Other ideas for Montreal restaurants?
 

I had been looking at trying to get to a couple of the classic French restaurants in Montreal over the holidays, including perhaps Cafe de Paris, Les Chenets, Chex Levesque or Le Bonaparte.

A conciege at a prospective hotel gave me a list of several restaurants that I hadn't heard of/researched, so I thought that I might run them by some of you Montrealers! I realize that they might not all be French, but I am interested in your impressions. In addition, I was kind of looking for a festive dinner at Cafe de Paris for New Year's Eve, but they are not offering anything special that evening.

Thanks for any thoughts. Here's the list:


ristorante cavalli
restaurant globe
laloux
rosalie restaurant
lautre saison
milos
europea
les caprices 

 

The ones i know of on this list are Cavalli, Globe, Rosalie and Milos. All very nice, very trendy, very hip places to see and be seen in Montreal. To my knowledge, none are actually French cuisine, but they are among the best places in town these days. Milos is greek cuisine, known for its seafood. For a New Year's Eve party, try Cavalli or Globe. They are more like supper-clubs and become a hip place to party after dinner hours.

Thanks, Christina.
That's very helpful feedback. My dining party will include two children ages 10 and 15, so it need not be hip!

Merci bien!

letour

If you're bringing your children with you (even if they're not too young), I might not recommended the places I told you, then. Maybe Milos, but not Cavalli or Globe anyway. Not sure about Rosalie. These places are a little too adult, if you know what I mean. Are you looking for a place with music and dancing? Specifically in the downtown area?

Hi, again, Christina!
At this point we are just going to stick to four or five days in the old Montreal staying at Place d'Armes, which really is a charming, comfortable small hotel. A hotel restaurant atmosphere would have been perfect--just a dash of festivity with or without music, no dancing required! But since Cafe de Paris is not really offering anything special that evening, I might see about simply dining at the restaurant at Place d'Armes New Year's Eve, or perhaps going to a good French restaurant. That could perhaps include Chez la Mere Michel, Nuances or Les Chenets. (I get a little nervous that Toque doesn't print the prices!)We might even just dine at Cafe de Paris anyway, since I do like dining at hotels.
No big deal...I am sure we'll find something fun!
letour

The restaurant at Place d'Armes is a good choice. Also, I recommend L'Express for a typical French bistro feel. The barman is the best in town, the food is delicious (specially the confit de canard en salade!) and there is an excellent wine list!

Another good French resto you may want to try is Au pied du cochon.... Apparently it is excellent.

Chez la Mere Michel, or Les Chenets. those are excellent and low key ; Nuances is at the casino I think..... so the kids can't get in. not sure about it.

I personally did not like au pied de cochon; limited menu oriented towards pork hocks.... kids won't like it much.

Le Piment Rouge on Peel is an excellent thai place that my kids always loved; we still go for a fix ocasionally, best hunan dumplings ever.

Thanks so much everyone for your very helpful comments! Given that one often visits a place for a short time, it's really helpful to send feelers out in advance to get an idea of what restaurants etc. might be a good match.

I do appreciate your assistance!

letour