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$$$$ | The Plateau |
Not for the timid, the menu at this famous 20-year-old bistro—one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorites—is an ode to gluttony and nose-to-tail cooking. Wild restaurateur and chef Martin Picard serves pickled bison tongue, guinea hen liver mousse, a whole pig's head for two, and pork hocks braised in maple syrup. However, his obsession with foie gras is what truly sets him apart; he lavishes the stuff on hamburgers and, brace yourselves, poutine. Come summer, look for the Au Pied de Cochon food truck. In winter, you can "pig out" on pork and maple syrup creations at one of two Au Pied de Cochon sugar shacks in St-Benoît de Mirabel.
536 av. Duluth Est, Montréal, Québec, H2L 1A9, Canada
Known For
- Foie gras poutine
- Au Pied de Cochon food truck
- Local celebrity chef
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
A far cry from the cliché-clad tavernas found elsewhere in the city, Ikanos serves refined Aegean gastronomy in an elegant and sleek environment. No blue-and-white checkered tablecloths in sight; the muted neutral palette puts the spotlight on the food. The menu includes the ever-so-popular grilled octopus and the equally enticing grilled rack of lamb (both courtesy of a state-of-the-art wood burning oven), complemented by a curated selection of Greek wines.
112 rue McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E5, Canada
Known For
- Mezzes (Greek tapas)
- Greek wines
- Loukoumades (Greek donuts)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. No lunch, Book online via website
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$$$$ | Verdun |
Eating out at this establishment in the St. Henri/Little Burgundy neighborhood is a little like being invited to a dinner party by a couple of friends who just happen to be top-notch chefs. Everything written on the chalkboard menu is simple, hearty, and just delicious, from the fresh oysters to the organic rib steak and the now famous lobster spaghetti. In summer, the best seat in the house is one of the 25 coveted chairs spread out on the back patio, among the beautiful patches of an organic vegetable garden. The restaurant is notorious for serving generous portions; thus an outing at Joe beef should not be attempted without stretchy eating pants! If there's no space at Joe Beef, try booking a spot at sibling restaurant Liverpool House a few doors down at 2501 rue Notre-Dame O.
2491 rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3J 1N6, Canada
Known For
- Lobster spaghetti
- Leafy patio
- Celebrity chef
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
The expertise and irreproachable service at Le Serpent truly make it an essential stop on any Montréal foodie itinerary. The industrial-looking space caters to trendy diners, and almost paradoxically, serves sublime Italianate plates that could be mistaken for comfort food if they weren’t so elegantly presented. Nothing disappoints here, from the sommelier picks to dishes like the foie gras parfait or the iconic lobster risotto.
257 rue Prince, Montréal, Québec, H3C 2N4, Canada
Known For
- Oysters doused in maple mignonette sauce
- Industrial chic vibe
- Friendly service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch
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$$$$ | The Plateau |
A mother-daughter team helm this delightfully cozy pan-African Québécois fusion restaurant in Le Plateau. Innovative and well executed dishes like cassava couscous with okra and goat stew celebrate local produce and sub-Saharan flavors for an experience you won’t soon forget.
851 rue Rachel E., Montréal, Québec, QC H2J 2H9, Canada
Known For
- Goat stew
- Excellent cocktails and South African wine
- Homey, high-end cooking in an intimate setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. No lunch
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$$ | Outremont |
Open since 2001, this sophisticated French bistro pleases Montrealers with its flawless classics and its heated wraparound outdoor terrace. Regulars gravitate toward dishes such as the beef or salmon tartare, grilled Cornish hen, asparagus and wild mushroom risotto, mushroom ravioli, and hanger steak—all served with ceremonial aplomb on white linen tablecloths. Leave room for dessert: Pain Perdu, a thick slice of brioche with caramel and maple, is an indulgent specialty and can feed two people (if you can bear to share).
1045 av. Laurier Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H2V 2L1, Canada
Known For
- Being busy
- Salmon tartare
- Pain perdu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
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$$$$ | The Plateau |
Elegant and old-school, Montréal's premier steak house has been in the Lighter family since 1938 and family members have consistently been hands-on when it comes to selecting and aging their own antibiotics-and-hormone-free steaks, sourced from local farmers. Fresh oysters are a terrific starter, and fresh fish preparations are available, but make no mistake: this is a steak house. Do not skip Moishe's famous Monte Carlo—potato skins filled with potato mixed with milk, butter, cream, and chives. The $29 special after 9 pm Wednesday through Saturday is a great deal for late diners.
3961 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2W 1Y4, Canada
Known For
- Monte Carlo potato
- Quality, aged steaks
- Coleslaw and pickles starter
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Downtown |
Sustainable, organic, and fresh every day is the philosophy of this high-end sushi restaurant. The menu is eclectic, with excellent sashimi—some specimens flown in directly from Japan—noodles, and some vegetarian-friendly Japanese dishes mixed with a variety of influences from chef Antonio Park's multiple backgrounds—Korean, Argentinian, and Canadian. You can leave the inspiration to him and opt for a omakase menu (chef's choice) for C$115. And don't forget to leave room for dessert! Park partnered with the pâtissier a few doors down to serve exceptional confections like the sorbert maison; the "Tout Chocolat," a chocolate brownie with milk chocolate mousse and roasted pecan caramel; or the Lemon Yuzu Crémeux, a Greek yogurt gel with poppyseed, meringue, and a pain de gênes biscuit.
378 av. Victoria, Montréal, Québec, H3Z 2N4, Canada
Known For
- Creative menu
- Omakase
- Exquisite desserts
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
Frequently named one of Montréal's best restaurants and Canada's third best by canadas100best.com, a meal at Toqué! is not so much about sustenance but rather experience. Toqué is slang for "a little stubborn," as in the chef's insistence on using fresh, local ingredients; consequently, the menu changes daily in accordance with market offerings but foie gras, duck, and wild venison are on constant rotation. Some patrons wouldn't consider ordering anything but the seven-course, C$182 dinner tasting menu.
900 pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montréal, Québec, H2Z 2B2, Canada
Known For
- Tasting menu
- Market cuisine
- Wine pairings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Downtown |
The decor at this restaurant reflects its philosophy: fresh, thoughtful, and simplified (yet not simple). The market-based menu changes often and includes dishes that are just as beautiful to look at as they are delicious. House specialties feature local and seasonal products such as juniper, fiddleheads, asparagus, pears, and maple syrup; game like deer and duck; fish such as oysters, lobster and crab; and an assortment of Québec cheeses.. The wine selection includes private-import wines.
1595 boul. St-Laurent, Montréal, Québec, H2X 2S9, Canada
Known For
- Private-import wines
- Market cuisine
- Sleek, modern decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, No lunch on weekends
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$$$$ | Downtown |
The open-concept kitchen is renowned for its for "haute" Portuguese cuisine, including roasted salted cod, seafood bouillabaisse, and a whole array of appetizers like giant shrimp and grilled octopus or the roasted sardine fillets. Wine connoisseurs are attracted to the impressive list of Portuguese wines.
1446 rue Peel, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1S8, Canada
Known For
- Seafood bouillabaisse
- Intimate Portuguese experience
- Ceviche
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
Despite the name—French for "Hunting and Fishing Club"—this isn't a hangout for the local gun-and-rod set. Impeccable service and top-notch ingredients have made this one of the best restaurants in the city; the name is simply referencing the wood-and-leather decor. The menu changes often, but hearty meat dishes like American wagyu and freshly caught fish are consistently delicious. Leave room for dessert, which is prepared by one of the most renowned pastry chefs in town.
423 rue St-Claude, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 3B6, Canada
Known For
- Chasse (filet mignon) et pêche (lobster) dish
- Impeccable service
- Terroir cuisine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch, Reservations can be made via the website
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
The cellar of what used to be Montréal's first women's prison hardly sounds like the ideal setting for an Italian eatery, but grandma Emma's cooking hushes any bad vibes from the 1800s. Stone walls and heavy beams serve as backdrop for Roman dishes like roasted lamb, fettuccine con funghi porcini and pasta al vongole, which have all foregone fussy presentation to focus on superior fixings. Repeat customers, including Hollywood A-listers, enjoy the privacy of the secluded garden. Reservations recommended Thursday through Saturday.
777 rue de la Commune Ouest, Montréal, Québec, H3C 1Y1, Canada
Known For
- 300-year-old stone walls
- Friendly ambience
- Rustic, authentic Roman dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
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$$$$ | Outremont |
Colorful and cozy, with dishes that are perfect for sharing, this Syrian restaurant is a treat. Try fatta (yogurt, tahini, pita, pistachios, pine nuts, and herbs), hummus with lamb, or the moujaddaraa (braised lentils with bulgur and caramelized onions, tomato salsa and yogurt mint sauce). Add a glass of Arak—a traditional, anise-flavored drink—or wine from their list of Mediterranean imports to bring it all together.
1201 av. Van Horne, Montréal, Québec, H2V 1K4, Canada
Known For
- Authentic Syrian cuisine
- Hummus with lamb
- Mediterranean wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Downtown |
Located in Montréal's Downtown core, Deville Dinerbar is a whimsical alternative to the otherwise rather serious dining options in the area. A palette of neon pink, white, and black keeps the dining room sleek, sexy, and exciting (but not diner-kitschy). The meat-heavy menu, with dishes like the substantial Deville burger, shepherd's potpie (peas, corn, braised short ribs, and puff pastry), or fish-and-chips on a brioche bun are all filling choices, so be sure to leave room for the Deville Food Cake, a chocolate lover's dream. Check out the creative cocktail list, too.
1425 rue Stanley, Montréal, Québec, H3A 1P4, Canada
Known For
- Deville Food Cake
- Substantial burgers
- Diner-like decor
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.-Mon. No lunch Sat.-Wed.
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
Blink and you'll miss it. While the address is written on the building's facade, the restaurant's nondescript exterior and lack of a sign mean you may be searching for a while. Popular options at this atmospheric see-and-be-seen locale, steered by local celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, include bountiful platters of seafood, squash agnolotti with poached lobster and lobster bisque, and hanger steak with pommes Anna and wild cauliflower mushroom. The bar, where flirting is in high gear, is a fun option for dining and hanging out. The kitchen closes at 10 pm, after which the party rages until 3 am. Minors are not permitted on the premises. Although there are a few vegetable-centric appetizers on offer, fish and meat feature prominently on the menu, so vegetarians should probably head elsewhere.
408 rue St-François-Xavier, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2S9, Canada
Known For
- Seafood bar
- Lively atmosphere
- Celebrity chef
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
A culinary landmark like few others in the city, Gibbys is one of Montréal's most famous steak houses. Part of what makes it so attractive is the 200-year-old historic building in which it's located, featuring vaulted-ceilings, wood beams, stone walls, and candlelit dining rooms. Oven-baked oysters Rockefeller, two-pound lobsters, and some of the best aged steaks in the city are the most popular picks here, not to mention gigantic beef Wellington and creamy clam chowder. There is a second location in St-Sauveur, in the Laurentians.
298 place d'Youville, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2B6, Canada
Known For
- Aged steaks
- Historic building
- Extensive wine list
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential, No lunch
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
As the name suggests, the focus of this restaurant is ham in all its many incarnations. The menu changes seasonally but charcuteries and marinated vegetables imported from Europe are ever-present. The dining room is modern and spacious, with huge windows and long communal tables that stimulate conversations. And diners of all sorts do convene here, from trendsetters to suit-and-tie corporates along with flip-flop-clad tourists.
355 rue McGill, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2E8, Canada
Known For
- Extensive by-the-glass wine list
- Brunch on weekends
- Rib steak
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$$$$ | Little Italy |
With its small ingredient-based menu, this homey bistro is an example of excellence through simplicity. The chefs do everything—the shopping, the chopping, the cooking, the greeting, and the serving, and the focus is on meats, fish, and vegetable dishes all inspired by what local farmers bring to the adjacent Jean-Talon market that morning. The open kitchen turns out classic French bistro market cuisine, including oysters; rib-eye steak for two; gnocchi with lobster, garlic cream confit, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes; and several foie gras dishes.
60 rue Jean-Talon Est, Montréal, Québec, H2R 1S5, Canada
Known For
- Gnocchi with lobster, garlic cream confit, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes
- Market cuisine
- Communal seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun.–Wed. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Old Montréal |
Stone walls and wood-beamed ceilings give this restaurant located inside the "first inn in North America" an appropriate dash of drama. The funky overlapping decor and eclecticly surprising elements—hanging fireplaces, stained-glass windows, tapestries on the walls—make it absolutely extraordinary. Equally extraordinary is the chef’s savoir-faire.
426 rue St-Gabriel, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 2Z9, Canada
Known For
- Desserts
- Cheese fondue
- Outdoor patio
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
