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$$ | The Village |
Co-owned by Win Butler and wife Régine Chassagne of famed Montréal band Arcade Fire, this popular Haitian rum house with tropical décor is flanked by the most fabulous patio in the city, bar none. Besides the views, the main draw here is the make-your-own Ti' Punch setup—a bottle of rum, ice cubes, sugar cane juice, lime wedges, and other fixings. Combine that DIY drinking experience with sultry jazz tunes and you've got a two-story space that's filled with character and strong tropical vibes. Food-wise, expect creole classics like mais moulu (polenta), conch ceviche, fried plantains, and fried chicken, along with a vegan dish, pumpkin in a coconut sauce with white rice. For after-dinner dancing and more drinking and tropical music, head next door to Ti-Agrikol; "ti" means little in Haitian Creole.
1844 rue Amherst, Montréal, Québec, H2L 3L6, Canada
Known For
- Make-your-own Ti' Punch
- Creole classics
- Groovy Haitian atmosphere
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$$$$ | The Plateau |
Not for the timid, the menu at this famous 20-year-old bistro—one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorites—is an ode to gluttony and nose-to-tail cooking. Wild restaurateur and chef Martin Picard serves pickled bison tongue, guinea hen liver mousse, a whole pig's head for two, and pork hocks braised in maple syrup. However, his obsession with foie gras is what truly sets him apart; he lavishes the stuff on hamburgers and, brace yourselves, poutine. Come summer, look for the Au Pied de Cochon food truck. In winter, you can "pig out" on pork and maple syrup creations at one of two Au Pied de Cochon sugar shacks in St-Benoît de Mirabel.
536 av. Duluth Est, Montréal, Québec, H2L 1A9, Canada
Known For
- Foie gras poutine
- Au Pied de Cochon food truck
- Local celebrity chef
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$ | Little Italy |
Instagram-famous for its dusty pink chairs and pleasing, contemporary space, this seriously cool brasserie is home to 41 home-brews—sold by the bottle at the boutique upstairs—and a solid menu that includes monkfish burgers, beer-can roast chicken, and a hearty rib eye. In 2021, a new, larger brewhouse was opened. Waiters are masters at their craft; don’t hesitate to ask for beer pairings with your meal.
95 rue Jean-Talon Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2R 2W8, Canada
Known For
- Beer pairings
- Architectural space
- Beer-can roast chicken
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch Sat.
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$$ | Little Italy |
Dinette Triple Crown is relatively small (a counter with just eight stools), but the real draw here is not indoor dining but taking the comfort food to go. Locals know to ask for a picnic basket (fully equipped with cutlery, dishes, and a tablecloth) that will be enjoyed in Little Italy Park across the street. Have it filled with fried chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy, braised greens, and biscuits, or pulled pork sandwiches and brisket.
6704 rue Clark, Montréal, Québec, H2S 3E9, Canada
Known For
- Large selection of bourbon
- Weekly menus
- Fried chicken and other Southern fare
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed., Reservations not accepted
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$$$ | Downtown |
Antique chairs and a 40-foot brass bar, along with the original terrazzo flooring, ceiling lamps, aged mirrors, and ceramic walls from 1927, set the tone at this atmospheric British tavern. Everything on the menu is made from scratch. Classics include bangers and mash, ploughman's meat (or fish) plate, and the bacon and cider mussels. End your evening on a high note with the sticky toffee pudding or a perfectly executed Canadian Old Fashioned, arguably one of the best in the city. Minors are not allowed on the premises.
1243 rue Metcalfe, Montréal, Québec, H3B 2V5, Canada
Known For
- Bangers and mash
- Atmospheric British tavern
- Prix-fixe dish of the day
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch on weekends, Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
A far cry from the cliché-clad tavernas found elsewhere in the city, Ikanos serves refined Aegean gastronomy in an elegant and sleek environment. No blue-and-white checkered tablecloths in sight; the muted neutral palette puts the spotlight on the food. The menu includes the ever-so-popular grilled octopus and the equally enticing grilled rack of lamb (both courtesy of a state-of-the-art wood burning oven), complemented by a curated selection of Greek wines.
112 rue McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E5, Canada
Known For
- Mezzes (Greek tapas)
- Greek wines
- Loukoumades (Greek donuts)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. No lunch, Book online via website
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$$$ | Little Italy |
This unpretentious, industrial-chic Little Italy restaurant has garnered a great reputation, thanks in part to its celebrity-chef owners, Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione. Start by sharing the artisanal salumi platter, move on to a primi of some of the best fresh pasta dishes in town, like the mushroom tortelli with a demi-glace vegetable and hazelnut sauce, the melt-in-your-mouth ricotta gnocchi, or the porchetta del nonno (grandpa's pork roast), a must-order if it's on the menu. End your meal with the excellent gelato, made just a few blocks north of the restaurant.
48 rue Dante, Montréal, Québec, H2S 1J5, Canada
Known For
- Modern Italian fare
- Stylish decor
- Grandpa's pork roast
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Verdun |
Eating out at this establishment in the St. Henri/Little Burgundy neighborhood is a little like being invited to a dinner party by a couple of friends who just happen to be top-notch chefs. Everything written on the chalkboard menu is simple, hearty, and just delicious, from the fresh oysters to the organic rib steak and the now famous lobster spaghetti. In summer, the best seat in the house is one of the 25 coveted chairs spread out on the back patio, among the beautiful patches of an organic vegetable garden. The restaurant is notorious for serving generous portions; thus an outing at Joe beef should not be attempted without stretchy eating pants! If there's no space at Joe Beef, try booking a spot at sibling restaurant Liverpool House a few doors down at 2501 rue Notre-Dame O.
2491 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3J 1N6, Canada
Known For
- Lobster spaghetti
- Leafy patio
- Celebrity chef
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$ | The Plateau |
This iconic Montréal bistro hasn’t changed much since its opening in 1980, and it’s just as well—regulars would throw a fit if it did. Quintessential French fare is fairly priced and appetizing, outstanding even, with dishes like steak tartare with fries, salmon with sorrel, and calf's liver with tarragon. Tiny tables sometimes struggle to accommodate the ever-present crowds (including local chefs, who congregate here for dinner after hours and breakfast before hours), but the lively atmosphere is part of the charm. Kids are warmly welcomed.
3927 rue St-Denis, Montréal, Québec, H2W 2M4, Canada
Known For
- Steak tartare
- Lively atmosphere
- Late-night dining
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$ | The Plateau |
Québec is notorious for poutine—French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy—and La Banquise has been the place for an authentic experience since 1968 with an extensive menu featuring 31 varieties. Neophytes might want to stick with La Classique, but mouthwatering novelties like La Taquise (guacamole, sour cream, tomatoes), L'Obélix (smoked meat), La Veggie Reggie (pickles, tomatoes, creamy coleslaw, and Banquise sauce), and La Véganomane (vegan sauce and cheese) are quite alluring. On the odd sunny day, have your poutine to go and enjoy it alfresco in nearby Parc Lafontaine.
994 rue Rachel Est, Montréal, Québec, H2J 2J3, Canada
Known For
- Open 24 hours
- Cash only
- Smoked-meat poutine
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$$ | Outremont |
The self-proclaimed "un coin perdu de Paris" is famous for its wraparound patio, Parisian vibe, an 100-year-old corner building featuring stained glass and woodwork, an art deco chandelier, and an art nouveau bar. Although this is a full bistro serving three meals every day of the week, it shines brightest in the morning. Order the croissant with almond paste (increasingly hard to find in Montréal as most local patisseries and cafés make croissants with almond cream only) while nursing a large bowl of café au lait.
5200 rue Hutchison, Montréal, Québec, H2V 4B3, Canada
Known For
- Charming setting
- Croissant with almond paste
- Opens early and closes late
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$$$ | Latin Quarter |
Take cutting-edge experimental art and mix it up with food and what you get is Labo Culinaire Foodlab. Located on the third floor of Montréal's Society of Arts and Technology (SAT), Foodlab is an ongoing culinary experiment with rotating themes that range from destinations (i.e., Jerusalem) to dishes inspired by chefs (i.e., Julia Child's cookbook). You can watch chefs cook in the large open kitchen or, when it's warm, sit outside on one of the most beautiful terraces in town. Minors are only allowed on the terrace.
1201 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2X 2S6, Canada
Known For
- Trendsetting chefs
- Lovely terrace
- Natural wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
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$$$ | Mile End |
There are lines outside this hip and trendy establishment before the restaurant even opens. The chef's British background means that the homemade scones and clotted cream here are required eating. Other options include, of course, a typical English breakfast, as well as gourmet doughnuts and pig's trotters for the more adventurous eaters. The dinner menu, on the other hand, changes regularly. If the aged pork sirloin with seasonal sides or the arctic char and sea urchin are available for dinner, you're in luck.
9 ave. Fairmount E., Montréal, Québec, H2T 2L9, Canada
Known For
- British-inspired fare
- Arctic char and sea urchin
- Butcher shop, Boucherie Lawrence
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
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$ | Old Montréal |
You'll want to keep coming back again and again to this adorable little gourmet convenience store and café with its mint-green facade and single origin coffee. Le Petit Dep proudly stocks local products, including prêt-à-manger soups, salads, and comfort foods such as chili, pasta, and vegan shepherd's pie. There are also mouthwatering home-baked goods and candy in bulk. There is a second Old Montréal location at 461 rue St-Sulpice.
179 rue St-Paul Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 1Z5, Canada
Known For
- Prêt-à-manger meals
- Delightful setting
- Delicious sweets
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
The expertise and irreproachable service at Le Serpent truly make it an essential stop on any Montréal foodie itinerary. The industrial-looking space caters to trendy diners, and almost paradoxically, serves sublime Italianate plates that could be mistaken for comfort food if they weren’t so elegantly presented. Nothing disappoints here, from the sommelier picks to dishes like the foie gras parfait or the iconic lobster risotto.
257 rue Prince, Montréal, Québec, H3C 2N4, Canada
Known For
- Oysters doused in maple mignonette sauce
- Industrial chic vibe
- Friendly service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
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$$$ | Downtown |
Refined Le Taj carries a piece of Montréal's history with its ornate mud wall originally made for India's pavilion at World Expo ’67. With northern Indian cuisine in mind, which isn’t as spicy as its southern counterpart, thalis—platters comprising a variety of curries—are ideal for sampling unfamiliar flavors. Vegetarians and vegans feel right at home with the veggie-heavy menu, notably the saag paneer (white cheese with spinach), the tandoori vegetable platter, and the channa masala (chickpeas seasoned in coriander, garam masala, mango powder, onions, and garlic).
2077 rue Stanley, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1R7, Canada
Known For
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Multiflavored platters
- Samosas and pakoras made with herb-flavored batter
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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$$ | Verdun |
First and foremost a wine bar, this atmospheric 30-seat spot also dishes out delicious vegetable-centric, market-based cuisine. The cuisine features local and seasonal ingredients, and the flavors are simple enough to go well with the stars of the show: the many wines on offer. The homemade bread topped with mushrooms and lobster, the rotisserie whole cauliflower, or the Brussels sprouts "a la plancha" are just a few of the dishes that have become crowd favorites. End your meal with an assortment of Québec cheeses. The plates are all meant to be shared while you sip on some of the most unique wines in the city, carefully selected from wineries near and far. Reservations are not accepted, so be sure to get a table by arriving early, when the restaurant opens at 4 pm.
2519 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3J 1N4, Canada
Known For
- Italian tapas
- Brussels sprouts à la plancha
- Extensive wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations not accepted
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$$$$ | The Plateau |
A mother-daughter team helm this delightfully cozy pan-African Québécois fusion restaurant in Le Plateau. Innovative and well executed dishes like cassava couscous with okra and goat stew celebrate local produce and sub-Saharan flavors for an experience you won’t soon forget.
851 rue Rachel E., Montréal, Québec, QC H2J 2H9, Canada
Known For
- Goat stew
- Excellent cocktails and South African wine
- Homey, high-end cooking in an intimate setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. No lunch
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$$$$ | Outremont |
Open since 2001, this sophisticated French bistro pleases Montrealers with its flawless classics and its heated wraparound outdoor terrace. Regulars gravitate toward dishes such as the beef or salmon tartare, grilled Cornish hen, asparagus and wild mushroom risotto, mushroom ravioli, and hanger steak—all served with ceremonial aplomb on white linen tablecloths. Leave room for dessert: Pain Perdu, a thick slice of brioche with caramel and maple, is an indulgent specialty and can feed two people (if you can bear to share).
1045 av. Laurier Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 2L1, Canada
Known For
- Being busy
- Salmon tartare
- Pain perdu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$$$ | The Plateau |
Elegant and old-school, Montréal's premier steak house has been in the Lighter family since 1938 and family members have consistently been hands-on when it comes to selecting and aging their own antibiotics-and-hormone-free steaks, sourced from local farmers. Fresh oysters are a terrific starter, and fresh fish preparations are available, but make no mistake: this is a steak house. Do not skip Moishe's famous Monte Carlo—potato skins filled with potato mixed with milk, butter, cream, and chives. The $29 special after 9 pm Wednesday through Saturday is a great deal for late diners.
3961 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1Y4, Canada
Known For
- Monte Carlo potato
- Quality, aged steaks
- Coleslaw and pickles starter
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
