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
?utstanding service from Jordan & Louis!
We came specifically for the frog legs (& even mentioned this when making the reservation), & they were absolutely delicious! The texture was delicate, & the presentation was beautiful. We also really enjoyed the wine recommendations that paired perfectly with the dish.
Jordan & Louis created a wonderful atmosphere throughout the evening, which made our experience at Delmo truly exceptional.
I sincerely recommend visiting this restaurant if you're planning to be in Montreal!
Jan 19, 2026
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Lovely seafood restaurant has a great history close to Old Montreal. Starting from friendly welcoming, nice story of the interiors, comforting soups for appetizers & a full list of delicious seafood meals. Highly recommend for any celebrations. A big shoutout for our server, Jorden for great survive tonight. Can't wait to come back!
We loved our meals of walleye & tomato soup - so tasty. Our server Jordan was exceptional & has a great sense of humour. We were welcomed by the owner & treated well by all staff. Highly recommend!
We stumbled upon Chez Delmo because it was close to our hotel. We ordered the seafood tower & were delightfully impressed. The service, food & drinks were top quality. What impressed us most was the dining experience. We had the pleasure of having a drink with the owner Benoit & learning about the history of Chez Delmo. Truly fascinating. I highly recommend this place.
Some dishes at Chez Damlo truly shine, offering delightful surprises that keep you eager for your next visit. The service is impeccable, making you feel welcomed, & the ambience creates a relaxing vibe that enhances your dining experience.
The star of the menu was the octopus entrée - succulently tender & bursting with flavour, it was a highlight. On the other hand, the lobster bisque fell flat, being light on lobster & lacking the rich flavour one would hope for.
For mains, the local giant scallops stood out with their impressive size & delightful taste, showcasing the young chef's skill. Conversely, the lobster club sandwich was disappointing; it was light on lobster & overwhelmed by bacon, overshadowing the seafood.
Based on my experience, I recommend exploring other, non-lobster seafood options here. Overall, you can enjoy a fantastic meal at Chez Damlo.
I had the pleasure of dining at Chez Delmo this evening & it was delightful in every way possible. I dined at the bar & had the pleasure to meet the owners, who are a joy to converse with, as was the incredible staff. The lobster bisque & the staff recommended walleye were divine. You can truly taste the love that goes into these dishes. It is places like this that remind us how special a dining experience can be. Thank you Benoit, & everyone I had the pleasure to meet!!
It was a pleasure to have dined at this restaurant. The food, atmosphere, & service were all impeccable. I would certainly recommend this establishment.
La nourriture est excellente!!!! Mais ce qui est encore mieux ce sont les serveurs (en particulier Camille) & les propriétaires! Un service clientèle excellent! Nous avons célébré notre anniversaire de mariage à ce magnifique restaurant & nous n'avons aucun regret!!! Je recommande cet endroit 100% Bon travail à toute l'équipe!!! (Venant d'une personne très critique).
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.
My mother & I ate here last night & not only was this the highlight of our trip to Montreal, it became one of my favorite restaurants in just the two short hours we spent dining here. The owner, Benoit, has run the place for almost 15 years, & he & his children (both waiters/bartenders) were overwhelmingly hospitable. They shared family stories & the history of the restaurant throughout the meal, making our experience even more enjoyable. I highly recommend sitting at the bar not only for a better view of the whole restaurant but also for the chance to talk & learn from Benoit (who will not pull his punches if you are American or don't finish your food 😂). The fish is also spectacular, & the combination of incredible food & atmosphere made this one of the most memorable dining experiences I've had in years.
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Chez Delmo during a visit to town for a conference, & I can't recommend it enough. A large group of us walked in unannounced, & yet, they were able to accommodate us immediately, which speaks volumes about their hospitality. The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between relaxed & classy, offering a setting that is both elegant & welcoming.
Owner Benoit was an absolute delight-his warmth & charisma added a personal touch that made the experience even more memorable. Our server, David, was equally impressive. He was not only attentive & professional, but also incredibly informative, ensuring we felt taken care of throughout the meal.
Each dish was absolutely exquisite & the entire experience, from the ambiance to the food to the service, was nothing short of unforgettable. If you're ever in town, make sure to visit Chez Delmo, it's an absolute gem.
Sérieux propriétaire vraiment gentil & agréable a parler les employés sont merveilleux & les employés sont extrêmement polie service impeccable sérieux je recommande sans hésitation merci extrêmement & votre geste était extrêmement gentil c'est sure que je vais revenir & encourager le deuxième plus vieux restaurant ouvert a Montréal
