The best bistros and brasseries Montreal

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.

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.

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.

Here is a brasserie with crazy charm, with its wood-covered walls, all in relief, where blackboards display the menus, and where modern meets rustic. Les Enfants Terribles is a famous name in the Montreal area. If all its addresses are not the same, the one in Outremont still has a certain charm. You can, for example, enjoy the spectacle of life in Outremont behind the large bay windows, while tasting a knife cut beef tartare with parmesan crumble and basil oil. A well-known address.

Charles-Antoine Crête, who officiated for over 15 years as chef de cuisine at Toqué! alongside his friend and mentor Normand Laprise, opened Montréal Plaza in 2015 with two long-time acolytes. The place is superb: the design is by Zébulon Perron, with objects from Charles-Antoine's childhood taking pride of place here and there in the restaurant. On the menu, you can feel the neo-brasserie touch - enhanced by Quebec products - with dishes such as foie gras and eel terrine, mackerel a la plancha and poultry with sherry wine.