Trying to figure out where to bring someone special on their birthday is not easy, there are A LOT of options to choose from. Choosing where to bring your girlfriend, even harder. Especially if your budget conscious. But fear not! We are here to help make your life a little easier because that's what we do best.
Montreal has all kinds of restaurant options that are perfect for a special occasion. You don't need to limit yourself to dinner either. Get creative! Birthday, breakfast, brunch, drinks or coffee are also great options. Because as cliche as it sounds, it's truly the thought that counts. So read on for our selection of cute restaurants to take your GF for her birthday in Montreal.
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Bar Darling
Where: 4328 Saint-Laurent // Plateau
Type: Cafe/bar
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This is a cafe by day and bar by night. The decor is lush, warm and inviting. Kind of feels like your having a drink in a really swanky but retro-inspired Brooklyn apartment. Great spot for a birthday drink and small bite at a reasonable price.
Kazu
Where: 1862 Saint Catherine West // Downtown
Type: Japanese
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This is a great spot to have a low-key birthday for two. The decor doesn't try hard at all because the food is really what will impress. The price is also very nice.
Venice MTL
Where: 440 Saint Francois Xavier // Old Port
Type: Healthy fusion
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Just because they serve "healthy" food, doesn't mean the taste is lacking. Bringing your GF to Venice MTL is going to earn you some serious brownie points. The food is tasty, vibrant and healthy - and of course, the atmosphere is crazy cute.
Grumman '78
Where: 630 Rue De Courcelle / Saint Henri
Type: Tacos / Mexican
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Grumman '78 has come on long way since their Faubourg food court days. Now serving some elevated tacos in a beautiful and airy space in Saint Henri; this is a great spot for a cute birthday for two, or a whole crew of friends.
Satay Brothers
Where: 3721 Notre Dame Avenue // Saint-Henri
Type: South East Asian
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: With small tons of options of small plates of South East Asian goodness, sharing is most definitely encouraged! And the food is tasty AF. The ambiance is warm and inviting - sometimes you might have a share a table with some new people. You may just make some new friends for the night.
Pizza Napolitana
Where: 189 Rue Dante // Little Italy
Type: Classic Italian Pizzeria
Price: 💸
Why you should go: This is one of Montreal's oldest pizza spots, open since 1948. The vibe is casual and unpretentious - hasn't changed a bit over the years. A great place to bring your girlfriend for a low-key evening of amazing pizza and pasta. And it's BYOW. Enough said.
Sumac
Where: 3618 Notre Dame Street West // Saint- Henri
Type: Middle Eastern
Price: 💸
Why you should go: The portions are generous and the taste is out of this world. This is the spot if your girlfriend knows how to appreciate a real falafel. The vibe is laid-back and casual but the decor is minimal but on point.
Kem Coba
Where: 60 Avenue Fairmount West // Mile - End
Type: Ice Cream
Price: 💸
Why you should go: If your GF has a summer or spring birthday, consider taking her to Kem Coba to top off the night. Kem Coba specializes in home made ice cream and sorbets in unique flavours. Because what kind of girl doesn't like a cone of hot pink ice cream on her birthday?
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Restaurant Melisse
Where: 719 William Street // Old Port
Type: Modern / healthy/ seasonal
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Everything about the decor and atmosphere screams feminine. It's simply beautiful. Bring your girlfriend here for an unforgettable birthday brunch that she will truly appreciate. PS. They are also open for dinner.
Le Qartier General
Where: 1251 Rue Gilford // Plateau East
Type: BYOB/ Local / Bistro
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This is a local BYOB spot that serves some hearty traditional quebec options. For the girlfriend who just loves to eat. Considering that it's BYOB you'll also save a bit on the price of alcohol. Win/win.
Restaurant Wellingon
Where: 3639 Rue Wellington // Verdun
Type: Locally-sourced / Bistro / BYOW
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This is a great option if you're looking to step outside the usual neighbourhood and support the gentrification of some blossoming corners of the city. This is also a BYOB bistro-style restaurant serving classic dishes in a warm and unfussy atmosphere.
Le Majestique
Where: 4105 Saint Laurent // Plateau
Type: Seafood / Bar
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Sharing a plate of oysters and sipping on some bubbly in dim candle light - the atmosphere here is pure romance. This is not only a cute but ultra romantic option to bring your girlfriend on a birthday date.
Noren
Where: 77 Rue Rachel East // Plateau
Type: Osaka-Style Japanese
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This cozy Plateau spot is the perfect location for a 2-person meal. A girlfriend who loves new and unique flavours and just plain simple good food will definitely appreciate a birthday trip to Noren.
Le Butterblume
Where: 5836 Saint Laurent // Mile-End
Type: Local / Brunch / Modern
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: The airy, minimalist, and open space is perfect for a romantic yet unfussy birthday brunch. The food which is prepared carefully and with hand-picked unique local ingredients is out-of-this world good. Prepare yourself for some mouth-watering flavours.
Ludger
Where: 4001 Notre Dame West // Saint-Henri
Type: Bistro / Pub / Oysters
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This cozy and intimate Saint-Henri spot makes incredible brunch by day and killer cocktails and oyster plates by night. So whatever your girlfriend is into, Ludger is a great option for a cute and intimate birthday dinner for two.
Cafe Bazin
Where: 380 Victoria Avenue // Westmount
Type: Cafe / Bakery
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: With design to die for this new Westmount Cafe feels like your walking into someones very lavish kitchen for a cozy lunch. It's a great spot to bring your girlfriend for a birthday treat and a coffee for breakfast.
Website
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Elda Bistro
Where: 5206 Saint Laurent // Mile-end
Type: Bistro
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Relatively new to the Mile-End, Elda's Bistro opened up early in 2017. This is a must-try for modern brunch with locally sourced ingredients served in a contemporary atmosphere. PS. They are also open for dinner, obviously.
IMADAKE
Where: 4006 Saint Catherine Street//Downtown
Type: Japanese Pub
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: IMADAKE has a special place in my heart because it was one of the first Izakaya concepts to come to Montreal, or at least the first I experience. Known for their Sake Bombs, this is a great place to bring your GF on her birthday for more party vibes.
Porco
Where: 5674 Monkland // N.D.G
Type: Italian
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Casual and classic hearty Italian eats that always hits the spot. Oh, and brunch. This place started as a sandwich stand in NDG during the summer time. A great idea for a girl who loves flavourful and hearty food right in the neighbourhood.
Agrikol
Where: 1844 Amherst Street // Village
Type: Haitian / Caribbean
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Agrikol is bursting with atmosphere. From the music, the lighting, the art painted directly onto the walls, - this Caribbean gem is truly unique. Making it a great option for a cute and unforgettable birthday dinner.
Mile-Ex
Where: 6631 Jeanne-Mance // Mile-Ex
Type: French / Local
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: A restaurant named after the neighbourhood it's located in is truly bold. This place doesn't seat that many people, making it super cozy and intimate, perfect for dinner for two. Also, the plates coming off a seasonal menu of locally sourced ingredients is perfect for sharing. Even more perfect.
LOV
Where: 464 Mcgill Street // Downtown
via @lovrestaurant
Type: Modern / Vegan / Healthy
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Restaurant LOV specializes in modern vegan and vegetarian dishes served up in a contemporary and sleek atmosphere, is a great option to treat your health-conscious girlfriend to a restaurant that - let's be honest - you probably wouldn't go to unless it was a special occasion.
Foxy
Where: 1638 Notre Dame Street West // Saint - Henri
Type: BBQ / Local
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: The dark and woody atmosphere make a perfect combo for a romantic birthday date. Also, with an extensive wine list to choose from, it's a great place to bring a girl who loves and appreciates her wine.
Hopkins
Where: 5626 Avenue Monkland // NDG
Type: Modern bistro
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Serving a seasonal menu in a laid-back but trendy atmosphere with a dash of elegance, Hopkins is just what Monkland village needed and a great option for a cute birthday dinner that you and your girlfriend will both equally enjoy.
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Bouillon Bilk
Where: 1595 Saint Laurent // Downtown
Type: Contemporary French Bistro
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Each plate is a little work of art. They specialize in contemporary french and eclectic cuisine, truly unique in a sea of trendy comfort food style restaurants. A great birthday option for the girl with a taste for the finer things.
Park
Where: 378 Victoria Ave // Westmount
Type: Japanese Fusion
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: This is the place to bring any fish or sushi-lover for their birthday. The woody and warm atmosphere makes for an intimate eating ambiance, perfect for an evening for two.
Montreal Plaza
Where: 6230 Saint-Hubert// Petite Patrie
Type: Locally-Sourced / Seasonal
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Montreal Plaza provides a truly unique dinning experience in Montreal. It's eclectic interior somehow strikes a careful balance between quirky, rustic, sophisticated and trendy - all at once. All your senses will be pleased, making this spot a great option to wine and dine a special lady on her birthday.
Le Filet
Where: 219 Avenue Mont-Royal // Plateau
Type: Seafood / Contemporary
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: With a seafood-focused menu, this is the place to bring any seafood lover out there. The ambience is sleek and modern, making it a great spot to book a for a truly special night for you and your girlfriend.
Le Chien Fumant
Where: 4710 Lanaudiere Avenue // Plateau East
Type: French / Bistro / Brunch
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: This spot looks as beautiful as the dishes look tasty. French-influenced modern dishes, with a Montreal twist of course. Bring your girlfriend for a birthday brunch or dinner. Both options are sure to impress.
L'Express
Where: 3927 Saint Denis // Plateau
Type: Classic French Bistro
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: L'Express is a true Montreal institution. If you're looking for nothing more than a real French-style steak and fries, look no further. The classic French bistro decor also feels like you took a micro-vacation to Paris for the night. Perfect date, no?
Maison Publique
Where: 4620 Rue Marquette // Plateau East
Type: Local / Pub / Bistro
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: Maison Publique serves up modern and elevated pub dishes in a warm and charming typical Plateau atmosphere. A great spot for birthday brunch, dinner or just drinks. All options available here.
Tuck Shop
Where: 4662 Notre Dame Avenue // Saint-Henri
Type: Locally-Sourced / Modern / Bistro
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Tuck Shop was one of the first upscale spots to open on Notre-Dame West. Making them a kind of trail blazer of the resto scene in the West. That said, this is an intimate restaurant, with only a few table, make sure to book your reservation ahead of time for an unforgettable birthday dinner.
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Manitoba
Where: 271 Rue Saint-Zotique // Mile-Ex
Type: Contemporary / New-Canadian / Locally-Sourced
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: A seasonal menu and modern interpretation of classic Canadian-sourced ingredients, of course. This is a great spot to bring a real foodie on a unforgettable birthday dinner.
Le Serpent
Where: 257 Prince Street // Old Port
Type: Contemporary Italian / Bistro
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: The airy and open industrial-chic place is designed to give an instant wow factor when walking in. The food served in a unique and modern take on traditional bistro dishes. A great birthday dinner option if you're looking to spoil your special someone.
Le Vin Papillon
Where: 2519 Notre Dame Avenue West // Saint-Henri
Type: Wine Bar / Locally-Sourced / Bistro
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Vin Papillon has built quite a reputation for itself in the Montreal resto-scene. It's become a staple for the real foodies of the city. It's a great option to bring a date for a very special birthday dinner, and wine of course.
Au Pied De Cochon
Where: 536 Avenue Duluth East // Plateau
Type: Hearty / French / Quebecois
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: To be totally upfront, you may not be able to move after this birthday meal. Full disclosure. But, it's definitely worth it. This Montreal staple is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a hearty traditional Quebecois meal.
Le Blumenthal
Where: 305 Saint-Catherine West // Downtown
Type: Wine Bar / bistro
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: In the heart of Montreal's festival neighbourhood, Le Blumenthal is designed to give that instant jaw-dropping factor. Your girlfirned will definitely be impressed buy the choice. Seasonal specialities from the kitchen are brought to you by ex-chef from Montreal bistro staple Le Meac.
Nora Gray
Type: Southern Italian
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: This cozy and inviting restaurant serves beautiful and simple Southern Italian dishes. Truly comforting and mouth-watering recipes that don't try hard. Just good ingredients and nothing more. Perfect birthday meal for that girl who loves the simple things in life.
Les Enfants Terribles
Where: 1 Place Ville Marie // Downtown
Type: Bistro / bar
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Why you should go: For an unforgettable birthday with a stunning view, the brand new location of Les Enfants Terribles opened in Place Ville Marie this summer. Plan an extra-special evening for a group of friends or just a romantic evening for two. This is the spot.
Joe Beef
Where: 2491 Notre Dame West / Little Burgundy
Type: Seafood / Steak / Gastropub
Price: 💸💸💸
Why you should go: Get your reservation in early, Joe Beef is one of the most recognized restaurants in Montreal. Even Obama paid a visit this past summer. The atmosphere is unpretentious and laid-back because it's really all about the food. This is a great and thoughtful birthday option for a foodie and/or meat and seafood-lover in your life.