Best Montréal, QC Restaurants
Chez Schwartz Charcuterie
The historic hole in the wall fixture on St. Laurent (The Main) offers only one real choice: the perfectly smoked meat brisket sandwich served with fries...
L'Express
Parlez-vous Francais? You will have a better time at this hip French Bistro if you do. Young, upwardly mobile Francophones flock to L'Express to see and be...
Bonaparte
Three different rooms - the largest for 70 diners, are equally created in terms of sophisticated decor. These spaces are enhanced by the addition of warm...
Restaurant L'Académie-Montreal
L'Academie focuses on great mussels (moules) with creative sauces. "Moules et frites" offers diners a large serving of steamed mussels in a variety of cream...
Milos
At Milos, traditional Greek architecture meets raw industrial space that produces a casual taverna atmosphere. The understated elegance appeals to...
Au Pied de Cochon
This popular spot for Qu—becoise cuisine caters to serious carnivores, especially pork lovers, for which the restaurant is famous. Chef Picard, an avid...
Bombay Choupati
Mouthwatering dosas, made from lentil flour and stuffed with spicy potatoes, the crispiest this side of the world, are just one of the features of Bombay...
Boulangerie Première Moisson
With 24 locations throughout Quebec and Ontario, Montreal natives and visitors alike can always find a reliable outlet for breakfast and lunch at reasonable...
Le Boulevardier Restaurant
For a great night out head to Le Boulevardier in Le Germain Hotel where excellent French brasserie-inspired dishes are skillfully prepared and paired with a...
Local Expert Restaurant Recommendations
Where to Get a Good Lunch in Montreal
Local Expert Restaurant Recommendations
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About Montréal, QC Restaurants
Montréal’s French roots are evident in the restaurant scene. You don’t have to go very far to get a terrific meal.
For cheap eats nothing beats Montréal comfort food. Winters are long here and affordable take-out plays a major role in the local arsenal. La Banquise (French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy) is a good bet for poutine and Schwartz Deli for smoked meat. See if you can resist buying less than a dozen when you step into the Fairmount Bagel Factory.
Eateries like Au Pied de Cochon and Toque! have created a whole new genre of Québécois cuisine that is sophisticated and innovative. Long, leisurely breakfasts stretching into brunch are another city tradition. Visit Beauty’s for its retro menu or Boulangerie Première Moisson for its croissants. Fine dining establishments such as Les 400 Coups and Chez L'Épicier are found in Vieux Montréal.
At most place you can order à la carte but if you’re on a budget consider ordering the special of the day usually referred to as table d'hôte (host’s table) or the prix fixe (fixed priced).Many of the upscale, gourmet restaurants offering a menu dégustation, a five- to seven-course tasting menu. They can be quite pricey at dinner but the scaled down version for lunch is a great way to experience the restaurant
Don’t be shy about asking for an English menu – most are bilingual but some are only in French. Remember that for the Montréalers, dîner (dinner) is lunch, souper (supper) is dinner, entrée is the appetizer, plat principal is a main course. Bon appetit!
About Shelagh McNally
Freelance travel writer and editor, Shelagh McNally has been a world traveler since her teens. After 20 years in Toronto, she left her job as Communications Officer for a major bank and moved to Puerto Morelos, Mexico where she helped establish the Miami Herald’s satellite office in Cancun. She went on to contribute to 12 editions of Fodor’s travel... Read More
Explore Montréal
10Best Restaurants by Type
10Best Restaurants by Cuisine
Expert Tips for Montréal Restaurants
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Merrill House Restaurant: "Make reservations as far in advance as possible for the best choice of seating."
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Le Boulevardier Restaurant: "Book early for best choice of sittings."
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Altitude: "Be sure to try the five course tasting menu"