Restaurants in Montreal

With its Old Montreal location in a building that dates to 1740s, atmosphere is this restaurant’s selling point. The old stables’ courtyard makes the perfect setting for a romantic meal or special occasion. Gibby’s has been a Montreal must for generations. Note, it is only open for dinner from 1730 onwards. Think: rib eye steaks or a rack of lamb paired with a tannic red.

A buzz-worthy recent addition to Montreal's fine-dining scene, Le Filet always surprises with a creative and ever-evolving menu that utilises the best in regionally caught seafood. Closed Sundays, a reservation is essential.

Arguably one of the classiest establishments in Montreal, with food to match, Toqué continues to set the standard for fine dining. Passionate about food and wine, and sourcing his produce locally, award winning chef, Normand Laprise makes sure his diners get a memorable and flawless eating experience.

One of Anthony Bourdain’s favourite restaurants, Au Pied is a glutton’s delight whose specialty is fois gras (geese have been fed on maple syrup no less). Chef Martin Picard is a legend for including simple but fatty masterpieces to the menu, like his to-die-for fois gras hamburgers or succulent duck-in-a-can. Booking ahead is essential, so is starving yourself for a day or two before and after.

As authentic a sushi experience as you're likely to find in Montreal, Kyo Bar Japonais will impress with its izakaya-inspired style and inventive sushi plates. The restaurant also claims Montreal's most extensive sake list.

The Plateau is the most vibrant and hip neighbourhood in the city, and L'Avenue reflects that, from the quirky décor (sparkly gold booths and a Harley mounted on the wall above the tables) to the new takes on traditional dinner fare and French comfort food. Very popular for breakfast and lunch, there is often a queue, especially for weekend brunch. It’s renowned for its eggs Benedict.

As its name suggests, Omnivore serves up a mix of beef kebabs, grilled over charcoal, and generous vegetarian mezes. Be sure to try the homemade lemonade in this new eatery in Mont-Royal.

Probably one of the top three destinations to visit on any tourist schedule, Schwartz’s is synonymous with Montreal. The city used to be full of Jewish delis like this one, but sadly Scharwatz’s remains one of the last standing. A classic full fat smoked-meat sandwich on rye with accompanying dill pickles is a must. Their pepper steak rub also makes an excellent souvenir.

Celebrating 50 years of bagel making, St.Viateur Bagel has kept Montrealers happy with their wood-oven roasted bagels ever since they were first introduced by Eastern European immigrants back in the day. More of a breakfast and lunch place, you can choose from numerous bagel sandwiches with your choice of bagel (poppy/sesame). Aromatic, chewy and ever so sweet, the Montreal bagel is the original - it puts international imitations to shame.