The 18 best restaurants in Old Montreal and why you should go
The sheer romance of Old Montreal’s cobblestone streets is undeniable, but the Old Montreal restaurants scene? That requires guidance. Dining here can be a minefield of tourist traps! In my 20+ years of living in Montreal, I’ve been constantly hunting for the perfect apro spots, the fine dining havens, the casual eateries, and the essential cocktail bars. These are the good-vibe joints, the hidden dens where the food is genuine and the crowds are in the know.
Ready to skip the Old Montreal guesswork? Bon apptit!
Old Montreal food tour
Can’t make up your mind about one restaurant? How about five?
Indeed, I know the struggle: picking a handful of restaurants Dnevermind just oneD in Montreal can be a real challenge. Why not let yourself be led around the city by some of the most knowledgeable foodies in search of authentic gems in tourist-trap-ridden Old-Montreal, but also further afield in places locals cherish like Plateau Mont-Royal and historic Mile-End. Check out the Old Montreal Food Tour here.
Oncle Lee K?o
This is the chic, refined Chinese dining spot Old Montreal needed. From the team behind Bouillon Bilk and Cadet, Oncle Lee K?o brings a modern focus on “K?o,” the Mandarin word for grill. The space is simply stunningsoaring ceilings, minimalist wood accents, and a cool, subtle elegance perfect for a date night. Chef Andersen Lees menu celebrates Chinese tradition with that grilled twist, offering beautiful small plates and shareable platters. What’s more, dont miss the creative cocktails designed to complement the vibrant Asian flavors.
Mlisse
719 William / restaurantmelisse.com
This highly inviting caf-restaurant-buvette hybrid drew up a locally-sourced, seasonal menu focusing first and foremost on quality and affordable prices. The contemporary bistro with strong LA vibes revitalised this oft-overlooked part of the city and was certainly quick to become one of the best Old Montreal restaurants, especially as far as brunch is concerned. Also worth noting is the spacious, sun-drenched patio for those lazy summer days.
Philmon Bar
Tucked into a historic warehouse space on Rue Saint-Paul, Philmon Bar is an Old Montreal institution for good reason. The atmosphere is immediately inviting: a blend of industrial chic and cozy, neighborly vibes, thanks in part to it’s co-owner and legendary designer Zbulon Perron. This is the ultimate spot for a lively evening, whether youre unwinding with friends over a well-curated glass of natural wine or a crisp gin tonic. The menu features excellent fresh pasta and generous sharing platters, making it the perfect place to drink well, eat well, and stay late.
Venice
436 St-Fran?ois-Xavier / venicemtl.com
Venice is a sunny, Californian escape in the heart of Old Montreal’s historic grid. While the area leans heavy on indulgence, Venice stands out for it’s vibrant, affordable, and most importantly, healthy meals. Their colourful pok bowls are an absolute reset, making it the perfect spot to recharge with surfer vibes before diving back onto the cobbles for more exploration.
Dandy
Dandy is the airy, sun-drenched sanctuary Old Montreal needs for an ambitious, all-day brunch. Located on Rue Saint-Jacques, the vibe is refined yet comforting. They excel at balancing sweet and savory: you can choose between the legendary buttermilk fried chicken sandwich on a fluffy brioche or their sweet masterpiece, the maple brown butter ricotta pancakes with lemon cream. Beyond brunch, Dandy offers a solid natural wine selection and dinner options, making it a stellar stop for any meal, though be prepared for a small queueit’s worth the wait!
Le Serpent
257 Prince / leserpent.ca/en
The expertise and irreproachable service at Le Serpent truly make it an essential stop on any Montreal foodie itinerary. The industrial-looking space caters to trendy diners, and almost paradoxically, serves sublime Italianate plates that could be mistaken for comfort food if they werent so elegantly presented.
Place Carmin
Place Carmin is the ultimate modern French brasserie. Housed in a massive, repurposed industrial building, the sheer scale of the dining roomhigh ceilings, skylights, and that stunning open kitchenis immediately impressive. The menu is classic brasserie perfection, featuring flawlessly executed French staples like duck l’orange, grilled steak, and a decadent foie gras terrine. Visit for a celebratory atmosphere and brunch on weekends, but stay for the house specialty: the phenomenal blood pudding Tatin.
Perch
421 Saint-Vincent / perchemtl.com
Perch, perched atop the William Gray Hotel, is the ultimate urban oasis. This lush rooftop is pure California chic, overlooking the cobblestones of Old Montreal. it’s where people go to celebrate, with a vibrant bar and a menu packed with fresh Mediterranean and Asian flavors. From bright pok bowls to specialty cocktails, it’s a sun-drenched escape that feels like a tropical vacation, right in the heart of the city.
Dorsia
Dorsia is bringing serious sophistication to Notre-Dame West. Tucked inside a dazzling room wrapped in marble and mirrors, it feels like stepping into a chic, Gatsby-esque dinner partyperfect for an epic date or a celebratory power feast. Executive Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe is having a blast, mixing French finesse with bold Italian heat using prime Quebec ingredients. Expect delicious luxury, like the velvety Arctic char with beurre blanc or the cavatelli kicked up with savory, spicy ‘nduja.
Holder
407 McGill / restaurantholder.com/en/
Because I’m obsessed with beef tartare (well, French cuisine, really) it goes without saying that I have extensively surveyed the options from one end of the city to the other; and one of the best French Old Montreal restaurants is undoubtedly Holder.
Oh, it would be foolish to be deterred by the English name for Holder is a proper institution as far as European service and atmosphere are concerned and it’s evergreen menu filled with classics from cover to cover.
Bar Bisou Bisou
Want a secret escape in Old Montreal? Slip down the tiled staircase to Bar Bisou Bisou. This intimate apritif haven is pure hospitality, ditching the tourist hustle for genuinely great vibes. The real thrill here is the drink menuit’s a masterclass in low-key cool, specializing in low- or non-alcoholic cocktails, vermouths, and amari. No overpowering booze; just balanced, thoughtful drinks designed for long, flowing conversation. The bartenders are true experts and are genuinely excited to guide you to your perfect sherry or spirit-free masterpiece. it’s chic, friendly, and the perfect spot to start or end a great night.
H + Nhau Bar
600 William / restaurantha.com
This contemporary hotspot acts as one of the best Vietnamese Old Montreal restaurants and perhaps the most fun with it’s enjoyable patio. Simple yet edgy are the operative words here, with steamed buns attractively blackened with squid ink; the Ginger-Carrot crispy tofu and the Caramel-Soya Sauce Cornish hen are also surprising novelties.
To make the festivities last even longer, head downstairs to the sleek, clandestine watering hole lit with about a gazillion paper lanterns with strong “Opium Den” vibes; it’s not just about visual impact down here, though, as the pan-Asian cocktail menu is highly creative.
March des clusiers
400 de la Commune Ouest / marche514.com
When the Old Montreal cobblestones feel a little too crowded, March des clusiers is your essential escape. It’s a total vibe shifta rough-and-tumble industrial gem tucked right beside the historic water locks on the canal. This isn’t a glossy tourist trap; it’s a dynamic hub where talented local vendors serve up yummy street eats, from gourmet tacos to shareable nibbles. Snag a perfectly chilled spritz or a craft beer, find a spot by the water, and let the sunlight and the delicious smells reset your afternoon. It’s the perfect, authentic apro ritual away from the bustle.
Olive & Gourmando
351 Saint-Paul Ouest / oliveetgourmando.com
Forget those predictable Old Montreal restaurants. This bustling bakery and sandwich shop is where the city’s influential crowd actually fights en masse for a lunchtime table, and for good reason. Theyre obsessive about freshness: think vegetables grown in a nearby organic garden and fresh crab flown in for their incredible salads. The two must-haves? The savory, pressed Le Cubain panini (pancetta, roasted pork, Gruyre) and the famously decadent poached egg on your face breakfast sandwich (spicy poached eggs, Comt, speck, and slow-roasted tomatoes).
LOV
464 McGill / lov.com
With it’s all-white, plant-heavy dcor and woman chef, this is the kind of place even die-hard carnivores will line up for; indeed, LOV (acronym for local, organic and vegan) is one of the select few vegan restaurants in Old Montreal, nestled inside a graded building.
It’s an Instagram dream and a guilt-free one at that, aside perhaps from the surprisingly well-curated natural wine list.
Vallier Bistro
425 McGill / vallierbistro.com/en/
The Qubcois bistro got a makeover two years ago and it’s been doing tremendously well since; the contemporary look beautifully combines New York aesthetics with an unshakable Montreal atmosphere for a fun night out on the town and good food to boot.
Expect reinvented terroir classics (maple beef tartare? yes please), which can always be paired with the vast selection of locally-made beers available on tap.
Le Club Chasse & Pche
423 St-Claude / leclubchasseetpeche.com
Despite the nameFrench for Hunting and Fishing Clubthis isnt a hangout for the local gun-and-rod set. Impeccable service and top-notch ingredients have made this one of
the best restaurants in the city; the name is simply referencing the woodland-
leather decor.
Known for: chasse (filet mignon) et pche (lobster) dish.
Barroco
312 St-Paul Ouest / barroco.ca
Housed inside one of the oldest buildings of Old Montreal, this atmospheric supper club those stone walls and baroque chandeliers certainly set the tone is not exactly about glitz and glamour but rather about good vibes, tasty Mediterranean and Provence fare, and an epic wine list.
