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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shortly after opening, Dandy is already a popular choice for brunch in Old Montreal. With its sleek, modern look, it appeals to a trendy clientele. The menu is convincing: ricotta pancakes, maple syrup and hazelnut butter with seasonal fruit; buttermilk fried chicken sandwich; breakfast plate with avocado toast... not forgetting the pretty pastries of the day. The dishes remain simple and gourmet, but with a touch of elegance, in the manner of a true dandy after all.