8 Best Restaurants in Outremont, Montreal

The self-proclaimed "un coin perdu de Paris" (a lost corner of Paris) is famous for its wraparound patio, Parisian vibe, century-old corner building featuring stained glass and woodwork, and Art Nouveau bar. Although this is a full bistro serving three meals every day of the week, it shines brightest in the morning. Order a croissant while nursing a large bowl of café au lait.

Families and couples with dogs congregate here on warm summer nights, where the artisanal ice-cream recipes are prepared by hand. Real cream and real milk are the star ingredients, while the sorbets are 80% fruit puree. The hottest flavors? Mi'Kmaq with coffee, maple taffy, classic vanilla and chocolate, and strawberry basil sorbet. At the peak of the season, the Outremont location is open until 11 every night.  There is a nearby outpost at 1600 rue Laurier Est.

Open since 2001, this sophisticated French bistro pleases Montrealers with its flawless classics and its heated wraparound outdoor terrace. Regulars gravitate toward dishes such as the beef or salmon tartare, grilled Cornish hen, the asparagus and wild mushroom risotto, and hanger steak—all served with ceremonial aplomb on white linen tablecloths. Vegans and vegetarians will appreciate the grilled portobello with root vegetables and herbs cooked in a miso broth. Be sure to leave room for the tantalizing dessert menu. 

No one does pizza quite like these pizzaiolos; they are, after all, legally certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napolitana in Italy. Using all-natural and non-processed ingredients, and adhering to traditional pizza-making methods (like using a 900-degree oven), Pizzeria 900 on avenue Bernard is one of the most sought-after high-end pizza joints in town with one of the most popular patios. Classics include an unfussy mozzarella di bufala with cherry tomatoes and capers appetizer as well as delectable mains, like the spicy pancetta and figs or the humble but sturdy margherita bianca pizza. For celiacs, wheat flour can be substituted for rice flour for an extra C$5.   In the probable event that the tiny 20-seat restaurant is full, reserve online via the website or head to one of the other locations around town.

With its cavernous corner spot on Outremont's trendy avenue Bernard, sophisticated yet playful décor, and artfully prepared comfort food, this brasserie is always a good bet for quality food and excellent people-watching. The menu at Les Enfants Terribles is a mix of high-end cuisine and comfort-food favorites, from oysters and salmon tartare to duck poutine, fish-and-chips, and mac and cheese. The kitchen stays open to serve after-theater customers on show nights at nearby Théâtre Outremont. 

Colorful and cozy, with beautiful glass lanterns hanging from the red ceiling and hot and cold meze dishes that are perfect for sharing, this Syrian restaurant is a treat. If it's on the menu, try fatta (yogurt, tahini, pita, pistachios, pine nuts, and herbs), hummus shawarma, hummus with mushrooms, or moujaddaraa (braised lentils with bulgur and caramelized onions, tomato salsa, and yogurt mint sauce). Add a glass of arrak—a traditional, anise-flavored drink—or wine from the list of Mediterranean imports to bring it all together.

Although La Chronique is indeed an elegant place with white walls and high ceilings flooded with light, people don't come here for the setting; they come for the excellent food. Without fuss or fanfare, La Chronique has remained one of the best French restaurants in town since it opened in 1995. The cuisine seamlessly blends lightened French fare with seasonal and local ingredients. If you are a foie gras fan, the seared version served with seasonal fruit is easily the best in town. This is an excellent place to splurge on the prix-fixe five-course tasting menu at dinner for C$145, or C$250 with wine pairings.

Film producers and poets congregate at this corner café-bistro, sitting on the terrace to sip award-winning espresso. Although there's a hearty lunch and dinner menu of salads and grilled meat, brunch is the big draw. It features soft-boiled eggs with strips of toast for dipping, fruit, and cheese. Regular breakfast is served seven days a week. Try the baklava coffee topped with toasted almonds and honey.