18 New Montreal Restaurants That Opened in 2023
We measure our year in menus, not months.
Someone pours wine into a glass at Bar Bello. Right: Two people eat food from a tagine at Zina in Montreal.
As 2023 winds down, forget the usual year in review — it's time to chew over the buffet of new restaurants, bars, and cafés joining our culinary club. Each has brought its own flavour to the table, turning the city into a feast of innovation.
So, grab your forks (and your curiosity) as we take a bite out of the year’s tastiest additions, proving once again that in Montreal, we don’t just eat to live; we live to eat.
Sel Noir
Address: 1490, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Why You Need To Go: Located in the Golden Square Mile, Sel Noir is the latest project behind the team that brought Guilt & Ivy to Westmount in 2022. The restaurant specializes in steaks cooked to perfection, complemented by a curated selection of wines and cocktails. It embodies classiness without being over the top for the right amount of sparkle during a night out on the town.
Hayat
Address: 131, rue de la Commune Ouest
Why You Need To Go: Opened in late September, Hayat, is the latest restaurant from the teams behind Shay and La Voûte, quickly making its mark on Old Montreal. Embracing the sharable plates concept, Hayat embodies the glamour of the city's vibrant neighborhood, intertwining it with a warm and refined ambiance. The curated cocktail list adds an extra layer of allure to your night, making for an ideal spot for those seeking both sophistication and a cozy atmosphere.
June Buvette
Address: 1900, rue Centre
Why You Need To Go: Since opening earlier this summer, June Buvette has been the go-to spot in Pointe-Saint-Charles. The shareable menu was crafted by Thomas Engasser and Kevyn Houpert of La Traversée at Bota Bota, in collaboration with Thomas Vernis and Patrick Marion from the renowned Tomahawk Group, which includes beloved Montreal establishments like Santos and Uniburger. A wine selection by in-house sommelier Olivier Deschamps and the open yet intimate design of the space complete the dining experience to make every day feel like Montreal in June.
Zïna
Address: 1045, Côte du Beaver Hall
Why You Need To Go: You may think that with a restaurant scene as well established as Montreal's everything's already been done before. But when Zïna opened downtown at the top of the year as the city's first-ever Moroccan tapas restaurant, it showed just how new and exciting our restaurants truly are. Combining the colourful, fragrant spices of North African cuisine with the understated sophistication of French food, Zïna is the zest of life we didn't know we needed.
Nutrition'Elle
Address: 1165, rue Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Leave it to Montreal to make even a protein shake taste unbelievably delicious. Nutrition'Elle is a new spot in the Elle Beauty Bar in Griffintown with a walk-up counter from the street where you can get a variety of protein shake creations that taste like healthier versions of your favourite treats, like Oreo and New York Cheesecaske. You can also try one of the loaded tea bombs, that are filled with a host of antioxidants and nutrients, and if you're after your caffeine fix, why not get your protein intake, too, with protein coffees that you can get hot or cold. The best part? It's pup-friendly!
Yama
Address: 1425, rue de la Montagne
Why You Need To Go: After much anticipation, the Vogue Hotel finally opened its doors this summer in downtown Montreal, and with it came Yama, a new restaurant from famed Montreal chef Antonio Park. The name translates to "mountain" in Japanese, which is not only a homage to Mount Royal, the very landmark after which our city is named, and the restaurant's home on de la Montagne, but is a symbol that is incredibly important in Japanese culture, symbolizing a source of all life nutrients. This is yet another example of the creativity and mastery of Chef Antonio who can connect people and culture through the stories told through his food.
Sabrosa
Address: 404, Place Jacques-Cartier
Why You Need To Go: The Old Port never ceases to amaze when it comes to new spots adding to the neighbourhood's natural charm and flair and Sabrosa is no exception. The creation of co-owners Nadia and Takeshi, in collaboration with Chefs Guillaume and Evangelo, the menu and concept help tell Latin American stories with a Montreal twist. With a vibrant design seamlessly blending Old Montreal's charm with Latin American vivacity, Sabrosa lives by the philosophy, "Come for the food, stay for the vibe!"
Pho Ly Quoc Su
Address: 1219, rue du Square-Philips
Why You Need To Go: In the heart of downtown, Pho Ly Quoc Su, which opened this summer, is bringing Vietnamese cuisine that elevates traditional recipes with a contemporary flair. The menu features iconic dishes like pho, the iconic Vietnamese soup, customizable or as a kitchen special, with a wagyu beef version in the works. Start with fresh or fried rolls, complementing the meal, and conclude with the indulgence of caramel flan. Pair your meal with a Vietnamese iced coffee, blended with condensed milk. A lunch and brunch menu are also coming soon, so you can indulge in a taste of Vietnam at any time of the day.
Emanuelle Lounge
Address: 2, rue Sainte-Catherine Est, 5th floor,
Why You Need To Go: Emmanuelle Lounge, from Montreal entrepreneur and DJ Donald Lauture, has established itself as the chicest addition to Quartier des Spectacles after opening just in time for terrasse season 2023. Offering breathtaking views of downtown, the lounge seamlessly intertwines Montreal's vibrant energy with an understated elegance. Reflecting the essence of the city, Emmanuelle promotes the art of savoring moments with friends amidst delectable cuisine and fine wine, embodying the Montreal spirit, inviting patrons to relish the blend of bustling urbanity and refined sophistication.
Shnoopi
Address: 288, rue Notre Dame Ouest
Why You Need To Go: Family-owned and operated, Shnoopi is inspired by the family's upbringing in countries around the world, including Egypt, Greece, Italy, and France, combining the cherished multicultural traditions of togetherness and serving up a culinary mosaic. In fact, the name Shnoopi is a nickname that the family has for one another, giving yet another personal flair to the cafe.
TIAMO
Address: 3412, ave. du Parc
Why You Need To Go: TIAMO, much like Montreal's rich Italian culinary scene, serves up dishes that are not only delicious but stunningly presented. Rooted in the simplicity of high-quality ingredients and infused with Mediterranean and bohemian vibes, TIAMO's team is dedicated to providing an experience with the utmost attention to detail. It's all about giving comfortable favourites with an air of mystery.
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants
Address: 640, rue Saint-Paul Ouest
Why You Need To Go: Montreal may not have the Michelin Guide, but that hasn't stopped a Michelin-starred restaurant from coming to the city. Back in May, Sushi by Scratch, a concept that has made its name in cities like Miami, Chicago, and LA to name a few, found its first official Canadian address at the back of Stillife in Old Montreal, serving award-winning omakase, which is more than just a dinner service — It's an all-out gastronomic experience.
Tula
Address: 5258, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: Vegan and plant-based restaurants have definitely continued to rise in popularity this year, especially with the addition of Tula, a vegan Indian restaurant that opened in the Plateau in February. Indian cuisine, which has always been an easy option for those with plant-based diets due to its high use of vegetables and non-animal-based proteins, is rich in flavour and fragrance, and the sweet smells of tikka masalas and curries welcome you as you step inside. Casual and laid back, Tula welcomes Montrealers from all walks of life, including non-vegans, to get a taste of India from right here in the city.
Invisible Bar
Address: 8551, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: Even though it's called Invisible, this new speakeasy in Parc-Extension is radiating with glitz and glamour. Developed by the creators of Lima 14, Invisibile Bar brings a new blend of tapas and cocktails, inspired by the colourfulness and excitement of Peruvian culture. Set to the beats of the city's hottest DJs, Invisible Bar offers an air of exclusivity that's open for anyone to enjoy... if you can find it.
Ăn Chơi Plaza
Address: 6553, rue Saint-Hubert
Why You Need To Go: Another Vietnamese spot was added to the tapestry of Montreal international cuisines in May: Ăn Chơi Plaza has established itself as a fusion restaurant, bringing together the culinary traditions of the far east with an intimate wine bar in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie. On the menu, you'll find classics, like bò tái chanh and chả cá Lã Vọng, all perfectly paired with a glass or bottle of wine.
More at anchoiplaza.com
Le Garden Room
Address: 1445, rue Bishop
Why You Need To Go: From Montreal culinary icon Chef Pamika Sukla the group behind Pamika Thai and Mae Sri, Le Garden Room brought a fresh take on modern Thai cuisine to the city when it opened this summer. As its name suggests, the space is a jungle-inspired oasis against sleek and modern decor, cultivating an immersive Thai dining experience. Elevated takes on Thai staples include stir-fries, noodles (including the iconic pad Thai), and fragrant curries.
Bar Bello
Address: 6740, boul. Saint-Laurent
Why You Need To Go: Bar Bello, a recent addition to Little Italy, offers an array of cocktails, aperitifs, and digestifs. In fact, it's Canada's first-ever bar specializing in the art of the Aperitivo. Renowned mixology master Kevin Demers, whose name you may recognize from The Coldroom, lends his expertise to this new establishment. Bar Bello specializes in perfecting classic cocktails like the Negroni while introducing creative twists that'll keep you on the edge of your seat.
Doubles Late Night
Address: 5171, ave. Parc
Why You Need To Go: Everyone knows that Montreal's nightlife is unmatched and late night bite spots, like Doubles Late Night which opened in the Mile End this summer, just go to prove it. The upscale dive bar serves all of your favourite after hours indulgences, like burgers, onion rings and fries, with a cocktail and drinks menu to complete the vibe. As the night goes on the party really starts to get going, making it the go-to destination to start, end or make a quick stop during a night out on the town.
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