If you’re looking to rub shoulder’s with the who’s who in Montreal, this is the spot to be seen doing it. Hugely popular and often busy (make sure to reserve ahead), Le Filet is is the cool addition to a family of well-established restaurants in the city (Chasse et Peche, Le Serpent, Il Miglio) and has landed itself high up on Canada’s Top 100 Restaurant’s list. Go for the extensive wine list, cool cocktails and impeccable fusion food. You can sample just about anything here from handmade cavatelli to Wagyu tataki with eggplant and miso. The menu is seafood forward but expect an ode to the meaty Quebec classics.
219, ave. Mont-Royal Ouest
Resos required
JOE BEEF
Perhaps the most well known restaurant in the city, Joe Beef has become somewhat of a pilgrimage for foodies and even very famous Politicians. On the daily hand written chalk menu, expect a variety of dishes, mostly containing at least one decadent item such as smoked meat croquettes or spaghetti with lobster. The food here is simple, as is the setting, but it’s done very well in a way that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a friends house for dinner. The menu focuses on using local, seasonal ingredients, so don’t be surprised if you see some unique Quebec delicacies such as horse or Foie gras. If you can’t grab a reso here, try their other (also very successful) establishments Liverpool House or Vin Papillon (below).
2491 Notre-Dame St W
Resos taken, walk in’s also accepted
Le Bremner
A trip to Montreal’s Old Port for dinner almost requires a stop at the buzz-worthy Bremner restaurant owned by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. Slightly more high end than his other establishment Garde Manger , Bremner serves up a serious variety of foods including a raw bar, fresh fish and some asian-fusion mains. It’s a bit of a potluck, but everything tastes exactly how it should. Securing a table here can be a bit tricky so be sure to book in advance.
361 St Paul Street East
Reservations Essential
Le Vin Papillon
The latest addition to the Joe Beef Restaurant empire is a standout natural wine bar that happens to serve the most superb food. At first glance, the menu may seem almost entirely vegetable centric, however, reading the fine print you come to realize the classic Joe Beef touches of duck fat, butter and house-smoked bacon. The food here is excellent, as is the extensively curated wine list. A great spot to grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the kind of food you only wished you were able to recreate at home.
2519 Rue Notre Dame Ouest
No resos, first come first served!
L’express
The quintessential French bistro outside of France, L’express has managed to capture what we believe to be that certain joie de vivre. Settle in for a long lazy weekend lunch at this Parisian inspired favourite on Montreal’s famed Rue St. Denis. They’ve got all the classic dishes such as oeufs mayonnaise, pot-au-feu, foie gras (a Quebecois speciality) and the most delicious onglet beurre echalote et frites ( that’s steak with shallot butter.. and lots of it). There is nothing we don’t love about this place, from it’s extensive wine list, butter laden dishes and classic decor this is a definite must on a weekend getaway in the city.
3927 Rue Saint Denis
Resos taken : Lunch and Dinner
Best Pastries: Patisserie Rhubarbe
Best Pizza/Wine: Elena
Best Pasta: Il Miglio
Best Wine/Food Bar: Le Vin Papillon
Best Wine Bar: Vin Mon Lapin or Le Pullman
Best Thai: Satay Brothers
Best All-Day: Larrys
Best Smoked Meat: Schwartz’s
Best Japanese: Noren
Best Lunch: McKiernan
Best Coffee Break: Olive and Gourmando
Best Bagels: St Viateur
Best Syrian: Damas
Best Healthy Salad Spot: Mandy’s
Best Indian Food: Bombay Mahal
Best Lebanese: Boustan
Best Splurge: Toque
Best Brunch: Lemeac
Best Sushi: Park
Best Israeli: Sumac