Noah CôtéCraving a fancy night out? Visit these 11 best fine dining spots in Montreal
I’ve been watching a lot of Hell’s Kitchen lately, and I know it’s full of chaos and yelling. But there’s something about those perfectly plated dishes that gets me craving that fine dining experience.
It doesn’t even have to be Chef Ramsey’s beef Wellington. I just want that feeling of knowing every bite was cooked with precision, care, and serious passion.
Since there’s no fiery reality show being filmed in Montreal (yet), I figured, why not find the next best thing right here in the city? So, I rounded up a few friends, and we started checking out fine dining spots across Montreal.
If you’re also on the hunt for that special kind of dining experience, keep reading. You might just discover your new favourite spot.
1. Toqué!
Media credits: restaurant_toque
Address: 900 Pl. Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Contact details: +1 514-499-2084
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:45 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Dining at Toqué is like stepping into a masterclass on modern Quebecois cuisine. We opted for the seven-course tasting menu with the Prestige wine pairing. From the very first amuse-bouche, we knew this was no ordinary meal.
Each plate arrived like a piece of art: minimalist, elegant, and thoughtfully composed. The seared foie gras with pear water was a standout for me. It was silky, delicate, and perfectly balanced with a subtle fruitiness that lingered just long enough.
The service was as seamless as you’d expect from a restaurant of this calibre. We loved how our server was knowledgeable without being rehearsed. He even offered a creative non-alcoholic pairing for us, complete with inventive mocktails.
| Pro tip: Let them know about your dietary restrictions in advance. The kitchen is incredibly accommodating, but inform them when booking so they can plan a creative alternative for you without compromising on quality or presentation. |
2. Le Club Chasse et Pêche
Media credits: leclubchasseetpeche
Address: 423 Rue Saint-Claude
Contact details: +1 514-861-1112
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 6 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
From the outside, you might walk past Le Club Chasse et Pêche since there’s no big sign. But once inside, the decor is sleek and elegant. The lighting is low, the walls are this beautiful smoky grey, and the animal-inspired decor feels playful and stylish.
I ordered a surf and turf that paired braised pork shank with scallops. It might sound like an odd combo, but it was incredible. The scallops were seared perfectly with that golden crust, and the pork was so tender I barely needed my knife.
What stood out to our group was how smooth the whole experience felt. Plates were cleared like clockwork, utensils replaced between courses without us even noticing, and our wine glasses were never empty unless we wanted them to be.
| Pro tip: Save room for dessert or the cheese course. Their desserts are thoughtful without being overly sweet. If you prefer savoury, they often offer a cheese course featuring Quebec cheese that’s worth trying. |
3. Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer – Europea
Media credits: jerome_ferrer_officiel
Address: 1065 Rue de la Montagne
Contact details: +1 514-398-9229
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday to Friday: 11 AM – 1:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer’s space is so gorgeous and refined. There’s a calm, quiet luxury to the dining room with its high ceilings, warm lighting, and a peek into the open kitchen. It felt like we were about to watch a show, and in many ways, we did.
We chose the 17-course tasting menu, which sounds intense, but each dish was its own mini experience. One of the first courses was a lobster cappuccino, which was odd to think about. It was incredible, though, and it came in a little warm and foamy glass.
The service was polished and attentive without being overbearing. They explained each course without sounding rehearsed or robotic.
The only thing I’d say is that the portion sizes were so generous. It’s great, but by the time we got halfway through the meal, I was struggling to keep up.
| Pro tip: Let them know if you’re celebrating. If it’s a birthday, anniversary, or special event, tell them when booking. They’re known for small gestures that make the night feel even more memorable. |
4. Restaurant Ermitage: Authentic European Cuisine and Fine Dining
Media credits: restaurant_ermitage_montreal
Address: 5024 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges
Contact details: +1 514-735-3886
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Friday: 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 2 PM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 2 PM – 9 PM
If you’re looking for a fine dining experience that feels both luxurious and personal, Restaurant Ermitage is a good choice. The place is stunning, with mirrored ceilings and antique decor that gives it a kind of old-world European charm.
It doesn’t feel cold or overly formal, though. It’s just cosy and elegant at the same time.
The standout for me during the whole meal was their salmon caviar with warm blinis. It has a balance of saltiness, and the pillowy texture of the blinis was beautiful.
Another favourite was the lamb chops with Madeira sauce. I usually find lamb a bit too gamey, but here it was juicy and rich, with a slightly sweet glaze that made it satisfying.
| Pro tip: The restaurant is intimate with limited seating, so reservations are a must, especially on weekends. Also, remember that they have a strict no-show/cancellation fee, so only book when you’re sure you can make it. |
5. Le Mousso
Media credits: lemousso
Address: 1025 Ontario St E
Contact details: +1 438-384-7410
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday to Saturday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
We got seats at the bar of Le Mousse, which turned out to be the best decision. Watching the kitchen team work was fascinating since they were quiet, focused, and almost dancing. You could tell everyone had their role down perfectly.
The tasting menu had around 10 small courses. Some of my favourites included a trout tartare with fermented cucumber, with a perfect balance of acidity and richness, and a slow-cooked duck with a glossy jus poured right at the table.
Every dish came with a short explanation, often with a story or a clever detail that made it memorable.
The space was also quiet and elegant, with clean lines and thoughtful lighting. The artwork of Chef Antonin’s grandfather also gave the room a very personal touch.
| Pro tip: Make sure that you arrive on time or earlier. The evening starts at 6:30 PM sharp, and there’s only one seating. The entire tasting menu is timed and orchestrated like a show, so late arrivals disrupt the flow and may not be accommodated. |
6. Candide
Media credits: restaurant_candide
Address: 551 Rue Saint-Martin
Contact details: +1 514-447-2717
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Saturday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Candide’s four-course tasting menu changes with the seasons, and the night I went in, it was $85 CAD. I added the oysters and the wine pairing, and I’d definitely recommend both if you’re up for a full experience.
The oysters came first. They were fresh, super cold, and just the right amount of salty. It’s such a clean, simple start, but it sets the tone for the rest of the meal.
For the main, I had the guinea hen with a raspberry sauce, and it was fantastic. The skin was crisp, the meat was juicy, and the fruitiness didn’t overpower the dish. It actually made the whole thing feel lighter than I expected.
| Pro tip: If you sit at the bar (highly recommended), look under the counter. There are discreet metal hooks for your bag or coat. It keeps your space tidy and your belongings clean and within reach, |
7. Maison Boulud
Media credits: maisonboulud
Address: 1228 Sherbrooke St W
Contact details: +1 514-842-4224
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday: 7 AM – 10 AM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 7 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 7 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM – 10 AM, 12 PM – 2 PM, 6 PM – 9:30 PM
We started our evening with cocktails at the Maison Boulud’s bar. I had a gin-based drink with citrus and herbs, and it was super refreshing and not too sweet. It immediately set the tone for the whole evening.
We also asked to sit in the greenhouse section, which I highly recommend. You can see into the open kitchen, so there’s this extra layer of excitement.
Their foie gras was the smoothest and most balanced I’ve ever tasted. It came with a fruit compote on the side that cut through the richness. I was also happy that my salmon was cooked spot on—crispy skin, moist centre, and paired with fresh vegetables.
The three-course menu we had was $50 CAD per person, which felt like a steal given the setting, service, and quality of the food.
| Pro tip: Avoid the atrium seating during the off-season. It might look airy and bright, but it can feel a bit cold and lacks the ambience of the main dining room or greenhouse. Ask to be seated elsewhere when booking, especially in cooler months. |
8. BOUILLON BILK
Media credits: bouillon_bilk_
Address: 22 St Catherine St E
Contact details: +1 514-845-1595
Operating hours:
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday: 11 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 5 PM – 10:30 PM
We went with the 8-course tasting menu at Bouillon Bilk and chose the discovery wine pairing out of curiosity. We’re so glad we did because the pairings introduced us to biodynamic wines we’d never even heard of.
Somehow, each one brought out something unexpected in the food, like how a light red made the veal tartare feel even more delicate. Honestly, I usually stick to what I know with wine, but this opened up a whole new way to enjoy a meal.
Every dish was beautifully plated, but not in a fussy way. The scallops in oyster reduction and XO sauce were my favourite. They were briny, buttery, with just enough head to keep things interesting.
We also appreciated how the meal was paced. It’s a long dinner—over two hours—but it never dragged.
| Pro tip: We recommend not driving and instead just taking a cab, Uber, or metro. Their wine pairings include 6 to 7 pours, and they’re not shy with the servings. Besides, the restaurant is just a 5-minute walk from the Place-des-Arts metro station. |
9. Le Filet
Media credits: restaurantlefilet
Address: 219 Mont-Royal Ave W
Contact details: +1 514-360-6060
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday: 5:45 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: Closed
We were immediately struck by Le Filet’s atmosphere. It’s elegant yet not stuffy, with moody lighting, deep ocean tones, and subtle metallic touches that make it feel like we’re inside a modern ship. The marine theme is done tastefully but not over the top.
We kicked things off with fresh oysters, which were incredibly meaty and clean-tasting. Then came the grilled octopus, which was beautifully done. It was tender, lightly charred, and seasoned just enough to let the flavour of the octopus shine.
It was also nice that the menu was divided into three parts: game, set, and match. This way, you can build your own tasting menu by trying smaller portions of several dishes. It’s smart and makes your evening feel like a curated journey rather than just a meal.
| Pro tip: Pair your seafood with a glass of Domaine Ostertag Riesling. If you enjoy white wine, this one is a great choice. It’s crisp with a slightly floral finish, so just ask your server if it’s available by the glass. |
10. Le Pois Penché
Media credits: lepoispenche
Address: 1230 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest
Contact details: +1 514-667-5050
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Le Pois Penché had this classic French vibe with elegant decorations. The lighting was soft, the tables were nicely spaced, and the view over de Maisonneuve Boulevard gave it that big-city charm.
For mains, I had the duck confit, and it was perfect. The skin was crispy, the meat was tender and flavourful, and it came with roasted Brussels sprouts that were cooked just right. The sauce on the plate also pulled everything together without being too heavy.
To end the night, my friend and I shared a crème brûlée and two scoops of strawberry and mango sorbet. I personally loved how the crème brûlée had a satisfying crack when you broke the top, and the inside was smooth and creamy.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of the prix fixe menu if you’re dining early. They usually offer it before 6:30 PM, which includes a starter, a main, and sometimes dessert. It’s a great value for this level of dining, so expect to pay less than ordering a la carte. |
11. Cabaret L’enfer
Media credits: cabaret.lenfer
Address: 4094 Saint Denis St
Contact details: +1 514-419-1090
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 6 PM – 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 6 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
If you’re expecting big plates or super-rich, heavy food, Cabaret L’enfer might just be what you’re looking for. It’s refined, portioned just right, and focused on quality over quantity. Plus, the staff was genuinely kind and passionate.
The tasting menu we had was seven courses, and every dish had a story. The artichoke-filled agnolotti stood out the most for me. It was silky, earthy, and packed with this warm depth from the house fermentation techniques they use.
As for the wine pairing, this is where things got fun. One of the whites was a bit wild (slightly funky, borderline cidery), but once I tasted it with the agnolotti, it just clicked. Every pour was explained without being too serious, too.
| Pro tip:Plan to be there for at least 2.5 hours to 3 hours. The pacing is intentional. If you’re rushing to a concert or have a late-night booking, reschedule. The experience is meant to be slow and immersive. |
