These 13 Montreal Restaurants Rank Among The Healthiest Places To Eat In Canada
Keeping your New Year's resolutions just got a whole lot tastier.
Vegetarian fried kibbeh made of butternut squash stuffed with Swiss chard, black-eyed beans, pomegranate, and pumpkin seeds from Damas. Right: Talay Tunk Tak with lobster, mussels, cuttlefish, blue crab, fresh water shrimp, corn, and homemade sauce from Pamika Thai.
For those who pledged to eat healthier this year, Montreal's dining scene is making it a piece of cake — or perhaps, a slice of organic, gluten-free, artisanal bread. OpenTable has released its first Canadian edition of the Top 100 Healthy Choice Restaurants, and over a dozen Montreal restaurants have found their place on the list.
From vegan establishments to seafood restaurants, and cheerful cafés to upscale dining destinations, Montreal's healthy eateries are showing that nutritious food doesn't have to be bland. Plus, many of the top-ranked restaurants offer meals at $30 or less, debunking the myth that healthy eating is prohibitively expensive.
OpenTable found 55% of Canadians are striving to eat better, but that 30% find it hard to make healthy choices at restaurants. That makes this ranking one recipe to success toward a healthier lifestyle. It can come down to finding and picking options with more fiber, less frying, sauces on the side, and portion control.
Here are the Montreal restaurants that have sliced, diced, and spiced their way onto OpenTable's 2024 healthy dining list:
Balos
Where: 4114, rue Sainte-Catherine Ouest, Westmount, QC
Reason to visit: This Montreal restaurant earns its spot on OpenTable's list with straightforward, quality Greek cuisine. The $16 traditional fish soup is packed with vegetables, a no-nonsense choice for a hearty starter. Oysters are $5.50 each and the calamari stuffed with feta, ricotta, and graviera ($32) offers a twist on the classic. Spanakopita ($20) and the grilled swordfish ($52) showcase the restaurant's range from simple staples to more indulgent options.
Bloom Sushi
Where: 368, rue Saint-Paul Ouest
Reason to visit: Bloom Sushi caters to those focused on health and environmental sustainability. Its plant-based menu is entirely antibiotic-free and mercury-free, reducing the impact on oceans. Innovative offerings include the Bloom arancini ($15), a fusion of sushi rice, marinated shiitake, and vegan parmesan, wrapped in crispy panko. Another must-try is the crispy rice with spicy 'crab' ($8), featuring tofu crab tartare. For a more filling option, the salmon poke bowl ($22) combines konjac salmon tartare with an array of fresh toppings. You can expect an eco-conscious, health-forward dining experience without compromising on flavour.
Café Holt Ogilvy
Where: 1307, rue Saint-Catherine Ouest
Reason to visit: Café Holt in downtown Montreal offers a chic dining experience within the Holt Renfrew luxury department store. Perfect for a stylish weekend brunch, the café serves gourmet sandwiches, salads, and pastries in an ambiance that's as fashionable as it is inviting. Highlights include the croque-madame benedict ($26), featuring ham, cheddar, and poached eggs, and for a meat-free option, the garden burger ($23) with smashed avocado. It's an ideal spot for those who appreciate both high fashion and high-quality food.
Damas
Where: 1201, ave Van Horne
Reason to visit: This Mile End gem, which placed 7th on Maclean's Best Places To Eat ranking, specializes in Syrian dishes that are as nutritious as they are flavourful. Start with their meze platters, including creamy hummus ($18) and smoky baba ghanoush ($29), both rich in plant-based protein and nutrients. The lamb shoulder ($55), slow-cooked and served with Syrian smoked wheat, is a healthy protein choice. The grilled octopus salad ($44) is another popular, health-conscious option, offering lean protein with a hint of smoke.
Estiatorio Milos
Where: 5357, ave Park
Reason to visit: Located in Montreal's Mile End, this Greek restaurant puts the focus on fresh seafood. Milos is renowned for its healthy, Mediterranean offerings. You can start with a platter of bottarga, a delicacy of cured fish roe, or choose from over a dozen types of grilled fish, known for their lean protein. The $38 set menu for weekday lunch is a hit, featuring appetizers like nutrient-rich lentil soup or calamari, and main courses like omega-3-packed salmon or protein-rich lamb chops, topped off with a dessert like the famous baklava ice cream.
Ferreira Café
Where: 1446, rue Peel
Reason to visit: This downtown Montreal restaurant showcases the best of Portuguese cuisine with a focus on fresh, nutritious seafood. You can choose directly from a bed of fresh fish and shellfish, cooked to order. The menu includes healthier options like octopus carpaccio and grilled squid, packed with lean protein. For oyster lovers, the platters are a straightforward hit.
Helena
Where: 438, rue McGill
Reason to visit: The Old Montreal restaurant serves a taste of Portugal with a focus on traditional and wholesome dishes. The menu features selections like the Serrano ham plate ($24), a classic choice high in protein. The Lulas & camarão grelhado ($25), combining squid tagliatelle with grilled shrimp, offers a seafood option rich in nutrients. For cod lovers, the Calcada de bacalhau ($42) with shredded salted cod and fresh cod carpaccio is a flavorful and health-conscious choice. The Sela de borrego ($52), a grilled rack of Quebec lamb with an herb crust and port sauce, provides a hearty, protein-packed meal. If you're not sure what to get, the warm and welcoming staff have a knack for recommending the perfect dishes.
Kyo Bar Japonais
Where: 711, côte de la Place-d'Armes
Reason to visit: The energy of an Izakaya meets the comfort of a sushi bar at Kyo Bar Japonés in Old Montreal. The Haru roll ($18) combines various fish with cucumber, providing protein and essential nutrients with minimal calories. The Gyoza ($19), available in chicken or pork, are a balanced choice with protein-rich fillings and a light seasoning of truffle oil and sweet shoyu. The Ebi Mayo ($26) features tiger prawns, a good source of lean protein, complemented by a tangy orange and wasabi mayo. Each dish is crafted to offer a satisfying, yet healthier alternative to traditional Japanese fare, making Kyo Bar Japonés a top pick for nutritious dining.
LOV DIX30
Where: 100, prom. des Lanternes Suite#5, Brossard, QC
Reason to visit: This South Shore vegan restaurant is known for having a health-conscious menu that doesn't compromise on taste. Their Kimchi Fries ($13) offer a zesty start to any meal, while the Crispy "Fish" Tacos ($18), made with soy, will surprise with their authentic flavour. The coconut curry ($27) is a hearty choice, combining roasted squash and carrots in a rich curry sauce. The ambiance is casual yet stylish, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal.
Mui Mui
Where: 149, rue Jean-Talon Ouest
Reason to visit: Mui Mui's dishes are thoughtfully prepared, combining indulgence with health-conscious ingredients. The glazed duck breast ($28), served with potato pancake, watercress salad, and marinated maitakes, provides a mix of protein, greens, and earthy mushrooms. The squash dumplings ($19), stuffed with Kabocha squash, peephole mushrooms, and candied garlic in a turmeric paste, are a lighter, tasty choice, complemented by sage, soy, and lemon oil sauce. For dessert, the upside-down caramel cream ($8), made with coconut milk and maple, offers a subtly sweet finish.
Pamika Thai
Where: 4902, boul. Saint-Laurent
Reason to visit: Recognized by the Thai government for its authentic cuisine, Pamika Thai offers a slew of healthy dining options. The menu features traditional dishes like Tom Yum pad thai and pineapple red curry with scallops, prepared with respect for Thai culinary traditions. The handmade almond and mango macarons provide a lighter dessert option.
More at pamikathai.ca
Park Restaurant
Where: 378, ave Victoria, Westmount, QC
Reason to visit: The menu features a range of dishes from hand-rolled sushi to hearty mains. The Bluefin Tartar ($33) with cilantro tuile, cape gooseberries, and spicy ponzu is a healthy starter. For a more lavish option, the Surf & Turf Platter ($250) combines a selection of meats, fish, seafood, market vegetables, and tempura.
Portus 360
Where: 777, boul. Robert-Bourassa
Reason to visit: Portus 360 in Montreal stands out not just for its Portuguese cuisine, but also for its unique setting with a panoramic, rotating view of the city. The menu includes traditional options like caldo verde ($10), a hearty and healthy Portuguese soup, and pasteis de bacalau ($16), a staple fish dish. For a main course, the Portuguese beef with chorizo sauce ($48) is a robust choice.
- Montreal Restaurant Vin Mon Lapin Was Rated Best In Canada — We Tried It For Date Night ›
- 9 Montreal Cafés That Should Be On Every Visitor's List In 2024 ›
- 18 New Montreal Restaurants That Opened in 2023 ›
- 9 New Montreal Restaurants That Every Foodie Needs To Check Out - MTL Blog ›
- 15 Montreal Restaurants Made This Year's List Of Top 100 Places To Eat In Canada - MTL Blog ›
- This Montreal Restaurant Was Ranked As The Best In The City - MTL Blog ›
- These 30 Montreal restaurants are winning awards (and setting trends) in 2024 - MTL Blog ›
