Montreal

Why it matters: founded in 2006 by Judy Servay, Robin des Bois is a non-profit restaurant run largely by volunteers, and it channels its proceeds – plus food donations and free use of its rooms – to Montreal community organisations including Le Refuge des Jeunes, Le Chainon, Accueil Bonneau and Sun Youth. It also happens to occupy the chalet in the middle of Parc La Fontaine, which is a genuinely lovely place to eat regardless of the cause. Order at the counter from the homemade menu, pay, then pick a table and take your food out into the park. Practical tip: hours are seasonal – Thursday to Saturday it stays open to 10pm from May through September, but October to April it opens weekends only, 10am to 5pm, so check before trekking over. Sign up online if you want to volunteer a shift; the space is wheelchair accessible.