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The best restaurants in Montreal, from the costly to the competitive

restaurants-montreal

The best restaurants in Montreal, from the costly to the competitive

Listen, I’m no Anthony Bourdain (RIP, legend). But tell me you’re hungry in Montreal and I can lead you on a culinary adventure that’ll leave your tastebuds singing and your pants feeling one size smaller. 

And that’s why you’re on this page, right? We’ll hit up hidden gems where the chefs are artists and the dishes are masterpieces, and we also won’t shy away from those iconic spots where the queues are long but the flavours are worth the wait.

So grab your stretchy pants and let’s get this food party started. This ain’t your grandma’s restaurant guide (unless your grandma is secretly the coolest foodie in town).

Hélicoptère

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Location: 4255 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H1V 1K4, Canada

Contact: +1 514-543-4255

Operating hours:

  • Wednesday to Thursday – 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Pricing: $$$

Website

Run by three culinary rock stars who ditched the fancy digs for a veggie-forward adventure, Hélicoptère is all about sourcing their bounty straight from La Pelletée’s organic fields. 

They’re also a playground for adventurous palates. Fancy a biodynamic Spanish orange wine fermented in clay jars? They’ve got you covered. 

And if you dare, try their chicken liver mousse served on a sweet almond financier – it’s like a culinary hug for your taste buds. 

Restaurant Mastard

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Location: 1879 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC H2G 1B6, Canada

Contact: +1 514-843-2152

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Friday – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Pricing: $$$

Website

Restaurant Mastard isn’t the average maple-syrup-drenched Canadian cliché. It’s a love letter to the Great White North, penned with seasonal ingredients and a dash of whimsy. 

Imagine plump scallops flirting with white butter and spinach, or a duck breast nestled in a cosy mushroom tarte. It’s Canadian comfort food but with a Michelin-star makeover.

But what probably sets this place apart is its “carte blanche”. It’s an option where you can leave your meal entirely in the hands of the chef… and believe me when I say those hands know what they’re making! 

Restaurant Paloma

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Location: 8521 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2P 2M9, Canada

Contact: +1 514-544-8521

Operating hours:

  • Thursday to Saturday – 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Pricing: $$$

Website

Lovingly crafted by the father-daughter duo of Armand and Rosalie Forcherio, Restaurant Paloma is a mix of French and Italian flavours, where ravioli Niçois and Vitello Tonnato take centre stage.

But don’t let the familiar dishes fool you, they’re not afraid to get a little adventurous. For example, their take on a calf’s brain with lemon butter might sound intimidating but it’s a revelation.

Restaurant Moccione

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Location: 7495 Saint-Denis St, Montreal, Quebec H2R 2E5, Canada

Contact: +1 514-495-9899

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Pricing: $$$

Website

Moccione is led by the culinary dream team of chef Luca Cianciulli and Maxime Landry. Sure, the name might mean “brat” in Italian, but this playful moniker is actually a nod to their approach to classic Italian cuisine.

For example, their fluffy gnocchi pillows frolic with earthy morels and peppery arugula, while their delicate trout tartare gets a citrusy kiss from clementines and radishes. 

The open-concept dining room is also a standout here since it allows you to see the chefs perform culinary magic firsthand.

Montréal Plaza

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Location: 6956 Drolet St, Montreal, Quebec H2S 2T3, Canada

Contact: +1 438-386-6368

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Pricing: $$$

Website

Ever heard of a bistro with a black bear on the wall? Not a taxidermied one, mind you, but a playful nod to the wild creativity that reigns supreme at Montréal Plaza. 

Co-owners and chefs Charles-Antoine Crête and Cheryl Johnson have conjured a space where sophistication dances with whimsy, a place where a plastic Triceratops might just be your dinner companion.

But don’t let the playful décor fool you. Behind the quirky facade lies a culinary powerhouse, where standout dishes like sea snails with miso butter and Quebec scallop sashimi steal the show.

Vin Mon Lapin

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Location: 150 R. Saint-Zotique Est, Montreal, Quebec H2S 1K8, Canada

Contact: +1 514-379-4550

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM

Pricing: $$$

Website

Opened in 2018 by a quartet of visionaries – Marc-Olivier Frappier, Jessica Noël, Vanya Filipovic, and Alex Landry – this Little Italy gem has transformed from a humble wine bar into a culinary powerhouse.

This is where gastronomy meets playful ingenuity. Imagine succulent barbecued whelks, chicken brined in sourdough (yes, you read that right), and Nanaimo bars reimagined with chestnuts and amaro.

Fair warning: just don’t be surprised if you find yourself making reservations for your next visit before you even leave the table.

Alma Montreal

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Location: 1231 Av. Lajoie, Outremont, QC H2V 1P2, Canada

Contact: +1 514-543-1363

Operating hours:

  • Wednesday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Pricing: $$$

Website

Crafted by the dynamic duo of chef Juan Lopez Luna and sommelier Lindsay Brennan, Alma Montreal is an intimate Outremont gem that’s all about personalised experience.

They’re known for their carte blanche, a nine-course menu that’ll leave you breathless. Each dish is made with the freshest local ingredients and inspired by Luna’s Mexican heritage and Brennan’s passion for natural wine.

If nine courses feel like a marathon, don’t worry as there’s another option. We recommend trying their five-course menu, which offers a condensed yet equally captivating journey through Alma’s culinary landscape.

Restaurant Ho Guom

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Location: 2605 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal, QC H2A 1V1, Canada

Contact: +1 514-507-8598

Operating hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday – 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM
  • Friday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

Ho Guom is a culinary portal to Hanoi hidden in plain sight on Montreal’s Jean-Talon Street. This Vietnamese eatery isn’t playing by the usual rules, since it serves unique specialities you won’t see elsewhere. 

Here, you can forget the standard pho (though theirs is excellent) and dive headfirst into their Bun Cha Nuc Nuoc, a citrusy tomato broth with whelks, and crispy fish cakes. 

Can’t stay for a sit-down meal? No problem! They have your back with their convenient takeout options, so you can savour their culinary magic wherever you please. 

Resto-Bar Le Pick-Up

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Location: 3739 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H1W 1S3, Canada

Contact: +1 514-526-3739

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Saturday – 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

Born from the matrimony of Dépanneur Le Pick-Up and Bar Alexandraplatz, Resto-Bar Le Pick-Up is a lovechild that’s inherited the best traits of both parents. It’s the place to be if you’re seeking elevated comfort food with a side of Montreal cool.

The menu features a blend of salads, fries, and sandwiches like pork belly with pineapple sambal and a killer fried chicken sandwich.

Plus, their picnic boxes are the perfect way to enjoy a spontaneous outdoor feast. Oh, and did I mention their seasonal specials? Keep an eye out for their irresistible doughnuts and cookies that’ll have you coming back for more.

Le Super Qualité

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Location: 1211 Rue Bélanger, Montréal, QC H2S 1H7, Canada

Contact: +1 514-398-0184

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

Le Super Qualité has been shaking up the Indian food game for a while. Tucked away in Villeray, this unassuming snack bar is a rebel that ditches the North Indian clichés and dives deep into the diverse tastes of the subcontinent.

Here, Chef-owner Srikant Murthy is your guide to a flavour-packed journey. They serve up weekly-changing Thalis that’ll transport your taste buds to different corners of India. One week you might be savouring the fiery spices of Goa, the next, the fragrant curries of Kerala.

And don’t even get us started on their masala dosas – these crispy rice and lentil crepes are so good that they’ll make you wanna order more.

Darna Bistroquet

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Location: 1106 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1T5, Canada

Contact: +1 514-273-1106

Operating hours:

  • Wednesday to Thursday – 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Friday – 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
  • Saturday – 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Sunday – 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

Darna Bistroquet is a magic carpet ride to the sun-drenched shores of Morocco and the Mediterranean, all without leaving the charming streets of Montreal’s La Petite-Patrie. 

Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, this bistro has been enchanting diners with its flavours. For example, their roasted lamb ribs are confined in olive oil with a pair of earthy Jerusalem artichokes and a decadent mushroom ragu. 

And as the name “Darna” suggests, the restaurant is more than just a place to eat: it’s also a home away from home. The intimate atmosphere welcomes you with open arms that make each meal feel like a special occasion.

Épicerie Pumpui

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Location: 83 R. Saint-Zotique, Montreal, Quebec H2S 1K7, Canada

Contact: +1 514-379-3024

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

Épicerie Pumpui is a one-way ticket to the food stalls of Thailand. Tucked away in La Petite-Patrie, this unassuming Khao Gaeng (a hybrid grocery store and eatery) is serving up a flavour bomb of authentic Thai cuisine that’ll leave you weak in the knees.

Forget the watered-down pad Thai found at your local takeout joint. They’re the real deal since they boast a menu overflowing with curries, sizzling stir-fries, and signature dishes like the pad kaprao.

Another unique thing about this resto is its casual, canteen-style atmosphere. The space is unpretentious and welcoming, which is perfect for a laid-back meal. 

Larrys

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Location: 5201 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2T 1S4, Canada

Contact: +1 514-503-1070

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

Larrys effortlessly transforms from a cosy breakfast nook to a bustling dinner spot. This Mile End gem is a playful ode to British cuisine, reimagined with a modern twist.

Here, you’ll find inventive dishes like Charred Radicchio with pecorino and honey, or melt-in-your-mouth ricotta dumplings bathed in brown butter and sage. 

But the real star of the show? Their charcuterie is sourced from their very own butcher shop next door. It doesn’t get fresher (or tastier) than that.

La Capital Tacos

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Location: 1096 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2Z 1J5, Canada

Contact: +1 514-873-5255

Operating hours:

  • Sunday to Wednesday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
  • Thursday to Saturday  – 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

La Capital Tacos is a pilgrimage site for taco enthusiasts. Tucked away in the heart of Montreal’s Chinatown, this taqueria is a love affair with Mexico’s most iconic dish.

Here, they’re all about serving up the holy trinity of pork: carnitas, al pastor, and cochinita pibil. And because sharing is caring, they encourage you to order your tacos in sets of three, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content.

Their tequila and mezcal selection is also as impressive as their tacos, with a carefully curated list that’ll make even the most discerning agave aficionados weak in the knees.

McKiernan Rôtisserie

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Location: 5524 Rue Saint-Patrick #200, Montréal, QC H4E 1A8, Canada

Contact: +1 514-759-6677

Operating hours:

  • Wednesday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM

Pricing: $$

Website

Located in a spacious loft by the Lachine Canal, McKiernan Rôtisserie is the latest project from the famed Joe Beef group in collaboration with Chef Derek Dammann of Maison Publique.

The space itself is a transformed industrial loft that boasts 7,000 square feet of dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows that bathe the room in natural light. The vibe here is a perfect mix of modern and rustic since it features German beer hall-style picnic tables and signature Joe Beef decor like wooden canoes.

Enough with the ambience talk. We’re here for the food anyway! 

One dish we recommend trying is their rotisserie chicken. It’s perfectly seasoned and cooked to achieve a juicy, tender interior with beautifully crisp and golden skin. Plus, it comes with a house-made sauce!

Dobe & Andy

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Location: 1071 Rue Saint-Urbain R-12, Montréal, QC H2Z 1Y6, Canada

Contact: +1 514-861-9958

Operating hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Friday to Saturday  – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Pricing: $

Website

This Chinatown gem is a no-frills haven if you’re seeking authentic flavours and a welcoming atmosphere.

At Dobe & Andy, it’s all about the classics done right. Their Peking duck is a masterpiece of crispy skin and succulent meat, their roasted pork is a symphony of crackling goodness, and their wonton soup is a comforting hug in a bowl.

Every dish is made with fresh ingredients, and the prices are so reasonable, so you’ll be tempted to order one of everything. And don’t get me started on the service – the staff is so friendly and efficient, you’ll feel like part of the family.

Boulangerie Cheskie

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Location: 359 Rue Bernard O, Montréal, QC H2V 1T6, Canada

Contact: +1 514-271-2253

Operating hours:

  • Monday to Thursday – 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Friday – 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
  • Sunday – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

Pricing: $

Website

Nestled in Montreal’s Mile End, this haven is proof that some things are worth waiting in line for. And trust me, the line is worth it (and long).

The star of the show is undoubtedly their Chocolate Babka. It’s swirled bread that balances sweetness with a hint of bitterness from the dark chocolate. Another popular item is their cheese crowns, which offer a delightful blend of creamy cheese filling wrapped in flaky, buttery pastry.

Once you visit, make sure to bring an appetite – and maybe a friend or two to share the bounty.

Ma Poule Mouillée

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Location: 969 Rachel St E, Montreal, Quebec H2J 2J2, Canada

Contact: +1 514-522-5175

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Pricing: $

Website

This Montreal institution has been fueling the city’s Piri-piri addiction since 2013, and trust me, it’s not hard to see why.

Their flame-kissed chickens, basted in a fiery Piri-piri glaze, are the stuff of legends. The skin crackles with each bite, revealing meat that’s bursting with flavour. 

Don’t be fooled by the fast-paced, no-frills atmosphere here. This well-oiled machine churns out culinary masterpieces with impressive efficiency.

Pizza Bouquet

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Location: 45 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2S 1P8, Canada

Contact: +1 514-358-4712

Operating hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 9:30 PM

Pricing: $

Website

Pizza Bouquet is a Petite-Patrie institution that has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of Montrealers (including ours). Owner Andre Theriault’s slice-shop-turned-pizza-empire serves up New York-style pies that’ll have you saying “fuggedaboutit” to any other pizza.

Pizza Bouquet’s doughy delights boast a thick, chewy crust that’s practically begging for a dip in their tangy tomato sauce. With classic toppings and inventive combinations like the Soppressata with spicy honey, there’s a slice for every pizza aficionado.

They’re also not afraid to flip the script with their “upside-down” pies, where the cheese takes centre stage on the bottom.

Chez Tousignant

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Location: 6956 Drolet St, Montreal, Quebec H2S 2T3, Canada

Contact: +1 438-386-6368

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Wednesday – 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM
  • Thursday to Friday – 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM

Pricing: $

Website

Helmed by culinary power couple Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione, Chez Tousignant takes humble classics like burgers, hot dogs, and poutine and gives them a makeover.

Their Tousignant Burger is crafted with in-house ground beef and nestled in a pillowy potato bun that bursts with flavour. 

Plus, the retro-chic decor is a feast for the eyes, with vintage signage, Formica countertops, and a vibe that’s pure nostalgia. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back, relax, and pretend you’re a character in a 1950s sitcom.

Mange Dans Mon Hood

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Location: 1380 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal, QC H2E 1S2, Canada

Contact: +1 514-448-8988

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM

Pricing: $

Website

Mange Dans Mon Hood (MDMH) is the place to go to for smash burger brilliance. Their in-house ground beef is smashed to perfection on a sizzling griddle, which creates a taste and texture that’ll make your heart skip a beat.

Whether you opt for the Cali burger, a tribute to In-N-Out with their secret MDMH sauce, or the happy burger, a playful nod to McDonald’s classic cheeseburger, you’re in for a treat here.

Casse-Croûte Sissi & Paul

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Location: 2517 Rue Jean-Talon E, Montréal, QC H2A 1T6, Canada

Contact: +1 514-903-2517

Operating hours:

  • Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM
  • Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Pricing: $

Website

Brought by the dynamic duo of Elsie and Pauldy Victor, Casse-Croûte Sissi & Paul has been turning up the heat in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighbourhood for a while now.

Their dishes will make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean. Especially their griot and crispy fried pork! Those are so good, you’ll want to dance the kompa. 

Just keep in mind that this restaurant operates primarily on a takeout model. Good for certain occasions, actually!

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