Crispy skin, a smoky char, a brush of piri-piri and a pile of fries or roasted potatoes on the side: few meals say Montreal comfort food like a Portuguese chicken from the Main. If you are hunting for the best Portuguese chicken in Montreal, you are spoiled for choice, from 1970s rotisseries with a handful of counter seats to downtown spots that do grain-fed birds and poutine. Here are 10 addresses worth the trip, grouped by neighbourhood.
Our picks lean on Tastet’s list of the best Portuguese restaurants in Montreal, updated in August 2026, which notes that Portuguese immigration to Canada picked up significantly from 1953 and that the Main still carries the community’s stamp. Menus and hours change, so call ahead.
The best Portuguese chicken in Montreal: the Plateau classics
Romados (115 Rachel Street East)
The Plateau institution. Romados has changed owners, but Tastet says the piri-piri chicken is as good as ever. The chicken sandwich, the Romados poutine and the grilled chorizo are all worth ordering, and it would be a shame to leave without a pastel de nata. Expect a line at dinner time.
Rôtisserie Portugalia (34 Rachel Street West)
Opened in 1994 as a small take-out counter, Portugalia now has a modest dining room. The chickens soak for hours in a secret marinade before going on the grill, which gives them crisp skin and a spicy kick. The chicken sandwich on Portuguese bread is a winner, and Jeanne-Mance Park is a short walk away.
Ma Poule Mouillée (969 Rachel Street East)
Since 2013, Ma Poule Mouillée has been the corner of Rachel and Boyer’s favourite quick bite. This is not a place to linger: grab a chicken or chorizo sandwich, or the famous poutine with São Jorge cheese, grilled chicken and chorizo. Squid, octopus and sardines are on the grill too.
Old-school rotisseries on the Main
Rôtisserie Coco Rico (3907 Saint-Laurent Boulevard)
Open since 1970, Coco Rico is one of the very first Portuguese rotisseries in town. This family business is known for juicy barbecue chicken and potatoes cooked in chicken fat. It is mostly take-out, with about 10 seats at the counter, and the grill also turns out rabbit, pork, lamb and ribs.
Restaurant Jano (3883 Saint-Laurent Boulevard)
A few doors down, Jano has been feeding regulars for more than 40 years. The house classic is the generous grilled chicken plate with salad and fries, and the menu also covers rabbit, lamb, pork, salmon and sardines. Family atmosphere, no fuss.
Downtown and Old Montreal
Campo Poulet Portugais (1108 De Maisonneuve Boulevard West)
Campo is the casual sibling of Ferreira, with a menu designed by Ferreira’s executive chef João Dias. The chicken is 100% natural, grain-fed and hormone-free, available as breast, leg, whole bird or wings, alongside sandwiches, poutine, ribs and salads. Affordable for downtown.
Chez Doval (150 Marie-Anne Street)
Technically on the Plateau, but a world of its own: Chez Doval has been grilling over charcoal since 1974 and has barely changed. Great value, a list of Portuguese wines at fair prices and, on some nights, a guitarist who plays the bamba.
Villeray and Little Italy
Emilia (7901 Saint-Dominique Street)
This charming cantine near Jarry Park, open since 2018, serves Portuguese chicken in every form: on its own, in sandwiches and in poutine. It is a relaxed, family-friendly stop.
Imperio Portuguese Grill (1292 Jarry Street East)
Império Grill is a true neighbourhood restaurant with charcoal-grilled chicken, sausages and Portuguese sandwiches, served with a warm welcome.
Douro (6518 Saint-Laurent Boulevard)
In Little Italy, Douro goes beyond the rotisserie with tapas, grilled sardines, seafood casserole and rabbit in red wine, but its charcoal chicken holds its own. Pretty blue ceramic, and a good selection of Portuguese wines.
How to order like a regular
- Ask for the hot sauce on the side if you’re not sure about the heat. Every house has its own piri-piri.
- Go whole or half for a group, and add potatoes or fries and a salad.
- Try the sandwich. Chicken on a Portuguese roll is the classic Montreal lunch.
- Save room for a nata. The custard tart is the perfect finish.
Hungry for more Montreal classics? Compare our picks for the best smoked meat and the best poutine, or check out our guide to Montreal food halls for a group dinner with options for everyone. Find every guide in our Food section. Bon appétit!
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Photo: Kolforn / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources: Tastet (Portuguese restaurants), Tastet (Portuguese chicken)
