40 Best Restaurants in Montreal, Quebec

Co-owned by Win Butler and wife Régine Chassagne of famed Montréal band Arcade Fire, this popular Haitian rum house with tropical décor is flanked by the most fabulous patio in the city, bar none. Besides the views, the main draw here is the make-your-own Ti' Punch setup—a bottle of rum, ice cubes, sugar cane juice, lime wedges, and other fixings. Combine that DIY drinking experience with sultry jazz tunes and you've got a two-story space that's filled with character and strong tropical vibes. Food-wise, expect creole classics like mais moulu (polenta), conch ceviche, fried plantains, and fried chicken, along with a vegan dish, pumpkin in a coconut sauce with white rice.

For after-dinner dancing and more drinking and tropical music, head next door to Ti-Agrikol; "ti" means little in Haitian Creole.

The Schkolnick family has been serving brunch at this Montréal landmark since 1942 and very little here has changed, including the menu. On weekends, the line out front can be daunting. The Beautys Special—bagel, lox, and cream cheese—is the ultimate classic. Standard picks also include the Mish Mash omelet, with sliced frankfurters, salami, green peppers, and fried onions; and the Superbeautys 2 with two eggs, pancakes, bacon and sausage, and a toasted bagel. Until he passed away in 2017 at the age of 96, Hyman, the original owner, still sat at the counter and directed patrons to their seats.

Instagram-famous for its dusty pink chairs and pleasing, contemporary space, this seriously cool brasserie is home to 41 home-brews—sold by the bottle at the boutique upstairs—and a solid menu that includes monkfish burgers, beer-can roast chicken, and a hearty rib eye. In 2021, a new, larger brewhouse was opened. Waiters are masters at their craft; don’t hesitate to ask for beer pairings with your meal. 

Dinette Triple Crown is relatively small (a counter with just eight stools), but the real draw here is not indoor dining but taking the comfort food to go. Locals know to ask for a picnic basket (fully equipped with cutlery, dishes, and a tablecloth) that will be enjoyed in Little Italy Park across the street. Have it filled with fried chicken with fluffy mashed potatoes and gravy, braised greens, and biscuits, or pulled pork sandwiches and brisket.

The self-proclaimed "un coin perdu de Paris" is famous for its wraparound patio, Parisian vibe, an 100-year-old corner building featuring stained glass and woodwork, an art deco chandelier, and an art nouveau bar. Although this is a full bistro serving three meals every day of the week, it shines brightest in the morning. Order the croissant with almond paste (increasingly hard to find in Montréal as most local patisseries and cafés make croissants with almond cream only) while nursing a large bowl of café au lait.

First and foremost a wine bar, this atmospheric 30-seat spot also dishes out delicious vegetable-centric, market-based cuisine. The cuisine features local and seasonal ingredients, and the flavors are simple enough to go well with the stars of the show: the many wines on offer. The homemade bread topped with mushrooms and lobster, the rotisserie whole cauliflower, or the Brussels sprouts "a la plancha" are just a few of the dishes that have become crowd favorites. End your meal with an assortment of Québec cheeses. The plates are all meant to be shared while you sip on some of the most unique wines in the city, carefully selected from wineries near and far.  Reservations are not accepted, so be sure to get a table by arriving early, when the restaurant opens at 4 pm.

A darling of Montréal food critics since it opened in 2014, Canada's first vegan sushi restaurant is an innovative twist on the traditional sushi eatery. The setting, fresh from a renovation and redesign in early 2021, is replete with brick walls, natural woods and soothing tones, including a few stunning walls of botanicals. The new decor is inspired by Mexican-Canadian chef and owner Christian Ventura's environmental values as well as by wabi-sabi, a Japanese spiritual and aesthetic concept. "You eat with your eyes," says Ventura, "so everything has to be beautiful." And beautiful it all is. Exquisitely plated confections, such as 3 Champions (a play on the French word for mushroom, champignon), mushroom tartare, shiba zuke, rice pops, and truffle mayo; the Taj Mahal with kabocha tempura, red pepper tempura, shishito tempura, avocado, and onion; and Geisha, a creation of "salmon," "shrimp," marinated shishito pepper, avocado, and citrus ponzu sauce, are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. The bar serves organic wines, colorful cocktails, and privately imported sakes, making Momo an attractive destination for a quiet 5 à 7 (cocktail hour).

Influential types arrive at lunchtime en masse for a table at this bustling bakery and sandwich shop where vegetables are organically grown in a nearby garden and fresh crab is flown in for salads. Crowd pleasers include Le Cubain panini (pancetta, roasted pork, Gruyère with lime, cilantro, and chipotle) and the vegan sandwich with chickpea and harissa spread, pickled beets, creamy sauce, and minty slaw. Baked goods are also consistent winners.

No one does pizza quite like these pizzaiolos; they are, after all, legally certified by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napolitana in Italy. Using all-natural and non-processed ingredients, and adhering to traditional pizza-making methods (like using a 900-degree oven), Pizzeria 900 on Bernard is one of the most sought-after pizza spots in town with one of the most popular patios. Classics include an unfussy mozzarella di bufala and fleur de sel appetizer as well as delectable mains, like the spicy pancetta and figs, or the humble but sturdy margherita blanca pizzas. They now also offer the option of vegan cheese for an extra $2.  In the probable event that the tiny 20-seat restaurant is full, look out for the Pizzeria 900 food truck, or head to one of the other locations around town.

You simply haven't really eaten in Montréal if you haven't eaten at Schwartz's, Canada’s oldest deli. This Montréal classic has zero frills décor-wise, yet crowds have been coming since 1928 for a thick and legendary smoked-meat sandwich on rye with mustard. The cooks do such an excellent job at curing, smoking, and slicing beef brisket that even when it's 20 below zero, locals (and celebrity visitors) endure the consistently long lines.  Try to avoid lunch and dinner hours, as the wait is particularly long. If you're in a rush, use the takeout counter next door.

A favorite among vegans, celiacs, and vegetarians—and even omnivores—Montréal's first vegan restaurant serves comfort food dishes and beverages that are creative and delicious—not to mention packed with vitamins. A large chalkboard holds specials of the day. Try the gigantic sandwiches, such as the Sirocco (grilled eggplant and hummus), which comes on chapati bread, or for something a little earthier, go with the Dragon bowl, a crowd favorite of steamed bok choy, organic rice, tempeh, marinated veggies, and tamari sauce. Don't forget to order the "uncheesecake" for dessert.

Nobody questions the authenticity of the Neapolitan-style pizza here, seeing as there's a nearly four-ton wood-burning pizza oven made from Vesuvian rock in the kitchen which cooks pizza in 90 seconds flat, at 500 degrees Celsius (932 °F). There are just a few toppings available, but all are fabulously flavorsome, like fresh tomatoes, vegetables, and top-quality salumi.

There's no need to cross the pond to find perfectly battered fish and delicious chips, as they can be found right here in Old Montréal. The cod is a staple, but the salmon dipped in beer batter is also a menu favorite, and for a Canadian touch, try the haddock covered in golden maple syrup batter. Vegetarians will appreciate the smoked tofu in chipotle batter and there's gluten-free available as well. End your British experience with the new deep-fried Oreo dessert. Wine and a range of beers are also served. This long, narrow restaurant hustles during weekday lunch. 

This multilevel restaurant filled with young professionals lures in patrons with its lively atmosphere and deliciously updated English food. The signature fish-and-chips is deservedly popular, as are other classics like bangers and mash and shepherd's pie. The Burgundy Lion can get boisterous with good cheer in the evening, fueled by the extensive beer list and the 200-plus varieties of whiskey. It's a popular spot to watch football (that's soccer to North Americans) and hockey. Classic British breakfasts like "bubble n' squeak" (cabbage, eggs, onions, and smoked meat) and French toast made with crumpets make for busy weekend mornings.

A melange between a patisserie, a café, and a French bistro, this little restaurant has been a darling of food critics since it opened in 2017. Serving deftly executed French dishes like quiche, vol au vent, and tartines niçoises in a fresh, modern setting of white subway tiles, decorative brass struts, richly patinated wooden tables, and mint green–velvet seating, Café Bazin is a little corner of France in the heart of Anglo Westmount. You'll likely feel sated after your main course, but don't make the mistake of passing on dessert. Bazin is originally a patissier by profession and the patisseries here are exquisite. Try the tartelette choco café, a chocolate flan with Chantilly coffee cream, or the Paris brest, a choux pastry with hazelnut praline mousseline.   

What was once a fur showroom in the 1970s now hosts Café Parvis, a stylish yet eclectic eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows, half-stripped mint-green paint, and luxuriant plants hanging from the ceiling. If morning visits are for artisan coffee and pâtisserie du jour, dinner is for ordering shareable wood-oven baked pizzas enhanced by fresh salads and the on-point selection of organic wines.

Few places in Montréal are more Québécois than this lively microbrewery/gastropub, where the atmosphere is electrifying on hockey night if the local team, the Canadiens, is playing. With its own set of brews named after iconic Mile End streets and a terroir-inspired, locally sourced menu, HELM (which stands for barley, water, yeast, and malt in French) is in and of itself a vibrant homage to the city’s dynamic beer culture. Between the bitters and the IPAs and the cream ales, there’s hardly any room left for the microbrewery’s legendary deer and fried pickles hamburger or Schnitzel pork meatballs.

A boisterous Japanese pub and restaurant (known in Japan as an izakaya), Imadake serves small plates meant to be shared with a beer or cocktail in hand, and you won't find any sushi on the menu. The name "Imadake" means "only for now" and is a reference to the restaurant's ever-changing menu and "live in the moment" philosophy. You can pick from a variety of dishes, including ramen and noodle bowls as well as house specialties like the korokke (mashed potato croquettes), the okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake) with oyster mushrooms, the shiitake mushrooms and green onion skewers, the miso-marinated black codfish, or the deliciously spicy karaage (chicken with wasabi mayo).

This popular Québec restaurant/chocolate bar chain is the brainchild of Juliette Brun, a self-confessed chocoholic since she was a child. First opened in 2003 when Juliette was only 22, there are now nearly 30 locations across the province. From the molten chocolate lava cake served with a scoop of ice cream and melted chocolate sauce to the dark chocolate raspberry dome, the speculoos cookie butter fondant, and the banana split milkshake, chocolate and sweets lovers are sure to fall in love with Juliette’s. Brunches and savory meals are also served.

You could almost walk right by this tiny establishment on this seedier stretch of Ste-Catherine St., but the line of people waiting to get in is a telltale sign. Popular plates include the tuna rice bowl or the messy barbecue pork neck—you'll be licking sauce off your hands, but you won't be sorry. The juicy shrimp burger and the veggie bowl with tofu, lettuce, tempura flakes, and a little chili oil on rice are both great options for lunch. Arrive 15 minutes before opening time or well after 8 to beat the queue.

The kitschy-cool décor includes a display of religious icons as well as vibrantly colorful furniture, while the menu is haute Mexican street cuisine at its best. The food here is simple and the menu small, but everything is fresh and delicious. Start by ordering the homemade nachos with chunky and perfectly seasoned guacamole, local and flavorful tomatoes, and pungent onions. Follow with the Baja tacos with shrimp and coleslaw, or the classic tacos al pastor with pork, onions, and chunks of pineapple. On weekends, La Tamalera serves a Mexican-inspired brunch that includes huevos rancheros and molete, an open-faced sandwich with black beans and queso fresco (fresh cheese). La Tamalera's homemade tacos are corn-based.

As a gourmet grocery shop, takeout counter, and French restaurant rolled into one, this splendid space was quickly adopted by local foodies. Instead of being dejected by the brunch queues on Saturday and Sunday, visitors should take advantage of that time to browse the restaurant’s inviting grocery shop for gourmet souvenirs to take home.

This casual Middle Eastern spot is comfortable and homey but still has style, with music, ivy, exposed-stone walls, and a lovely terrace come summer. The menu is perfect for grazing, and excellent sharing options include the mouhamara (pomegranate-and-walnut spread), sabanegh (spinach, coriander, and onion pies), fattouche (a salad with pita chips and mint), and yalandji (vine leaves stuffed with rice, chickpeas, walnuts, and tomatoes). There are Armenian dishes, too, like the salad with cumin and flefle (hot peppers). Delicious kebabs dominate the main courses, with the moderately spiced terbialy a favorite. Le Petit Alep also has an older sibling, Restaurant Alep, at 199 rue Jean-Talon Ouest.

With its airy, all-white and green, plant-filled decor, dining at LOV (Local, Organic, Vegan) is like sitting in a beautiful greenhouse. This fashionable restaurant is the kind of plant-based establishment that even die-hard carnivores will line up to enter. The restaurant works with local farmers to limit its carbon footprint. Starters here include tempura hearts of palm rings with lemon-truffle aïoli and mushroom and vegetable dumplings with almond butter kimchi sauce. Highlights among the mains are buckwheat sweet potato gnocchi and mushroom risotto with cashew cream. There's another location at 464 McGill St.

This family-run restaurant for three generations offers more than 60 dishes on rotation on any given day, making this the place for dim sum feasts. Waiters clatter up and down the aisles pushing a parade of trolleys bearing such treats as firm dumplings stuffed with pork and stir-fried squid and shrimp. The best way to order? Halt a cart as it's going by and point to the dim sum dish you desire. You can order from a menu, too, but that's not nearly as much fun.

If you're in the mood for a big, nourishing, market-fresh salad served in a colorful ceramic bowl in a pastel setting, Mandy's is the place to go. Choose from among 15 different varieties of salads, such as the Habibi salad with quinoa, parsley, mint, chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta, mixed with tahini dressing; the Clean Green with basil, cilantro, mint, broccoli, cucumber, edamame, purple cabbage, green onions, and pumpkin seeds, garnished with tamari dressing; or the Crunchy Sesame with romaine lettuce, mixed greens, avocado, mandarin oranges, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, crunchy noodles, and toasted sesame seeds with the Asian sesame vinaigrette. If you don't believe that a meal can be a meal without meat, there are several options that do include meat. For a business that started out in the back of a women's clothing boutique and now has several locations throughout town, Mandy's has come a long way.  There's a second location downtown on McGill College, as well as ones in Westmount, the Old Port, and Mile End.

The dining room is small and not much to look at, but no matter—the food here is the main attraction, and locals come in droves for the homemade noodles and dumplings. If you time your visit right, you might see the staff through the huge kitchen window working on the dough. Noodles with spicy vegetables and pork is popular—either for one, or to share. Traditionalists take note, the General Tao chicken is one of the best in the city (you can also order it with tofu instead).

Hipsters head to this laid-back ’70s diner for one thing: delicious, classic greasy spoon dishes with a modern twist (a close second is the décor; think wood paneling and vinyl seats). The Palace Hamburger (Palais Burger) is gaining a reputation among Montrealers as one of the best in the city, and the sweet-potato pie also has fans.

More of a brasserie than a restaurant, Orange Rouge pays tribute to its neighborhood with creative interpretations of traditional dishes that might ruffle the feathers of authenticity sticklers but will please Asian food aficionados. The chef takes liberties by combining familiar flavors with a surprising twist like the unusual, slightly herbaceous chrysanthemum salad or the intriguing foie gras steam buns. The whole roasted duck is an homage to Chinese-style Peking duck and can easily be shared by five people.