Whether you're hungry for love or just plain hungry, here's a tasteful tour of nine of the most romantic tables for two in town:
Bar George
Where: Le Mount Stephen, 1440, rue Drummond
Reason To Try: Within Montreal's Le Mount Stephen hotel, this Golden Square Mile restaurant offers a romantic setting for an unforgettable date night. The ambiance blends British elegance with a Québécois twist, serving gourmet delights like pastry-wrapped Beef Wellington and grilled Swordfish with mushy peas. Vegetarian options are available too.
Signature cocktails include the refreshing Jardin Botanique or the bold Bittersweet. The wood-clad interior, adorned with elegant moldings and captivating artwork, will transport you and your date to a bygone era of sophistication.
More at bargeorge.ca
Barranco
Where: 4552, rue Saint-Denis
Reason To Try: Named after Lima's festive neighbourhood, this Peruvian restaurant presents a banquet for the senses where you and your date can bond over platters loaded with the freshest seafood and fish, beautifully complemented by intricate cocktails and desserts.
The ambiance is richly textured, inviting you into a world far from the Plateau's urban routine. Traditional Peruvian-coloured woven banquettes invite intimate conversation, while the bar promises an up-close view of the cocktail craftsmanship. Vibrant murals echoing the festive spirit of the Barranco district in Lima add a bold layer of authenticity.
Renowned for several types of ceviche, gourmet burgers, and a finely curated selection of tapas, the food brings a new dimension to shared meals, infusing them with the eclectic flavours of Peruvian cuisine. Also known for its splendid cocktail menu — and collection of privately imported wines — you can expect nothing less than a symphony of pisco-based creations, from the Spicy Mango Sour to the classic Pisco Sour. It's an idyllic choice for those looking to savour conversation, connection and exquisite cuisine in equal measure.
More at barrancorestaurant.com
Bivouac
Where: 1255, rue Jeanne Mance
Reason To Try: Situated with a stunning view of Place des Arts and the Quartier des Spectacles, this downtown restaurant offers a captivating ambiance that sets the stage for a romantic evening. Combining the elements of a social lounge, an artisanal bar, and a modern bistro, Bivouac serves exquisite Quebec oysters and maple and bourbon caramelized pork ribs, among other standout dishes.
Adding to Bivouac's allure is an expansive terrasse, with a relaxed atmosphere for you and your date to unwind. From that vantage point, you can take in the vibrant energy of the Place des Festivals during the summer months, creating a magical backdrop for your evening together.
More at restaurantbivouac.com
Dinette Triple Crown
Where: 6704, rue Clark
Reason To Try: Offering a unique, full-on picnic experience, this Little Italy gem serves heartwarming Southern-style comfort food packed in charming picnic baskets, complete with a classic red and white checkered blanket. Even better, the baskets are ready in as little as 15 minutes, so spontaneous plans are always on the table.
You can savour the taste of crispy fried chicken, buttery biscuits with gravy, or creamy mac 'n' cheese under the dappled sunlight in a nearby park. A weekly menu update promises to keep your dates exciting and fresh.
More at dinettetriplecrown.com
La Fabrique
Where: 3619, rue Saint-Denis
Reason To Try: From the moment you walk into this Plateau restaurant, you're immersed in an ambiance that's an artful blend of country chic and urban cool. Mismatched lighting creates a warm, moody atmosphere, while walls adorned with bird and branch wallpaper provide a charming backdrop for your intimate tête-à -tête.
The service is prompt, and the menu offers an extensive wine list, tantalizing cocktail options, and creative main courses. Whether you're sampling the bold flavours of the pulled pork burger, enriched with homemade gingered pickles, or the creative vegan cassoulet with its innovative use of lion's mane mushrooms, each bite delivers an exciting fusion of tastes.
And just when you think the experience has peaked, they serve complimentary cotton candy, a playful and sweet conclusion to a hearty meal. The high-class experience is delivered at a surprisingly reasonable price point.
More at bistrotlafabrique.com
La Khaïma
Where: 142, avenue Fairmount Ouest
Reason To Try: This hidden gem in the Mile End is a Berber wonderland that will instantly teleport you to the vibrant allure of North Africa. The ceilings are draped in colourful patterned fabric reminiscent of a tent. Cushioned benches and floor seating add a playful intimacy that's both unconventional and charming. Eating off communal platters means hands meet over tagines and mezze.
The table d’hôte menu offers an array of affordable options, each a delicious exploration of authentic African flavours, like sweet and savoury couscous, which you can pair with refreshing hibiscus drinks or the wine you've brought to share. Generous portions ensure that your culinary adventure is both satisfying and delightful, ending with the perfect cup of mint tea.
More at lakhaima.ca
Mon Lapin
Where: 150, rue Saint-Zotique Est
Reason To Try: Voted the best restaurant in Canada, this hot spot in Little Italy offers a whimsical departure from your typical date night, serving up romance with a dash of eccentric charm.
Mon Lapin embraces a fresh ambiance that combines chic farm decor with a dash of contemporary design and delightfully quirky wall art. And the food is just as engaging. The revolving menu is a treasure trove of surprising flavour combinations — whether you're daring each other to try the BBQ shrimp with cucumber or sighing after a bite into the textural harmony of the croque pétoncle.
Sharing plates is encouraged, which creates an intimate exchange. While securing a reservation at Mon Lapin might require some effort, the top-tier food, inviting atmosphere, and service will make you feel truly special.
More at vinmonlapin.com
NeoTokyo
Where: 425, ave Viger Ouest
Reason To Try: This Old Montreal restaurant whisks diners off their feet into a beguiling, dystopian future that echoes cinematic romance. Just like Harrison Ford slurped his noodles in that iconic Blade Runner scene, so can you and your partner; an instantly romantic, nostalgia-steeped bonding experience in a neon-lit dreamscape.
The film noir ambiance, steeped in shadow and punctuated by neon, is undeniably intimate. Retrofuture advertisements cast an enchanting glow across the bar counter, while the industrial-style seating, exposed concrete and brick walls lend the space a raw, edgy appeal.
The pared-down menu adds to the charm. You're not overwhelmed with choices but invited to enjoy distinct flavours of ramen and mazemen, punctuated by creative, Japanese-inspired cocktails. It's the perfect, unconventional romantic date spot for those with a taste for adventure, a love for cinema, and a hunger for unique experiences.
More neotokyonoodlebar.ca
Sauvage
Where: 52, rue Saint-Jacques
Reason To Try: In the heart of Old Montreal, Sauvage offers a sublime fusion of upscale dining and tantalizing Mediterranean cuisine, all set within a seductively chic interior. This is the spot for those who appreciate the finer things in life — innovative cocktails, a flavourful meal, and an ambiance that radiates sophistication with a touch of the unexpected.
In the "Green Room," eight-foot mirrored walls tinted a sultry shade of noir, atmospheric neon accents, and the cozy appeal of retro furniture combine to create an environment that is both intimate and cool.
But, while the ambiance is a showstopper, it's the food that truly steals the spotlight. You can pick from a variety of dishes ranging from Moroccan-style octopus to a luxurious Surf & Turf burger featuring a harmonious blend of minced filet mignon and lobster tail.
Sauvage also caters to those who crave a little bit of everything, offering a customizable tasting menu with a choice of three to five courses. Crowning your dining experience is the decadent dessert selection, where you can choose classics like crème brûlée, tiramisu, or an affogato — each one a culinary masterpiece.
More at restaurantsauvage.com
Champagne, glasses and an open notebook on a table.Courtesy of Workingirls
The "Alice" dressing room with a night gown hanging on a mirror and stilettos on the floor.Courtesy of Workingirls
The "Nicole" dressing room with pink walls and gold accents.Courtesy of Workingirls