The best restaurants Montreal

The Levant and the Maghreb, with a clear penchant for Lebanon, are in the spotlight here in a cuisine scented in the image of the Middle East. No table service: you order your meals at the counter, settle in and have your delicacies delivered. On the menu: humus and very tasty baba ganouj, salads (including the famous cooked salad with stewed tomatoes and roasted peppers), and various pita sandwiches (falafel, chicken shawarma, beef kefta..., also available in a plate version). Very good dishes at more than affordable prices!

Don't look for the Garde Manger sign, you won't find it. Yet this little restaurant is a much sought-after spot. It has to be said, too, that here, good humor, conviviality, music and good neo-rustic cuisine combine to perfection. The cooks are busy, the waiters come and go, the barman prepares the drinks, manages the cutlery and the music... The pace is frenetic, but we really enjoy it. Could it be due to the cosy atmosphere, the wine and cocktails, the quality of the food? Certainly all of the above.

A true Old-Montreal institution, this restaurant has retained its cachet with a more contemporary touch. Under the guidance of chef Paul Achard, fish and seafood reign supreme on the menu, and the choice is vast. Poached wild salmon, grilled langoustines, fried calamari and lobster in a variety of sauces, just to name a few. And for those who don't really feel inspired by the ocean, several homemade pasta and meat dishes are also on display. The accompanying wine list and digestifs are sure to please.

Housed in a former presbytery in the Little Burgundy district, Candide is the address of chef John Winter Russell. The concept is simple: a fixed-price menu every evening, including two starters, a choice between two main courses and a dessert or cheese, all varying according to the inspiration of the moment, the season and what's available. Fine food, a warm welcome, pretty, airy premises, a charming, tranquil terrace and an open kitchen where you can watch the cooks at work. A gourmet evening guaranteed.

Located in a former warehouse of the Angus railroad plants, the table of chef Marc-André Jetté (400 Coups, Chez L'Épicier, Laloux) and sommelier William Saulnier showcases Quebec products in a bistro formula with world accents. It can be interesting to combine several dishes in a shared formula, in order to taste as many delights as possible. A fine wine list to go with it all, as well as homemade beers (including Farmhouse Hoogan and Beaufort brewed at MaBrasserie) and private imports.

The O'Thym restaurant welcomes you in a warm and sober atmosphere, with its brick walls and its tables laid out like a café. The cuisine highlights quality Quebec products, from small local productions, through inventive seasonal dishes. The result: modern creations with original flavor combinations. Jerusalem artichoke with hemp and rabiole purée or lamb with cabbage, rutabaga, honey, ginger and miso are examples of what you can find at this table, which we highly recommend.

A family-run business founded in 1942 by Hymie and Freda Sckolnick, this American diner is said to be the origin of Montreal's famous brunch ritual. More than 80 years later, the Beautys Special (the must-try bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese) and the Mish-Mash (hot-dog omelette, salami, green bell pepper and fried onions) still make the reputation of the house. The menu has expanded over the years, and people sometimes come from far and wide to enjoy breakfast or brunch at Beautys. Bonus: in-house products are on sale on site.

Olivia Lévêque has taken up the torch from her parents and offers a tempting card. You can enjoy good small dishes such as braised lamb shank, a large plate of fish bouillabaisse-style or crispy sweetbread. The house has been specializing in offal for over 40 years. On the sweet side, the choice will be difficult: Chartreuse iced nougat on raspberry coulis, crème brûlée with the flavour of the moment, chocolate temptation and its tarragon parfait... Bonus: all the breads are homemade.

A beautiful brasserie, classic, and famous since its opening in 1931. It is said that today the stars of the world of arts and sports like to get there to nibble a piece. Around a marble table, under the fan blades and in the characteristic hubbub of bistros, it is nice to look at business lunches, friends and lovers. In winter, you'll be advised of the hot onion soup that is right! In summer, chicken liver salad, tasted on the terrace, is very valuable. The specialties of the house are suitable for all seasons: beef tartar, calf liver, boudin to apples. The service is very effective.

Concrete ambiance and wall art in this trendy (Mile End obliges) version of the brunch diner. You can enjoy a hot or cold homemade beverage, and of course excellent breakfasts "à la montréalaise": waffles, French toast, sandwiches, egg specialties (which gives the place its name), and of course the famous morning poutine. The portions are as generous as the noise level is high, for those who don't have the chance to eat outside. People come from far and wide: you will have to be patient at the entrance. A delight that must be earned!

A proud representative of Algeria, for 27 years in Montreal. The specialty of the site, the couscous, has been proven for a long time and is enjoying all the delicious and melting meats in the Maghreb. Lamb, rabbit, chicken and merguez are all invitations to travel to the country where food is an art of living alone.

Flavors, elegance and cheerful chatter are the order of the day. This renowned restaurant serves excellent cuisine, like these bites of salmon and beef tartare. It's so good, it makes you want more! Delicious rack of lamb with gratin savoyard and French peas, or lovely pan-fried milk-fed veal chop with morel mushroom sauce and rattes in duck fat. A fine wine list and successful desserts show that here, attention to detail is paramount. A message received by Montreal's relaxed, bourgeois clientele, and we understand!

This is the table of Italian chef Stefano Faita, well known for his gourmet books and television shows. In the kitchen, his partner, chef and pastry chef Michele Forgione, revisits Italian cuisine and presents his great classics. On the program, succulent antipasti such as mozzarella di bufala or homemade cold cuts. In resistance, the porchetta, the rib of beef, the pasta... The wine list honors the products of the different regions of Italy, from Lombardy to Tuscany, through Sicily.

Meals prepared to order and which change every day. In the beautiful season, the very popular terrace allows you to enjoy the sun.

The Verdun district is not well known to tourists, but it has many surprises in store, like the Italian restaurant Rita, named after the owners' grandmothers. This modern bistro offers a warm and family atmosphere where it is very pleasant to share a classic and very tasty Italian cuisine. Favoring fresh and local products, the chef Joseph, of Sicilian origin, proposes a constantly evolving menu that smells good the sun and the dolce vita. Terrace in summer and a nice selection of Italian wines.

After Lisbon, Miami, New York, Boston and Chicago, it's Montreal's turn to host this gastronomic and cultural market. Over fifteen chefs, restaurateurs and mixologists have been hand-picked to occupy this immense gourmet space. There's also a cooking school, four bars (sodas, beers, cocktails, wines), a boutique and cultural and artistic spaces. On-site offerings include: Le Red Tiger( Vietnamesestreet-food ), Paul Toussaint (West Indian cuisine), Bossa (gourmet sandwiches)... Our mouths are watering!

You will find the spirit of the Magdalen Islands in this corner of paradise led by the Painchaud family. The staff were very friendly and helpful. In the summer, the family installs a terrace in the back that it embellishes with a miniature sailboat, lobster traps, fishing nets and the Acadian flag. In mid-August, there is a celebration of the region until the early morning. A good old place, as we love them, with an open kitchen where we prepare, according to tradition, the most delicious lobsters in the world, cooked with steam and sea salt. The fruit pot of seafood, cod cakes, and seal (very rich in iron) prepared in burger, sausage or lasagna is refined. For the undecided, the «Tour des Îles» tasting base brings together all the specialties in small quantities. An address not to miss!

Dyan Solomon and Eric Girard, co-owners of the famous Olive+Gourmando, opened Foxy in 2015. Unlike its big sister, which works morning and noon, Foxy is more of a night spot, offering charcoal and wood-fired cooking with a homemade philosophy. Meat and seafood products are very popular, not forgetting starters such as homemade feta cheese or the famous flatbread. The decor is muted and subdued, "halfway between a hunting lodge and a speakeasy " as Ariane Krol of La Presse aptly put it.

It's like being in a loft: friendly atmosphere (small tables for two or large wooden tables to share), very high ceilings, light colors. The brunch served all week is a must. And there's plenty to choose from, including the more traditional "Canton", "Lac Brome" with duck confit, eggs Benedict with orange sauce, spinach and potatoes, and even the red fruit pancakes. At lunchtime, several à la carte dishes are also available. An ideal place to take a break during the day. Everything is simply delicious!

One of Montreal's busiest bakery-cafés. At the entrance, a counter sells an assortment of pastries, cookies, muffins and other treats, not to mention coffee to go. At the back, the breakfast, sandwich, salad and other gourmet counters prepare delicious diet meals, most of them made with organic ingredients. The choice of dishes varies regularly, and their quality and originality never disappoint. A delicious coffee is the perfect end to a good meal. Beware, the place is packed at lunchtime.

Fine pizzas, cooked to perfection since 1948! Families and groups of friends flock here, but the wait is well worth it, whether it's for a pizza with well-chosen ingredients, pasta (ravioli, cannelloni, gnocchi, etc.) or a plate of antipasti. The setting is very simple and the atmosphere very lively. Conquered guests can go and have a look at their gourmet shop, Miss Napoletana (across the street), and stock up on good homemade or imported products: pasta, sauces, frozen pizzas, oils, coffee and much more.

In Montreal, plant-based cuisine is a source of boundless creativity. Here, we're discovering vegan Indian dishes with a particular focus on the nutritional quality of the ingredients chosen. Byrianis, dals, curries... everything is bursting with flavor. The "chicken" tikka is particularly good, and the mango lassi is just delicious. At lunchtime, the thali can be an interesting place to sample several small specialties. And it has to be said, you'll be very warmly welcomed, with attentive service. It's a pleasant address in every way.

After La Belle Tonki, Michel et Michel open a spot dedicated to smash burgers. Almost caramelized steaks (ground on the premises), an extra sauce, a soft bun, a few crudités; with just 2 recipes, it's simple and straight to the point: gourmandise. As for the fries, they're thinly sliced and cooked in suet for a crispy result, so there's nothing to complain about. However, there's not much room inside, so we recommend you take away.

Brasserie Bernard, an essential institution in the chic and vibrant Outremont district, is brilliantly run by the Holder brothers, a reference in the city. This elegant brasserie transports us into the atmosphere and flavours of Europe. The great classics are on the slate and the menu makes room for local Quebec products, notably the Quebec cheese plate. A wide selection of wines and spirits is offered. The summer terrace adds to the many pleasures of this choice establishment.

As the name suggests, so does the logo, and indeed on the menu (fried) chicken reigns supreme. Sourced from the Voltigeurs farm 100 km from Montreal, the meat is of the highest quality. Fried in a crispy cornflake breading, the chicken remains juicy and tender. You can also choose from a range of homemade sauces to accompany the generous pieces. On weekends, the brunch menu features chicken & waffles, an American specialty that's a must-try here! Other options, with and without chicken, are also interesting.

In a chic and immaculate atmosphere, La Chronique's colourful menu tends to explore the very limits of French cuisine. Chefs Marc De Canck and Olivier de Montigny break free from traditional shackles and create dishes with new flavours. Aromas and tastes are pushed to such a degree that the palate loses its bearings. Beautiful wine list. When cooking becomes such a highly artistic material, we can then speak, without question, of one of the best tables in Montreal. To be discovered!

The best bagels are the ones from Montreal. Period. And it's impossible to meet a Canadian who will tell you otherwise. One of the best known in the city is Fairmount Bagel, a Mile End institution for over a century. Their bagels are perfect: not too dense crumb and crispy crust. Plain, sesame seed, poppy seed, multigrain, onion, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, cranberry, etc., the options are numerous and all delicious! Our choice: sesame seed bagel with smoked salmon mousse.

The Saloon has been one of the high points of the Village for more than 25 years. A trendy and very popular restaurant, it is mainly known for its creative local and international cuisine with generous portions. The choice is vast, from classic nachos to tartars, mac and cheese, poutine or various burgers, after sipping one of their many cocktails. The service is always courteous and efficient. And just to satisfy all the senses, DJs take over the decks in the evening for those who wish to stay up late!

Part wine bar (specializing in Catalan wines), part refined tapas bar, this Outremont neighborhood restaurant has earned a fine reputation since opening in 2018, and it's easy to see why. The small space is both uncluttered and warm, the tableware is original and delicate, the service impeccable, and what can we say about the dishes on offer? Fish and seafood dishes, pan con tomate, Spanish ham, homemade pasta: everything is absolutely delicious and very fine, and fits in perfectly with the intimate, slightly chic atmosphere of the place.

Located a stone's throw from St. James' Church, this Japanese izakaya offers only Japanese specialties, as well as revisited versions such as Moshibèkon Yakitori ( moshi and bacon skewers). You can accompany your meal with a typical cocktail, a Japanese beer or, of course, a good sake. The place can be noisy at lunchtime, so be warned! Also worth discovering: its little gourmet sister, Hanzo Izakaya, located on Saint-Nicolas Street in the heart of Old Montreal. We recommend it!

Derek Dammann and his financial partner Jamie Oliver, world-renowned British chef and TV host (Naked Chef for Intimates), opened the establishment in autumn 2012. The premises look like an English pub (which means Maison Publique is the translation of Public House). So expect to find British specialties on the menu with the chef's very personal touch. To accompany all this, the house offers, for our greatest pleasure, beers from Quebec microbreweries and Canadian wines.

We're in good hands at this attractive resto-bar set above an Asian grocery store. Poincaré's creators all come from well-known microbreweries, and the chef, who is passionate about lacto-fermentation, has come up with a number of small dishes and preserves (all made on the premises) to enjoy over a glass. Excellent wines and cocktails, in addition to a fine selection of beers. Try the fermented fries with shallot confit mayonnaise. The ideal place after a visit to Chinatown or before a show at the SAT.

A former Chinese art store is now home to THE trendy spot of the moment. The kitchen in the center of the room gives diners the pleasure of observing Japanese dishes in preparation. Sashimi, grilled duck aged in miso or tantan udon: these delicate dishes are ideal for sharing. Glasses of wine or sake take on a special flavor under the soft lighting. And for even greater intimacy, the small vinyl bar in the basement transforms into a unique club in the evening.

Located opposite the Beaubien cinema, this burger-specialized restaurant is the logical follow-up to a morale-boosting evening. Recipes range from classic cheeseburgers to Quebec duck confit with mushroom sauce, not to mention a few popular meatless options. You can replace your potato fries with sweet potato fries, and we highly recommend it. Other comforting dishes on the menu include tartar and poutine.

The Red Tiger is a kind of hybrid between a neighborhood pub and a typical Vietnamese street food restaurant. On the menu: green papaya salad, barbecue and sesame pork skewers, mini Vietnamese chicken and shrimp pancakes... We recommend that several people share a few dishes, so you can try everything. There's a great list of house cocktails and even a signature beer, a light blonde that goes down well. If the place doesn't have a terrace, there's a large garage door that opens wide on sunny days.

Chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard runs this high-flying address just a stone's throw from Marché Saint-Jacques. Of course, it's not the size of the portions that draws the crowds, but rather the perfect marriage of flavors and textures, the meticulously chosen ingredients, the more-than-successful visuals for each dish and the creativity that expresses itself from starter to dessert (count on a dozen courses). We also recommend the wine pairing experience. Other establishment: Le Molière by Mousso in the Latin Quarter.

This fishmonger-restaurant on the Jean-Talon market is one of a kind. Not all the fish is local, but it is carefully selected for its quality. Depending on what arrives, you'll find tuna, lobster, swordfish... The fishmonger's is the only one in town to mature its fish on the premises, and to offer seafood charcuterie, also available for tasting in the restaurant. You can also enjoy fish & chips from the day's catch, char with vegetables and sandwiches like the smoked shrimp hot dog.

A cross between the Orient and Canada. Concrete gray, black and pastel pink adorn the ultra-modern restaurant housed in a handsome, less modern building. At every stage of the day, you can sample dishes flavored with zaatar, harissa, mint... And it's delicious! At lunchtime, pita bread sandwiches (fried chicken, falafel or tuna crudo) take center stage. In the evening, there's a choice of hot or cold dishes, and the brunch menu is even more varied, with a mix of savory and sweet dishes. Worth a try!

Definitely an address that will please the gourmet night owls. The place oscillates between restaurant, bar and nightclub. The decor honors the name of the establishment with its stylized wooden trees and its enchanted forest on the walls. On the plates, Chef Guillaume Daly and his team create dishes where raw and grilled meats take center stage (mention the AAA Tomahawk to share). To take the experience a step further, enter the hidden bar to enjoy a delicious cocktail in the atmosphere of a speakeasy.

This family-run rotisserie has been feeding the neighborhood for over 50 years, and the daily lunchtime line-up in front of the door is proof of its continued success. Sandwiches are the main attraction: chicken breast or leg, pork or sausage, all cooked to a delicious, crispy skin. When it comes to sauces and crudités, the choice is yours. And for even more deliciousness, the trick is to ask for chicken juice in your sandwich. An address that goes straight to the point and does it well.

Cathcart Restaurants and Biergarten opened in early 2020 as part of the Esplanade Place Ville Marie revitalisation project. The 12 food counters (a real culinary world tour) and the 2 restaurants (a brasserie and a Japanese canteen) are set up around an elegant green and luminous square, under an imposing glass roof, where everyone can settle down with their glass or their plate (both are even better!). This new food fair is already a new place not to be missed for Happy Hours.