Late-night food delivery in Montreal that will never let you down

Chef on Call

It’s an unfortunate reality that kids these days don’t know how to cook, and I’ve known a few unfortunate folks who couldn’t boil water for pasta if their lives depended on it. Until some of you learn to go beyond instant ramen and can-based meals, here’s a list of late night delivery options to satiate your munchies, win favours at parties and reach that “freshman 15” mark.

I’ll quickly note two things here: One, every one of these restaurants have their own boundaries for delivery, and no one covers the whole city, so be sure to ask when you call. Two, it’s late and food can come at a premium — don’t expect cheap eats, and be sure to tip your saviour. Drunkenly fumble with your wallet all you want at the front door, but this is no time to be stingy.

1. Boustan (2020 Crescent, 514-843-3576)

Ask around for what people order from home after the bars close and Boustan is bound to come up. Open regularly from 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., this institution is a favourite of late-night noshers hungry for shawarma. A trio, which includes garlic potatoes and a soda, goes for about $14 after taxes and tip. Be sure to try their creation sandwich, a mishmash of toppings they’d otherwise use on other dishes, plus chicken and potatoes. While their delivery hours run late, they can take up to an hour for the food to reach you (they’re constantly busy), so plan accordingly.

2. New System BBQ (3419 Notre-Dame W., 514-932-1484)

You’ve probably seen their small, orange cars whizzing around town. Commonly regarded as an excellent option for delivery, New System BBQ is open every night from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. I’ve yet to select a menu option that disappoints, whether it’s their BBQ chicken that comes with a side of honey, the poutine, subs or pizzas. Really, it’s a fantastic joint that’s hard to beat in terms of quality and delivery time. The best bang for your buck (and assault on your guts) would have to be their pizza-poutine combo, $12.95 before tax and tip.

3. Angela Pizza & Restaurant (1662 de Maisonneuve W., 514-933-2000)

Opinions vary on Angela, but the general consensus is that they’re a decent option with hours that can’t be beat: 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. throughout the week, and till 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Their pizzas are likely your best bet, but some swear by their subs and pasta dishes.

4. Chef on Call (3430 Parc, East #514-844-2044)

This student-borne restaurant started back in 2009, seeking to corner the market on late-night delivery. Open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. throughout the week, and till 4 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday, their delivery borders extend the farthest and the food’s not too shabby in general. I’ll say now that their burgers, wraps and sandwiches are your most reliable options, as not every menu option is as good as they look in the pictures on their website — I once received mac ’n’ cheese that was elbow pasta tossed in unsalted béchamel. Tsk-tsk. Still, they have an efficient online ordering service with text message confirmation. Ah, the 21st century!

5. Saj Mahal (1448 St-Mathieu, 514-925-7070)

Saj Mahal makes the cut for this list for their quality and price (plus a 15 per cent discount for students). Serving Lebanese and Mediterranean fare, it’s roughly $6 to $8 for a Lebanese markouk pizza that’s served in over 50 varieties, with eggs, cheese, meat, veg, and dessert options. Their sandwiches have been frequently recommended as well. They’re open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. throughout the week, till 3 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday. Be sure to ask for the prices when you call — their website’s menu is strangely lacking in pricing. ■