Liam TrudeauYou won’t believe these 13 most beautiful restaurants in Montreal are real
I know, I know – when it comes to restaurants, it’s all about the food. But let’s be honest – a well-designed space can literally elevate your experience and make even the most basic dish in the world taste like a Michelin course!
Thankfully, Montreal has so many beautiful restaurants to check out. From eclectic dining spaces with modern designs to historic buildings with luxurious high ceilings, the city has it all.
In this list, you’ll also find insights into each restaurant’s overall service, in addition to their decor. By the end, I’m pretty sure you’ll find spots that match your preferences!
1. Restaurant Mélisse
Media credit restaurant.melisse
Website: https://www.restaurantmelisse.com/
Address: 719 William St
Contact details: +1 514-379-3794
Operating hours: Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM | Wednesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Price: $$$
As soon as you step through the doors of Restaurant Mélisse, you’ll be greeted by an elegant and airy space. Wicker-backed chairs, lush hanging plants, and a pastel color palette make it like a scene straight out of a design magazine.
The vibe here is perfect for a romantic dinner, as the entire place feels upscale. They even have a specious terrasse where you can enjoy al fresco dining when the weather is warm and nice.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to make a reservation, especially for the popular weekend brunch.
The menu offers a range of enticing options, but the pancakes are a must-try. Pair them with a chai latte or a refreshing jasmine tea, and you’re in for a treat!
Just a heads-up: while the food is exceptional, the portion sizes may leave you wanting more. Don’t hesitate to order a couple of dishes to share.
2. Henri Brasserie Française
Media credit restaurant_henri and hotelbirksmontreal
Website: https://restauranthenri.com/
Address: 1238 R. du Square-Phillips
Contact details: +1 514-544-3674
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Friday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
Tucked away in the Birks Hotel, Henri Brasserie Française offers a dining experience that’s perfect for those who love a luxurious night out. Their interior has intricate moldings in the high ceilings, plush velvet seating, and herringbone parquet flooring that add an elegant touch.
Apart from the beauty of the place, you’ll be delighted by the specially crafted menu.
I suggest starting with the seafood tower. It features succulent lobster, fresh shrimp cocktails, and expertly shucked oysters.
If you’re not into seafood, you might love their lamb shank, which boasts tender meat that falls off the bone. It’s paired with mashed peas that balance the smokiness of the dish.
If you’re visiting during brunch, the chicken and waffles – with crispy chicken strips and fluffy waffles drizzled in maple syrup – are the best starter.
3. Jatoba
Media credit jatobamontreal
Website: https://www.jatobamontreal.com/
Address: 1184 R. du Square-Phillips
Contact details: +1 514-871-1184
Operating hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
Restaurant Jatoba is a feast for the senses, known for its exquisite East-Asian cuisine and stunning atmosphere. The interior designed by Amlyne Phillips combines wood, brick, stone, and marble that’s accented with lush greenery accents.
The food is, of course, just as good. The menu offers a variety of Japanese dishes, including the Hamachi sushi and beautifully crafted dumplings—both of which are must-tries.
While the tuna and salmon tartare are delicious, the portions are small, so it’s ideal only if you want a light meal.
Thankfully, their beautifully presented desserts are worth saving room for, especially the blondie and the dreamy caramel creation.
If you want to experience all these yourself, make a reservation in advance, as it can get pretty full on a weekend night.
4. Elena
Media credit elenamontreal
Website: https://coffeepizzawine.com/
Address: 5090 Notre-Dame St W
Contact details: +1 514-379-4883
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$$
Elena brings a playful, retro Italian vibe.
Designed by Kyle Goforth, the space is infused with pops of color – think blue, purple, and yellow seating against neutral walls. This fun aesthetic instantly sets a lively, welcoming tone that still feels very elegant and upscale.
That said, the real star here is the food, especially the pizzas. They boast fresh ingredients, a perfectly crisp crust, and unique toppings that balance flavors beautifully.
The “Dany” pizza, with its touch of honey and chili oil, offers a sweet and spicy combo that’s unforgettable.
Their salads are equally impressive, particularly the Kale Caesar. It comes in a generous portion with just the right tartness.
And for pasta lovers, the Gigli is a crowd favorite, with its rich flavors that round out any meal.
5. Perles et Paddock
Media credit perles_et_paddock
Website: https://www.perlesetpaddock.com/fr
Address: 403 Rue des Seigneurs
Contact details: +1 514-931-0004
Operating hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Sunday 9 :00 AM – 3:00 PM
Price: $$$
Housed in a beautifully renovated former garage, Perles et Paddock is flooded with natural light from a massive skylight. It creates that bright, airy vibe that’ll make you feel like you’re in an indoor garden.
Perles et Paddock’s menu is as thoughtfully crafted as its decor. A favorite brunch option is their sweet potato waffles topped with autumn spices and apricot.
Their spicy honey-fried chicken also adds a punch of flavor with a crispy and tender bite that’s hard to beat.
For a more enjoyable meal, get one of their refreshing, handcrafted cocktails like the “Magic Potion” or “Avocado Aficionado.” The food here is a bit expensive, though the service makes every penny worth it.
6. Pichai
Media credit pichaimontreal
Website: https://pichai.biz/
Address: 5985 Rue St-Hubert
Contact details: +1 514-419-1606
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
The space at Pichai was designed by architect Clothilde Caille Lévesque. Around the room, you’ll find art from Montreal creatives like Dana Slijboo. Altogether, it creates a unique dining setting that’s both chic and unmistakably influenced by Asian design.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the menu at Pichai is all about quality over quantity. It features a selection of small dishes perfect for one person.
You’ll enjoy the bold flavors in options like the tapioca pork dumplings and crispy fried fish, which are both tender and crunchy.
They offer a mix of seasonal specials, too, alongside their permanent menu, so there’s always something new to try. The tasting menu is about $70 per person— a great option if you want to sample a wide range of dishes without breaking the bank.
7. McKiernan Luncheonette
Media credit mckiernanmtl
Website: https://www.mckiernanmtl.com/
Address: 5524 Rue Saint-Patrick #200
Contact details: +1 514-759-6677
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
McKiernan Luncheonette in Verdun is a one-of-a-kind dining spot in Montreal, set in an impressive industrial building that gives the space an open feel.
High ceilings, wood floors, and nautical décor add a cozy yet eclectic vibe that makes it an Instagram-worthy spot at every turn.
The menu here has a lot of comforting classics. You’ll find a mix of hearty dishes like prime rib sandwiches and honey garlic spare ribs.
There are also lighter options, like the daily tomato salad with nuts and fresh basil.
The portions are generous and perfect for sharing, so you really get your money’s worth per meal. Just keep in mind that parking can be a bit tricky around the area, as the place tends to get busy as soon as they open. It’s best to call for a reservation!
8. Foxy
Media credit foxymtl
Website: https://www.foxy.restaurant/
Address: 1638 Notre-Dame St W
Contact details: +1 514-925-7007
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
Foxy is a chic, intimate spot perfect for date night or a cozy gathering with friends.
The restaurant’s design is brought to life by its owners, Dyan Solomon and Éric Girard. Through their choice of dark tones and subtle lighting, they manage to create this warm and inviting ambiance.
At Foxy, the food takes center stage with its distinctive wood-fired cooking. In fact, the charcoal grill infuses a gentle smokiness into each dish.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the oysters and mussels for their signature smoky flavor.
While the menu leans toward the smaller side, the service is top-notch.
For instance, servers are well-versed in the menu’s ingredients and can detail allergenic contents. This is especially important for those who follow strict dietary restrictions.
9. Monarque
Media credit restaurant.monarque
Website: https://restaurantmonarque.ca/
Address: 406 Rue Saint-Jacques
Contact details: +1 514-875-3896
Operating hours: Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Thursday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
Monarque’s expansive layout is divided into three distinct areas: a lively bar, a casual bistro, and an elegant dining room. At the heart of it all is a glass-enclosed kitchen, where you can catch glimpses of chefs at work – pretty fun, right?
Just like their space, their menu also has a lot to offer. The dry-aged rib eye with peppercorn sauce is expertly cooked and has that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
For seafood lovers, the grilled octopus is tender and pairs nicely with potatoes on the side.
If you have room for dessert, don’t miss the passion fruit pavlova. It’s quite a popular choice for its beautiful presentation.
For something a bit richer, the chocolate and coffee crème brûlée offers a hint of bitterness—perfect if you don’t like your desserts too sweet.
10. Le Serpent
Media credit restaurantleserpent
Website: https://www.leserpent.ca/
Address: 257 Rue Prince
Contact details: +1 514-316-4666
Operating hours: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday: 5:45 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$$
Le Serpent is a stunning Italian restaurant that combines a unique industrial vibe with an upscale atmosphere.
Located in the Darling Foundry building, the space feels edgy yet refined. It features raw concrete walls, sleek black-and-white decor, and a modern interior design.
When it comes to food, Le Serpent doesn’t disappoint either. The menu is packed with Italian-inspired dishes such as the lobster risotto, which balances creamy richness with perfectly cooked lobster.
The bucatini with pork is also a favorite for its dense texture and delicious sauce.
A centerpiece of the restaurant is the bar, which serves a variety of well-crafted cocktails to complement your meal. And while parking can be tricky nearby, the outstanding food, ambiance, and service make Le Serpent well worth the effort.
11. Le Blossom
Please embed https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnp6Jm3LFny/
Media credit leblossom.sushi
Website: https://www.leblossom.ca/
Address: 1101 Boul. de Maisonneuve E
Contact details: +1 514-379-3699
Operating hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
This chic Japanese restaurant is known for its centerpiece: a sprawling pink cherry blossom tree that adds a glow to the entire space. The eye-catching decor doesn’t stop there; the zigzagging light fixtures and sleek bar design create an artistic ambiance that’s perfect for those IG shots!
Beyond the atmosphere, Le Blossom delivers flavor with a menu that’s packed with Japanese favorites. You can start with their famous cauliflower bang-bang that’s perfectly crispy and bursting with spice.
Alternatively, there’s the Blossom Tartare, which is their own take on the classic salmon tartare.
Sushi lovers can indulge in unique rolls like the Flame or Sea Paradise. But if you have to try only one, the Oshi lobster isn’t something you should miss.
Pair them with drinks like the Shinji Sour and Ghost 2.0, and I’m sure you’ll be full after.
12. Bar George
Please embed https://www.instagram.com/p/C2pw5GRrWQu/?hl=en
Media credit bargeorgemtl
Website: https://www.bargeorge.ca/
Address: Le Mount Stephen, 1440 Drummond St
Contact details: +1 514-669-9243
Operating hours: Monday – Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Thursday: 7:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Friday: 7:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM | Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
Bar George is housed within the former mansion of Sir George Stephen, founder of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
This building is now part of Le Mount Stephen Hotel. That said, it retained all its 19th-century charm with wood-paneled walls, intricate moldings, and grand chandeliers.
The menu here showcases British and Québécois influences, with standout dishes like the famous Beef Wellington. The beef, wrapped in perfectly flaky pastry, is tender and rich.
Pair it with their refreshing watermelon salad, and you’re good to go!
For brunch, their lobster omelet is a crowd favorite. It features a soft and fluffy omelet with tender, buttery lobster.
Though the menu is priced on the higher end, the combination of exquisite food and refined atmosphere makes it worth every penny.
13. Ibérica
Please embed https://www.instagram.com/p/CqESN5WLTZ0/?hl=en
Media credit restaurantiberica
Website: https://www.iberica.ca/
Address: 1450 Peel St
Contact details: +1 514-285-1888
Operating hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Thursday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM 10:30 PM | Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Price: $$$
Ibérica brings the spirit of Barcelona right to the heart of downtown Montreal with its modern take on Spanish dining. As you walk in, you’re greeted by the striking design from Montreal’s own Zebulon Perron: cathedral ceilings, distressed walls, and plush banquettes.
The menu at Ibérica is all about sharing and sampling, with Spanish tapas as the star. Start with the yuzu oysters for a sweet and sour kick.
Alternatively, you try the garlic tiger prawns, which are a crowd favorite for their rich and garlicky sauce.
For mains, you can’t go wrong with the grilled octopus. They’re tender with just the right touch of smokiness.
You can also go with the seafood paella that’s packed with fresh clams, shrimp, and saffron for that authentic Spanish flavor.
