Montreal Restaurants

Montréal has one of Canada's most cosmopolitan restaurant scenes with trendy new eateries popping up regularly, their menus heavily influenced by flavors from around the globe, and often with an added touch of French flair.

Montréal's top dining destinations are plentiful, especially as young chefs move to hip destinations in Mile End and the Plateau areas to open new restaurants. Downtown, convenient to many hotels, finds most of its restaurants clustered between rues Guy and Peel and on the side streets that run between boulevard René-Lévesque and rue Sherbrooke. Rue St-Denis and boulevard St-Laurent, between rues Sherbrooke and Jean Talon, have long been, and continue to be, convenient and fashionable areas, with everything from sandwich shops to high-price gourmet shrines. Old Montréal, too, has a collection of well-regarded restaurants, most of them clustered on rue St-Paul, avenue McGill, and place Jacques-Cartier.

You can usually order à la carte, but make sure to look for the table d'hôte, a two- to four-course package deal. It's often more economical, offers interesting specials, and may also take less time to prepare. For a splurge, consider a menu dégustation, a five- to seven-course tasting menu that generally includes soup, salad, fish, sherbet (to cleanse the palate), a meat dish, dessert, and coffee or tea. A menu dégustation for two, along with a good bottle of wine, will cost around C$250.

Most restaurants will have an English menu or, at the very least, a bilingual menu—but some might only be in French. If you don't understand what a dish is, don't be too shy to ask; a good server will be happy to explain. If you feel brave enough to order in French, remember that in Montréal an entrée is an appetizer, and what Americans call an entrée is a plat principal, or main dish.

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  • 1. Au Pied de Cochon

    $$$$ | The Plateau

    Not for the timid, the menu at this famous 20-year-old bistro—one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorites—is an ode to gluttony and nose-to-tail cooking. Wild restaurateur and chef Martin Picard serves pickled bison tongue, guinea hen liver mousse, a whole pig's head for two, and pork hocks braised in maple syrup. However, his obsession with foie gras is what truly sets him apart; he lavishes the stuff on hamburgers and, brace yourselves, poutine. Come summer, look for the Au Pied de Cochon food truck. In winter, you can "pig out" on pork and maple syrup creations at one of two Au Pied de Cochon sugar shacks in St-Benoît de Mirabel.

    536 av. Duluth Est, Montréal, Québec, H2L 1A9, Canada
    514-281–1114

    Known For

    • Foie gras poutine
    • Au Pied de Cochon food truck
    • Local celebrity chef

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 2. Beautys Luncheonette

    $$ | The Plateau

    The Schkolnick family has been serving brunch at this Montréal landmark since 1942 and very little here has changed, including the menu. On weekends, the line out front can be daunting. The Beautys Special—bagel, lox, and cream cheese—is the ultimate classic. Standard picks also include the Mish Mash omelet, with sliced frankfurters, salami, green peppers, and fried onions; and the Superbeautys 2 with two eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage, and a toasted bagel. Until he passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, Hyman, the original owner, still sat at the counter and directed patrons to their seats.

    93 av. du Mont-Royal Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2S5, Canada
    514-849–8883

    Known For

    • Historic venue
    • Bagel with lox
    • Long lines on the weekend

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 3. Café Olimpico

    $ | Mile End | Coffee

    Ranked one of the world's best cafés by the UK's Telegraph, this unpretentious 1970s-style café is popular with locals for Italian pastries like cannoli and pistachio bomboloni and, of course, great espresso made from a secret blend of six different coffee beans. It's also a good place to get a feel for authentic Montréal. Families and suits alike head to Café Olimpico in the morning to kickstart their day, and the patio is overflowing with hipsters on sunny days. Baristas here know their craft and the grinding of the espresso machine is a welcome melody to serious coffee drinkers.

    124 rue St-Viateur Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2L1, Canada
    514-495–0746

    Known For

    • Gourmet coffee
    • Sunny patio
    • Local spot
  • 4. Kem CoBa

    $ | Mile End

    Only one word accurately describes the all-natural goodness at this ice cream and sorbet stand: yum. Flavors change frequently based on what chefs find at the market, but the lightly salted butter ice cream is a staple; partner it with the apple sorbet and you'll have yourself an apple pie on a cone. Or, better yet, give the “soft serve of the week” a taste. Oddly satisfying combinations like blueberry and honey as well as rosewater, raspberry, and lychee are to be expected.

    60 av. Fairmount Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2M2, Canada
    514-419–1699

    Known For

    • Cash only
    • Eccentric soft-serve flavors
    • Local favorite

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Oct.–Apr.
  • 5. L'Express

    $$$ | The Plateau

    This iconic Montréal bistro hasn’t changed much since its opening in 1980, and it’s just as well—regulars would throw a fit if it did. Quintessential French fare is fairly priced and appetizing, outstanding even, with dishes like steak tartare with fries, salmon with sorrel, and calf's liver with tarragon. Tiny tables sometimes struggle to accommodate the ever-present crowds (including local chefs, who congregate here for dinner after hours and breakfast before hours), but the lively atmosphere is part of the charm. Kids are warmly welcomed.

    3927 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2W 2M4, Canada
    514-845–5333

    Known For

    • Steak tartare
    • Lively atmosphere
    • Late-night dining
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. La Banquise

    $ | The Plateau

    Québec is notorious for poutine—French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy—and La Banquise has been the place for an authentic experience since 1968 with an extensive menu featuring 31 varieties. Neophytes might want to stick with La Classique, but mouthwatering novelties like La Taquise (guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes), L'Obélix (smoked meat), La Veggie Reggie (pickles, tomatoes, creamy coleslaw, and Banquise sauce), and La Véganomane (vegan sauce and cheese) are quite alluring. On the odd sunny day, have your poutine to go and enjoy it alfresco in nearby Parc Lafontaine.

    994 rue Rachel Est, Montréal, Québec, H2J 2J3, Canada
    514-525–2415

    Known For

    • Open 24 hours
    • Cash only
    • Smoked-meat poutine
  • 7. Lawrence

    $$$ | Mile End

    There are lines outside this hip and trendy establishment before the restaurant even opens. The chef's British background means that the homemade scones and clotted cream here are required eating. Other options include, of course, a typical English breakfast, as well as gourmet doughnuts and pig's trotters for the more adventurous eaters. The dinner menu, on the other hand, changes regularly. If the aged pork sirloin with seasonal sides or the arctic char and sea urchin are available for dinner, you're in luck.

    9 ave. Fairmount E., Montréal, Québec, H2T 2L9, Canada
    514-796–5686

    Known For

    • British-inspired fare
    • Arctic char and sea urchin
    • Butcher shop, Boucherie Lawrence

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
  • 8. Le Virunga

    $$$$ | The Plateau

    A mother-daughter team helm this delightfully cozy pan-African Québécois fusion restaurant in Le Plateau. Innovative and well executed dishes like cassava couscous with okra and goat stew celebrate local produce and sub-Saharan flavors for an experience you won’t soon forget.

    851 rue Rachel E., Montréal, Québec, QC H2J 2H9, Canada
    514-504–8642

    Known For

    • Goat stew
    • Excellent cocktails and South African wine
    • Homey, high-end cooking in an intimate setting

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. No lunch
  • 9. Moishe's

    $$$$ | The Plateau

    Elegant and old-school, Montréal's premier steak house has been in the Lighter family since 1938 and family members have consistently been hands-on when it comes to selecting and aging their own antibiotics-and-hormone-free steaks, sourced from local farmers. Fresh oysters are a terrific starter, and fresh fish preparations are available, but make no mistake: this is a steak house. Do not skip Moishe's famous Monte Carlo—potato skins filled with potato mixed with milk, butter, cream, and chives. The $29 special after 9 pm Wednesday through Saturday is a great deal for late diners.

    3961 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1Y4, Canada
    514-845–3509

    Known For

    • Monte Carlo potato
    • Quality, aged steaks
    • Coleslaw and pickles starter

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
  • 10. Pâtisserie Rhubarbe

    $ | The Plateau

    This small and tastefully decorated bakery is, simply put, a Montréal treasure. Locals come from all over the city to pick up delicious desserts like lemon tarts and Paris-Brest that taste as good as they look. Pâtisserie Rhubarbe also serves a delightful afternoon tea every Friday from 2 to 5.

    1479 av. Laurier Est, Montréal, Québec, H2J 1H8, Canada
    514-316–2935

    Known For

    • Afternoon tea
    • Paris-Brest
    • Long wait for a table

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed., Reservations not accepted
  • 11. Schwartz's Delicatessen

    $$ | The Plateau

    You simply haven't really eaten in Montréal if you haven't eaten at Schwartz's, Canada’s oldest deli. This Montréal classic has zero frills décor-wise, yet crowds have been coming since 1928 for a thick and legendary smoked-meat sandwich on rye with mustard. The cooks do such an excellent job at curing, smoking, and slicing beef brisket that even when it's 20 below zero, locals (and celebrity visitors) endure the consistently long lines.  Try to avoid lunch and dinner hours, as the wait is particularly long. If you're in a rush, use the takeout counter next door.

    3895 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1X9, Canada
    514-842–4813

    Known For

    • Local institution
    • Sandwiches with smoked meat marinated in herbs and spices
    • Long wait for a table

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 12. St-Viateur Bagel & Café

    $ | The Plateau

    Even New Yorkers have been known to (collective gasp!) prefer Montréal's light and crispy bagel to its bulkier Manhattan cousin, due to the dough of the Montreal version being boiled in honey-sweetened water before baking in a wood-burning oven. St-Viateur Bagel & Café is a great place to get them, especially with smoked salmon. For a novel experience, try the rosemary and sea salt version. Be sure to check out St-Viateur's original location at 263 St-Viateur Ouest, where the bagel-magic has been happening since 1957. That venue does not have a dining area, but you can pick up bagels fresh out of the oven until midnight.

    1127 av. Mont-Royal Est, Montréal, Québec, H2G 1X9, Canada
    514-528–6361

    Known For

    • Delicious bagels
    • Classic and creative options
    • Local favorite
  • 13. Boulangerie Hof Kelsten

    $ | The Plateau

    The mastermind behind this photogenic bakery had been making bread for Montréal's best restaurants for years before he decided to open up his own place. His own shop is a favorite with locals, who line up every weekend for fresh baguettes. In addition to serving a delicious rye and caraway seed loaf and chocolate babka, Hof Kelsten also makes sandwiches like homemade gravlax with seasoned cream cheese or chopped liver with crispy onions that make for an excellent lunch or early evening meal (the shop closes at 5 pm). The bakery serves brunch on weekends.

    4524 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2T 1R4, Canada
    514-649–7991

    Known For

    • Chocolate babka
    • Jewish cuisine
    • Panettone
  • 14. Café Replika

    $ | The Plateau | Coffee

    Students, freelancers, and local hipsters flock to this understated Turkish café for two reasons: the gourmet coffee and the food. Between the Nutella and sea salt cookie, and the feta and sausage omelet, and the boreks (a traditional flaky pastry sprinkled with sesame seeds), it’s hard to pick just one thing off Replika’s menu. But what really keeps people coming back is the genuine friendliness of the owners, a Turkish couple that’s always eager to chat.

    252 rue Rachel Est, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1E5, Canada
    514-903–4384

    Known For

    • Latte art
    • Turkish fare
    • Friendly owners

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 15. Chez Victoire

    $$$ | The Plateau

    A beacon of the French cultural diaspora in Montréal, Chez Victoire is the epitome of Plateau-Mont-Royal’s joie de vivre and warmth. Fittingly, the creative menu features French-inspired seasonal market cuisine. Take a seat at the long bar and order the homemade charcuterie platter or opt for a booth to share the classic tomato and mozzarella di bufala salad, the roasted bone marrow, or the famous smoked-meat burger. The wine list focuses on sustainably sourced organic vintages.

    1453 av. du Mont-Royal Est, Montréal, Québec, H2J 1Z1, Canada
    514-521–6789

    Known For

    • Organic wines
    • Homemade charcuterie
    • Roasted cauliflower and truffles dish

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 16. ChuChai

    $$$ | The Plateau | Vegan

    Vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike love this casual Thai restaurant where no meat is served. The chefs prepare meatless versions of such classics as calamari with basil, crispy duck with spinach, chicken with green beans, fish with three hot sauces, and beef with yellow curry and coconut milk—substituting the real thing for soy and seitan. ChuChai is known for their miam kram—an appetizer of coconut, ginger, pepper, nuts, and lime—and its mock duck with soy sauce.

    4088 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2W 2M5, Canada
    514-843–4194

    Known For

    • Vegan Thai fare
    • Mock duck
    • "Thaïpas" (Thai tapas)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
  • 17. Drogheria Fine Conserve

    $ | Mile End

    Locals line up outside the window of this shoebox-sized joint, sandwiched between ice cream shop Kem CoBa and Fairmount Bagel, to get their fix of Nonna Caterina Gattuso's gnocchi topped with her famous Calabrian tomato sauce. It's served in a little cardboard take-out container and costs only C$5. Die hards can purchase 750 ml. jars of Salsa della Nonna for C$10 or a one-liter jar of Gnocchi della Nonna, also for C$10. Olive oil and a few other sauces are also available for sale.

    68 av. Fairmount O., Montréal, Québec, H2T 2M2, Canada
    514-588–7477
  • 18. Helm Microbrasserie

    $$ | Mile End

    Few places in Montréal are more Québécois than this lively microbrewery/gastropub, where the atmosphere is electrifying on hockey night if the local team, the Canadiens, is playing. With its own set of brews named after iconic Mile End streets and a terroir-inspired, locally sourced menu, HELM (which stands for barley, water, yeast, and malt in French) is in and of itself a vibrant homage to the city’s dynamic beer culture. Between the bitters and the IPAs and the cream ales, there’s hardly any room left for the microbrewery’s legendary deer and fried pickles hamburger or Schnitzel pork meatballs.

    273 rue Bernard Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 1T5, Canada
    514-276–0473

    Known For

    • Montréal-inspired micro brews
    • Locally sourced meals
    • Great place to watch hockey
  • 19. La Tamalera

    $$ | Mile End

    The kitschy-cool décor includes a display of religious icons as well as vibrantly colorful furniture, while the menu is haute Mexican street cuisine at its best. The food here is simple and the menu small, but everything is fresh and delicious. Start by ordering the homemade nachos with chunky and perfectly seasoned guacamole, local and flavorful tomatoes, and pungent onions. Follow with the Baja tacos with shrimp and coleslaw, or the classic tacos al pastor with pork, onions, and chunks of pineapple. On weekends, La Tamalera serves a Mexican-inspired brunch that includes huevos rancheros and molete, an open-faced sandwich with black beans and queso fresco (fresh cheese). La Tamalera's homemade tacos are corn-based.

    226 av. Fairmount Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2M7, Canada
    438-381–5034

    Known For

    • Corn-based homemade tacos
    • Mexican-inspired brunch
    • Vibrant decor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner weekends
  • 20. Le Filet

    $$$$ | The Plateau

    A study in contrasts, Le Filet has a discreet blink-and-you'll-miss-it façade with a glitzy black-and-gold interior and a hot-spot buzz. Though it's been around a while, there is no mixed messaging when it comes to the exacting presentation and superb food and wine. The menu is divided into three courses or "sets"; while the first sets are shareable, cold dishes (the garnished oysters with toppings like maple crisp, jalapeño or miso gratin, are delightful), the second and third courses are respectively dedicated to hot seafood and meat dishes (black linguini with seafood and fried shallots and the gemelli with braised veal cheek, mushroom, and foie gras are popular choices). Wine lovers also appreciate the impressive wine list.

    219 av. Mont-Royal Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2T 2T2, Canada
    514-360–6060

    Known For

    • Voted a top three seafood restaurant in city by ThreeBestRated Canada
    • Expert sommeliers
    • Garnished oysters

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.

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