The panorama of tartares in Montreal reflects its cultural melting pot, offering a variety that ranges from impeccably executed classics to bold interpretations that push the boundaries of the genre.
An exceptional tartare is distinguished by its impeccable ingredients, precise cutting that preserves the texture, and seasonings that enhance the fundamental flavors without overpowering them.
While innovation is always exciting, it is crucial to remember the fundamentals of tartare cuisine. Here is an overview of the classic recipes:
- Beef Tartare: traditionally prepared with minced filet, shallots, capers, pickles, flat-leaf parsley, Dijon mustard, and often topped with a raw egg yolk.
- Salmon Tartare: made from fresh salmon, shallots, lemon, dill, and capers, sometimes enriched with avocado or cucumber.
- Tuna Tartare: combines red tuna with soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, wasabi, green onions, and sesame oil for an Asian twist.
These dishes are staples in Montreal's restaurants, attracting both local gourmets and visitors.
As you explore this guide, discover how Montreal chefs use their expertise to create tartares that are not only tasty but also visual masterpieces, turning each dish into an essential gastronomic experience.
Read also:
The Best French Restaurants in Montreal for an Authentic Experience
3609 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2X 3L6
Nestled in Plateau-Mont-Royal near Sherbrooke Station, La Fabrique Bistrot stands out for its inventive tartares and homemade accompaniments. Favorites include salmon tartare enhanced with feta, sorrel, and jalapenos, served with apples and shallots in mirin. Their beef tartare is equally distinguished, elevated by a fine tart of balsamic mushroom and aged cheddar. Founded in 2008, this bistro boldly mixes Quebecois, French, and Chinese flavors, a testament to the international journey of its chef. Don't miss their brunch tartares, a true morning delight.
Multiple locations
SHAKER Cuisine & Mixologie, with its industrial chic decor, is the place to go for tartar and cocktail lovers across Quebec. Discover the "Beef Steakhouse", with its pepper and bacon mayonnaise topped with crispy julienne potatoes, or the "Salmon Goat and Maple", a subtle marriage of goat's cheese, maple syrup, and crushed pecans. The tuna tartare, meanwhile, combines wakame seaweed and cashew nuts. Each SHAKER branch offers a warm atmosphere, perfect for savouring life from the first glass to the last.
Multiple locations
Since its launch in 2016, the Küto restaurant chain has established itself as a must-visit destination for tartare lovers in Quebec. In each location, including Griffintown, tartares are prepared with carefully selected ingredients and bold flavor combinations. The protein-rich menu features popular dishes like Tex-Mex shrimp tartare with steakhouse sauce and marinated peppers, or the Tokyo salmon recipe with spicy Wafu sauce, crushed wasabi peas, crystallized ginger, finely chopped leeks, and julienne radishes. The "Asian Vegetarian" offers a rich palette of vegetables, while the "Cesar Shrimp" blends traditional and modern flavors. The menu's diversity ensures a satisfying experience for all tastes, from marine flavor enthusiasts to vegetarians seeking innovative recipes and flavor explorers.
2223 Rue Beaubien E, Montréal, H2G 2M8
Conveniently located near Cinema Beaubien in Rosemont, La Boulette is known for its authentic approach to simple cuisine. Specializing in tartares, such as tuna and beef tartare, the restaurant prioritizes top-quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. Supporting local producers, it uses Quebec lamb and duck and offers an exclusive selection of privately imported wines. La Boulette is undoubtedly the perfect spot for a meal before or after a movie.
3870 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, H1W 1S6
Innovative and daring, Comptoir Sushi à la Maison redefines the traditional concept of tartare with captivating, surprising recipes. Among the unique creations, the "BeefPub" combines beef tartare with cheese curds, bacon, and a rich teriyaki sauce, while the "Mexican-style beef tartare" features an audacious mix of teriyaki sauce, corn, sun-dried tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla. For seafood lovers, the "Spicy Salmon Tartare" blends grilled corn, feta, sour cream sauce, and marinated onion. Vegetarians will delight in the "Beet Tartare," a colorful mix of green apple, goat cheese, nuts, and miso-maple mayonnaise. Located in Hochelaga since 2018, this pioneer offers a rich culinary experience, introducing new recipes monthly, making each visit unique and memorable.
2129 Boulevard le Carrefour, Laval, H7S 1Z7
Tartaro, established near the Carrefour Laval in the summer of 2022, celebrates the art of tartare, offering a diversity of flavors that captivate. From creations like'Avocado Salmon,' blending mangoes and shallots, to'Rising Sun Tuna' with its ginger vinaigrette, each recipe promises a flavor explosion. Don't miss the'Tex-Mex Beef,' with its spicy notes, or the delicious vegetarian alternative,'Beet & Goat Cheese Tartare.' A new limited-edition tartare enhances the menu each month, ensuring a fresh discovery with each visit. This venue becomes a haven for those looking to explore innovative recipes in a relaxed yet passionate atmosphere about fresh and local produce.
Multiple locations
La Bêtise, located in Rosemont, Verdun, and Saint-Bruno, is renowned for its fusion of Asian flavors and innovative tapas. The salmon tartare, available at all locations, harmoniously combines Rice Krispies with a spicy sauce for a texture explosion. In Rosemont, the beef tartare is enhanced by a rich traditional mustard, while the Verdun version features honey mustard and a spicy sauce. The casual and festive atmosphere is ideal for enjoyable evenings, discovering a menu that skillfully blends tradition and innovation.
1708 Rue Notre-Dame O., Montréal, H3J 1M3
In the heart of Griffintown, Restaurant Grinder is known for its elegant tartares and seafood and meat dishes. The salmon tartare, enhanced with sour cream, jalapeno vinaigrette, tobiko, and shrimp chips, stands out for its refined flavors. The flank steak, combining capers and fried shallots, offers a marked taste intensity. The Bluefin tuna, served with soy caramel and yuzu, enriches the flavor palette. The restaurant's chic decor of glass and metal and its covered terrace provide the perfect setting for an animated evening. The selection of wines, exclusively private imports, ideally complements these exquisite dishes.
25 Place Simon-Valois, Montréal, H1W 0A6
Located in Hochelaga, Bistro Le Valois reinvents tartare with a touch of French elegance. The salmon tartare, garnished with shallots, marinated cucumber, and crispy quinoa, offers a flavor explosion, enriched with yogurt and fresh herbs. The beef tartare version is equally exquisite, distinguished by a Dijonnaise with confit egg yolk, enlivened by capers and pickles. With its Art Deco decor, this bistro transports its visitors to the ambiance of a chic Parisian brasserie.
30 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montréal, H2X 0C8
Mignonette, ideally located in Le Central in the Quartier des Spectacles, is renowned for its refined tartares and comprehensive wine selection. The scallop tartare stands out with a Kewpie mayonnaise enhanced with sesame touches, while the beef version is garnished with shallots and pickles. The salmon and tuna variants, enriched with spicy mayo and chimichurri respectively, promise unique flavor discoveries. It's the perfect place to explore marine flavors in an urban and trendy setting.
4821 Rue Ste-Catherine E, Montréal, H1V 1Z7
At Restaurant Cabotins, the Wagyu beef tartare is carefully and creatively prepared. Using meat from Marieville, this dish is enhanced by a carrot brunoise for an unexpected texture and is traditionally seasoned with shallots, parsley, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Located in the former haberdashery of Hochelaga, this restaurant attracts with its colorful ambiance and commitment to local ingredients, offering a modern and bold interpretation of classic cuisine. It's the perfect place for those looking to rediscover beef tartare in a relaxed setting where you can bring your own wine.
3927 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, H2W 2M4
Located on Saint-Denis Street, Restaurant L'Express is a true traditional French bistro. For over four decades, it has offered iconic tartares, featuring beef and salmon. Each dish is a careful homage to French culinary traditions, served in a decor reminiscent of Parisian elegance. L'Express is renowned for its late-night menu, offering French specialties until 2 AM. With its continuous service and extensive wine cellar, this venue is perfect for a late dinner in a setting that effortlessly combines refinement and warm hospitality.
Multiple locations
Explore a world of exotic tartares at Vertigo, present from Boisbriand to Brossard, and soon in Laval. The Vertigo salmon tartare is enhanced by touches of crispy tempura and miso, while the Asian beef version combines radishes, daikon, and homemade teriyaki sauce. The tuna tartare, garnished with mango and cashew nuts, offers a bold fusion. Each dish, from the double salmon to the Mexican-style beef southwest, carries a unique signature. Ideal for a business meeting, a happy hour, or a convivial meal, Vertigo promises an enriching evening with a vast selection of wines and cocktails.
Explore our complete list of restaurants serving the best tartares in Montreal now and discover your new favorite spot!
