We are visting Montreal for the first time and are looking for authentic bistro fare in a romantic setting. Any ideas?

One thing Montreallers are passionate about is outdoor dining. There are scores of places throughout the city that would meet this criteria. One of the most authentically Parisian bistros with outdoor tables is Cafe Cherier, right near the Sherbrooke Metro stop. Many of the byob restaurants on Duluth St. have backyard outdoor patios - some are big and lively, others are small and quiet. St Denis street has block upon block of bistros, restaurants, cafes and bars of every description, most with outdoor tables. I can't think of any rooftop dining, but I'm sure there are some.

You haven't mentioned when you're going. If you've time, request the "Resto Guide" at the Official Montreal Tourism website. It's chock full of possibilities (as is all of Montreal) and will assist you in selecting those you, personally, would find most appealing.

However, you can hardly go wrong in Montreal with regard to "authentic" bistro far or "romantic" settings.

Among our favorites are (in no particular order, and without regard to prices) L'Express, Le Paris, Lutecia and Les Beaux Jeudis (at Hotel de la Montange and both awesome in every way), Chez Leveque, Guy & Dodo Morali, Passe-Partout (it's out of the way and pricey - but just go there!), along with best of the best (with prices to match, but worth every penny) Les Halles and TOQUE!

Hi kikihack,

Yes, Cafe Cherrier is very good-have taken my friends there many times -zootsi also recommended duluth st & St. Denis(go to Le Triskell if you like crepes),of all the others listed I love L'Express but if you continue scrolling you will find 2 separate listings on restaurants. I used to go to Le Paris but I'm sure it's still very good.
Savannah(but not a bistro)was just written up(I haven't tried it yet)& apparently has made it on the prestigious Conde Nast Traveler annual list -if you go on the weekend there is live jazz.
Rosalie is another bistro(on Mountain St),Lemeac(laurier Ave W)is a bistro, Melies on St. Laurent is another bistro

Thanks for the suggestions. We are going over July 4 weekend-- which I also found out is during Jazzfest-- will all the restaurants be a zoo?

we have been there during Jazzfest several times. Montreal is a big city with lots of restaurants, you shouldn't notice too much, except in the immediate area. Do try and catch some of the free outdoor concerts, you won't be disappointed!

I seem to remember a restaurant on the roof of Auberge Vieux Port? You can see fireworks from there also..I think

Restaurants will be crowded during the jazzfest, specially those in that area so if you stick to the restaurants that are more west, you should have no problem. The Ritz Carlton on Sherbrooke St. has a garden restaurant with a duck pond; open only during the summer of course. Bice, on Sherbrooke St. near Guy St. has a very nice terrace also.   These are not bistro fare but I recommend them for the summer setting.
L'Express is always full, reserve early.
In Old Montreal, l'Epicier is a great place.