Liam TrudeauThe 9 best French restaurants in Montreal so you could feast like you’re in Paris
I’ve always known French cuisine was something special. It’s not just because Ratatouille was my favourite movie growing up (though Remy did set the bar pretty high).
The first time I tried Bouef Bourguignon on a work trip years ago, I suddenly understood why people speak about French food with that dreamy look in their eyes.
Since then, I’ve been a little obsessed. Trying new French restaurants has basically become my hobby, especially when hunger strikes and I’m feeling fancy.
Over time, my go-to answer for “What’s your favourite French dish?” has evolved beyond Boeuf Bourguignon.
If you’re as curious as I am, our team’s put together a list of the best French restaurants in Montreal that we’ve personally checked out.
1. Modavie
– Media credits: modaviemtl
Address: 1 Saint-Paul St W
Contact details: +1 514-287-9582
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM
Price: $$
If you wander through Old Montreal in the evening, chances are you’ll hear the sound of jazz before you even spot Modavie. It’s a pretty nice spot to eat, especially if you enjoy some music while munching.
The lamb chops were easily the showstopper for us. We don’t know how, but they seem to hit that comforting yet fancy note that French cuisine does so well. The creme brulee was also creamy—served cold enough to contrast beautifully with its sweet crunch.
However, the bone marrow fell flat for us. It lacked seasoning and felt more like an idea than a finished dish. We think Modavie’s strengths lie in its classics rather than in pushing culinary boundaries, and honestly, that’s fine.
| Pro tip: The restaurant has a few sections, and not all of them have equal views or sound levels. If you’re there for the jazz, ask to sit where you can actually see the band. It’d make a big difference. |
2. La Fabrique
– Media credits: fabriquemtl
Address: 3619 Saint Denis St
Contact details: +1 514-544-5038
Operating hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5:30 PM – 9 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:30 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: $$
You can tell there’s a chef behind La Fabrique’s menu who loves experimenting—someone who doesn’t want brunch to feel predictable.
That’s actually what stood out to us: they change their menu every few months, which keeps regulars coming back to see what’s new. Of course, with creativity comes risk. Some dishes, like the lentil patty, earn respect for originality more than pure flavour.
The food presentation here is exemplary. Every dish comes out looking like it’s straight out of a magazine spread, especially their thick pancakes. For service, they’d bring out cotton candy for birthdays, which is actually unique and quirky of them.
That said, for a brunch spot, their coffee isn’t that great. Our team agreed that it does stand out when everything else is so thoughtfully done.
| Pro tip: Skip the usual eggs Benedict and go for something like their thick pancakes or the Pain Perdu (their take on French toast). Since they do menu changes every few months, you can always explore their creative twists. |
3. L’Express
– Media credits: restaurantlexpress
Address: 3927 Saint Denis St
Contact details: +1 514-845-5333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1 AM
Price: $$$
Small touches make a big impression, and L’Express knows that. That’s why each of the tables here comes with freshly baked bread, tangy pickles, and a dollop of Dijon mustard. You can already start munching even when you’re waiting for your dishes.
We loved their homemade ravioli so much. It’s rich and indulgent, with a sauce so flavourful it lingered on our palates. The duck confit, on the other hand, has a very crisp skin.
Even when sauces across dishes feel subtly similar, they’re balanced to enhance the protein. It lets the ingredients shine without overshadowing them.
Wine is another strong point here. With over a hundred options, there’s something for every palate. Lighter reds like Pinot Noir pair beautifully with the richer meats.
| Pro tip: The restaurant stays open until 1 AM, which makes it perfect for late-night dining, but the busiest times are around 8–9 PM. If you prefer a more relaxed space, consider going earlier or even after peak hours. |
4. Le Pois Penche
– Media credits: lepoispenche
Address: 1230 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest
Contact details: +1 514-667-5050
Operating hours:
- Monday: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Price: $$$
The effortless attentiveness of Le Pos Penche’s staff is amazing. One will pour your wine at just the right time, another will quietly clear your table before dessert, and even the hostess might check in to see how everything’s going. All of these feel natural too.
Dishes like the duck confit and hangar steak with shallot red wine sauce are clear standouts for us, and for good reason.
The duck was cooked to perfection with its tender meat. The sauce on the steak seems to convert even the most stoic eaters into fry-dippers.
There’s a confidence in the seasoning here—bold enough to showcase technique, but never so heavy that it masks the ingredients.
| Pro tip: Take advantage of seafood specials too. The oysters (local and PEI varieties) and the grilled octopus get repeated praise here. |
5. 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 Thursday: 5 PM – 8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 5 PM – 8:30 PM
Price: $$$
We understood quickly why Restaurant Jerome Ferrer – Europea has earned a Michelin star. The menus, whether seven or ten courses, are all about variety and creativity.
Personally, we loved the lobster cappuccino with a melted butter candle. It’s very unique and fun to scoop onto your bread.
Other dishes show off Chef Jerome’s skills, like the Rock-Ferrer oysters that stay juicy even when cooked. There’s even the Angus filet served tableside with foie gras and mushroom sauce.
What really stands out here is how creative and thoughtful the dishes are. Everything looks beautiful on the plate, and the flavours are layered so that each bite feels interesting. Pacing can be a little fast at times, but we didn’t really mind it.
| Pro tip: Downtown Montreal can be a nightmare for parking, especially with construction in the area. There are paid parking lots nearby, so plan to arrive a bit early to avoid stress. |
6. Leméac
– Media credits: lemeac
Address: 1045 Av. Laurier O, Outremont
Contact details: +1 514-270-0999
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 11 PM
Price: $$$
Brunch seems to be a real winner here at Lemeac. The poached eggs on blinis are light and fluffy, and the potato leek tarlette hits just the right balance. The mushrooms are so savoury you almost forget they’re just a side.
Dinner is a showcase of more substantial classics. Steaks come highly recommended, and we get why—they are tender, expertly cooked, and satisfying without being overly complicated.
However, the sides (from lightly seasoned potato wedges to a rather understated salad) sometimes feel like an afterthought.
We think Lemeac prioritises the star of the plate, which makes sense. But it might also leave those craving a more inventive or balanced plating a little underwhelmed.
| Pro tip: There’s no house wine, but the imported selection is extensive. If you’re unsure, ask the staff for pairing recommendations based on your main course. |
7. Le Boulevardier Restaurant
– Media credits: le_boulevardier_restaurant
Address: 2050 Rue Mansfield
Contact details: +1 514-985-6072
Operating hours:
- Monday: 6:30 AM – 10 AM, 11:45 AM – 2 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM, 11:45 AM – 2 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Wednesday to Friday: 6:30 AM – 10 AM, 11:45 AM – 2 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 7:30 AM – 11 AM, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$$
With Le Boulevardier being inside the Le Germain Hotel, it might look like “just another hotel restaurant” at first, but don’t be fooled.
This place is where meals become events. The open kitchen grabs your attention right away, with chefs moving like a dance troupe.
We loved that they have a tasting menu. It’s great for those wanting to try a bit of everything without overthinking the order.
We started with delicate scallops with bacon lardons, then moved on to confit duck cromesquis and venison cooked to perfection. Every plate looked gorgeous and tasted amazing. Somehow, it left us satisfied without feeling stuffed.
Their sommelier was very impressive too. They won’t just be handing you a glass but will also take you on a little educational tour of why each wine clicks with your dish.
| Pro tip: Book ahead for special occasions. They’re perfect for celebrations, so reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays. Being seated by a window overlooking downtown elevates your whole experience too. |
8. BOUILLON BILK
– Media credits: bouillon_bilk_
Address: 22 St Catherine St E
Contact details: +1 514-845-1595
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11:30 AM – 2 PM, 5 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday: 5 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$$
Contrary to other French restaurants that impress quickly with their grandiose decor, Bouillon Bilk leans on being humble through its minimalist-chic space. But don’t let this put your guard down. When it comes to food, they don’t play around.
They lean heavily on their tasting menus, and you can choose between five or eight courses. Each dish is carefully composed, from the crisp mushrooms paired with beef tartare to the delicate scallops finished with XO sauce.
Even desserts here feel intentional. The cucumber ice cream, light and refreshing, balances the richer flavours that came before. If you want a playful ending, they also have a chocolate and mango combination for it.
| Pro tip: Take a bite of their bread whenever it comes with a dish or order it with a cheese plate. The grilled hazelnut bread is particularly outstanding. |
9. 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
Price: $$$
Maison Boulud’s space is elegant, with big windows that let in sunlight and a terrace that’s perfect for brunch.
We loved how their Foie Gras here is served with sweet mandarin pieces and a chestnut sauce. For mains, the Kamouraska lamb is perfectly cooked and served in different cuts.
The restaurant offers tasting menus, a la carte options, and lunch specials, which provide good value given the quality. For instance, the $50 lunch special covers three courses and even a signature madeleine.
Portions are sometimes on the smaller side, so you may need to add sides if you’re extra hungry.
| Pro tip: In warmer months, the terrace is lovely for brunch or lunch. On the other hand, the inner garden area adds charm to the indoor space. Request a table near these areas when you book if you want to have amazing views. |
