Montreal is a city that lives and breathes food. Walking through its distinct neighborhoods, the smell of wood-fired bagels, slow-cooked smoked meat, and freshly baked pastries spills onto the sidewalks. It is a place where European culinary traditions collide with North American innovation, creating a dining scene that is impossible to replicate anywhere else.
For travelers visiting from the United States, the exchange rate is often favorable, making Montreal a high-value destination for luxury dining. You can enjoy world-class tasting menus and premium wine pairings for a fraction of what you might pay in New York or San Francisco. The city offers a Michelin-starred level of execution without the pretense or the inflated price tag.
However, navigating the local scene requires more than just looking at online reviews. Montreal has a deep-rooted culture of "bring your own wine" (apportez votre vin) establishments and neighborhood institutions that have been perfecting single dishes for decades. Understanding the geography of the food—from the old port to the Plateau—is key to a successful culinary tour.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise and direct you to the establishments that define the city’s palate. Whether you are looking for a splurge-worthy tasting menu, a legendary deli sandwich, or a cozy bistro that feels like a local secret, you will find a spot that suits your craving.
We have curated a list that balances iconic institutions with modern hotspots. You will find options suitable for a quick lunch between sightseeing stops as well as romantic dinners that require reservations weeks in advance. The goal is to help you eat like a local, not a tourist.
Before we dive into the specific locations, remember that Montreal dining times skew later than in many parts of the US, with dinner service often peaking around 8:00 PM. Dress codes are generally relaxed, but a smart-casual approach is recommended for the higher-end rooms. Now, let’s explore the tables worth booking.
Dinette Marcella
| Address | 196 Rue St-Paul Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 3P9, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (438) 533-3708 |
The entire area around the restaurant is absolutely stunning with old French style architecture. The Italian food we had here for delicious and completely surpassed our expectations. We got a steak, which was the highlight for us. The pastas were great except maybe the carbonara (wasn’t salty enough). The burrata was one of the best parts of the meal. Our server, she was so friendly and was a montreal local. She was so patient with our group of 10.
Visiting Montreal to experience the food scene has become our family adventure.
Dinette Marcella did not disappoint. Very cozy ambiance.
The food was phenomenal, the bruschetta was unreal. The meatballs were so damn soft and tender.
I had to try the classic carbonara and it was exquisite, especially with the pairing of the Attems Sauvignon Blanc.
Staff extremely friendly and attentive.
Highly recommend and will return.
This restaurant delivered an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and full of authentic flavor. The polpette were perfectly seasoned and tender, while the arancino had a crisp exterior with a rich, savory filling. The insalate Cesare was fresh and well-balanced, and the focaccia was warm, airy, and absolutely delicious.
The tortellini alla ricotta stood out as a highlight—delicate pasta filled with creamy ricotta and served in a beautifully crafted sauce. To finish, the tiramisu was the perfect ending: light, indulgent, and not overly sweet. The service was attentive and welcoming, adding to the overall experience.
This is truly a must-visit spot for anyone who appreciates authentic Italian cuisine done right.
A huge shout out to Mike, Asia and the whole staff and cooks.
Absolutely our favorite restaurant in Montreal! We ate there twice this week! The best food, service, staff, and atmosphere! They made our 30th anniversary trip a very memorable one! They even made sure we had our same table by the window both times. The bruschetta with capers is the best we’ve ever had. Phenomenal place! Until next time!
An amazing dinner! Vasili was excellent with a great sense of humor and paced our meal perfectly. We had the tuna crudo and it was fabulous. Next up was an order of meatballs that melted in your mouth. We also shared the carbonara, which was so fresh. Drinks were delicious as well. Went with the pistachio espresso martini for dessert. A fantastic experience and if visiting again, I would definitely return.
Modavie
| Address | 1 Rue St-Paul Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Y6, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (514) 287-9582 |
Tre Fantastic! AMAZING! The food here is 10/10 and the atmosphere is just a great! The staff was friendly and helpful. We made reservations for 5:30 Wednesday night and was able to beat the rush, too bad the jazz band didn’t start until 7… we stayed for 1 song then left.
We had the filet mignon, duck and lamb burger… everyone was happy with their meal. The creme brûlée was delicious too.
These five stars go to our server, Taylor! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I visited Modavie with my cousin last Sunday (July 26).
We got a wonderful table right in front of the stage, which made the atmosphere even more special.
For appetizers, we ordered the French onion soup and the bone marrow. They were a little too oily and salty for my taste.
For our main courses, we had the mussels and fries and the duck confit. The mussels were one of the best I've ever had! The duck confit was also delicious and cooked perfectly.
I went on vacation to celebrate my boyfriend's bday and made a reservation to listen some jazz. From the moment we arrived, the service was wonderful. Our server introduced himself and gave us his recommendations from the menu, which of course we followed and he did not dissapoint!
The food was spectacular. The french onion soup was one of the best we've ever had, and the cocktails were excellent as well.
We will definitely be back, and we've already recommended this place to everyone we know. It's absolutely worth it!
We had a lovely lunch here. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the live jazz music made the experience very enjoyable. The service was friendly, and the presentation of the dishes was beautiful.
We tried several dishes so we could share and compare. The shrimp was probably our favorite. The garlic snails were okay, but not especially memorable.
A small suggestion for future guests: the house salad comes with quite a generous amount of dressing, so if you prefer a lighter flavor, you may want to ask for the dressing on the side. I also ordered the duck breast. It was cooked nicely, but I personally found it a little rich because of the duck fat, the sweet berry sauce, and the mashed potatoes together. If you prefer lighter dishes, the seafood options might be a better choice.
Overall, we still enjoyed our visit and would happily come back to try other dishes.
Very unique brunch experience. The duck waffle was something special, and the croque madame with lamb was insanely tasty - I honestly can’t even decide which one I liked more. Beautiful atmosphere, live music, and such a nice attentive staff. Definitely a place worth coming back to!!
BOUILLON BILK
| Address | 22 Rue Sainte-Catherine E, Montréal, QC H2X 2W5, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (514) 845-1595 |
An outstanding dining experience at Bouillon Bilk. The service was exceptional, the food was delicious and beautifully presented, and the ambience was refined and inviting. Each dish was carefully explained, which added to our appreciation of the meal and made the experience even more enjoyable.
The linguine was flavourful, although I found it a little saltier than my personal preference — that may simply be my palate, as I am not used to heavily salted dishes. Overall, the quality, creativity, and attention to detail were excellent.
A wonderful restaurant and a memorable dining experience in Montreal. Highly recommended.
8-course tasting was delicious start to end, no misses.
The beef tartare was a big surprise for me and my husband. The addition of clam and kimchi really made that memorable.
The duck, will be dreaming of it, love the addition of rhubarb, oh and that duck wonton!
The crab, the white asparagus - such great flavor pairings on the plate.
Highly recommend!
The service is amazing and very attentive.. cutlery are changed after every course, that's something you find see in many places these days.
Food presentation was great, every course looks like an art piece and tasted perfectly balanced.
Definitely a place to check out in Montreal.
Ate at the bar for the tasting menu as a solo diner. Inconsistent is the best word for this place. Each dish either impressed or disappointed. Stand outs was the pasta, but duck was chewy and the fat undercooked. Desserts were one note. I chose the discovery wine pairings and the somm pouring the wine was dispassionate and disengaged. They require a physical card and not tap phone wallet for purchases over $250, which is ridiculous because a tasting will surpass that amount. As a tourist in another country I find it safer to not bring physical cards with me. So they had to do two transactions…it wasn’t that they had to do that, it’s that it goes to show Bouillon Bilk doesn’t think about the experience. I recommend finding somewhere else.
Still my favorite fine dining restaurant in Montreal. The food, service, and atmosphere are always exceptional, which is why we keep coming back for anniversaries and birthdays.
One dessert in particular has stayed in my memory for years: the lavender dessert I had during my first visit to Bouillon Bilk (photo attached at the end). It was one of the most elegant and unforgettable desserts I’ve ever had, delicate, smooth, creative, and genuinely surprising in the best way.
I still think about it today, and I truly hope the chef remembers this masterpiece and might consider bringing it back to the menu someday. It would be such a joy to experience it again.
Le Boulevardier Restaurant
| Address | 2050 Rue Mansfield, Montréal, QC H3A 1Y9, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 – 10:00 AM, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 – 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 – 10:00 AM, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 – 10:00 AM, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM Friday: 6:30 – 10:00 AM, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 7:30 – 11:00 AM, 5:30 – 9:30 PM |
| Phone | (514) 985-6072 |
Food=amazing
Staff (Alexis and Tom)=even more so!
We went to celebrate my sister’s birthday and our whole experience was outstanding! From the beginning, Alexis was friendly, helpful and professional. Tom, the sommelier, was so knowledgeable as well as engaging—with him we discovered a new wine we loved that we probably wouldn’t have tried had it not been for him.
The seafood discovery appetizer was delicious and plentiful. It was a great way to sample different seafood.
My brother chose the 5 course tasting menu which was perfectly portioned and a way to try multiple dishes. My steak was delicious and the foie gras was some of the best I have had! The strawberry dessert was a treat—wonderful flavors and not too heavy.
You will pay the price for an amazing meal here but it is worth it, especially if Alexis and Tom take care of you😊)!
They change the menu, so don’t be disappointed if something you have seen or heard about in the reviews are not available—you will be happy with the other options!
Craving for a foie gras last night, and this place delivers. Wanted to have a quiet anniversary date night with montreal city view. From the reservation, the host, to the waiters, to the sommelier, all excellent. Cheers chef, the menu tasting, the desserts, and drinks delivers excellently. Will definitely be back on my next trip!
We did the tasting menu with drink pairings, and it was absolutely amazing. They were accommodating and changed two of the courses for me and the sommelier even chose two new wines to pair with them! Amazing selection of Quebec and French wines. Service was great too, everyone was incredibly friendly. And the food was delicious! I don’t know if I can pick a favourite as all the courses were delicious! Will definitely be back!
Went there on a whim with a friend to celebrate the end of the semester. I was the only one who got the 7 course meal with the wine pairing. The food was absolutely amazing, and the service was perfect. Absolutely enjoyed the wine knowledge of the sommelier and the general courtesy of the staff. You cannot go wrong here. Will be back soon!
Really lovely French restaurant! Showcases classic French dishes prepared with careful attention to flavor and technique. From the appetizers to the mains and desserts, everything is well-executed. The sauces are rich, the proteins are cooked perfectly, and the ingredients taste fresh. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, and the staff are welcoming and knowledgeable. Great place for a date night or a special dinner with friends. Prices are on the higher side, but the quality and ambiance make it worthwhile.
Au Pied de Cochon
| Address | 536 Av. Duluth E, Montréal, QC H2L 1A9, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (514) 281-1114 |
I was honestly extremely scared for the stuffed pig's foot and assortment of foie gras related entrees. Especially since they touted themselves as the #1 producer of foie gras in the entire world, which I kindve find hard to believe. The inside was very nicely decorated, with lots of custom made cutlery, plates, and alcohols. The waiter was very hospitable, explained all the specials and dishes simply and made us all feel very welcome. The food did take a long time to come out, but we were able to get our drinks and appetizers out relatively quickly so it didn't bother us too much. I really loved the poutine and tagliatelle, and the pigs foot actually wasn't as terrifying as I thought it would be. A slight livery aftertaste, but nothing too crazy, just really fatty which wasn't my favorite. We also ordered their maple syrup based pie dessert which was heavenly. Overall, a great experience, but maybe pigs foot just isn't for me. Would recommend.
This is hearty Québécois cuisine, perhaps so hearty it’s exactly what the pioneers needed to survive the early harsh Montréal winters! Indeed the signature move of the chef, Martin Picard, is to elevate traditional, rustic Québécois "peasant food" into world-class fine dining. With the philosophy of unapologetic excess in every dish comes a line up of starters and mains packed with foie gras, butters, and oils in every corner. While the flavors in each dish by themselves are delicious, the onslaught of richness may not be for everybody, and it seemed deliberately without a palate cleanser or lighter counterbalance. In fact, knowing what we were getting into, we ordered an accompanying green salad, and the wait staff forgot to bring it out! We were outright denied anything but sheer gluttony.
Our meal consisted of the foie gras poutine, duck in a can, and green tagliatelle. The mantra of excess here meant foie gras melding with cheese curds and gravy on the poutine. Their unique “duck in a can” involved packing quite literally a can with fatty duck breast, foie gras, buttered cabbage, herbs, and gravy, and blasting it all together with heat for 27 minutes. The result is a delicious stew of decadence, for which I wish I had more bread to dip and devour. Even the tagliatelle was bathing in a rich, oily pesto that provided no reprieve from the onslaught.
We didn’t try the namesake dish of the restaurant, the stuffed pig’s foot (le pied de cochon), but seeing it served was an experience and nicely highlighted the elevated “peasant food” aspect of the entire affair. Very unique!
Overall I had an excellent experience trying the local cuisine and this more decadent approach to dining. While it’s fun sometimes to break culinary rules, I did overall find myself missing a more balanced meal that could feel more sustainable and less coronary artery disease-inducing. I think as long as you know what you’re getting into, it’s worth a visit, but probably not several!
I have frequented this establishment on numerous occasions throughout the years, and it has consistently met my, and on occasions exceeded my expectations.
While the wine selection is extensive, I highly recommend sampling their in-house ciders or cocktails.
For first-time visitors, the duck in a can is an excellent choice. It is a substantial and flavorful dish that will leave you feeling satisfied.
Their foie gras dishes are all exquisite, but my personal favorites are the nigiri and the poutine, which I consider to be the finest in the city.
The atmosphere is consistently vibrant and bustling. The staff members are all courteous, polite, and provide exceptional service. Although the evening began a bit slowly, it was understandable given how crowded the restaurant was.
I often forget that the restrooms are situated in a somewhat inconvenient location, behind the bar. Additionally, they could benefit from more frequent attention throughout the shift to maintain their cleanliness.
I dont believe anyone can be disappointed making a reservation here. Im excited to book my next visit.
An absolute highlight of dining in Montreal. Au Pied de Cochon's unique, theatrical style of cooking makes for a meal you won't forget.
Foie Gras Cromesqui: Outstanding. Crispy on the outside, bursting with rich, liquid perfection on the inside.
Duck in a Can: Served right at the table with incredible flair, and the rich, savory sauce was completely delicious.
Drinks: The Pépinière cocktail and a crisp, citrusy mocktail provided the perfect bright acidity to balance out the indulgent, heavy flavors.
Bold, decadent, and totally unique—a must-visit spot on Duluth.
Made reservations for dinner here weeks in advance to secure our desire time a slot. We went early June so the outdoor dining area was available. I would suggest a table outdoors as it is way more comfortable (if it’s warm outside , but no patio warmers) and quieter so easier to talk. The service is very attentive as all the servers and runners are very knowledgeable about each dish.
We got the lobster starter, plogue a Champlain foie gras, and stuffed pigs foot. Dessert was a crème caramel. Each dish was delicious. It’s foie gras and maple syrup in a lot of the dishes, very rich food!
Île Flottante
| Address | 176 R. Saint Viateur Ouest O, Montreal, QC H2T 2L3, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Friday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 5:30 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (514) 278-6854 |
I came here with high expectations since a few of my friends really love this place, but unfortunately my experience didn’t quite match theirs, maybe they visited during a different menu.
First off, the service was great. We came for a special occasion, and the staff were very sweet and thoughtful throughout.
A few highlights:
- My favourite dish was the first appetizer which was a strong start.
- The risotto was enjoyable, with a nice Asian-inspired touch to the flavour.
- The pork was good, nothing too wow
- I was surprised that a bun the size of my palm with homemade butter (which wasn’t particularly memorable) counted as one full course.
- The final picture was probably a palette cleanser before dessert. It was very icy - it felt a bit off to have this during deep winter. And unfortunately it numbed my mouth with acidity and smelled a bit like play dough. I couldn’t finish it.
As others have mentioned, the menu felt very experimental - but for me, it wasn’t executed particularly well. Montreal has many excellent tasting menu options, and I’ve personally had better experiences elsewhere.
That said, it’s possible I just happened to visit during an off menu.
Big portions, maybe even a little too big for 7 courses. Notthe most common complaint in fine dining I must admit..
Menu based on fresh seasonal products, prepared creatively without trying too hard to look expensive. No random caviar or gold leaf. Chicken is always difficult to make interesting, they got it right.
The semi open kitchen remained surprisingly calm all evening. The chef moved around quietly, almost introverted, clearly focused on the task. Not The Bear or Gordon Ramsey.... The service was warm and casual. Wooden floors, modern metalwork on the walls and a relaxed atmosphere. Very Montréal.
The pacing was perhaps a little too relaxed at times, but overall an excellent evening.
The food was decent, but not particularly memorable except for the curry pea soup, which was surprisingly excellent. It ended up being the highlight of the entire meal for me. Unfortunately, the service was memorable for all the wrong reasons. We waited at least 30 minutes between every course, our waiter seemed forgetful and not particularly hospitable, our cutlery was forgotten for one of the dish, and getting our water glasses refilled felt like a quest in itself. For a tasting menu with wine pairings at this price point, you expect the service to elevate the experience, not test your patience. Fine dining is about more than just what’s on the plate about the entire experience. Sadly, this one left us with plenty of time to reflect… while waiting for the next course.
The food was mostly great, but a restaurant at this price more has to also have the experience and service to match. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. The service was a bit slow (40m per plate), and not very attentive. We had to ask for our water to be refilled almost every time, and one service they literally forgot to bring utensils. Also, we mentioned a seafood intolerance, and the server reassured us there was no seafood, only for them to bring scallops. The whole thing felt sloppy and disorganized, and honestly more stuffy than fun and friendly.
For the food, the majority of the dishes tasted great, although a bit uninspired. The two dessert ending was a bit much, especially since the last one was just bitter ice cream and raspberry on meringue. A sad nite to end on after 4 hours.
The Emperor Has No Tablecloth.
We arrived for a birthday celebration. We left having celebrated nothing.
Île Flottante charges $130 per person for a vegetarian tasting menu that mistakes visual complexity for culinary achievement. Course after course arrived architecturally composed and gastronomically hollow — flower petals standing in for flavor, smears of sauce substituting for depth, decorative crockery so aggressively mismatched it suggested less a design philosophy than a disorganized cupboard.
The service was, at best, theoretical. Water glasses refilled themselves only through determined intervention. Our server existed primarily as a recurring rumor. When one diner requested a second piece of bread, they were informed this pleasure would carry an additional charge. At $130 a head, the bread is apparently rationed.
No one acknowledged the birthday. Not once.
The Michelin Guide has been generous to this address. One can only assume their inspector visited on an evening when the kitchen remembered to season the food, the servers remembered their tables, and management remembered that hospitality — not merely its aesthetic performance — is the entire point.
Montreal deserves better. So did the birthday guest.
L'Express
| Address | 3927 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (514) 845-5333 |
First, we called for a table in the morning and they said although they were booked they’d make room :). That’s nice!
Room has a lovely ambience, casual but elegant. Wine choice was lovely, assisted by friendly server. The celeriac was nice, vinegary and crunchy but needed another fatty dish to offset. Confit duck was basically perfect. Yum. Daughter’s steak was good, quite rare but tender, but the frites fell short. They were missing crisp and seemed like they’d been sitting. Poached salmon with chervil mash was outstanding. Overall a really good meal, with great service.
Visited L’Express for our last meal in Montreal. Since it’s a well-known French bistro and a Bib Gourmand restaurant, we had fairly high expectations.
We made a reservation by phone for our party of four, and they open for lunch at 11:30 AM.
We ordered bone marrow and chicken liver pâté to start, followed by skirt steak, duck confit, and veal kidney. For dessert, we had crème brûlée and L’île flottante au caramel (meringue dessert) with coffee. The bread and butter were excellent, and the steak and duck confit were probably the highlights of the meal.
The veal kidney had a fairly gamey flavor, and the bone marrow was a little bland. The coffee was forgotten and arrived after we had already finished dessert, and it honestly wasn’t very good anyway.
What stood out more was the lack of attention to some basic details. The service felt inconsistent, one server was unnecessarily rude, and even the bathroom was out of hand soap. For a Bib Gourmand restaurant, I expected a more polished and professional experience.
Overall, the food was decent, but the experience didn’t really live up to the restaurant’s reputation. It’s worth trying if you want to experience a classic Montreal French bistro, but I wouldn’t consider it a must-visit.
One of the best value French bistros in Montreal. Everything was well executed, and the complimentary pickles were surprisingly the highlight—super crisp, refreshing, and addictive. The quail was tender with a delicious sauce and is definitely worth ordering. I’d skip the foie gras mousse unless you’re sharing, as it’s very rich, and the mafaldine pesto pasta was far too oily for my taste. Free bread refills were a nice bonus. Great meal overall, especially for the price.
My absolute favorite French bistro in all of Montreal, and Canada! Cozy elegant Parisian interior, classic black and white tiled floor, dark wood, golden ceiling. Long bar. Divine food. Classic long standing menu favorites! Friendly, efficient staff. On my first visit I asked our well worn waitress what their best dishes were, she smiled and said, “Monsieur, all of these dishes have been served for over 40 years - they are all the best!” And she was right. Make reservations. A very noisy buzzing room. I was saddened when they closed for months of renovation last year .. relieved to see their lovely interior decor intact, unchanged, already perfect and classic exactly as it is! A Sunday New York Times ran a full page testimonial to L’Express, revealing that it was an ultimate chef’s favorite destination from all over the continent.
I book my Montreal visit to best friend around this restaurant’s availability!
Highest recommendation! A must try destination for all serious food lovers! 🌞👑🐒⚜️ d
One of the best meals I’ve had in Montreal. Every dish was delicious. . The bone marrow was was spectacular. The pickles at your table with a little bit of mustard at a special touch. I wish I could’ve tried everything on the menu. If you live in Montreal or you’re visiting Montreal, I hope you’ve given this place a try - you won’t be disappointed.
Le Majestique Montréal
| Address | 4105 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Y7, Canada |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Friday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (514) 439-1850 |
Can I give it six stars? The food was amazing. I've never had so many memorable dishes at one meal! Fresh oysters from the maritimes. Wonderful scallops! A delicious bison tartare. And a whelk dish that introduced me to flavors I don't think I've ever experienced before! And don't skip dessert!
Staff was friendly and helpful, in a fun, vibrant atmosphere, with eclectic decor. An outdoor patio on a major Plateau thoroughfare provides ample people watching opportunities occasionally punctuated by an obnoxious exhaust, but connection to the area.
I can't wait to return!
Came here on a weekday around 7pm and it was quite busy. We got lucky that there was an indoor table for us but the outdoor patio was full. The food and service was amazing, they are very helpful with explaining the items on the menu as they had a lot of unique food options on there. Id say the dishes are a mix of Japanese and French which was very neat. We got their famous hotdog and the lobster spaghetti as mains.
Dinner here was the highlight of our trip to Montreal. The vibe of the place is super unique and special. The food is delicious, but unpretentious. We had oysters, white asparagus, and the hot dog. All were amazing. And don’t skip on the bread - it was unreal. Servers were so nice and helpful!
I would definitely recommend coming here. It’s so unique and the perfect mix of amazing food and chill vibes.
If you're from out of town, and you want to experience the Montréal foodie scene, this place does it really well.
It's vibrant, eclectic, somewhat chaotic and definitely fun.
The food is well though out and feels high end, but served in a non pretentious atmosphere. Power couples dressed to the nines seated next to hipsters with trucker hats. 😂
It's the kind of place where you're better off ordering many plates and serving family style.
The oysters were excellent, the steak impeccable and the risotto spot on.
Nice wine list, with a few great beers too.
Just a great night out in Montréal.
Food is so delicious!
Especially the carrot starter and the carrot cake, i was delightfully surprised.
The hot dog was also a fan favorite at our table! Would recommend if you’re looking for something to share.
Ambience is great, staff is friendly! Great spot for a little group dinner or date 🙂
Joe Beef
| Address | 2491 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1N6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (514) 935-6504 |
One of the best meals I had in Montreal. Fantastic service, great drinks and food. The lobster spaghetti is rich and decadent, the croquettes were stuffed with Montreal smoked meat and were delicious.The oysters were fresh and tasty and the steak tartare was particularly flavourful. My wife ordered the duck which was accented with the perfect sauce. We ended with two desserts to share with the table. It was quite busy and I would highly recommend making a reservation in advance but well worth it.
What an incredible experience from start to finish. We were lucky enough to get a last-minute reservation, and the entire team made us feel so welcome from the moment we walked in;)
The seafood was outstanding. Even coming from the West Coast, where we’re spoiled with fresh seafood, we were impressed by both the quality and the beautiful presentation! The wine pairings were exceptional - we enjoyed them so much that we ended up ordering quite a few bottles!
I was also surprised by how many amazing options were on the menu, making it so hard to choose. To top it all off, the dessert was easily the best I had during my entire trip to Montreal.
After I got back to Japan, I met some travelers from Montreal and we ended up having the best conversation about Joe Beef. It was such a sweet reminder that a great restaurant can bring people together, even from opposite sides of the world. I’d love to come back someday!
This restaurant has been on my bucket list for a long time, and I’m truly happy that I finally got to experience it for the first time. The hype and expectations were incredibly high going in, but somehow it still managed to exceed them.
From the moment we arrived, the service was absolutely top-notch. Our server was professional, attentive, and extremely knowledgeable—not only about the menu, but also about the wine pairings, which really elevated the whole dining experience.
We started with the beef tendon salad, and it was unbelievably good. It was the perfect appetizer to begin the meal—flavorful, well-balanced, and something quite memorable.
For the mains, we had the duck with foie gras, skirt steak, dry-aged rib eye steak, fries, and skate fish. Honestly, everything we ordered was outstanding. Each dish was cooked beautifully and packed with flavor, making it clear why this place has such a strong reputation.
I was initially a little intimidated by the price, but in the end it came to just a little over $100 per person for four of us, and the amount of food was more than enough. Considering the quality, portions, and overall experience, it felt absolutely worth it.
Without a doubt, this is a place I would return to.
Recommended items: Beef Tendon Salad, Duck with Foie Gras, Dry-Aged Rib Eye Steak
I've been wanting to come to this place for a long time. This is very good french cuisine. I got the Double down, the Demi-douzaine escargot, the Lobster spaghetti, and the Filet de Boeuf(filet mignon) and followed with Marjolaine layer cake.
Dammmmm!
Everything was so good, decadent, and masterfully presented. Our server Julian perfectly knew every dish like he makes it himself and steered us through the menu which could be challenging to understand coming from English speak lol. This place is legit!!
Be forwarned though, I don't think they ask your temperature preference for steak. This don't bother me because I'm a vampire lol but this means the chef wants me to have it this way. I can respect that. No problem here.
All in all, service was incredible. Lots of fun, great vibes, friendly fellow patrons, great food, I will be returning!
So glad we were able to make the trip to Joe Beef! Food and service were fantastic. We had the escargot, terrine, oeuf en gelée, croquettes, lobster pasta, halibut, and for dessert got their 24 layer cake, ice cream sundae, and choux pastry strawberry cream. For 4 of us this was a great amount of food. I also had an amazing Caesar mocktail drink. Unfortunately I did not get pictures of everything as we wanted to eat as soon as the food was brought out. Highly recommend but make sure you secure a reservation well in advance!
Garde Manger
| Address | 408 R. Saint-François-Xavier, Montréal, QC H2Y 2S9, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 5:00 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | (514) 678-5044 |
Exceptional dinner at Garde Manger! The service was warm and personal, and the music and atmosphere were lively but comfortable. There are 4 choices of chef’s menus based on number of courses and premium ingredients, and we chose the smaller premium menu which was $165, adapted for a pescatarian. All of the courses were shared plates and it was a huge amount of food. First was a chilled seafood platter with oysters, lobster, shrimp, mussels, sturgeon pâté, and smoked char rillete. Then we had 3 appetizers, including the signature snow crab on brioche. Two seasonal mains included halibut with morels and scallops with peas, accompanied by roasted carrots with stracciatella (could have been a vegetarian main). We finished with 2 desserts. Everything was amazing!
Solid seafood, but a fairly disappointing Chef du Menu.
Came in on a Monday night for the Chef du Menu. They don’t list the dishes upfront, but given the restaurant's focus, I naturally expected a heavy lean toward seafood. But not exactly. This wasn’t a traditional tasting menu, but rather a standard array of small plates you’d find at any generic New American spot. Barely any creative inspiration, no unique ingredients, and honestly, surprisingly little seafood.
It did start strong with a massive seafood tower. Snow crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, and sturgeon dip. My favorite part was honestly just the local oysters. Sweeter and less briny than the typical New England or Maine oysters I'm used to.
The rest of the evening fell off a cliff a bit. Not a single memorable dish. All I can really remember is a blur of creative-looking, over-engineered vegetable plates.
Overall, a tad overpriced for what you get. Rolling the dice on the Chef du Menu was probably the wrong call. I've hit a lot of tasting menus across Montreal, and this was the only miss. No idea what the kitchen is aiming for with this format, but if you go, absolutely stick to the à la carte menu.
One of the most memorable seafood meals I've ever had. You know a restaurant is amazing when they can make a carrot so flavourful and interesting you savour it as slowly and carefully as every other bite. Our server was fabulous and brought us perfect wine pairings for our courses. The cheerful person bussing our table was delighted to see that I had scraped up all the horseradish on my cocktail sauce which she proudly shared she had prepared for the prawns, which in itself was amazing--super thick, rich and tomatoey. It was a pleasure seeing staff taking pride in even the little details. Presentation for every dish was beautiful! I loved the clams on rocks! Every bite of each course had so much flavour, I had to lick the plate when no one was looking. We had the lowest tier chef's tasting menu, which included a seafood platter, clams, tuna, beets 4 ways, swordfish, turbot, the carrots, and two kinds of desserts. I only wish I lived here, I could come back on the regular! Thank you for a spectacular meal!
I only gave 4 stars for ambiance because it was maybe not my favourite choice of music playing a little too loudly in the background, though I guess it was probably the vibe they were going for.
Stopped by for a weeknight dinner and grabbed a seat at the bar, which turned out to be perfect for shooting the open kitchen without getting in anyone's way. The bone marrow was the highlight of the night, rich and smoky and clearly the dish most people at nearby tables were ordering too. Service was relaxed but attentive, and the bartender took the time to explain a few things on the menu without ever feeling rushed. Exposed brick and low lighting made for a great atmosphere, even if it meant bumping my ISO up a bit to get decent shots.
Highly recommend Menu Du Chef. An amazing 7 course and dessert dining experience. The seafood preparation was incredible, with every course a delight! The wine pairing married so well. It is a seafood focused restaurant but the hanger steak... also perfection. Truly an unforgettable meal! Very much appreciated the service staff -an equally huge part of this review. Thank you!
Jardin Nelson
| Address | 407 Pl. Jacques-Cartier, Montréal, QC H2Y 3B1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (514) 861-5731 |
We had dinner outdoors on the patio of this restaurant in the heart of the Old Town. It was recommended by our guide, and we are glad we came.
Despite the line to get in, we didn't have to wait long. The crêpes were excellent, and the Blanche de Chambly beer had a unique flavor; it is described as tasting like pear, but it definitely tastes like banana. The service was fast, and the staff was very professional. We finished off with a visit to the inner courtyard, where live jazz was playing. It had a great atmosphere, though it certainly would have been hard to hold a conversation there. Highly recommended.
My favorite restaurant in Montréal! The food, service, and ambiance are all top-notch. The live music makes the experience truly special and unforgettable. It genuinely feels like you’re in the heart of Paris. Highly recommended!
I will do my review in English so that (our many and more than welcome) tourists can also understand what and why I am contributing. Pour ceux qui préfèrent en français, je peux le faire aussi.
As a Montrealer, though I worked at Place Victoria not too far away and am familiar with most of our bars and restaurants, it had been a long while since we had visited Jardin Nelson. The unique, in my opinion, draw of this establishment is its appeal to both tourists and locals, with both groups feeling they are exactly where they want to be. There is some discussion on line about whether it is ‘better’ to sit inside their (gorgeous) garden court with live music—undisputably awesome. Or, as we chose, to sit on the sidewalk terrace for delightful people-watching while under the TREMENDOUS care of one of the BEST WAITERS I have ever had, anywhere: FRANÇOIS.
The menu you can obviously check online, and every single thing we tried was beyond expectations. If I give it a 5/5, it is not on the scale of (obviously) a Michelin restaurant or a Le Toqué. That is for a different occasion and clientèle. But still a perfect score is merited when a restaurant is tops in its class of friendly, delicious, affordable, and bonus: good for the soul.
Merci, François, whose good-humored style was apparent at each and every table he served, which (I believe) seemed to take the entire outside terrace. He never missed a beat and was ahead of our requests at every turn. Bravo!
Food is really average, I live in Toronto, we can find a lot of better restaurants with same price. I ordered a chicken poke bowl, a claw chowder and a cup of coffee, with tips I paid 58 dollars. The lady guided me to the seat offered me a tilted table, I asked her to offer me a better one, obviously there were many good places to seat. The atmosphere is nice. By the way, tables and chairs are grassy and ugly.
Wonderful experience!! Our waitress Jean (i’m not sure if I spelled that write I apologize) was wonderful, as well as the rest of the staff we interacted with. I have severe food allergies and she was very willing to be accommodating and made sure to clarify as much as necessary, asking me questions to make sure every ingredient was safe for me to eat, and even modifying the pizza I ordered to confirm further it’s safe. It’s always amazing to experience a staff so willing to accommodate my dietary restrictions and make sure I have a wonderful experience. And I’d be remised not to mentioned how absolutely beautiful the restaurant is.
Bar George
| Address | Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Rue Drummond, Montréal, QC H3G 1V9, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (514) 669-9243 |
Bar George is absolutely beautiful—the atmosphere, décor, and overall vibe make for a really nice dining experience. The service was friendly and attentive, and the food was well prepared and tasty. That said, we felt the value didn’t quite match the price. We paid around $200 for two entrées and two drinks, and while everything was enjoyable, we left feeling that there are other restaurants in Montreal where you can get a more memorable meal for the same price. It’s definitely worth visiting for the stunning setting, but if you’re mainly going for the food, it may not offer the best value for the cost.
Bar George is a really nice spot for lunch or any other meals. I went there recently and overall it was a great experience, especially if you’re looking for a place with a beautiful atmosphere and a bit of a fancy feel without it being too stiff.
The restaurant itself is in a really stunning old building, and the interior is honestly the highlight. Lots of wood, high ceilings, and a classic, elegant vibe that makes brunch feel more special than usual. It’s the kind of place where you want to sit back and take your time.
The presentation was nice and everything came out looking good. Taste-wise, most things were solid—fresh, well cooked, and enjoyable. The coffee was also good and helped make the whole experience feel relaxed.
Service was friendly and professional. Nothing rushed, and the staff checked in just enough without being overbearing.
Montreal always has something to offer, and this time we found ourselves returning to a familiar spot. The iconic Mount Stephen's Club. We hesitated for a moment between the terrace and the dining room, but the interior drew us back in with its warm and elegant décor.
Service was impeccable, attentive without being overbearing. The two or three course menu made it easy to settle in and enjoy the experience at a relaxed pace. Each dish reflected the care and quality of high end gastronomy.
A true delight to the palate, simple, refined, and memorable. We will be returning again soon.
Very fancy English club looking restaurant and bar. Adjacent to Hotel Mount Stephen. Service is excellent, very quiet. Music was not matching the atmosphere but maybe we were just not lucky, Michael Jackson not my favorite choice for such a venue... Food was tasty and looking appealing but dry as it was probably prepared ahead of Mother's day brunch. Overall a nice discovery.
The food was pretty good, but the service not so much. Just felt invisible both times me and my friends went. Maybe we weren’t dressed like everyone else, but we will paid and tipped. I think we got
« pretty woman-ed ». Also it was ruined both evenings by uncontrolled kids. I know it’s not the fault of the restaurant, but the grift time we were there a kid got up, and went to the servers table, put his hands in his ears, mouth and god only knows where else, before touching all of the napkins, water jugs, etc. The staff told me they took care of it, but I didn’t see them replace anything on the table. The second time, we were put into a smaller side dining room, where we were seated across from a table of screaming children.
The price was not worth the experience. You’d be better off somewhere else. Pretty disappointed.
Maggie Oakes
| Address | 426 Pl. Jacques-Cartier, Montréal, QC H2Y 3B3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (514) 656-6000 |
NYS escapees for a long weekend, we hit Old Montreal without a food agenda. Maggie's was on most top 10 food options, so after checking out a few other lunch spots,we turned around and got right in. Our starter choices were the veggie carpaccio and the escargot toast...both excellent and unusual. For mains, I chose the delightful lamb roll while my companion ordered the burger, which he proclaimed to be a best ever. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable, the atmosphere on the veranda was the perfect vacation touch, and the lovely sauvignon blanc was atypical of my usual weekday lunch. Excellent choice!
Had a wonderful time in Maggie Oakes last Tuesday, 12 May! Lovely food and lovely staff! 😀 Pascal and Leon or Leon and Pascal 😉 are very good doing their job! Work in a restaurant also and can see both of them are efficients, smileys and with very polite manners! Very good customer service! Merci! Highly recommended!
Really appreciate them extending our reservation time & holding our table for longer! Host was great, waiter was nice & big praise to the bus girl and bus boy (very attentive to details & made sure our table was well clean) Restaurant was not quite busy for a Friday night but service was quite slow unfortunately. We took the tomahawk steak, seasoning was great but the cook was uneven. We asked for medium rare but some parts were well done. Vibes were immaculate but we did’t get much customer service though. Overall, not a bad experience, will definitely come back!! (Make sure to order their sides! Definitely worth it)
Be prepared when planning your visit, as this place can get fully booked quite often, especially during peak hours. It’s a popular spot, so making a reservation in advance is definitely a good idea. The food is decent and satisfies well, though not particularly exceptional, but still enjoyable enough for a casual outing. On a positive note, the service is consistently good—staff are attentive, efficient, and make sure everything runs smoothly. Overall, it’s a reliable choice, especially if you value good service and a lively atmosphere
I usually judge a restaurant by three things: quality, quantity, and cost. Unfortunately, Maggie Oakes missed the mark on all three for us.
Of course, ambiance matters, and the setting is nice. But ultimately, when you go to a restaurant at this price point, you are looking for a good meal.
We ordered the Lobster Thermidor for $64 and the filet mignon for $68. Both were disappointing. The lobster was dry, the filet mignon was underwhelming, and the portions felt surprisingly small for the price.
The Lobster Thermidor was especially disappointing. The plate came with a half lobster, a few green beans, and some whole potatoes. For $64, it felt sparse and almost careless. The presentation made the meal feel even more disappointing rather than elevated.
The only item that felt like decent value was the burger. Compared to the rest of the meal, it was the one dish where the price, portion, and quality felt more reasonable.
At this price point, I expected something more generous, refined, and memorable. Instead, most of the meal felt expensive, dry, and ordinary.
Overall, this was a disappointing experience, and I would not recommend Maggie Oakes based on this visit.
This was my first time and will be my last.
Gibbys
| Address | 298 Pl. d'Youville, Montréal, QC H2Y 2B6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:45 – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | (514) 282-1837 |
Beautiful experience. Our server was so cool and attentive! She really made the experience special. Food was delicious. Beef wellington was a little bland on taste, but perfectly cooked. Hard dish to make! Lobster was tender and escargot was out of this world. Thank you!
Really nice spot for an authentic steak dinner. The ambiance and location are great, and the whole place has a classic old-school steakhouse feel. The steak plates are around $90 and are more than enough for one person, especially with the generous bowl of salad that comes with them. They did mix up my order and brought me a steak instead of the Wellington I had ordered, but they handled it very well and graciously added the Wellington at no extra charge. Excellent service and a memorable dining experience overall.
It was perfect from start to finish. A late Sunday meal (the only reservation we found on the same day). Everything we had was made to perfection. Oysters, both fresh and baked, wedge salad, steaks and sides. The cocktails were top notch. Th service was perfect.
It has been more than a few years since we have been at Gibbys, but we should not have waited this long.
The Beef Wellington and the Chocolate Delight, were the highlight for my palate.
If you want to include that in your Google review, this version sounds more natural:
Writing
We came from Vancouver to Montreal for our honeymoon, and celebrating such a special occasion here made our trip even more memorable.
From the moment we arrived, we had a wonderful experience with our family. A special thank you to Banafshe, who took great care of us. She was kind, attentive, and helped us choose our orders while making sure everything was perfect.
The food was amazing. The rib-eye steak was incredibly tender and melted in my mouth, and the French onion soup was absolutely delicious. You definitely need to try it!
We finished our evening with a delicious cheesecake for dessert, which was the perfect way to end a beautiful celebration. Thank you to the entire team for the excellent service, amazing food, and for helping make our honeymoon in Montreal unforgettable. We will definitely be back!
A small correction from the previous version: calling it a honeymoon rather than just an anniversary changes the feeling of the review. Humans do love attaching a life milestone to a meal, apparently even a steak can become part of the family history. In this case, it actually makes the review warmer and more memorable. 😀 no complimentary ...
Having worked front desk and handled concierge requests over the years, I always recommended Gibbys, and my husband still sends guests here from his hotel! He took me out for a Saturday date, my very first time dining here. We stopped by without a reservation just to try our luck, and the experience was incredible from start to finish. The food and atmosphere were fantastic, and our server Jason took exceptional care of us. We'll definitely keep recommending it!
Maison Boulud
| Address | 1228 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H3G 1H6, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:00 – 10:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Saturday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:30 PM Sunday: 7:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM |
| Phone | (514) 842-4224 |
I really enjoyed my experience at Maison Boulud. The staff was very helpful and friendly. The food was perfectly prepared albeit the main ourselves was a tad underseasoned. The bison carpaccio made for a great start. The black garlic mayonnaise complimented it very well without overwhelming the meat. The fish was also delicios but the shrimp bisque sauce lacked that special taste that bisque sauces have. Both desserts that I tried were perfect but the German chocolate cake has more creme that cake. The molten lava cake definitely made up for everything. It seems pedestrian, however, the caramel twist made it very special. The mini-madeleines capped the evening excellently. The wines recommended by Julienne (a wonderful host) made for an experience that I'll repeat again.
I forgot about the foccacia bread; to die for!
And my second dessert, Chocolat Coulant Cake Caramel French Sea Salt Caramelized Milk.
Hands down, this is the best croissant I’ve ever had. They actually bake it fresh for you, and you have to wait about 10 minutes. But the wait is worth it because the croissant is incredible. The service is also amazing. Everything about the food is unreal, and the ingredients are top-notch.
Outstanding food and service—a must-try.
I sat at the bar and had a really pleasant conversation with the bartender, which added to the experience. The atmosphere is upscale, so dress nicely—it’s definitely more of a “treat yourself” kind of spot.
The restaurant has a beautiful terrace and is perfect for all kinds of occasions, whether it’s closing business deals, dining with family, or going out with friends. They also have tables that accommodate larger groups.
The ingredients are top-notch, and it shows in every dish.
They're so accommodating. They made me a vegan dish (mushroom risotto) that was not on the menu. And even proposed a vegan sorbet that was not on the menu, as a dessert.
This restaurant is pricey so expect to pay 100$ per person.
Pricey! $55.-$21. For a glass of wine? Yikes. Chalk it up for being housed in the Ritz hotel. This restaurant is good but not over the top extraordinary. Service was exceptional however, there were several long delays in our five course vegetarian chefs menu. Some of the dishes were artistically plated. The colors and flavors seem to mailed together. We couldn’t quite tell if there was a theme of white asparagus or not.
Small bar area with cozy, conversational lounge seating. The bartenders were personable and attentive. I told mine I was ordering escargot and asked her to suggest a drink pairing. She made me a gin-based cocktail with cucumber and mint notes that was really refreshing and paired nicely.
The escargot itself, though, had a little too much going on for me. It came with mushrooms in a garlic sauce, but the mushrooms completely overpowered the dish. If you took a full bite together, all you really tasted was mushroom. Since I was specifically craving escargot, I ended up picking around them.
Nice lounge vibe and service, but I wouldn’t order that dish again.
Fondue Haidilao
| Address | 1194 Rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Montréal, QC H3B 1K1, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
| Phone | (438) 773-9413 |
Absolutely loved my experience at Haidilao! The food was fresh, flavorful, and the broth options were excellent. The service was exceptional—attentive, friendly, and they really go above and beyond to make your dining experience enjoyable. Jason was great. The atmosphere was lively yet comfortable, making it a great spot for a meal with friends or family. Will definitely be coming back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Amazing experience! The service was easily 5 stars and probably some of the best I’ve ever had. The staff went above and beyond, they peeled our shrimp, skimmed the broth throughout the meal, and kept topping it up whenever needed. It really made the experience feel special.
We did the all-you-can-eat option, which gave us access to the sauce bar and fridge, and we had a blast. Everything we tried was fresh and delicious, and honestly, I don’t have anything negative to say. I’ll definitely be back!
I'm just glad that we finally have Haidilao in Montreal. Haidilao is hotpot chain that is well known for their food quality and top notch service. The broth, the meat cuts, the vegetables and seafood are just so fresh and tasty.
The service at Montreal location is getting better everyday. The food is also very fresh with great variety. Today service and food are just amazing. We were seen and accomodated by great staff, especially shoutout to Jason!
Thank you very much for the amazing services. We'll come back again and many times.
It’s a challenge to give it a rating lower than 5 stars. Although the service is not as fancy as when it first came out but hey, that was way over the top, now it’s just right.
Be careful with your appetite though because that can be a problem. You either ordered too much or way too much.
Reservation recommended.
Kids friendly.
Taste buds and stomach satisfied
Second time going to this hotpot place and it doesn’t disappoint! I urge to anyone who are looking to go there in group of four because it can get pricey if you come over with only another person with you. After all, it’s a family style experience to share the toppings with each other!
This is a pretty vegetarian and vegan friendly hotpot place to all my plant based folks out there in Montreal. The handmade noodles are so delicious and chewy I recommend it and the show they put on is always fun to watch☺️🙏.
The broth options are so nice, I recommend the tomato broth it’s so good! They have spicy soup base for anyone who wants a kick but be mindful, it very spicy, the peppercorns have a strong lasting burning effect so only for those with high spice tolerance!! You can order water instead of broth and use the free unlimited sauce bar to make your own soup base if you want to customize it to your taste and it’s less expensive too!! I tried it once and it was nice, there’s recipe made by people online if you search up a bit. They let you take broth leftovers and toppings leftovers in containers for free unless you paid for the buffet option
The hotpot can get pretty crowded late at night and maybe overstimulating for some, come around afternoon if you want to have more of a peaceful time over there.
The bathrooms are lovely and clean, they provide toothpick, mouthwash and other toiletries for anyone needing a cleanup after eating.
The experience I had with staffs are all great, they’re all so lovely and helpful to customers and you can tell they work very hard to sustain a good food experience to everyone.
As for price, like I said, it can get pricey for sure so I recommend to come in pack to split the bills later so it can be more affordable 🙂 but with all the extra things they provide you such as unlimited sauce bar, free rubber bands for hair, wipes for glasses, free mint candies, free chips and tea at the entrance and free ice cream at the end of the meal, I just think it’s worth going there at least once!!!
I will definitely come back for sure, thank you Haidilao 🥰
Restaurant Canada Best
| Address | 997 Av. Ogilvy, Montréal, QC H3N 2T3, Canada |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | (514) 495-7664 |
As a Malaysian myself, I was so happy to be able to have a taste of home. As a person who live abroad a while, this ‘Nasi lemak’ is better than any other rice, highly recommend for someone new to Malaysian cuisine. Great food, nice people, and awesome drink(masala tea).
Cravings satisfied!
Tried their Nasi Lemak and Rendang for take out last February and back for Nasi goreng today and it hits the spot.
The Nasi lemakis as what you expect from a Malasian cook, rice fluppy and the the sambal is just at the right spicinness - being heat tolerance has reduced over the years.
The Rendang rempah is more on the mamak version, less sweet and more savory but you can taste the kunyit leaves which was missing on other restaurant that serves rendang.
The nasi goreng was wow all the anchovies really makes it kampung style just missing the chopped chili padi but the sambal on the side complemented it.
The ambiance was 4 star just because parking in the area is a bit crowded.
Never have I thought I would be able to find authentic Malaysian-style Indian food in Canada, but I had it here. The food was very authentic both in taste and presentation, and if it weren’t for the snowy street outside, I would’ve very well thought I was at a restaurant back home in Singapore. The food was so good that I returned two days later for more — and the staff remembered me!!!
The Nasi Kandar (which is only served on Saturdays) was so huge in portion that I had to pack the leftover and had it for lunch the next day — and it still tasted so good! Amazing price - portion - quality ratio.
The Nasi Lemak was also delicious, and the sambal had just the right balance of spicy, sour and sweet.
The restaurant staff were also very welcoming, and the husband-wife chef even came out of the kitchen to chat with me after my meal!
Amazing restaurant!
Finally found a good place for Nasi Lemak in Montreal! We took the Nasi Lemak, Rendang Ayam Beef and the Chicken Noodles and they were all delicious! The hospitality we got from the owners was amazing, they were so nice to us. Honestly, it’s totally worth it to go support them, good food and good people! We’ll be back for sure! ❤️
This might be what home might feel like. I am not Sri Lankan nor Malaysian but this restaurant and its owners brought me and my friend a newfound sense of belonging and warmth.
The food was high in quality, good and with generous portions
The atmosphere almost felt like eating food cooked by your grandmother.
The owners are absolute gems!
This is a must in Montreal
Essential Tips for Dining Out in Montreal
Navigating Montreal’s restaurant scene is part of the adventure, but a little local knowledge goes a long way. While the city is incredibly welcoming, the dining culture has specific quirks that differ from the standard American experience. Understanding these nuances will ensure you avoid long waits, respect local customs, and get the most value out of your meal.
1. Master the "Apportez Votre Vin" (BYOW) Scene
Many of the city’s best neighborhood bistros do not have liquor licenses, which is a massive win for your wallet. Look for "AVV" on the door or website. You are expected to bring your own bottle of wine; often, there is a small corkage fee of a dollar or two, but sometimes it is free. Head to a local "SAQ" (government liquor store) or a "dép" (corner store) that sells wine to grab a bottle before your reservation.
2. Reservations are Non-Negotiable for Dinner
Montrealers love to eat out, and the best rooms are small. If you are targeting a specific restaurant on this list for a Friday or Saturday night, book at least two to three weeks in advance. Walk-in culture is strong for lunch or late-night eats, but dinner at a top bistro without a reservation will likely result in a seat at the bar or a polite turn-away.
3. Tipping and Payment Etiquette
Tipping standards are similar to the US, with 15% to 18% being the standard for good service. However, be aware that when you pay by card, the portable terminal will offer tip percentages that sometimes calculate on the post-tax total; selecting a custom dollar amount is perfectly acceptable. Service is generally professional but can feel more "European"—meaning your server will not hover or rush you through your meal. Flag them down when you need the check.
4. Navigate the Language with Grace
While Montreal is functionally bilingual, the restaurant industry is deeply rooted in French. Menus are often written in French first, with English translations underneath. A simple "Bonjour" (Hello) when you walk in and "Merci" (Thank you) when you leave goes a long way. Do not worry about fluency; the effort is always appreciated and sets a warm tone for your meal.
5. Understand the "Table d’Hôte"
To get the best value at upscale restaurants, look for the "Table d’Hôte" (Host’s Table). This is a fixed-price menu that usually includes an appetizer, main course, and sometimes dessert or coffee. It is almost always cheaper than ordering à la carte and showcases the chef’s best seasonal work. It is the secret to eating luxuriously in Montreal without breaking the bank.
Montreal is not a city to be rushed, especially at the dinner table. Meals here are meant to be lingered over, with conversation flowing as freely as the wine. Whether you are biting into a sesame-crusted bagel fresh from a wood-fired oven or savoring a complex plate of modern Québécois cuisine, you are participating in a culture that values craft above convenience.
As you plan your itinerary, try to build your days around the neighborhoods where these restaurants are located. Explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal before an upscale dinner, or wander the colorful alleys of the Plateau before grabbing a casual bite. The best way to experience Montreal is to let your appetite guide you, one incredible meal at a time.
