It was in 1934 that Mr. Delisle and Mr. Morissette first opened Chez Delmo just up the street from where it is now. Back then it had 3 floors; a seafood restaurant on the main floor, a gaming house on the 2nd and brothel on the 3rd.
In 1964, Mr. Roland Périsset took over the operation and closed the 2 top floors.
Our menu has changed little over the past 80 years. Quality fish and seafood prepared and served in a traditional way. The house specialty is the Dover sole meunière. Our chefs take great pride in this dish, which used to be de-boned table-side, but now done just before serving. Our lobster bisque takes 2 days to create and the classic cream of tomato remains virtually unchanged for decades.
We have stayed true to cuisine classique, resisting the popular tide of nouvelle cuisine. Traditionally prepared quality seafood; unadorned and unembellished.
Over the years, Delmo has had its share of facelifts; the 18 bar-stools surrounding the granite bar are all that are left of the original 38. The iron sign outside and its original lighted tulips, were salvaged and still greet all our clients. The destruction of the original porcelain tile frieze that decorated the walls behind the bar prompted us to ask local muralist and celebrated artist, Carlito DalCeggio, to reproduce his version of the scenic garden party adorned with the verse from 18th English poet John Gay, “from wine what sudden friendship springs”.
Chez Delmo stands out as a premier seafood destination in Old Montreal, offering top quality, fresh ingredients, generous portions, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that blends historic charm with modern elegance. Diners repeatedly praise house specialties like the Dover sole Meuniere and lobster ravioli, the seafood tower, and a variety of seafood pastas, all prepared with skill and care. The service is consistently described as friendly, attentive, professional, and knowledgeable, with a strong emphasis on hospitality and a personal touch that makes guests feel at home. The interior and location near Notre Dame Basilica contribute to an appealing setting, from intimate bar seating to refined dining rooms, and the overall experience is often described as memorable and ideal for celebrations or special occasions. While prices reflect the quality and setting, many reviews note excellent value for quality, thoughtful wine pairings, and accommodations for dietary restrictions. Overall, Chez Delmo is portrayed as a reliable, high-end yet welcoming choice for seafood lovers visiting Montreal, with a reputation built on great food, superb service, and a distinctive atmosphere.
Great seafood restaurant! Top quality, fresh ingredients & generous portions. The greeting is fast & professional, the service is efficient & very
friendly. Arguably the best seafood restaurant in Montreal, certainly the oldest, just a 2 minute walk from the Notre Dame basilica in the Old Port. As you come in you are greeted by one of the owners through the bar section, where you can see the original stools & lamps from the 1930s. You get the feel of a classic neighbourhood joint, full of regulars, very busy. The cocktails are very generous (6 oz martinis). They have an nice seafood tower, very festive . The seafood pasta is outstanding. The Dover sole Meuniere is the house specialty, & it's the best i've had anywhere. Also we tried lobster ravioli, which was a highlight. The staff is young, super friendly & professional, & the owners are charming. Strongly recommend, overall a great value. They offer indoor valet parking for $15
I came to get a little drink with my friend & the service was excellent. What was initially a little detour to get a glass of wine ended up being a wholesome experience!! The owner Benoit offered us a warm welcome. Our waiter mandjou kept us entertained with the history of the establishment, the barman Jordan served us wonderful glasses & made insane cocktails. The runner Cedric was extremely polite & it showed that this restaurant is filled with professionals I love it!
Nov 20, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Everything about Chez Delmo is exactly what you'd hope for in a top-notch spot in Old Montreal. The moment you walk in, you feel the perfect blend of modern style with a touch of historic charm, it's classy without being stuffy.
We kicked things off with the Clam Chowder & a Shrimp Cocktail. Both were fresh, flavorful, & a great start to the meal. For the mains, we went with the Seafood Linguine & the Dover Sole, & honestly, both were outstanding. The flavours were clean & well balanced, & you could tell the ingredients were top quality.
The service really stood out too friendly, attentive, & never rushed. The partnership in which the owners present themselves matches the restaurant's brand.
Overall, Chez Delmo gave us one of those dining experiences where everything just works, & works well. Great food, great service, & a setting that makes the evening feel special. It's definitely a place we'd go back to & recommend to anyone visiting Old Montreal.
Excellent service followed by amazing dishes. We celebrated our mother's birthday here & we all took full course meals, all delicious! An amazing selection of wine as well as great cocktails (yes we had both).
The pudding chomeur is something to try for dessert!
Great experience, thank you!
Accueillis chaleureusement avec le sourire par le patron. Bien installés dans une belle salle, atmosphère calme & chic. La carte est variée, avec poissons, fruits de mer & viandes. Belles cartes de cocktails & de vins. Les plats servis chauds étaient bien présentés, copieux & très bons. Mention spéciale au serveur David : très bon contact, sympathique & efficace. À recommander les yeux fermés !
Cozy & quaint restaurant with wonderfully friendly & engaging employees...no pretense at all & we loved our meals...seafood pasta & shrimp cocktail was delicious...husband & daughter became addicted to their bread & butter! We enjoyed the experience so much...thank you for recognizing our daughter's birthday, also!
Découverte de Chez Delmo ce soir pour nous, quel bel accueil, & quelle délicieuse cuisine ! Les huîtres sont délicieuses, les crevettes cocktails savoureuses, & les pétoncles excellents ! Nous y reviendrons assurément! Merci à Benoît & David pour votre générosité & votre accueil chaleureux 🫶
Oct 10, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
The lobster roll, the spicy crab dish, shrimp cocktail & famous pudding were excellent. You should also ask for the habanero secret sauce. The owner welcomes everyone & his son was very friendly. Great food & great service!
Amazing seafood & steak, very attentive to detail & aware of allergens. Some good gluten free options are the grilled scallops, & the shrimp cocktail they can give you a mayo instead of the cocktail sauce.
We had an excellent experience here. The service was wonderful & the food was delicious. Lobster Thermidor was incredible as was the Walleye & Steak Tar Tar. The cocktail menu is full of classics that are executed very well. The Vespa Martini is worth going here for alone. Great atmosphere & the staff really made us feel welcome & appreciated.
May 4, 2024
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Absolutely delicious & unexpected from the cocktails, wine, beers, starters & entree's. I truly mean that. My wife & I have traveled across 25+ countries & I come back to this one as my most favorite! Adam surprised me with his modern yet simple twist on classic cocktails & Benoit helped to encourage me to a fantastic meal. After many visits in Montreal, this is by far my most memorable restaurant/friendly experience.
The place to be ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Par quoi commencer , un accueil des plus conviviaux , sourires , attentions diverses, un service hors pairs ☀️ Côté cuisine ; vous pouvez y déguster les meilleurs homards 🦞 de toute la côte cuisinés avec beaucoup de finesse & de talent , accompagné cela d'un sublime cocktail nommé Bloody Caesar 🍹 Le tout saupoudré de petites histoires très agreables servies avec sourire par le directeur ( très sympathique ) de l'établissement ! Merci pour ces superbes moments ! Nous reviendrons assurément ! 🦞🍹⭐️ Marine
I gave 5 stars because is the max but I could give more if the rating allows it. Place is outstanding all over the words. Extremely clean & very welcoming place. Food was delicious. I ordered as an appetizer shrimp cocktail, not words to describe the plate, the sauce, tomatoes & thick jumbo shrimp with an outstanding presentation, as a main menu I ordered a lobster thermidor & the flavor melted in my mouth. I never had a lobster thermidor full of melted cheese on top, was out of this world. Only thing is, was a little pricey, the menu does not show prices, just MP (market price at the moment) We paid $210.00 per 2 main dish of lobster thermidor. But really well worthy every bite. Service was excellent as well, we had not to ask for anything, waiter there for us all the time with a big friendly smile. Highly recommended place to eat.
Adrien took real good care of us & the owner was amazingly hospital off the bat. I will remember to keep my hat off next time haha.
Food was amazing, wish we could try more.
Walleye au amandine, Scallops meuniere, Beef Tartare & Lobster rolls. Well paired with a good wine & some cocktails.
Dessert was amazing as well, some sort of pancake mousse with maple syrup, forgot the name but pictures provided.
Salud!
Oct 5, 2023
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
J'ai bien aimé mon expérience dans ce restaurant. Il n’y a rien qui m'a impressionné, mais tout est bon & frais. Le cocktail de crevette géante est assez classique, la grande salade de fruits de mer est très généreuse & la coquille de fruits de mer, même si j'en ai mangé peu dans ma vie, est la meilleure que j'ai goutée. La sauce n'est pas trop présente & on goute bien les fruits de mer frais. Le service est très bien, par contre le décor est assez ordinaire, on s'attendrait à un peu plus pour un resto de ce prix. Avec leur vaste choix au menu, je crois que c'est un très bon resto pour les amateurs de fruits de mer & de poissons.
