Welcome to downtown Montreal, a must-visit destination for food lovers.
This vibrant district is renowned for its dynamic dining scene, with restaurants offering exceptional meals. There's always something new to discover, from French bistros to creative sushi bars, classic steakhouses, and sunny terraces.
As you stroll through downtown Montreal, you'll find establishments with passionate chefs who highlight Quebec's terroir while innovating with modern techniques. Each restaurant stands out with its unique ambiance and well-crafted menus.
Whether it's a romantic evening, a business lunch, or a festive outing, the best downtown Montreal restaurants promise a delightful escape.
Discover why this destination is a must for food enthusiasts and indulge in the specialties offered in the heart of the metropolis.
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Where to Eat Before a Hockey Game or Concert at Montreal's Bell Centre
1191 Place Phillips, Montréal, H3B 3C9
Just steps from the Quartier des Spectacles and the Bell Centre, Le Carré shines with its Mediterranean cuisine that highlights Quebec products. You'll appreciate the cozy-chic ambiance, perfect for a casual meal or a business lunch. Specialties like grilled octopus and tartares showcase the quality of the ingredients. Discover why Le Carré is a must-visit spot in downtown Montreal.
2077 Rue Stanley, Montréal, H3A 1R7
Le Taj, located in downtown Montreal, has been offering an immersion in Indian art and cuisine since 1985. Specialties like tandoori chicken, cooked in a traditional tandoor, are appreciated for their authenticity. The decor, featuring unique artwork including 18th-century wooden sculptures and an Expo 67 mural, creates a warm and refined atmosphere, perfect for any occasion. They also have a counter at Time Out Market offering their specialties.
355 Boul. de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, H3A 1L6
Nestled on the 5th floor of the HONEYROSE Hotel, Muze Lounge & Terrace transports you to a tropical oasis in the heart of downtown. The jungle-inspired decor and Mediterranean cuisine will take you on a journey. The large covered terrace offers a stunning view of the Quartier des Spectacles. With fresh Mediterranean dishes and lively DJ evenings, it's the ideal spot to relax and enjoy Montreal's summer nights. The menu changes regularly with the seasons to ensure a variety of dishes and maintain fresh ingredients.
1076 Rue de Bleury, Montréal, H2Z 1N2
Tiradito impresses with its unique concept: a large central bar where guests can watch the chefs and staff at work. This Peruvian bistro offers Nikkei cuisine, a Japanese-Peruvian fusion, with colorful and spicy dishes to share such as ceviche, anticuchos, yuca fries, fried chicken, and various tiraditos. It's the perfect place for various occasions, from after-work drinks with colleagues to a date or a night out with friends.
777 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa, Montréal, H3C 3Z7
At the top of the EVO building, on the 30th and 31st floors, Portus 360 offers a unique dining experience with a 360-degree panoramic view of Montreal. Led by the renowned chef Helena Loureiro, proud of her Portuguese heritage, it serves delightful dishes including calamari, lamb, and tapas. The elegant atmosphere and 360-degree rotation allow you to admire the city while enjoying refined meals. With its modern decor and stunning view, the restaurant is perfect for a business lunch or a family outing. Each meal is an invitation to a culinary journey while enjoying the spectacular cityscape.
340 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montréal, H2Z 0B9
H3 restaurant, located on the 2nd floor of the Humaniti Tower, pays homage to local cuisine and human connection. Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère and his team highlight Quebec products with sophisticated dishes, complemented by an impressive wine cellar housing 6,000 bottles. The artistic and relaxed ambiance, combined with avant-garde mixology, makes H3 a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Don't miss the weekend brunches and Friday night DJ sessions at the H3 lounge.
1325 Boulevard René-Lévesque O, Montréal, H3G 0A4
Located in the Hôtel Le Crystal, Siam offers authentic Thai cuisine in a contemporary Asian setting. Giant Buddhas and colorful stairs create a unique and welcoming atmosphere. Siam invites you to enjoy Thai classics like pad thai and curries, as well as sophisticated vegetarian options. In the summer, Siam's terrace becomes a peaceful retreat to savor creative and refreshing cocktails. It's a perfect spot for business meals or evenings with friends.
1230 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, H3G 1M2
Why travel to Paris when Le Pois Penché can take you there? This French brasserie, located in the heart of downtown, offers comforting French dishes such as duck confit with peppercorn sauce and various steak frites. With a cellar of over 150 French wines, this restaurant is a popular destination for lovers of good food and wine. The intimate basement room is perfect for private events or business meetings. The street-side terrace and cozy atmosphere make it an ideal spot for any occasion.
1184 Rue du Square-Phillips, Montréal, H3B 3C8
Located in Montreal's business district, Jatoba stands out with its Asian-inspired cuisine crafted by chef Olivier Vigneault. Enjoy refined dishes such as jalapeno salmon tartare, black cod with seasonal vegetables, and stunning seafood and sushi platters. The chic decor and beautiful terrace, open year-round, create the perfect atmosphere for a business meal or an evening with friends.
1250 Boulevard Robert-Bourrassa, Montréal, H3B 3A8
East, in the heart of downtown Montreal, transports you to the atmosphere of old Shanghai with its refined pan-Asian cuisine. The restaurant pays homage to the authentic flavors and culinary stories of Asia. The menu takes you on a journey with choices from Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, Thai, and Korean cuisines. From the Yuseng salad, rich with 32 ingredients traditionally served during Chinese New Year as a symbol of abundance, to the famous Dim Sum and Tori gyoza, each dish at EAST is an invitation to discover or rediscover Asian classics presented in a contemporary way.
1234 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, H3G 1Z1
At the legendary 1234 de la Montagne address, Yoko Luna stands out as one of Canada's largest supper clubs. With its exquisite Nikkei cuisine, and a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian dishes, this restaurant offers an exceptional dining experience in a magical environment. At Yoko Luna, enjoy exquisite dishes like Geisha's Delight, a rice-free maki with tuna tartare, wrapped in tuna sashimi and topped with a pickled quail egg, caviar, and 24K gold flakes. The eight rooms, meticulously designed, promise passionate reactions from guests. Immersive artistic performances and extravagant bottle service complete this unique downtown experience.
Want to taste the culinary diversity of Montreal? Time Out Market, located in the Eaton Centre, offers a selection of the city's best dishes. From Marusan sushi to Ibéricos paellas, Chez Simon burgers, and Tunnel Espresso desserts, each counter is a discovery and celebration of Montreal's restaurateurs. Cocktail lovers will be delighted with the menu created by renowned mixologists, offering unique creations and revisited classics. The 5 à 7 is particularly lively, offering a selection of wines and craft beers to end the day well. Enjoy regular cultural events for a complete experience.
463 Rue Sainte-Catherine O., Montréal, H3B 1B1
At Le Balcon, every evening is an invitation to wonder. This cabaret, located in the magnificent St. James Church, offers a varied program ranging from jazz to themed evenings, and even gospel brunches. With Le Balcon x Terrasse, Jazz Thursdays and Latin Groove Wednesdays come to life outdoors, offering a captivating experience under the stars. Whether it's for dancing, dining, or simply enjoying the ambiance, Le Balcon promises extraordinary moments.
1446 Rue Peel, Montréal, H3A 1S8
Since 1996, Ferreira Café has delighted palates with its refined Portuguese cuisine. Located in the heart of downtown, this restaurant offers an elegant setting and exquisite dishes of fish and seafood. Owner Carlos Ferreira and chef Joao Hipólito ensure each visitor has a memorable meal. Honored with the Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator, Ferreira Café offers an impressive selection of Portuguese wines and ports, ideal for pairing with its savory dishes such as wild carabineros, seafood rice, fish and seafood bouillabaisse, or roasted black cod.
3 Place Ville Marie, Montréal, H3B 4W8
Les Enfants Terribles at Place Ville-Marie invites you to discover its warm and unpretentious atmosphere. The bistro, run by Francine Brûlé and Serge Bruneau, offers a tasty menu featuring specialties like mini chorizo pogo and poutines. The new decor, inspired by New York restaurants from the 1960s, offers a spectacular view of Esplanade PVM and McGill College Avenue. Enjoy $1 oysters after 9:30 PM in a lively and welcoming setting. They also offer excellent weekend brunches.
1255 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, H5B 1E5
Located on the 6th floor of the Complexe Desjardins in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Bivouac is the perfect place to escape urban chaos and reconnect with nature. This social lounge and artisanal bar offer boreal cuisine highlighting local products like smoked bison carpaccio and deer tataki. In summer, the terrace provides a breathtaking view of downtown, while in winter, the heated domes create a magical atmosphere. Don't miss their weekly "Sunday's Barbecue" for a memorable summer experience.
The restaurants at the Bell Centre offer an exceptional dining experience during events and Canadiens games. Mythik, with its speakeasy style, offers market-to-table dishes and signature cocktails. The 9-4-10 Steakhouse delights grill lovers with its quality meats. Canti Osteria & Bar offers authentic Italian flavors, while Bazarette provides a friendly atmosphere with shared dishes. All these spots guarantee a stress-free evening, thanks to perfect coordination with event schedules.
1440 Rue Drummond, Montréal, H3G 1V9
Located in the historic Mount Stephen Hotel, Bar George offers contemporary Scottish and British cuisine in a charming decor. Chefs Kevin Ramasawmy and Anthony Walsh serve dishes like sesame ribs and lobster omelets, showcasing high-quality ingredients. The decor, featuring ancient stained glass and Ceylon satinwood paneling, creates a refined and welcoming atmosphere. The elegant setting and cocktails prepared by experienced bartenders make Bar George a must-visit in downtown Montreal. Perfect for an elegant dinner, a memorable brunch, or a festive 5 à 7.
1227 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, H3G 1Z2
Okeya Kyujiro, the first Omakase in Montreal, invites you to an exclusive culinary adventure for dinner service or weekend brunch, by reservation only. Chef Takuya Matsuda and his team prepare Edomae sushi with fresh fish imported directly from Japan. Each dish, chosen for its seasonality and umami, is presented in an elegant and minimalist setting. Japanese hospitality, Omotenashi, and the authenticity of the utensils create an immersive experience, reminiscent of the best establishments in Tokyo. The intimate atmosphere and traditional Japanese tableware enhance this theatrical dining experience, fully immersing you in Japanese culture.
Photo Credits: fugoedits
1001 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montréal, H2Z 2A8
Moishes Steakhouse, Montreal's oldest steakhouse, retains its old-world charm while modernizing in its new location in the heart of the International Quarter. Founded in 1938, Moishes Steakhouse continues to shine as a Montreal institution. Known for its quality meats and fresh seafood, this iconic steakhouse offers a warm ambiance and excellent cuisine. Chef Murteza Talu offers a diverse menu, including classics like the 22 oz ribeye and innovative creations such as the USDA PRIME burger. The warm atmosphere and attentive service make every visit memorable, perpetuating the legacy of Moishe Lighter while adapting to contemporary tastes.
HENRI BRASSERIE FRANÇAISE + LOUNGE
1240, Square Phillips, Montréal, H3B 3H4
Located in the prestigious Birks Building, Henri Brasserie Française offers comforting French dishes with a contemporary Montreal twist. Prepared with high-quality Canadian and Quebec ingredients, the dishes celebrate the tradition of great French brasseries. The weekend brunch is a perfect occasion to enjoy refined dishes in an elegant setting, surrounded by spectacular stained glass windows and velvet banquettes.
Check out all the other options available in downtown Montreal, here.
