The best restaurants Montreal

Here, customers eat in total darkness in order to experience what all blind people experience on a daily basis, just like the waiters who will take care of you during your meal. Beyond the innovative and socially responsible concept, the food is also there. The good food tastes even more intense; isn't it said that the loss of one sense exacerbates the others? Dishes, textures and smells come together in interesting combinations. Those who want to take the experience further can choose the surprise menu.

At any time of day or night, people come here to enjoy one of the 30 types of poutine on the menu. More than just fries, cheese and gravy, here creativity yields sometimes surprising results, like the Savoyarde with bacon, onions, Swiss cheese and sour cream. There's also a selection of sandwiches, club sandwiches, burgers and other small dishes to accompany a microbrewery beer. There's also a good choice of hearty breakfasts at ridiculously low prices. A must in the metropolis!

Known and recognized for the unique taste of its smoked meat, a pastrami specially prepared in the traditional way with a blend of spices and herbs, Schwartz's has been bringing the atmosphere of The Main to its customers since 1928, with its long line. The smoked meat is served in lean, semi-lean or not lean at all. Such an institution in Montreal that a musical comedy dedicated to its history was even created. For the record, Celine Dion and her late husband René Angélil are part of the conglomerate that bought the restaurant in 2012.

The reputation of Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef Jérôme Ferrer is well established. L'Europea is a fine culinary art with an inventive and intuitive cuisine that takes all our senses on a journey. It's one of the best places to eat in town, and offers a taste experience to match. In the evening, let yourself be tempted by the La Grande Table menu, an epic culinary journey in 8 or 10 courses. The accompanying wine list is a hymn to happiness. A vegetarian menu is also available.

Now that's generous cooking! Martin Picard doesn't skimp on the fresh produce and accompaniments that feed his man. It's a place where gourmets come to feast in good company and good spirits. The simmered dishes and "happy" cochonnailles will make you forget all about vegetarianism, not to mention the famous poutine with foie gras. We won't go on a diet, but what a delight! For the ultimate dining experience, we recommend the cabanes located in Mirabel, in the beautiful Laurentian region.

This is a restaurant with a noble mission: volunteers join the staff so that the profits from the sale of meals are donated to charity. But what about the menu? Concocted from seasonal products, it is a creative cuisine, flavored with the aromas of the world, that the kitchen team proposes. Events are regularly organized, from yoga workshops to piano concerts and summer camps for children. Finally much more than a restaurant...

The menu itself does not fail to make sense: hot goat, caramelized onions, lamb or smoked salmon…

This urban outfitter offers a new territory for "fishing" for good food. Almost an exclusive preserve. No external signage, just a rallying sign for gourmet insiders. The ultra-sleek décor of stone, beams and leather is a cosy blend of sophistication and authenticity: dandyism and contemporary rusticity. As for the chefs, they create a cuisine that is powerful, animal, aesthetic and instinctive, while the brigade in the dining room maintains the unique eurythmy that so characterizes the creations of this winning team.

If the building where Mélisse is located lacks a bit of charm because of its modernity, the interior is worth a visit. It's simple, but very charming! In the plate, seasonal and local products, all in a healthy way. For lunch and dinner, the menu offers a nice selection of dishes to share (or not!) including crispy falafels with herb mayonnaise, grilled arctic char or the raw of the day. For brunch, we recommend without hesitation the salmon gravlax. There is also a nice selection of organic wines and cocktails.

The sign is discreet and there's no risk of being distracted by an overly invasive décor: the soul of the restaurant is right there on the plate. With a whisper of lounge music, you can enjoy simple, delicious local products, creatively assembled with a certain refinement, from the warm homemade bread to the tasty mignardises. A fine address and impeccable service. The team has two other restaurants: Cadet, also in downtown Montreal, and Place Carmin, with its brasserie-style menu, in Old Montreal.

At the corner of Rachel and Saint-Laurent, this French fry shop is iconic in Montreal. Its low prices and comfort food are sure to please. Whether it's the lunch plates (understand breakfast) or the very good poutines, the Patati Patata stop is justified at any time of the day, and until late at night. The tofu, beef or fish burgers are perfect to fill up the little hunger pangs. Luxury no, but efficient yes!

Rustic, folkloric and warm are words that perfectly describe this restaurant, located in the basement of a small street in Old Montreal. On the menu: seafood platter, hot or fresh oysters, salmon gravlax, tartars, marrow bones, but above all a beautiful variety of wild meats prepared according to the chef's inspiration (the à la carte dishes often change). Are you ready to feel the soul of a Canadian hunter when tasting a buffalo burger, a two-way mustard rabbit or a deer shank stew?

Paying is the restaurant of the boutique hotel Le Nelligan. Here you will not lose in the middle of a long card, because the menu is short but of a high quality. The chef prepares contemporary French cuisine, developed from Quebec products. The atmosphere is chic and courteous service. We spend an evening being pampered.

Nestled in the heart of Old Montreal, the Bonaparte has its reputation to live up to! Open for more than 35 years, this institution offers French-inspired cuisine using local products. The menu changes every day, depending on arrivals and the chef's inspiration. The setting of the restaurant is elegant and the presentation of the table is meticulous. Lobster with vanilla, rack of lamb or duck breast are particularly recommended! The wine selection is impressive and the team is very good at advising you.

Chef Daniel Boulud is no stranger to the Ritz-Carlton restaurant, celebrated as one of the city's finest. His restaurant Daniel, in New York, is Michelin-starred and world-renowned, in addition to being a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux association. With Maison Boulud, he wanted to take advantage of the fusion of two cuisines, North American and European. A great success. The refinement is in the plates as well as in the dining room, and the service is worthy of top Michelin-starred restaurants. A fine dining experience.

A real lively and warm French bistro atmosphere reigns in the large dining room of the Petit Extra. The magnificent bar is inspired by the photographer René Jacques. The table d'hôtes changes every day and follows the rhythm of the seasons. The wine list, with its organic and privately imported selections, is excellent. It is also possible to organize receptions in the Lion d'Or adjoining the bistro (superb Art Deco showroom) or in the private lounge, the Lionceau. The restaurant also hosts a few events during the year.

"Nothing accompanies a Polish meal like a good vodka." All right, let's do this... With krokiety (pancakes stuffed with meat or mushrooms) or a bigos (traditional stew), you'd drink it almost like whey. Roast wild boar is also worth the detour, without forgetting sauerkraut and the famous pierogi. The menu includes about twenty specialities for a cuisine with unexpected and rare flavours. In addition, the welcome is excellent, and the décor is splendid, with beautiful reproductions of works by Polish artists.

Crowds flock here at all hours of the day, as breakfasts are served all day long and the plates are well-stocked! Open since 1938, La Binerie has stood the test of time. Tourtière, shepherd's pie and "pouding chômeur" are the region's popular and traditional dishes, not forgetting the star of the show, the famous bines (baked beans). Want to try it all? Le Repas Traditionnel Québécois is a must. You'll also find a selection of beers, wines and spirits exclusively from Quebec. An address not to be missed!

This vegetarian and vegan (but not only) café has a reputation for delicious sandwiches. One example of a sandwich is the carrot lox with red onions, capers, dill and cream cheese or the cashew spread. Other dishes include vegetarian chili, comforting soups, hearty salads and delicious desserts (try the carrot cake or the cheesecake with wild blueberry coulis). The prices are very affordable considering the generous portions.

Located right in the heart of Old Montreal, this restaurant offers the most authentic Vietnamese cuisine, inspired by bia hoi (small street corner pubs in Hanoi). At the helm in the kitchen is chef Ross Louangsignotha, who brings a modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine while retaining the essence of traditional recipes. The Tonkinese soup is a pure delight (with the addition of rare beef), as are the imperial rolls. For night owls, the restaurant has an on-site cocktail bar, the Nhâu Bar.