3 Best Restaurants in Downtown, Montreal

Two months after being destroyed by a fire in 2024, Boullion Bilk was resurrected at a new location, now even closer to Place des Arts. The new décor recalls the sleek, minimalist design of the former location, a style which continues to reflect the restaurant's philosophy: fresh, thoughtful, and simplified (yet not simple). The market-based menu changes often and includes dishes that are just as beautiful to look at as they are delicious. House specialties feature local and seasonal products such as juniper, fiddleheads, asparagus, pears, and maple syrup; game like deer and duck; seafood such as oysters, yellowtail, and scallops; and an assortment of Québec cheeses. The wine selection includes private-import wines.

Chef Carlos Ferreira and his passionate team put upscale Portuguese cuisine on the Montréal map when the restaurant opened in 1996. The open-concept kitchen in this sleek restaurant is renowned for its for "haute" Portuguese cuisine, including roasted salted cod, seafood bouillabaisse, and a whole array of appetizers like giant shrimp and grilled octopus or roasted sardine fillets. Wine connoisseurs are attracted to the impressive list of Portuguese wines.

Located in Montréal's Downtown core, Deville Dinerbar is a fun alternative to the otherwise rather serious dining options in the area. A palette of neon pink, white, and black keeps the dining room vivid and exciting (but not diner-kitschy). The meat-heavy menu, with dishes like the substantial Deville burger, shepherd's potpie (peas, corn, braised short ribs, and puff pastry), or fish-and-chips on a brioche bun, provides filling choices, so be sure to leave room for dessert. Whimsical drinks like the Hawaii 5-0, Miami Vice, and Preciso Quetzal, presented in a bird-shaped glass with plumes of pineapple leaves, in addition to tasty, brightly colored mocktails, complete the entertaining vibe.