Monterey

We're visiting Montreal in early May for three days. Everything about the city excites us, but the exceptional dining choices always pose a problem. We have our favorites: Guy and Dodo Moralis for their magnificent duck confit; Chez la Mere Michel, Bonaparte, Les Remparte, Laloux,and many others. This trip we'd like to try some new restaurants. We thought "Au Pied" but it will be closed the first week in May. We don't like novelle French food. Any good French or Italian restaurant suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

mitchdesj

I have not tried it yet but I hear Bronte is fantastic;
one street west of Guy, on Sherbrooke.

Jojonana

I love love love Brunoise. Check out the site at http://brunoise.ca/

mijols3

I have a winner for you: Chez Ennio
This is such a delightful, quaint gem. THe couple are oh so adorable and the food is terrific. It is a BYOB with a liquor store next door. Very charming and small... always packed and I don't know if they take reservations.
http://www.montrealfood.com/restos/chezennio.html

delacour

I would pick up the latest edition (march) of Gourmet magazine. It's dedicated to Montreal and its culinary scene. You would have lots of insights.

The best new restaurant in Canada according to Air Canada's inflight magazine is Garcon! They're located downtown on 1112 Sherbrooke Ouest corner Peel (Metro: Peel). http://www.restaurantgarcon.com/

You can also visit this site: http://www.restomontreal.ca/index.php

All in all, it's pretty easy to eat well in Montreal. Just avoid the touristy places.

Hope it helps.
Bon appétit!

Monterey

Thanks, everyone for your great suggestions. I checked out all restaurants and, at this point, we've chosen to eat at Bonte (thanks mitchdesj...you always come up with winners!). Another night I think we'll try Brunoise since I've seen rave reviews of the place on this site many times.

Chez Ennio seems a good restaurant, but the review indicated very slow service which wouldn't please my husband (unfortunately).

I had already gotten a copy of the March issue of Gourmet. It's brilliantly written and is an encyclopedic journal of Montreal. I imagine that it will continue to fly off the shelves. We'll also check out Garcon while there. The website doesn't give any information and says that they will open in September(??).

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. As usual, we'll feast our way through the city.

mitchdesj

Have a great trip; we will be looking forward to your trip report !!!

carylspall

Just back from Montreal. Had some great meals - all quite expensive. We found the best Italian restaurant called Da Emma. Good service and real Italian food.Loved every mouthfull!