We asked Montrealers which restaurants should get a Michelin star—Here's what they said
Hold onto your forks, foodies! The Michelin Guide is making its way to Quebec for the first time ever, and it's a pretty big deal for the province's top restaurants.
Back in August, the world's most prestigious restaurant rating system announced that it's heading to Quebec, with its first-ever selection set to be revealed in 2025. This is big news for Montreal's already exciting food scene, which is known for being deliciously diverse.
Until now, only Toronto and Vancouver have been featured in the Michelin Guide—Toronto made its debut in 2022, and Vancouver followed in 2023. Now it's Quebec's turn, and foodies across the country are curious to see which local gems will make the cut.
If you're unfamiliar with how Michelin stars work, here's a quick rundown. Restaurants are judged on five key criteria: the quality of ingredients, mastery of techniques and flavours, the chef's personality as expressed through the food, harmony of flavours, and consistency between visits.
A one-star rating means "high-quality cooking, worth a stop." Two stars? That's "excellent cooking, worth a detour." And three stars? That's for the world-class spots that you need to experience.
It's a rigorous process that involves anonymous inspectors who evaluate everything, from the presentation of the dishes to the atmosphere of the place.
However, not every restaurant in the Michelin Guide gets a star. The guide also includes restaurants that are exceptional in some way but might not tick all the boxes for a star rating. Basically, getting into the guide is like being on Michelin's radar—they think you're worth checking out, but you're not quite at the "star" level.
It remains to be seen which of Quebec's best restaurants get a shoutout in the guide—or get a coveted star. But it's worth noting that the places the industry loves aren't always the same ones that locals swear by.
So, we asked Montrealers which city spots they think deserve a Michelin star. The answers were all over the place, from upscale tasting menus to beloved comfort food joints—and, of course, a few wild cards.
Here's what locals had to say about the restaurants they'd love to see get some Michelin recognition — and why these spots might actually have a shot at making the guide.
Joe Beef
Address: 2491 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, QC
The recommendations: "Got to be Joe Beef" (although others disagreed, describing this spot as "overrated" and "disappointing")
Why it has a chance: A Montreal icon, Joe Beef is famous for its decadent, inventive dishes that celebrate Quebec's rich culinary traditions. The menu changes frequently, but you can always expect bold flavours, top-quality ingredients, and a bit of whimsy.
Whether it's their legendary lobster spaghetti or a perfectly cooked steak, everything here is made with a mastery of technique that could easily catch Michelin's eye. Plus, the laid-back, eclectic atmosphere feels totally unique—just like the food.
Mon Lapin
Address: 150 R. Saint-Zotique Est, Montreal, QC
The recommendations: "Probably Mon Lapin..."
Why it has a chance: Tucked away in Little Italy, Mon Lapin has quickly become one of Montreal's must-visit spots for wine lovers and foodies alike. The team behind this small, cozy restaurant is known for its thoughtful, seasonal dishes that highlight local ingredients in the most creative ways.
The menu is constantly evolving, but you'll always find a mix of playful, inventive plates that are beautifully executed. The natural wine selection is also top-notch, carefully curated to pair perfectly with each dish. Mon Lapin's intimate vibe and commitment to quality make it a strong contender for Michelin recognition.
Toqué!
Address: 900 Pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montreal, QC
The recommendations: "Toqué! HANDS DOWN one of the best tasting menus I’ve experienced in the city. The servers, pairings, and insights into the dishes are super impressive. Very interesting wines too."
Why it has a chance: Toqué! is practically legendary in Montreal's fine dining scene. Known for pioneering the farm-to-table movement in Quebec, Chef Normand Laprise's restaurant puts local, seasonal ingredients at the forefront.
With its tasteful presentation, impeccable technique, and an atmosphere that's elegant without being pretentious, Toqué! has long been considered one of the city's top dining destinations—definitely Michelin star material.
Park
Address: 378 Victoria Ave, Westmount, QC
The recommendations: "Park restaurant. Hands down [the] best sushi in Montreal by far."
Why it has a chance: Park is where traditional Japanese techniques meet the freshest local ingredients. Chef Antonio Park's restaurant is renowned for its high-quality sushi and creative fusion dishes that highlight his Korean and South American heritage.
The attention to detail and quality of the fish here are on another level, and the chef's passion for his craft shines through in every bite. With all of that in mind, Park could definitely catch the Michelin Guide's attention.
Montréal Plaza
Address: 6230 Rue St-Hubert, Montreal, QC
The recommendations: "Montréal Plaza [and] Damas."
Why it has a chance: Montreal Plaza is all about playful creativity and surprising flavour combinations. The dishes are a mix of sophistication and fun, with an ever-changing menu that keeps things exciting. Whether it's a whimsical take on classic Quebec comfort food or an artfully plated seafood dish, each creation is beautifully executed and bursting with personality (one of the key criteria!).
The casual yet vibrant atmosphere makes fine dining feel approachable here, which could set it apart in the eyes of Michelin inspectors.
Damas
Address: 1209 Ave Van Horne, Outremont, QC
The recommendations: "Montréal Plaza [and] Damas."
Why it has a chance: Damas is a true gem in Montreal's culinary scene, serving up some of the best Syrian cuisine in the city. The dishes are vibrant, flavourful, and meticulously crafted, from the rich, aromatic meat dishes to the beautiful mezze platters that burst with fresh herbs and spices.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for a memorable dining experience (and a Michelin nod).
Hoogan et Beaufort
Address: 4095 Rue Molson, Montreal, QC
The recommendations: "Has to be Hoogan et Beaufort in Rosemont."
Why it has a chance: Hoogan et Beaufort is all about elevated rustic cuisine with a focus on wood-fired cooking. Chef Marc-André Jetté's menu celebrates Quebec's seasonal ingredients, using techniques like smoking and roasting to bring out deep, complex flavours.
The open kitchen and industrial-chic space create a modern and welcoming atmosphere. Dishes are refined yet approachable, focusing on letting each ingredient shine. This balance of creativity and simplicity could make Hoogan et Beaufort a candidate for a Michelin star.
Garde Manger
Address: 408 Saint Francois Xavier St, Montreal, QC
The recommendations: "I went a few years ago to Garde Manger. Absolutely amazing and if it survived Covid no doubt would still. Such memories."
Why it has a chance: Garde Manger is where you go for elevated comfort food in a lively, unpretentious setting. Owned by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, this Old Montreal spot is known for its bold, flavourful dishes.
The vibe here is fun and laid-back, with a menu that perfectly balances indulgence and refinement. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy high-quality food without a stuffy atmosphere, which might just appeal to Michelin inspectors looking for something a little different.
The wild cards
Of course, not all the recommendations were what you'd typically expect in the Michelin Guide.
Some folks were convinced that Chalet BBQ is star-worthy, calling it “goated,” while others were all about Costco's food court, saying it's so packed you'd think they're serving a tasting menu—and you can never get a table!
There were also some strong Quebec classics on people's Michelin wishlists, like St-Hubert. We even had a few votes for Decarie Hot Dog and Eggspectation—because who wouldn't love to see Michelin inspectors trying to rate a diner's eggs Benny or an all-dressed dog?
On the fancier side, Milos and Gibby’s got some solid nods, while Maestro SVP had a bunch of fans clamouring for its seafood to get the Michelin treatment.
No matter who ends up with a star, it's clear Montrealers have their favourites—and they don't need Michelin to tell them where to get a great meal!
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A rabbit-shaped light. Right: Zamalek hibiscus juice with mint and a cucumber mocktail by the Mon Lapin menu.
The croque petoncle sandwiches. Right: BBQ cucumber with grilled Matane shrimp.
The mushroom and asparagus dish. Right: Mussels with chicken.