The Best Restaurant in Downtown, Montreal

Background Illustration for Restaurants

From top-quality steak to gourmet burgers, there's lots of meat in Downtown. There's also a nightlife vibe here most evenings. There are rich Indian curries, simple Chinese dumplings, whole-animal cooking, dry-aged beef, designer hamburgers, and updated Italian dishes that stretch the definition. The dress code can be as formal as in Old Montréal or completely toned down and hip—it all depends on where you go.

La Habanera

$$ | Downtown
This ambience-driven Cuban restaurant is one of the most colorful spaces in Downtown Montréal and perhaps even one of the most festive. The neon “All you need is love & mojitos” sign, which hangs on a millennial-pink wall among a flock of plastic flamingos, sets the tone, as does the cocktail list. Noteworthy libations include the pinoy mojito and el piñado, La Habanera's own take on piña coladas, with spiced pineapple puree, homemade coconut milk, and orange juice. The menu also fares well, featuring snackables like smoked meat croquettas with shrimp soaked in dulce de leche and rum, as well as crowd-pleasers like the creole tamarind beef skewers.
1216 av. Union, Montréal, H3B 3C4, Canada
514-375-5355
Known For
  • Piñados
  • Rum and dulce-de-leche-soaked shrimp
  • Characterful small space
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon.

Something incorrect in this review?