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.
It's rare to find a restaurant that truly delivers on every front-ambience, service, & most importantly, food-but this place absolutely nailed it. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt inviting, setting the tone for an exceptional dining experience.
We started with a selection of appetizers that impressed across the board. The grilled octopus had a wonderful smoky flavor, perfectly complemented by well-seasoned greens. The calamari was delightfully crispy & light, not greasy. We had the following soups: the tomato soup was rich & creamy with a beautifully balanced flavor, the lobster bisque was loaded with tender lobster chunks, & the clam chowder was indulgently creamy & brimming with fresh clam meat.
For our main courses, we tried the walleye, scallops, the Creole crab & lobster ravioli. Each dish was thoughtfully prepared & bursting with flavor. The ravioli was stuffed generously with real lobster meat & none of the usual tasteless filler (cheese). Every plate was a hit with our group.
Service was top-notch, & a big part of that was thanks to our server, William. He was friendly, attentive, & genuinely made our night better. If you're heading here, definitely ask for William's table-he's exactly the kind of server you hope for when dining out.
This restaurant has earned a spot at the top of my list, & I'll definitely be back when I'm in Montreal again.
One of the best dining experiences I've ever had. From the delicious cuisine, the incredible service & the cozy atmosphere, I would go back to Montreal from Pittsburgh solely to return to this incredible family run restaurant. Merci!!!
Apr 25, 2025
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The most amazing experience!! Great food, the seafood platter was fresh & tasted amazing. The waiters are very welcoming, friendly, & knowledgeable about the food. Plus, really fun to see the celebrity autographs on the walls, lots of household names!!!
Mar 22, 2025
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Good service by an eager young staff. Walleye fish was great, but the Dover sole meunière was disappointing & the comment caught the owner by surprise…he wants us to come back for another try!
Nothing to criticize. This is the experience you want when you eat out. Lobster ravioli comes in a modest portion so not ideal if you have a big appetite but the lobster is delicate & delicious. The Mussels & Fries were a treat. Mussels are plentiful robust & delicious & the presentation is first class. The owner is present & welcoming & our server Cedric was friendly helpful & attentive. This was our 5th or 6th visit & we'll definitely return on our next visit to Montreal.
Very nice restaurant The food, the service & especially the Chef Delmo. He visited our table & was very welcoming.
We eat the Lobster Rolls & they were delicious.
First time getting to experience Montreal in this way & I'm grateful we got to come to chez delmo for a great feed. Service was awesome & really made you feel warm & invited in a different city which only made the meal better! Shout out to Benoit & David for taking care with our food & experience!
Feb 27, 2025
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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.
I enjoyed many good meals at the original Chez Delmo, closed now 20 years. It was a treat to visit the new Delmo's, & enjoy good fish & seafood & Malpeques properly prepared. Our waiter, Cedric, was very personable & attentive. He advised us thoughtfully about our selections & our wine. Good to see the profiteroles! Bravo à l'équipe.
What a lovely lunch we had while visiting Montreal. We were wandering in the cold & happened to blindly pop into this adorable neighborhood gem. We were welcomed by the owner & seated at the bar as requested. We had a lovely time chatting with him & his daughter. I wish I had gotten their names. The food was spectacular! Started off with a lovely cabbage salad, so fresh & the perfect amount of vinegarette to wake the palate. Next came the lobster bisque, which is so flavorful with large pieces of lobster meat. Not the thick almost gelatinous mess you can sometimes get while dining out. Their recipe is light & so velvety. Next came the lobster roll which was accomplished by a green balsamic vinegarette dressed salad & the most delicious thin & crunchy French fries. The lobster roll was outstanding! The bun was the perfect amount of soft yet toasty & buttery. It was packed with large chunks of soft moist lobster with a light creamy dressing. A little hint of onion or shallot & a whisper of cilantro. If we were locals we would be frequent guests! Already looking forward to coming back this summer!
Chez Delmo was an amazing experience from the moment my wife & I stepped through their door. From the owner, to his lovely daughter behind the bar & his attentive son on the waitstaff. This was our first time in, but certainly not our last. The lobster bisque was a true delight to the palate & the lobster roll, was the best I have ever had. Fresh,firm,abundance of lobster tossed in the most perfect dressing. Certainly a must go if you're in the area, guaranteed to not disappoint.
