It's brunch time in Montreal. You're comfortably seated in a bustling restaurant, and a stack of golden pancakes, still steaming and topped with maple syrup, is placed in front of you. How's that for happiness?
Many Montrealers look forward to the weekend for a chance to indulge and relax. And what could be more comforting than a delicious plate of pancakes?
Perhaps it's their airy, fluffy texture, their soft, sweet aroma or their nostalgic appeal that evokes childhood memories, but pancakes are definitely synonymous with good times and indulgence. Whatever the case, Montreal's restaurateurs have understood this and have answered the call, rivaling each other in creativity to offer their own versions of this delicious classic.
From Japanese-style puffed pancakes to ricotta pancakes topped with fresh fruit or crispy bacon, not forgetting buttermilk classics topped with maple syrup: the world of pancakes in Montreal is as varied as it is original, offering surprising and delicious discoveries with every bite.
Let us guide you through our selection of the best restaurants and cafés in Montreal where pancakes are simply irresistible. Addresses that master the art of the pancake, each with its own unique touch that little something extra that will make you want to come back again and again!
Arthurs Nosh Bar
4621 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1S5
Head to Arthurs Nosh Bar in the trendy Saint-Henri district for a taste of syrnikis, the famous pancakes everyone's talking about! The friendly Arthurs team awaits you in a charming setting bathed in natural light. Paying homage to the owners' roots, they serve an ever-changing, creative menu inspired by Jewish cuisine. The reputation of Arthurs Nosh Bar's pancakes is well-established. Their not-so-secret secret ingredient: cottage cheese, gives the pancakes a melt-in-the-mouth texture and makes them high in protein. Pro tip: if you want to avoid the crowds, it's best to arrive early in the morning.
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Fuwa Fuwa
1440 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montréal, H3G 1R4
Already renowned across the country and internationally, Fuwa Fuwa is a strong competitor in the pancake market. Its specialty: Japanese soufflé pancakes. These little cakes are meticulously handcrafted and have an incredible, airy, fluffy texture that makes the dough bounce under your finger. Fuwa Fuwa means "fluffy and fluffy" in Japanese! With over 15 flavors to choose from, including mouth-watering crème brûlée and matcha tiramisu, you'll want to come back and try them all. They also serve other delicacies, such as cheesecakes in a variety of flavors, and croffles (a gourmet mix of croissants and waffles).
Millmans
3779 Rue Wellington, Montreal, H4G 1V1
In Verdun, Millmans revisits the spirit of traditional snack bars with a touch of refinement. The establishment doesn't skimp on generous portions. Order pancakes and you'll be served a mountain of them, topped with your choice of fresh strawberries, homemade jam, or even crispy breaded chicken. With its carefully designed decor, warm atmosphere, and comforting cuisine, Millmans is the kind of place where you'll want to stay and enjoy a second cup of coffee.
La Fabrique Bistrot
3609 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2X 3L6
For over 15 years, La Fabrique Bistrot on St-Denis Street has set itself apart with its original, generous and creative brunch offerings. Their pancake platter is a must, and one of the most popular items on the menu. Tender, moist and ultra-thick, the pancakes are served by two, topped with a soft-boiled egg and cheddar cheese, surrounded by succulent apple purée and bathed in maple syrup. You can even add a thick slice of bacon on top. A pure delight you'll remember for a long time!
Foiegwa
3001 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H4C 1N9
Well-known to St-Henri residents, Foiegwa is a happy blend of American diner and French gastronomy. It's in a chic, retro atmosphere, tinged with Parisian charm, that the restaurant welcomes you for a decadent brunch. On the menu, under the sweet category, we find their wonderful ricotta and blueberry pancakes accompanied by maple cream. As the name suggests, there's no counting calories here, just indulging your sweet tooth!
SHAY
1414 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H3C 1K8
This Griffintown restaurant with Middle Eastern flavors offers a stunning brunch where pancakes literally steal the show. Just look at their Instagram! A real showstopper, Shay's baklava pancakes are simply decadent and look like a little work of art. It's impossible not to salivate over this mountain of ricotta pancakes topped with crispy baklava, pistachios and drizzled with maple syrup. A real sin! They're even better with a full-bodied black coffee. Give in to temptation, you won't regret it!
Deville Dinerbar
1425 Rue Stanley, Montréal, H3A 1P4
Another place to enjoy one of the best brunches in town is Deville Dinerbar. A great stop before shopping downtown, the restaurant offers a variety of pancake dishes, each more delicious than the last. Our favorite: yuzu meringue pie pancakes, topped with toasted meringue, yuzu curd, fresh blueberries, and pie crust crumble. The balance between tartness and sweetness is deliciously reminiscent of lemon pie. Buttermilk pancakes with bacon marmalade are also a very popular choice. Whatever you fancy, you're guaranteed to enjoy every bite.
Barley - Bar à Céréales
2613 Rue Notre-Dame O., Montréal, H3J 1N9
Saint-Henri is definitely the realm of pancakes! The Barley-Cereal Bar is another must-go address if you're a pancake fan. Their matcha version has a beautiful, energizing green batter and is topped with berries and a creamy white chocolate sauce. Not only a feast for the eyes, but a real treat for the taste buds! A gluten-free version is also available. Barley also serves their homemade pancakes covered with dulce de leche, cream cheese, banana, hazelnut and Maldon salt. Another mouth-watering proposition that is difficult to resist.
Café September
2471 Rue Notre-Dame O., Montréal, H3J 1N6
Not far from Atwater Market, in Little Burgundy, nestles Café September, a bright, relaxed den where you can enjoy succulent homemade pancakes. The pancakes served are always thick and cooked to perfection. The owners, who are passionate about surfing and coffee, have sought to share their enthusiasm for their passions by recreating a sunny, friendly atmosphere and they've succeeded! Café September is a great place to spend a pleasant moment in good company, or simply to go and devour tasty pancakes that instantly put you in a good mood.
Dandy
244 Rue St-Jacques, Montréal, H2Y 1L9
Le Dandy invites you to enjoy its chic weekend brunch in a mid-century modern-inspired dining room punctuated by a row of yellow banquettes. The menu features a revisited version of traditional pancakes, prepared with ricotta, maple butter, and a touch of Meyer lemon cream. The toppings also vary with the seasons: in summer, the pancakes are topped with juicy Quebec strawberries, while in fall, combinations of apples and bacon or roasted pears, mascarpone, and nut crumble steal the show. As an added bonus, the pancakes are served in pretty shallow bowls, perfect for holding the generous helping of maple syrup in which they are bathed.
Le Café Big Trouble
2054 Rue St-Denis, Montréal, H2X 3K8
With its colorful aesthetic inspired by graphic arts, Big Trouble Café welcomes you with a trendy and lively atmosphere. The fun isn't limited to the decor: the well-thought-out and appetizing brunch menu features pancakes as the first item. Served soft and fluffy, they are topped with a sweet fruit compote, milk crumble, and maple syrup. What more could you ask for?
Ruby's Café Mtl
3824 Rue St-Patrick, Montréal, H4E 1A4
Another ideal spot to enjoy excellent pancakes is Ruby's Café, a dog-friendly café. Your four-legged friends are welcomed with enthusiasm and can even enjoy treats specially designed for them, such as adorable pupcakes. Humans are not left out either: Ruby's Café offers generous plates prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Their Ruby pancakes with ricotta and lime are served with yogurt, almond crunch, and berries. Children also have their own version with the puppy pancake, a plate of pancakes shaped like a dog. Friendly, inclusive, and themed, Ruby's Café is the perfect place to go for brunch with the whole family, without exception.
So whether you're craving more original or more typical pancakes, whether you're with Fido, friends or with your lover, you can find an option just for you in one of the establishments listed above. While our selection is guaranteed to please, Montreal is a big city and you're sure to find other places to enjoy delicious pancakes depending on your neighborhood.
Moreover, we'd like to give a special mention to Toasteur Villeray which offers delicious vegan pancakes that evolve with the seasons, combining originality and flavor.
To explore even more restaurants serving pancakes, check out our complete selection of breakfast restaurants in Montreal. Now all you have to do is sit back in one of these wonderful places and enjoy!
