I will be staying the W Hotel for two days this weekend and I want to try some unique Montreal cruisine that I won't find anywhere else in the States. Any good suggestions? I heard Toque is overrated (I'm from Chicago and tried some of the best restaurants like Charlie Trotters, Tru and Trio.)

Toque has a new restaurant in the office complex right next door to the W. Try it for lunch. Much less expensive and just as good.

Also, for a nice bistro dining experience try "Le petit extra" (Ontario and Papineau).

Hi

Everyone I know (food snobs amongst the lot) who's been to Toqué has thought it was fantastic and despite the price, "worth it". I recommend you go judge for yourself.

Uniquely Montreal is a high calling for sure, as one can find good French restaurants throughout the States. One thing I could not find were the same calibre of breads (specifically baguettes) even in a cosmopolitan city like Washington, D.C.; you would find similar in Paris, but I've never been to Chicago, so I can't comment on there. Olive & Gourmande in Old Montreal, even the chain Première Moisson are consistently excellent for the bread category.

There are many excellent restaurants in Montreal and you'll find an astounding amount of culinary variety that will equal the best in their genre in the States. Unique in the cuisine category is tough to do, but one thing you'll get throughout Montreal (particularly in the Plateau) is an ambience that is specific to this city. Type in Montreal restaurants or check out www.restaurant.ca and you'll see quite a number recommended.

Not what I'd call "haute cuisine" but people come from miles away for the smoked-meat at Schwartz's. There's also poutine (fries, cheese curds, gravy) and tourtière (a meat pie), Quebec specialties that are also calorie-heavy and the other end of haute cuisine, but I don't see them often outside Quebec.

Have a nice trip! DAN

I higly recommend these restos, among many others:

1) Casa tapas
http://www.casatapas.com/
266 Rachel E.
(514) 848-1063
The owners, twin brothers Marco and Juan, have created a very warm and friendly place, and the plates are all delicious.

2) Chez l'épicier
http://www.chezlepicier.com/
Very creative, French-inspired cuisine that uses local Quebec products. In charming Old Montreal.
311, St-Paul E.
(514) 878-2232

3) Le Margaux
Tiny little place, grand cuisine!
Specialties from the South-West of France (Aquitaine)
371, Villeneuve E.
(514) 289-9921

4) Toqué!
Totally extraordinary experience, for all senses...
http://restaurant-toque.com/fr/

Bon appétit!

I second the one place on that list that I've been to, Casa Tapas, which is exceptional. It's Spanish Tapas-style, there may be an equivalent in the States, but it is fantastic so who cares? A friend of mine who prior to eating there didn't like calimari changed her mind about having their calmars frits! Got to have reservations for sure! DAN

Be sure to sample Quebec cheese.