade tomato sauce, bacon, hot Italian sausages, red onion, parmesan and mozzarella).

The more classic will rather opt for the ribs or burgers.

Choices of meat, fish and poke are also on the menu, as well as a special selection for children.

Promotions are in effect almost every day of the week.

St-Hubert

Another Quebec classic, the St-Hubert restaurant also offers its chicken plates just a few steps from the Bell Centre. Ticket holders for the evening event will be happy to know that the service is ultra fast when you specify that you are going across the street right after.

At St-Hubert, you can of course enjoy their roasted chicken, whether the leg or the breast, all accompanied by fries or mashed potatoes and their traditional or creamy coleslaw.

There are also the whole pork ribs, very tender, with a choice of sauce to your taste (classic or whisky BBQ) or the St-Burger, prepared with a crispy chicken breast, creamy coleslaw, shredded lettuce, pickles and a spread of roasted red peppers.

St-Hubert offers tables in the dining room or on the restaurant-bar side for a slightly different atmosphere.

La Belle et La Boeuf

Our next suggestion is La Belle et La Boeuf, a burger bar where the atmosphere also lends itself very well to the type of festivities presented at the Bell Centre.

The branch on Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal is open every day from 11:30 a.m. Closing times vary, depending on traffic. When there are events at the Bell Centre, the evening menu options are reduced to make service faster and allow everyone to arrive at their seat just before the start of the game or show and no reservations are allowed.

On the menu, you will find about twenty choices of burgers, each one more amazing than the last. Among others, the Classic smash (two beef patties, cheddar cheese, bacon, onions and special sauce), the Imposter (veggie patty, Swiss cheese, avocado, lettuce, roasted tomatoes and ranch sauce), the Captain flam (beef patty, Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, caramelized onions and spicy mayo) or the Calimero (beef patty, fried egg, bacon, smoked gouda cheese, lettuce, fried onions and spicy mayo).

You could also go to the story of La Belle et La Boeuf by savoring either the Epic or the Spank Me, two enormous burgers with four patties for one and ten inches wide and six inches high for the other!

There are also tartares, salads, poutines and other sandwiches.

A children's menu is available.

Ye Olde Orchard Pub & Grill

Finally, let yourself be charmed by the Ye Olde Orchard Pub and Grill, a Celtic restaurant promising a warm and friendly atmosphere. Fans can visit several branches across Quebec, including one located near the Bell Centre.

It is located on the ground floor of a heritage building in downtown Montreal and can accommodate 150 customers at a time.

The most gourmet among you will enjoy tasting one of the house specialties, such as fish ‘n chips, Irish beef stew, grilled sausages, braised beef in black beer, butter chicken or chicken curry,

Several specials are offered every day of the week and shows are occasionally scheduled. It is not possible to book when there are events scheduled at the Bell Centre.

On that note, enjoy your meal and have a good game (or show)!