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 delivers consistently high quality seafood in a warm, welcoming Old Montreal setting, with options like a generous seafood tower, lobster ravioli, and the Dover sole Meuniere praised for freshness, flavor, and expert preparation; cocktails and wines are strong, the service is friendly and professional, and the owners create a charming, family run atmosphere that makes guests feel at home. The ambience blends modern style with historic charm, large windows and a classic neighbourhood vibe, while staff guidance and recommendations help diners explore top dishes such as walleye, octopus and crab pasta. Overall, the dining experience is described as memorable and top notch, balancing generous portions, thoughtful service, and a lively yet refined pace, with some menu items noted as slightly pricier but worth it for the quality.
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 $15
Iconic Montreal seafood restaurant that my grandparents took my mother to in the 1930s. The decor has been updated needless to say. Exceptional food, drinks, service & old world charm continue.
Nous avons apprécié le service & l'ambiance!
Pour la nourriture c'est correct sans plus,pour un restaurant qui mise sur l'expérience on a été déçu.
Raviolis au homard généreux mais vraiment pas cuit & trop salé,filet de doré un peu trop cuit & accompagnements simple,bouteille d'eau pétillante à 8,50$ un peu élevé comme prix.
Trop chère pour ce que l'on a eu comme expérience culinaire!
?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!
Chez Delmo: Restaurant quasi centenaire du Vieux Montréal situé tout près de la Basilique Notre-Dame de Mtl. Vous y retrouvez un menu du midi de grande qualité, un menu complet & carte des vins haut de gamme. Le service courtois de Jordan nous a permis d'apprécier en toute quiétude notre bon repas multi-services. Salutations à toute l'équipe, dont ceux qui y sont toujours en arrière scène même après 70 ans de loyaux services ! Chez Delmo, un incontournable !
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!
Nov 27, 2025
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Our server Jordan warned me about the spiciness of the crab dish, he was not kidding. It was delicious though, the crab's flavour mixed well with the heat.
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
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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!
Pour une soirée de MTL table avec des amis. Nous sommes arrivé 45 minutes à l'avance & avons eu accès direct à notre table. L'accueil chaleureux du proprio Benoît ainsi que ses conseils pour le vin. WoW!!!!! Le service de Jordan était super, rapide, professionnel, personnalisé. Nous avons passé une soirée extraordinaire. L'ambiance, le service, la propreté du restaurant, mais surtout les plats plus goûteux & frais les uns que les autres. Merci pour cette soirée inoubliable.
Nov 15, 2025
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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.
The staff were so friendly & welcoming. Jordan was a fantastic waiter - giving us recommendations not only in the restaurant but for things to do in Montreal! Thanks for making our trip to Montreal memorable with moments like this! Food & drinks were great too!
The food was amazing - everything was fresh, flavorful, & perfectly cooked. Big thanks to Jordan for the great service! He was friendly, attentive, & made the whole experience even better. Definitely coming back!
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.
