10 Best Restaurants In Montreal

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

From chic bistros serving quintessential French cuisine to cozy cafes offering mouthwatering vegan options; each restaurant on this list has been selected not just for their exceptional menu but also for their unique ambiance that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Montreal. So tighten up your apron strings and get ready for a culinary journey like no other as we delve into the best restaurants in Montreal.

1. Beba

Beba is one of the best places to eat in Montreal that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant is owned by brothers Ari and Pablo Schor and has been in business for over three years. Beba is located in Verdun, a neighborhood in Montreal known for its casual dining scene.

The restaurant's menu features a fusion of Argentine and Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. The kitchen is headed by Dixon Cone and sous-chef Luc Rogers, who are responsible for creating some of the most thoughtful and precise dishes in Montreal.

One of the standout dishes at Beba is the pork shoulder chop, which is cooked to perfection and served with a flavorful sauce. The Swiss chard involtini is also a must-try, featuring tender vegetables wrapped in a delicate pastry.

Beba's menu also includes a variety of seafood dishes, such as mackerel, oyster, sea bass and tonnarelli. The restaurant's natural wine list is also impressive, offering a range of unique and complex flavors to complement the food.

Contact:

Address: 3900 Rue Éthel, Verdun, QC H4G 1S4, Canada

Phone: +1 514-750-7087

2. Joe Beef

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Joe Beef in Montreal, and it was an unforgettable experience. Located in the Le Sud-Ouest (Southwest District) of the city, this restaurant is known for its fresh market cuisine and impressive wine list.

One of the unique aspects of Joe Beef is the way the menu is presented. The daily specials and menu items are written on handwritten chalkboards, all in French. The menu itself is printed on a large sheet of paper, with food on one side and the wine list on the other.

The dishes at Joe Beef are designed for sharing, with prices ranging from $19 to $125 per dish. The French Canadian cuisine is perfectly executed, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. But gluten-free options are also available.

In addition to the delicious Montreal food, the atmosphere at Joe Beef is cozy and intimate. The restaurant is housed in a historic building, with exposed brick walls and vintage decor. The waiting staff is very friendly and are happy to offer recommendations and answer any questions about the menu or wine list.

Contact:

Address: 2491 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1N6, Canada

Phone: +1 514-935-6504

3. Vin Mon Lapin

As a food enthusiast, I had the pleasure of dining at Vin Mon Lapin during my recent trip to Montreal. This top tier restaurant, led by Montreal chef Marc-Olivier Frappier , his wife Vanya Filipovichas and chef de cuisine Jessica Noël has been gaining a lot of attention lately, and I was excited to see what all the fuss was about.

The first thing that struck me about Vin Mon Lapin was its cozy and intimate atmosphere. The decor is simple yet stylish, and the dim lighting creates a warm and inviting ambiance. The restaurant is small, with only a few tables, which adds to its charm and exclusivity.

The menu at Vin Mon Lapin is constantly changing, as the chefs work with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The focus is on farm-to-table cuisine, with a French twist. The dishes are beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. I particularly enjoyed the roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction and the grilled octopus with chorizo and potatoes.

But what really sets Vin Mon Lapin apart is its impressive wine list. This Montreal restaurant specializes in natural wines, which are made with minimal intervention and without the use of chemicals.

Contact:

Address: 150 Rue Saint-Zotique East, Montréal, QC H2S 1K8, Canada

Phone: +1 514-379-4550

4. Toqué

Toqué is a world-renowned restaurant located in Montreal, Quebec. It has been named one of the best restaurants in the world by Forbes and is a must-visit for foodies. This restaurant in Canada is known for its chic and classy vibe, making it a great spot for special occasions.

Toqué offers a prix fixe menu that is on the pricier side, but well worth it for the quality of the food. The menu features French and Canadian food, with a focus on using local produce and showcasing Quebec's terroir. The ongoing contributions of local artisans are no less important today than when the French bistro first opened in 1993.

The drinks at Toqué are just as amazing as the food, with a selection of cocktails and wine pairings to choose from. The restaurant is also vegetarian-friendly and offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

Contact:

Address: 4101 Sherbrooke St E, Montreal, Quebec H1X 2B2, Canada

Phone: +1 514-499-2084

5. Le Serpent

Le Serpent is a modern Italian restaurant located in the Ville-Marie neighborhood of Montreal. The restaurant is housed in a former foundry, and its industrial-chic interior design perfectly complements the building's history. Le Serpent is known for its fine dining experience, and its menu features a range of Italian and European dishes.

This Montreal restaurant offers a variety of special diets, including vegetarian-friendly, vegan options, and gluten-free options. The meals served at Le Serpent are perfect for lunch, dinner, or after-hours. The restaurant is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion.

Le Serpent has received numerous accolades, including being ranked as one of Canada's 100 Best Restaurants. The restaurant has also been featured in several publications, and has a seating capacity of 95, reservations are highly recommended.

Contact:

Address: 257 Rue Prince, Montréal, QC H3C 2N4, Canada

Phone: +1 514-316-4666

6. Le Flamant

Le Flamant is situated in the Hochelaga district of Montreal and offers a unique and memorable dining experience with its creative and colorful market cuisine and delicious cocktails.

The tasting menu at Le Flamant changes regularly based on the availability of fresh ingredients. They offer a variety of dishes, including seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. I particularly enjoyed the roasted octopus with chorizo and the grilled ribeye with chimichurri sauce.

The atmosphere at Le Flamant is trendy and chic, with a modern decor and a lively ambiance. The restaurant also has a wine bar area where you can enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or a nightcap.

Contact:

Address: 4043 Ontario St E, Montreal, Quebec H1W 1T3, Canada

Phone: +1 514-543-4245

7. Nora Gray

Nora Gray is a highly acclaimed Italian restaurant located in the Griffintown neighborhood of Montreal. The restaurant has been a staple in the city's culinary food scene since its opening in 2011, and it's not hard to see why.

Upon entering, I was struck by the intimate and cozy atmosphere, with dim lighting and brick walls adorned with vintage Italian posters. The waiters are friendly, and the service was impeccable throughout the meal.

The menu at Nora Gray offers a unique take on traditional Italian cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. I started with the grilled octopus, which was perfectly cooked and served with a delicious aioli and charred lemon. For my main course, I opted for the lamb shank, which was incredibly tender and flavorful, served with a side of creamy polenta.

One of the standout dishes of the evening was the homemade pasta, which was cooked to perfection and served with a rich, flavorful ragu. The wine list at Nora Gray is also impressive, with a wide selection of Italian and international wines to choose from.

The restaurant lives up to its reputation as one of Montreal's best Italian restaurants, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in the city.

Contact:

Address: 1391 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, QC H3C 1H2, Canada

Phone: +1 514-419-6672

8. Maison Boulud

Last year I had the luck of dining at Maison Boulud, one of the city's best restaurants you'll find around town located in the Ritz-Carlton in Montreal. This elegant French restaurant is helmed by renowned chef Daniel Boulud, and it offers a soulful and modern take on classic French fare.

One of the standout dishes for me was the Lobster Gnocchi, which was perfectly cooked and served with a flavorful lobster sauce. The Baby Beet Salad was also a highlight, with its fresh and vibrant flavors.

The restaurant's setting overlooking the iconic garden of the Ritz-Carlton adds to the overall ambiance, making it a perfect spot for a special occasion or a romantic dinner.

While Maison Boulud is on the pricier side, the quality of the food and the impeccable service make it well worth the splurge. If you're looking for a fantastic dining experience in Montreal, Maison Boulud should definitely be on your itinerary.

Contact:

Address: 1228 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1H6, Canada

Phone: +1 514-842-4224

9. Mastard

Restaurant Mastard by Simon Mathys is situated in Montreal's Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie neighborhood. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 6 pm to 10:30 pm.

Mastard's menu features Canadian cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. I tried their soup, sandwiches, and scallops, and I must say that they were perfectly cooked and delicious.

One thing that caught my attention was their collection of great coffee. I ordered a cup of coffee after my meal, and it was the perfect ending to my dining experience. They also have a selection of delicious local wines that you can pair with your meal.

Contact:

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

Phone: +1 514-843-2152

10. Île Flottante

Located in the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood in Mile End, Île Flottante is a French restaurant that offers an experimental dining experience. The restaurant's name translates to "floating island," which is a dessert made of meringue floating on a bed of crème anglaise.

The restaurant's menu is constantly changing, offering different dishes based on seasonal ingredients. The focus is on using local and sustainable produce, and the chefs aim to create dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious.

One standout dish is the lobster sausage, which is made in-house and served with a side of creamy polenta. The steak dishes are also popular, with a choice of either ribeye or filet mignon. Vegetarian options are available as well, such as the roasted cauliflower with hazelnut butter and pickled mushrooms.

The restaurant also offers a wine pairing option for an additional cost, which complements the dishes perfectly. And the atmosphere of Île Flottante is cozy and intimate, with only a few tables available. While the open kitchen allows diners to watch the chefs at work, adding to the overall experience.

Contact:

Address: 176 Saint Viateur West Street, QC 2L3, Montreal, Quebec H2T 2L3, Canada

Phone: +1 514-278-6854