Exploring Montreal's culinary scene means delving into a world where elegance, refinement, and gastronomy harmoniously intersect.
The high-end restaurants of the Quebec metropolis offer an unparalleled experience, where each dish is a work of art, and every service a moment of exception.
From Old Montreal to the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal, these fine dining establishments captivate the senses and awaken the palates of the most discerning gourmets.
In this world of exceptional gastronomy, the keywords are exclusivity, innovation, and authenticity. Michelin-starred chefs strive to create menus inspired by French or international cuisine, showcasing local and seasonal products. The subdued atmospheres and sophisticated decors invite relaxation and delight, providing an ideal setting for memorable meals.
Whether to celebrate a special occasion, impress guests, or simply savor an incomparable culinary experience, Montreal's high-end restaurants are the destinations of choice for connoisseurs seeking excellence.
In this article, we will explore some of the jewels of Montreal's fine dining scene, revealing what makes them so unique and coveted in the world of gastronomy.
426 Rue St-Gabriel, Montréal, H2Y 2Z9
L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel offers refined French cuisine in a chic, historically renovated setting with stone walls. As North America's first restaurant, it has provided a trendy experience for over 300 years, blending tradition with modernity. Under Chef Claesson's direction, trained in Michelin-starred establishments, the cuisine highlights local products with a touch of innovation. Always evolving, L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel remains a must-visit for gastronomy and nightlife in Montreal.
1201 Avenue Van Horne, Montréal, H2V 1K4
Damas offers creative Syrian specialties in a Persian-influenced setting, featuring a magnificent green terrace for the summer season. Established in 2010 and rebuilt after a fire in 2015, the restaurant provides an unforgettable gastronomic experience with exotic dishes and enchanting decor. Its magic lies in attracting a diverse clientele and fostering a warm, cosmopolitan atmosphere where everyone feels at home.
1023 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, H2L 1P8
Mousso presents a fixed tasting menu at $250 per person, with an optional wine pairing. Chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard delivers an exceptional culinary experience, aiming to amaze and surprise guests with original and unexpected dishes. In an elegant space of 30 seats, the menu showcases local products and changes with the seasons, offering a memorable experience with each visit.
4094 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2W 2M5
Massimo Piedimonte, a Montreal chef with Italian roots, perfected his art with Daniel Boulud and René Redzepi before heading up Le Mousso. Now owner of Cabaret l'Enfer, he offers a tasting menu featuring local products, in an industrial-chic decor. The restaurant offers a personalized, festive experience, where each dish is prepared with precision to satisfy diners. The wine list features environmentally friendly wines in keeping with the restaurant's philosophy.
176 Rue St Viateur O, Montréal, H2T 2L3
Île Flottante offers dynamic French cuisine through a tasting menu highlighting vegetables, meats, and seafood. The chic decor, adorned with works by local artists, reflects Montreal's identity and creates a welcoming atmosphere. The open kitchen allows guests to admire the preparation of dishes, which vary according to arrivals and the chef's inspiration. Warm service and a wine selection complete this unique experience.
6230 Rue St-Hubert, Montréal, H2S 2M2
Montréal Plaza offers a 5-course sharing menu, blending individuals and shared dishes, priced at $130 per person. The elegant restaurant provides refined French cuisine in a contemporary setting designed by local designer Zébulon Perron. Co-chefs Crête and Johnson, former Toqué! alumni, push boundaries with exuberant and original dishes, to be enjoyed collectively or à la carte. It's an entertaining and delightfully unexpected gastronomic experience to discover on Saint Hubert Street.
536 Avenue Duluth E, Montréal, H2L 1A9
Au Pied de Cochon, led by Chef Martin Picard, offers a lively experience where foie gras and pork are showcased in a warm and casual atmosphere. Located in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal, this iconic restaurant celebrates two decades of excellence. Their generous menu, inspired by French brasseries, highlights local products. Among their must-try dishes are foie gras, tourtière, poutine, plogue à Champlain, and exquisite desserts.
1170 Place du Frère-André, Montréal, H3B 3C6
Nomi, an elegant Japanese izakaya, joins the renowned trio of Flyjin and Jatoba, offering a chic and relaxed atmosphere. The spacious venue features a large central bar and sophisticated materials. Executive chef Olivier Vigneault, along with Rémi Lemieux, a former of the famous Au Pied de Cochon, Le Bernardin, and Le Norest, oversees Nomi's cuisine. Managed by the A5 group (Jatoba, Flyjin, Hà), Nomi benefits from the expertise of its renowned owners in Montreal's upscale restaurant industry. The Izakaya menu offers a variety of small plates to share, showcasing high-quality Japanese products. With a welcoming atmosphere, Nomi has become a popular destination for meetings and wine tastings, also offering a selection of bold cocktails.
1228 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, H3G 1H6
Renowned chef Daniel Boulud merges French tradition with North American influences at Maison Boulud. Located at the Ritz-Carlton, this restaurant embodies luxury and comfort, offering refined and contemporary cuisine highlighting Quebec products. Its seasonal menu showcases local products in an elegant and warm setting. They also have a Forbes four-star distinction, a recognition reserved for outstanding establishments offering high-quality service and first-class facilities.
900 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle, Montréal, H2Z 2B2
Toqué! revolutionized the Montreal culinary scene by highlighting Quebec's terroir products. Founded by Normand Laprise and Christine Lamarche over 25 years ago, the restaurant, a member of Relais & Châteaux and Les Grandes Tables du Monde remains true to its philosophy focused on the quality and traceability of local products. Its constantly evolving menu reflects creative and seasonal cuisine. Recognized for its excellence, Toqué! has received numerous awards, including 4 stars from the Forbes Travel Guide and a place among the world's 100 best restaurants, according to Elite Traveler Magazine.
443 Rue St-François-Xavier, Montréal, H2Y 2T1
Bonaparte, located in the hotel of the same name, reigns as an icon of French cuisine in Montreal for 40 years. Blending tradition and modernity since 1984, it offers an unparalleled gastronomic experience to faithful patrons from around the world. With its romantic ambiance and refined cuisine, it attracts celebrities and theater enthusiasts. The diversified menu includes a 7-course tasting experience, comprising three starters, the trou normand, a main course of your choice, followed by either dessert or a cheese platter and concluding with coffee.
423 Rue St-Claude, Montréal, H2Y 3B6
Established in 2005 in the iconic former Fadeau, Club Chasse et Pêche offers a romantic atmosphere and refined Quebec cuisine. Led by Chef Claude Pelletier, it prepares refined Quebecois fish and game dishes with its brigade. Its discreet ambiance makes it a favorite haunt for celebrities, where confidentiality is respected. The establishment offers a short but exceptional menu, showcasing land-sea dishes, as well as delectable creations by the talented Masami Waki for dessert.
1879 Rue Bélanger E, Montréal, H2G 1B6
Located in the Rosemont neighborhood, Restaurant Mastard, led by Chef Simon Mathys and his wife, Viki Brisson-Sylvestre, offers a unique experience with its 5-course surprise menu starting at $85. Opened in 2021, it can accommodate up to 54 guests and offers seasonal cuisine highlighting local products. Its warm atmosphere makes it a popular destination, even making the list of the top 100 restaurants in Canada since its opening.
1065 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, H3G 0B9
Located in the heart of downtown Montreal, Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer-Europea has delighted guests since its opening in 2002 with original dishes crafted from the finest local products. Under the guidance of starred chef Jérôme Ferrer, a Grand Chef Relais & Châteaux, this establishment has risen among the world's best tables, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Its elegant atmosphere and creative dishes have earned Europe recognition from both Trip Advisor and other prestigious institutions.
Photo Credits: thegreeneyedmama
1001 Rue du Square-Victoria, Montréal, H2Z 2A8
Since 1938, Moishes Steakhouse has been a staple of Montreal's culinary scene, renowned for its quality meats and fresh seafood. In its new location in the heart of the International District and near the Quartier des Spectacles, Moishes continues to evolve while preserving its heritage and introducing a touch of modernity. Under the direction of Chef Murteza Talu, the menu offers a selection of Eastern European-inspired dishes, in addition to a variety of seasonal options including fish and vegetarian dishes.
2491 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H3J 1N6
In the neighborhood of Little Burgundy, Joe Beef is more than just a steakhouse. It's a casual restaurant and bar that pays homage to the working-class history of Charles "Joe-Beef" McKiernan. Opened in 2005, this establishment offers comforting and generous French cuisine in a warm and festive setting, enjoyed by renowned chefs such as David Chang and Anthony Bourdain. With 75 seats, Joe Beef offers a varied menu, from indulgent salads to signature steaks, to fresh seafood. Its welcoming and festive atmosphere, with wooden decor and artwork, makes it a friendly place to enjoy delicious dishes and a selection of exceptional wines.
1227 Rue de la Montagne, Montréal, H3G 1Z2
Located in Montreal, Sushi Okeya Kyujiro offers an exclusive theatrical omakase experience, available upon request. With fresh ingredients from Japan and around the world, each dish is carefully selected by experienced chefs to maximize umami. Award-winning owner and chef Takuya Matsuda, originally from Mie, Japan, presents traditional Edomae sushi cuisine, offering an immersive culinary experience. The Japanese hospitality philosophy, Omotenashi, is at the heart of their service, while the restaurant's elegant and minimalist ambiance creates an intimate setting for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Photo Credits: Fugo
5357 Avenue du Parc, Montréal, H2V 4G9
Located on Parc Avenue in Outremont, Estiatorio Milos offers an iconic Greek gastronomic experience in an elegant tavern setting. Since 1979, chef and owner Costas Spiliadis has been striving to offer quality Greek products in a refined setting. Among its iconic dishes is the Milos Special, a plate of eggplant and zucchini with tzatziki. Fresh fish is also a must, with special attention to its quality. Estiatorio Milos has successfully expanded to New York, Athens, Miami, Las Vegas, and London, as well as a signature Milos cruise.
219 Avenue Mont Royal O, Montréal, H2T 2T2
A licensed establishment mainly featuring seafood, Le Filet is one of Montreal's top restaurants. Opened in February 2011, it remains exceptional and highly frequented. Its chic and original decor, inspired by the sea, creates a theatrical ambiance. Impeccable service and an original menu, featuring fish and seafood with a Japanese and French touch, make it an unforgettable experience. Its wine list, offering more than 350 references, is also remarkable.
1595 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2X 2S9
Opened in March 2011 on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, Bouillon Bilk stands out with its modern and eclectic French-inspired cuisine. Led by chefs and owners Mélanie Blanchette and François Nadon, the restaurant offers a refined gastronomic experience. Their tasting menu highlights quality proteins and creative accompaniments, ensuring an exceptional culinary experience. With a sleek decor reminiscent of the chic ambiance of Copenhagen, Bouillon Bilk offers lunch and dinner service, featuring creative and delicate dishes.
406 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, H2Y 1S1
Under the helm of Chef Jérémie Bastien, Monarque offers two distinct experiences. In the brasserie, revisited classics await, while in the dining room, a four-course menu transports you into the chef's gourmet universe. Owned by the father-son duo Richard and Jérémie Bastien, Monarque is a charming and elegant French restaurant in the heart of Old Montreal, offering a warm ambiance and refined cuisine.
Discover the wide selection of high-end/fine-dining restaurants in Montreal, here.
