Montreal restaurants are sweeping up awards like a hungry diner with the last piece of bread. From the coveted Forbes Travel Guide Star Award to OpenTable's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants, the city is garnishing its reputation with top honours faster than a chef can chop a bunch of scallions. Yelp's top picks, Time Out's must-visits, La Liste's crème de la crème, and the World's 50 Best hottest openings — all have Montreal restaurants on their radar for 2024.
But trophies and titles are just the appetizer. Trend-setting is the secret sauce of Montreal's dining scene, with open-concept kitchens leading the charge. Diners become part of the action, getting an up-close view of chefs as they orchestrate meals in real-time and turning dinner into a spectator sport where the only thing under wraps is the napkins.
Here are 30 Montreal restaurants that aren't just riding the wave of culinary acclaim; they're making it:
Bar George
Where: 1440, rue Drummond
Reason to go: This downtown restaurant, set in the restored 19th-century mansion of Le Mount Stephen Hotel, stands out for its French and English-inspired menu. Recognized as one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2024, it offers a sophisticated dining experience. Highlights include the Beef Wellington ($71) and the Lobster Risotto ($68). For vegetarians, there’s a Black Truffle Risotto ($70). Signature drinks include the Deluxe Old Fashioned ($30) and the Mystic Triangle with tequila, yuzu, and jalapeño ($26). The restaurant's elegant all-wood-panelled interior makes it an ideal spot for couples to celebrate a night out.
Burger Bar Crescent
Where: 1465, rue Crescent
Reason to go: Among the Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada, this downtown Montreal burger bar offers everything from smash burgers to bison and AAA burgers, priced between $12 and $32. The Hangover Burger ($22.95) comes with a six-ounce patty, American cheese, smoked bacon, mini classic poutine, over-easy fried egg, caramelized onions, and truffle oil, with your choice of green salad, coleslaw, or French fries. Enjoy daily cocktail specials like the sangria pitcher ($27.95) on Saturdays. For dessert, the Fried Mars Bar with Ice Cream ($14.95) is perfect for sharing. Signature cocktails include the Don Draper ($14.95) and The Cocktail Formerly Known as Prince ($14.95), along with cider and peach basil sangrias
Bouillon Bilk
Where: 1595, boul. St-Laurent
Reason to go: This downtown Montreal restaurant, ranked among Canada's Top 100 Places to Eat, mixes classic and contemporary French cuisine. The menu, while upscale, presents a range of fine dining options with two tasting menus available: a five-course meal for $105 and an eight-course option for $135. Seafood enthusiasts can enjoy oysters at ($42/dozen) or a tomato salad with peach, daikon, and dune pepper ($25). Meat dishes include beef with almonds, zaatar, and fig ($26), and beef short ribs with lobster, chanterelles, and rapini ($48). The atmosphere is sophisticated and welcoming.
Cabaret L'Enfer
Where: 4094, rue Saint-Denis
Reason to go: Listed in Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal, this restaurant stands out for its tasting menu that serves 33 diners each night. It features an open-concept kitchen where guests can see dishes being prepared, like Cappellacci with lobster and corn, and Striped Bass with roses and Quebec saffron. Other menu items include Asparagus with hollandaise, garlic, and brown butter, Entrecôte with peppers, lemon, and thyme, and a Rhubarb dessert with sheep's cheese, white chocolate, and roses. It's an ideal spot for those looking to experience unusual flavour combinations in a hyper-modern setting.
Bonaparte
Where: 447, rue Saint Francois Xavier
Reason to go: Located in an opulent 19th-century building, this French restaurant in Old Montreal serves dishes like Rabbit confit in phyllo dough with red wine sauce ($22) and Scallop delight with truffle oil and mushroom fricassee ($48). The extensive wine list features over 500 selections. Recognized in OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2024, it's a top choice for a date or anniversary celebration.
More at restaurantbonaparte.com
Damas
Where: 1201, ave Van Horne
Reason to visit: This Mile End restaurant, ranked ninth on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada, serves Syrian cuisine with a diverse menu that respects traditional flavours while catering to a variety of dietary preferences. Favourites include the Sour Cherry Kebab ($47) with grilled lamb, sour cherry sauce, spices, pine nuts, and Saj bread. The Moujaddara ($34) caters to vegetarians and vegans with lentils, bulgur, caramelized onions, tomato salsa, and mint yogurt salad. Dessert features Kunafa ($22), combining sheep milk cheese and pistachios for a sweet menu.
Cadet
Where: 1431, boul. Saint-Laurent
Reason to go: Ranked 85th on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada, this Quartier des Spectacles restaurant is celebrated for serving exceptional, affordable dishes. You can expect inventive pairings, like seafood with Asian influences and classic Italian dishes with unique additions. Menu highlights include aubergine with chickpeas, feta, and pita ($12) and broccoli with späetzle, labneh, and pistachios ($16), showcasing modern Mediterranean cuisine infused with global influences. You can also get focaccia with spicy oil ($6), Ratte Potatoes with chimichurri and mayonnaise ($12), and Pleurotes with Fleur des Monts cheese and pear ($18).
Café Lulu
Where: 852, rue Sainte-Catherine Est
Reason to go: This Village café, ranked 41st among Canada's Top 100 Places to Eat, offers a delightful blend of great food and friendly service within a nostalgic setting. It's a classic coffee shop, serving an array of dishes from salads and sandwiches to crepes and French toast (with occasional panettone twists). With prices ranging from $10 to $30, it caters to various budgets while ensuring a satisfying dining experience.
L'Avenue
Where: 3612, rue Notre-Dame Ouest | 922 rue Mont-Royal Est
Reason to go: With its quirky decor featuring a suspended motorcycle, this Plateau brunch staple on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada offers ample portions and an eclectic menu. You can pair an oversized brightly-coloured smoothie ($9.50) with hearty huevos rancheros ($19), or fluffy pancakes drizzled with blueberry coulis ($18). Now offering a dinner service, this spot promises to satisfy cravings any time of day.
Falafel St-Jacques
Where: 345, rue St-Jacques | 1299, rue Notre Dame | 323, rue Chabanel Ouest
Reason to go: Ranked 62nd nationwide by Yelp, this Lachine eatery is a go-to destination for its exceptional falafel. Offering both regular and spicy variations, it's the fiery sauce that truly sets their falafel apart. Noteworthy is their gluten-free laffa bread, ensuring inclusivity for all diners. There's Falafel Trio, featuring a sandwich, potato wedges, or two salads, and a drink for $15. You won't want to miss their home-baked Chocolate Danish Babka (family size), also priced at $15. With an entirely vegetarian menu, this spot is sure to surprise you with its diversity of offerings.
La Finca
Where: 1067, rue de Bleury
Reason to go: This downtown Montreal café, ranked among the Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada, is a sought-after spot for specialty coffee, known for its cozy ambiance. It serves a simple, satisfying menu of baked goods, soups, sandwiches, and salads; but, of course, the real star here is the coffee. Sourced directly from a small farm in Costa Rica and roasted locally in Montreal, it's a must-try for espressos, lattés, and pour-overs.
Île Flottante
Where: 176, rue Saint Viateur Ouest
Reason to go: Crowned #1 in Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal and featured in Yelp's Top 100 Places To Eat In Canada, this French restaurant delights with its evening tasting menu, emphasizing vegetable-forward creations alongside select meats and seafood, available for $115. The menu captivates with dishes like Beef, broccoli, and cheese, a bavette rouleau seasoned to match the richness of prime rib, accompanied by broccoli and black truffle purée, Charlevoix cheese, and egg flan. Dessert is an inventive white cake topped with dulce chocolate, and brown butter caramel, and served with a variety of creams and vanilla, white rum ice cream. The detail and presentation of each dish is immaculate.
Jérôme Ferrer Europea
Where: 1065, rue de la Montagne
Reason to go: Set in a historic Montreal building, this downtown restaurant serves French cuisine by famed Chef Jérôme Ferrer. Recognized in OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2024, it's perfect for a special outing. You can order Lobster Cappuccino with Truffle and Roasted Lobster Tails, served with a decadent lobster chowder, get Squid Tagliatelle with yellow wine, or try Appalachian Venison with juniper berry sauce. The best way to end your meal is with a Calvados apple brandy dessert. You can choose between the eight-course tasting option for $185 or a 10-course signature tasting for $225.
Gibby's
Where: 298, pl. d'Youville
Reason to go: This Old Port favourite, recognized in OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2024, is celebrated for its seafood and steaks. You can indulge in Chilled Oysters on the Half Shell ($33), Oysters Rockefeller ($40), or Broiled Canadian Lobster Tails ($79). For entrees, the Rib Steak 22 oz Gibbys cut ($77) and the Beef Wellington ($82) come highly recommended, each served with steamed asparagus and a choice of salad and potato. Dessert at Gibby's is not to be missed, with tempting options like the Chocolate Delight ($16) and the classic Crème Brûlée ($18) — the perfect sweet finish to a sumptuous meal.
Portus 360
Where: 777, boul. Robert-Bourassa
Reason to visit: This downtown Montreal restaurant gives diners a panoramic view of the city. Featured on OpenTable's Top 100 Romantic Restaurants in Canada for 2024, it specializes in Portuguese cuisine. The menu ranges from appetizers like Lobster Bisque with ginger ($18), to traditional main course dishes like Bacalhau à Brás ($40). If you prefer red meat, the Beef Filet Mignon seasoned with five peppercorns and cognac ($58) is a luxurious choice. Come for the view, stay for the food!
Le Mousso
Reason to go: Located in the Village, this restaurant is recognized by Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal and has a La Liste score of 75. It specializes in avant-garde cuisine with a tasting menu costs $250 and includes a variety of creatively crafted and experimental dishes. Expect unusual ingredient combinations and innovative cooking techniques. The experience is ideal for diners looking for something out of the ordinary.
Maison Boulud
Where: 1228, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Reason to go: This downtown restaurant, located inside the Ritz-Carlton, serves refined French dishes. Signature offerings include rabbit with foie gras ($58) and succulent sea bass ($58). There's also an extensive Eight Course Tasting Menu for $189. Patrons enjoy the elegant atmosphere that reflects the luxury of the hotel. Maison Boulud has already won a 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award and landed on OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants list. A visit here promises a top-tier dining experience, combining exquisite food with a sophisticated ambiance, for those seeking a memorable meal in Montreal.
Vin Mon Lapin
Where: 150, rue Saint-Zotique Est
Reason to go: This restaurant in Little Italy, crowned as Canada's best restaurant last year and now featured among Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal, serves inventive Italo-Canadian dishes like Cannoli glacés à l’érable Desjardins. The daily-changing menu includes the croque petoncle scallop sandwich ($16) and BBQ cucumber with grilled Matane shrimp ($18), complemented by a wine selection starting at $65. The decor includes spacious tables set against farmhouse-inspired surroundings, modern designs, and distinctive bunny-inspired wall art.
More at vinmonlapin.com
Mastard
Where: 1879, rue Bélanger
Reason to go: This Rosemont culinary gem is run by acclaimed Chef Simon Mathys. It serves high-cuisine Quebecois flavours in a friendly, budget-friendly format. The ever-changing five-course menu features dishes like perfectly cooked Arctic char or high-summer tomatoes dressed in smoked meat fat. To complement the food, there's an extensive selection of affordable natural wines.
Joe Beef
Where: 2491, rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Reason to go: This Little Burgundy tavern is known for dishes that use local and seasonal ingredients. Choices include lobster spaghetti and the unique "Foie Gras Double Down" made with two foie gras patties with house-cured bacon and maple syrup-infused toast. Recognized by Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal and scoring 76.5 on La Liste 2024 Top 1000 Restaurants, it offers a quality dining experience in a sophisticated albeit relaxed setting.
Moccione
Where: 7495, rue Saint-Denis
Reason to go: This Villeray restaurant melds Italian and Québécois cuisines with dishes like perch crudo with bergamot ($22), calamari arrabbiata ($21), and maccheroni al ragù ($33). You can start your meal with an Olive Oil Negroni and cap it off with a delightful tiramisu. Recognized in Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal, the ambiance is charming and cozy, reflecting an Italian homey feel. The menu, emphasizing homemade pasta, changes with the seasons, curated by Chef Luca Cianciulli and sommelier Catherine Picard.
Toque!
Where: 900, pl. Jean-Paul-Rioppelle
Reason to go: Located in downtown Montreal, this French restaurant has garnered attention with a 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award and a spot on OpenTable’s Top 100 Romantic Restaurants. Highlights by Chef Norman Laprise include marinated flounder ($32) and a vibrant purple beet gnocchi ($55). A seven-course tasting menu is also available for $198. The atmosphere combines modernity with intimacy, suitable for special evenings. Unique to the menu are dishes like the seared trout ($58) and butcher’s cut of pork ($62) that can be paired with something off the extensive wine list.
Okeya Kyujiro
Where: Multiple locations
Reason to go: Recognized among the best restaurants in Canada last year, and listed in Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal for 2024, this omakase restaurant serves 20-course sushi menus using international and Japanese fish and seasonal ingredients. Meals include dessert and a tea ceremony. They also offer a 15-course brunch menu, ideal for special occasions.
More at okeya.ca
Park
Where: 378, ave. Victoria
Reason to go: Chef Antonio Park's sushi spot in Westmount, featured on "Somebody Feed Phil," serves dishes like Bluefin Tartare with mujjol caviar (8 pcs/$49), Ebigari Maki with shrimp tempura, salmon, and tuna tartare (8 pcs/$49), and Surf & Turf with torched 1855 beef (8 pcs/$55). Main courses feature Galbi Jjim with sweet potato purée ($56), Filet Mignon with seasonal vegetables and teriyaki sauce ($68), and Black Cod marinated in chickpea miso ($56). Burgers include the Fish Burger with lemon gari mayo ($26) and Wagyu Burger with gochujang mayo ($33). Classics such as Bibimbap and Jap Chae are priced at $18, with sides like Sweet & Spicy Eggplant ($14) and Charred Gailand ($12). It's on Time Out's 50 Best Restaurants in Montreal list for its quality and creative menu.
Monarque
Where: 406, rue Saint-Jacques
Reason to go: Situated in Old Montreal, this French brasserie ranks 43rd among Canada's Top 100 Places to Eat, promising an upscale dining experience. You can start with the delectable Gougères au Gruyère ($7) cheesy puff appetizer. Main courses include the Half-pigeon with sea urchin, grapefruit, rutabaga, and Swiss chard ($48), Grilled octopus infused with curry ($26), and Boudin des Bastien blood sausage served with cider sauce ($29). There's a tasting menu for a broader exploration of flavours.
Pégase
Where: 1831, rue Gilford
Reason to go: Located just off Papineau and recognized as the 66th-best restaurant in Canada by the Top 100 Places to Eat, this BYOW restaurant is renowned for its upscale French cuisine. You can indulge in dishes like braised pork cheek with hazelnut and raisin ($32) or doe fillet paired with bacon, cabbage, and mushroom sauce ($35). Whether you opt for the table d’hôte with its soup or salad, main course, and coffee, or indulge in the gourmet meal featuring additional entree and dessert selections, expect an unforgettable dining experience marked by exquisite flavors and impeccable service.
Ma Poule Mouilée
Where: 969, rue Rachel Est
Ranked 69th on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada, this Plateau hotspot is celebrated for its Portuguese chicken cooked over charcoal. Dishes include the whole chicken Tony Alves ($20), and a unique poutine made with house-cut fries, São Jorge cheese, chorizo, chicken, and gravy, available in regular ($18) and small sizes ($14). Another tempting option is Le Victor Medina, offering a succulent chicken leg accompanied by crispy fries and a fresh salad ($15).
More at mapoulemouillee.ca
Régine Café
Where: 1840, rue Beaubien Est
Reason to go: This brunch spot near Plaza St-Hubert, ranking 75th on Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada, offers cozy vibes with a touch of sophistication. Dishes like the Brioche French Toast with banana butter ($22) provide a delectably sweet start to any meal. For those craving something more substantial, the Gros Jambon ($23) combines eggs, ham, bacon, beans, and potatoes. Vegan guests can also enjoy the Scrambled Tofu Brunch ($22). If you're looking for a unique twist, consider the Smoked Salmon Waffle ($24) or the Mushroom Toast & Scotch Egg ($32)
Le Muscadin
Where: 443, rue Saint-Vincent
Reason to go: For a slice of Italy in Montreal, this spot delivers. Ranked 95th on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in Canada, the Old Port restaurant, serves classics like Antipasto Misto Muscadin ($34) with calamari and shrimp and Prosciutto di Parma ($26) which pairs beautifully with seasonal fruit. The Lumache alla Piemontese ($16) drenches snails in a rich garlic and white wine sauce, while the Polpette della Nonna ($18), veal meatballs in tomato sauce, are a nod to traditional Italian kitchens.
More at lemuscadin.ca
Oncle Lee
Where: 222, ave Laurier Ouest
Reason to go: This Mile End spot, listed among the Hottest Global Restaurant Openings for 2024 according to World's 50 Best, offers a fresh take on Chinese cuisine. Must-tries by famed Chef Andersen Lee include black bean beef tartare ($20), soy-marinated deviled eggs ($8), scallops with XO sauce ($22), and a five-spice duck platter ($50). The decor is bold with giant dragon door handles and hanging lanterns that make an evening meal there extra special.
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