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$$$ | Downtown |
Antique chairs and a 40-foot brass bar, along with the original terrazzo flooring, ceiling lamps, aged mirrors, and ceramic walls from 1927, set the tone at this atmospheric British tavern. Everything on the menu is made from scratch. Classics include bangers and mash, ploughman's meat (or fish) plate, and the bacon and cider mussels. End your evening on a high note with the sticky toffee pudding or a perfectly executed Canadian Old Fashioned, arguably one of the best in the city. Minors are not allowed on the premises.
1243 rue Metcalfe, Montréal, Québec, H3B 2V5, Canada
Known For
- Bangers and mash
- Atmospheric British tavern
- Prix-fixe dish of the day
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch on weekends, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$$ | Little Italy |
This unpretentious, industrial-chic Little Italy restaurant has garnered a great reputation, thanks in part to its celebrity-chef owners, Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione. Start by sharing the artisanal salumi platter, move on to a primi of some of the best fresh pasta dishes in town, like the mushroom tortelli with a demi-glace vegetable and hazelnut sauce, the melt-in-your-mouth ricotta gnocchi, or the porchetta del nonno (grandpa's pork roast), a must-order if it's on the menu. End your meal with the excellent gelato, made just a few blocks north of the restaurant.
48 rue Dante, Montréal, Québec, H2S 1J5, Canada
Known For
- Modern Italian fare
- Stylish decor
- Grandpa's pork roast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$ | The Plateau |
This iconic Montréal bistro hasn’t changed much since its opening in 1980, and it’s just as well—regulars would throw a fit if it did. Quintessential French fare is fairly priced and appetizing, outstanding even, with dishes like steak tartare with fries, salmon with sorrel, and calf's liver with tarragon. Tiny tables sometimes struggle to accommodate the ever-present crowds (including local chefs, who congregate here for dinner after hours and breakfast before hours), but the lively atmosphere is part of the charm. Kids are warmly welcomed.
3927 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2W 2M4, Canada
Known For
- Steak tartare
- Lively atmosphere
- Late-night dining
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$$$ | Latin Quarter |
Take cutting-edge experimental art and mix it up with food and what you get is Labo Culinaire Foodlab. Located on the third floor of Montréal's Society of Arts and Technology (SAT), Foodlab is an ongoing culinary experiment with rotating themes that range from destinations (i.e., Jerusalem) to dishes inspired by chefs (i.e., Julia Child's cookbook). You can watch chefs cook in the large open kitchen or, when it's warm, sit outside on one of the most beautiful terraces in town. Minors are only allowed on the terrace.
1201 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2X 2S6, Canada
Known For
- Trendsetting chefs
- Lovely terrace
- Natural wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
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$$$ | Mile End |
There are lines outside this hip and trendy establishment before the restaurant even opens. The chef's British background means that the homemade scones and clotted cream here are required eating. Other options include, of course, a typical English breakfast, as well as gourmet doughnuts and pig's trotters for the more adventurous eaters. The dinner menu, on the other hand, changes regularly. If the aged pork sirloin with seasonal sides or the arctic char and sea urchin are available for dinner, you're in luck.
9 ave. Fairmount E., Montréal, Québec, H2T 2L9, Canada
Known For
- British-inspired fare
- Arctic char and sea urchin
- Butcher shop, Boucherie Lawrence
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | Downtown |
Refined Le Taj carries a piece of Montréal's history with its ornate mud wall originally made for India's pavilion at World Expo ’67. With northern Indian cuisine in mind, which isn’t as spicy as its southern counterpart, thalis—platters comprising a variety of curries—are ideal for sampling unfamiliar flavors. Vegetarians and vegans feel right at home with the veggie-heavy menu, notably the saag paneer (white cheese with spinach), the tandoori vegetable platter, and the channa masala (chickpeas seasoned in coriander, garam masala, mango powder, onions, and garlic).
2077 rue Stanley, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1R7, Canada
Known For
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Multiflavored platters
- Samosas and pakoras made with herb-flavored batter
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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$$$ | Rosemont |
The only Norwegian-inspired eatery in Montréal, Beaufort Bistro has admittedly received a lot of attention. Part-time restaurant, part-time busy café (complete with freelancers and students on a deadline), this white-washed cozy space serves the only authentic open-faced sandwiches—smørrebrød—this side of the pond, as well as a variety of mains, like Rösti (potato galettes), tartares, and, of course, blinis and gravlax (this is a Scandi café, after all).
414 rue St-Zotique Est, Montréal, Québec, H2S 1L9, Canada
Known For
- Authentic smørrebrød—open-faced sandwiches
- Tartares
- Great coffee
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
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$$$ | Old Montréal |
A relatively new addition (opened in late 2019) to the plant-based sushi zeitgeist, Bloom on rue St-Paul aims to prove that it's possible to enjoy sushi without harming our oceans and the fish who live in them. With its white-painted brick and stone walls, blond wood surfaces, and low-hanging cloth lamps, this gorgeous resto is like a cross between a spa and a traditional Japanese restaurant. Choose between a wide array of artfully plated makis, futomakis, nigiris, gyozas, salads and soups, each dish a captivating fusion of tastes. Complement your meal with a kombucha or a bottle of organic pinot noir or Tsukinokatsura Junmai Iwai sake.
368 rue Saint-Paul Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2A6, Canada
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Sat.-Wed.
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$$$ | Old Montréal |
Inspired by Paris’s golden-age brasseries, Brasserie 701's spectacular setting features high ceilings, neoclassical architecture, giant arched windows, and lovely chandeliers. The menu incudes the usual suspects expected at a brasserie, from tartares, filet mignon, and escargot to foie gras.
701 côte de la Place-d'Armes, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2X6, Canada
Known For
- Salmon or beef tartare
- Homemade wild mushroom ravioli
- Packed with locals
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$$$ | Outremont |
With its cavernous corner spot on Outremont's trendy avenue Bernard, sophisticated yet playful décor, and artfully prepared comfort food, this brasserie is always a good bet for quality food and excellent people-watching. The menu at Les Enfants Terribles is a mix of high end cuisine and comfort food favorites, from salmon tartare, grilled oyster mushroom salad, to spaghetti Bolognese, fish-and-chips, and mac ’n’ cheese. The kitchen stays open to serve after-theater customers on show nights at nearby Théâtre Outremont. There is a second location on the rooftop of the Place Ville Marie, downtown.
1257 av. Bernard Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 1V8, Canada
Known For
- Pouding chômeur cake
- After-theater crowd
- Elevated comfort food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch Tues. and Wed.
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$$$ | Downtown |
The informal sibling of Montréal's famous Toqué! restaurant, Brasserie T is a see-and-be-seen spot in the heart of Downtown. It's an excellent place to eat before or after a show at Place des Arts, as well as a budget-friendly way to experience Toqué's expertise. A wall of windows keeps things bright, making the restaurant an excellent vantage point for looking out onto the lively Place des Festivals. The seafood platters—you will want to keep the salmon tartare all to yourself—and the housemade charcuterie are favorites for sharing. A terrace is open when the weather's nice.
1425 rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, Québec, H2X 2J4, Canada
Known For
- Lively atmosphere
- Legendary salmon tartare
- Casual French
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$ | 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
Known For
- Organic wines
- Homemade charcuterie
- Roasted cauliflower and truffles dish
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$$ | The Plateau |
Vegans, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike love this casual Thai restaurant where no meat is served. The chefs prepare meatless versions of such classics as calamari with basil, crispy duck with spinach, chicken with green beans, fish with three hot sauces, and beef with yellow curry and coconut milk—substituting the real thing for soy and seitan. ChuChai is known for their miam kram—an appetizer of coconut, ginger, pepper, nuts, and lime—and its mock duck with soy sauce.
4088 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2W 2M5, Canada
Known For
- Vegan Thai fare
- Mock duck
- "Thaïpas" (Thai tapas)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$ | Côte-des-Neiges |
A light croissant or rich pastry from the city's oldest patisserie makes for a nice break after visiting the Parc Mont-Royal or Oratoire St-Joseph. For lunch, try the quiche du jour, the onion soup, or the mushroom risotto followed by a tartelette aux abricots (apricot tart). Try to snag an almond paste (as opposed to almond cream) croissant (or rouleau) before the shop runs out.
5002 Côte-des-Neiges, Montréal, Québec, H3V 1G6, Canada
Known For
- Parisian-style pastry shop and bistro
- Ample patio
- Almond paste croissant (rouleau)
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$$$ | Rosemont |
Eclectic may be the best way to describe the food at this scarlet-colored restaurant, as the dishes combine a French bistro feel with a little bit of the American Southwest. The seasonings are down to a science here, and the proof is in the homemade ketchups, hot sauces, and salsas that are generously offered at each table. As with many restaurants, the menu changes with the seasons, but the Caesar salad made à-la-minute and the copious Baileys fudge chocolate cake are popular constants. The meat and seafood are carefully sourced; any of the nightly available options are always a great choice.
38 rue Beaubien Est, Montréal, Québec, H2S 1P8, Canada
Known For
- Tex Mex spices
- Onion soup with guajillo pepper, red beer, pork hock, cheddar, ancho powder, and avocado
- Baileys fudge chocolate cake
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch, Reservations by phone only
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$$$ | Latin Quarter |
Long held in disdain by Montréal food critics, the restaurant at the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) has upped its epicurean game. These days the restaurant’s top-notch cuisine pays homage to Québec’s terroir with enticingly presented dishes served in a contemporary yet elegant setting (think white table cloths, cloche plate covers, and impeccable service). There is an à la carte menu, in addition to a table d’hôte on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and a tasting menu with a wine pairing option on Thursday to Saturday. Vegans will appreciate the new six-course plant-based menu, offered from Tuesday to Saturday evening for C$65 per person.
3535 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2X 3P1, Canada
Known For
- Wild mushroom risotto with mushroom foam
- Duck magret
- Evening menu wine pairings for additional C$49
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Old Montréal |
The cocktail menu originally put this hip bistro on the map, drawing crowds for creative martinis (think cucumber and basil), and now the food holds its own. The house specialty is tartares—the menu lists four variations of marinated raw fish—and heaps of grilled meat, fish, or tempeh served on wooden chopping blocks. Young partiers are attracted to the cafeteria-style tables, where they mingle over ginger-beer cocktails, soups, salads, and tapas.
211 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 1T4, Canada
Known For
- Tartares
- Lively crowd
- Inventive cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
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$$$ | Rosemont |
One could visit La Récolte (literally, "the harvest") every week and never eat the same meal twice, for the blackboard menu is entirely based on locally sourced market finds. In fact, resourceful La Récolte prides itself on serving organic, eco-friendly brunches on Sunday without compromising its creativity. The balance between refined techniques and market-based cuisine seems to be a hit, because the place is quite popular.
764 rue Bélanger, Montréal, Québec, H2S 1G6, Canada
Known For
- Long lines
- Butternut squash mille-feuille
- Leek-and-mushroom Benedictine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tue., Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Old Montréal |
This low-key destination is the perfect spot for an intimate yet elevated meal, where diners can safely anticipate irreproachable dishes (including the $125, five-course tasting menu with wine pairing) and a finely curated wine list. The decor is grandiose and includes a very large mural taking up one long wall, a vintage tin ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling doors and windows. The creative market-based menu changes frequently and focuses on the use of local products. Staples include suckling pig, arctic char, and chanterelle mushrooms with kale and bleu d’Élizabeth cheese.
400 Notre-Dame Est, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 1C8, Canada
Known For
- Tasting menu
- Curated wine list
- Intimate setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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$$$ | Little Italy |
Bringing a taste of the forest to adoring local foodies, food writers, and adventurous eaters, Manitoba was one of the most percussive restaurant openings of recent years and remains one of the city's top food spots. Serving perhaps the most distinctive fare in the city, with a boreal hunter-gatherer premise, dishes may include rabbit liver pâté and cedar jelly, deer steak, and fried lichen. The inventive approach and novel flavors here are no temporary fad; Manitoba is a testimony to Montréal’s acclaimed and effervescent foodie culture.
271 rue St-Zotique Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 1A4, Canada
Known For
- Boreal cuisine
- Deer steak
- Foraged foods
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.--Wed., Reservations essential
