What did the RestoMontréal team discover in December 2025?
December was filled with festive outings and memorable culinary experiences as the city embraced the magic of the holiday season. From cozy brunches and elegant dinners to immersive winter concepts, refined tasting menus, and warm café moments, each visit highlighted the creativity, generosity, and seasonal flair of Montreal's food scene.
Our outings are a true team effort. Chandni brings each experience to life through engaging visuals and storytelling on our social platforms, while Dalia focuses on hospitality and service, often stepping in front of the camera for our reels. Together, they capture more than just the food. They showcase the ambiance, the people, and the unique stories behind every address.
We are deeply grateful to the restaurants, agencies, and partners who welcomed us throughout the season. These collaborations reflect the warmth, creativity, and passion that make Montreal's culinary scene so special. Follow us on RestoMontréal's Instagram to relive these moments and continue the journey into the new year.
187 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montreal, H2T 1P2
Invitation from the owner for a collaboration
Date: December 2, 2025
Dalia & Chandni stopped by Café Magnolia and instantly fell in love with its festive Christmas charm. Beautifully transformed for the holidays, the café featured cozy décor, seasonal drinks, and a refreshed menu. They spent a perfect winter afternoon enjoying locally sourced dishes like a generous charcuterie board and duck foie gras, followed by a rich chocolate fondue and gingerbread cookie decorating. As the snow fell outside, the warm atmosphere made it all the more memorable. A reminder that Café Magnolia also turns into a buvette in the evening, making it just as perfect for cocktails as it is for morning coffee.
2000 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montreal, H2H 1J6
Invitation from the owner for a collaboration
Date: December 2, 2025
Located in the Plateau, Fukurō: tapas + cocktails is a new Asian fusion restaurant with a stunning décor and effortlessly cool vibe, making it the perfect spot for a 5 à 7, a night out with friends, or a romantic evening. As a family-owned restaurant, Dalia and Chandni were immediately welcomed like part of the family, thanks to attentive service and thoughtful recommendations. The tapas-style menu is carefully curated by family members and inspired by their travels through Japan, Thailand, and beyond, with generous portions that are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing, each dish bursting with flavour. It's the kind of address you'll want to come back to, whether for the food, the atmosphere, or both.
473 Rue Saint-Francois-Xavier, Montreal, H2Y 2T1
Invitation from the owner for a collaboration
Date: December 3, 2025
Motto Handroll Bar, the latest addition to the Old Port, brings a fresh sushi concept to Montreal. This small, intimate spot serves some of the city's most delicious hand rolls, crafted right before your eyes. Dalia and Chandni were hooked from the first bite, from the ultra-fresh crudo to the perfectly torched crab hand roll. With expertly made cocktails and a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere, it's the perfect place to enjoy a hand roll in one hand and a drink in the other for a truly memorable evening.
1255 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, H5B 1E5
Invitation from Thara Communications
Date: December 8, 2025
Les Refuges Bivouac inside the DoubleTree Hotel in the heart of the Quartier des Spectacles was an unforgettable experience for Dalia and Chandni. This year's heated domes are inspired by the Boreal Forest, with pine trees surrounding each dome and soft blue lights bringing the auroras to life. Perfect for a romantic date or a celebration with friends, the domes create a magical atmosphere. They savoured a blind six-course menu by Executive Chef Xavier Dahan, showcasing the flavours of Quebec's terroir and the Boreal Forest, from beef confit short rib to rhum baba. Adding to the experience, guests can connect their phones to the Bluetooth speaker for a personal touch.
1440 Rue de la Montagne, Montreal, H3G 1Z5
Invitation from the marketing department for a collaboration
Date: December 9, 2025
Marcus, inside the renowned Four Seasons Hotel, impresses from the moment you step out of the elevator. The chic, elegant space is flooded with daylight, dotted with greenery, and framed by a stunning Leonard Cohen mural, making it the perfect winter escape for a stylish lunch. Dalia and Chandni enjoyed a three-course table d'hôte menu, with the steak frites and tuna tataki standing out, while sipping on cocktails like Sol y Sombra and the Marcus Forbidden Fruit. The lively atmosphere, from business meetings to guests popping in after shopping at Holts, adds to the experience. Between the impeccable food, glamorous setting, and must-do bathroom selfie, Marcus proves itself as both a chic spot and a true culinary gem.
Multiple locations
Launch of their Christmas menu
Date: December 10, 2025
Nothing hits the spot in winter like soup dumplings. Known for their famous Xiao Lao buns, Chandni and her sister enjoyed an evening at the DIX30 location, where they were treated like royalty. They started with cocktails and appetizers, including the famous hot cucumbers, followed by soups and their choice of cilantro and lamb, and shrimp soup dumplings. To finish on a sweet note, they tried the black sesame buns for the first time. With multiple locations, delicious food, and affordable prices, Sammi Soupe is the perfect spot for a meal with family or friends.
5386 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montreal, H2T 1S1
RestoMontreal Christmas Party
Date: December 12, 2025
RestoMontreal's annual Christmas party was held at Birbante this year, and it was the perfect choice. We enjoyed a family-style dining experience that felt just right for a team that truly feels like family. Plates filled with delicious Italian dishes were passed around the table as we shared laughs and created beautiful memories. A special mention goes to our waiter Matteo, straight from Italy, who made us feel as if we were in a cozy trattoria rather than the heart of Montreal. It was the ideal setting to celebrate the holiday season together.
50 Rue Rachel E, Montreal, H2W 2T6
Launch of their new menu
Date: December 15, 2025
Dalia and Chandni returned to Le 30 Février, and it was just as magical as their first visit. This time, they sampled new menu items, including the Bailey's latte, which was smooth, comforting, and perfect for a cozy winter day. They couldn't resist ordering the labneh again, a favourite from their first visit. The real stars, however, were the Eggi Sando and Le 30 Février Perdu, both absolute standouts. With its whimsical purple décor straight out of a children's storybook, this charming spot truly awakens your inner child.
Multiple locations
Launch of their new menuDate: December 16, 2025
Allô Mon Coco has launched its new Sucre à la crème (brown sugar fudge) menu across all locations, and Chandni had the pleasure of trying it. She started with a fudge latte, followed by Bacon Pancakes topped with creamy brown sugar sauce, and a savoury platter of ham and eggs with a side of sweet waffles. She finished the brunch with a brown sugar sauce affogato. Available until February, this menu is a dream for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Multiple locations
Invitation from the marketing team
Date: December 19, 2025
Dalia recently visited Ben & Florentine in Ste-Dorothée, a breakfast spot she used to frequent when her kids were young, and was stunned by the modern and welcoming new look. The holiday menu was just as impressive, with highlights like the decadent French toast and the Holiday Combo, a waffled croissant topped with almond whipped cream, La Lichée salted caramel, Biscoff cookie crumbles, and a hint of cinnamon. The brunch began with festive drinks, including the Holiday Cocktail with gin and the Cranberry Mimosa, both also available as mocktails. Service was impeccable, with her waitress Karima making sure every detail was perfect, and Dalia was delighted to receive a jar of their famous La Lichée Salted Caramel as a sweet surprise. She left thrilled to have re-discovered Ben & Florentine and excited to add it back to her brunch rotation.
900 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montreal, H3B 4A5
Holiday High tea
Date: December 28, 2025
Dalia wrapped up the holiday festivities with a High Tea at Rosélys, a tradition she started last year with her cousin. They began with a glass of prosecco to set a festive mood, followed by a black tea from the restaurant's wide selection. The beautifully presented tower offered a perfect balance of savoury and sweet bites, with scones and fresh cream standing out. Portions were surprisingly generous, and they even took some desserts home. With a harpist adding a magical touch and stunning holiday décor throughout, both agreed they would definitely return next year to continue the tradition.
