Dandy operates as a sophisticated bistro that emphasizes the intersection of artisanal culinary techniques and market-driven ingredients. The interior design reflects an industrial aesthetic characterized by high ceilings and expansive windows that illuminate the open dining area. Menu offerings focus on elevated classic dishes, featuring thick-cut sourdough toasts topped with seasonal produce and house-made ricotta. The kitchen consistently utilizes fresh, locally sourced components to construct balanced plates that favor structural simplicity over complex plating. Patrons experience a lively atmosphere where the focus remains strictly on the quality of the prepared food and the functionality of the workspace. This establishment balances the casual nature of a market-inspired café with the technical precision of a focused bistro kitchen. Every element, from the beverage selection to the curated seasonal vegetables, demonstrates a commitment to ingredient-led preparation methods.
Dandy is a popular brunch destination in Old Montreal known for its vibrant atmosphere and signature ricotta pancakes, which many patrons consider a highlight of their visit. While the restaurant frequently draws long lines, guests often find the wait worthwhile due to the fresh, flavorful menu items like the fried chicken sandwich and the summer breakfast. The service is widely described as friendly, efficient, and attentive, though some diners note that the restaurant can be loud and the seating somewhat cramped. While a few visitors feel the pricing is high for the portions or experience, the overall consensus points to a memorable, high-quality meal that keeps people returning for future trips to the city.
Waited for an hour. First; they gave us a small table for 3 people. The table was sized for two people but they just added a chair. When asked for a bigger table, they refused to move us because it was too busy. Second, the place was so busy that waiters were running around with plates. One of them hit my wife's head with elbow by accident. Terrible patient experience. Third, coffee was terrible. Bacon was too dry. Other foods were okay. Not going back to this place.
Food is magnificent. I've tried their'big breakfast', pancake, & the crispy chicken burger. The latter was my favorite, crispy on the outside, VERY tender chicken & generous portion. Getting the bill makes me question if the price really worth the hype though.
Aug 13, 2026
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While the food was very good the service was mediocre! Not a smile in sight! Angry faces everywhere except for the 1 guy who I believe may be the manager .
Wouldn't hurt to smile back !
Went there first lunch today. There was a line outside since they don't take reservations. My hubby & I didn't wait long & got seated in about 10 minutes. I ordered chicken salad, & sourdough bread & a fried egg as extras. Everything was so fresh & yummy. Highly recommend the chicken salad if you like crunchy ones. My hubby ordered the smoke salmon sandwich with tomatoes & greens. He loved it too. Super fresh!
First time here & it was worth waiting in line for a table. Service was fast & the place was clean with nice interior design.
The only thing that caught me off guard is literally 6$ for 4 strawberries be so for real .
Was tasty tho
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely delicious! The food was incredibly tasty, fresh, & mouthwatering. It's definitely worth the wait! Once you take that first bite & taste how delicious the food is, you completely forget about the long wait. Everything was worth it. Highly recommended!
Wait staff was lovely. The kitchen seemed a bit backed up, so we had to wait a little longer for our food than we expected, but I had a delicious spritz to keep me occupied during the wait, so all was well. Then, once the food arrived, it was so freaking good that we stopped caring that there was a wait at all. The buttermilk fried chicken sandwich was hands down the best I've ever had in my life. My dining companion had the halloumi focaccia & raved over her sandwich too. It was a wonderful addition to our day.
This was our second time at Dandy.The first time, we had a great experience, but unfortunately, today was completely different.
I ordered the cottage cheese pancakes with strawberries. The pancakes were extremely dry, almost like cardboard. I also paid an extra $5.50 for strawberries & literally received five strawberries, bringing the dish to $26.50 for dry pancakes & five strawberries.
My boyfriend ordered the fried chicken sandwich, which was also very disappointing. The bun was soggy, & the chicken didn't even seem fried. It was bland & had none of the crispy texture you would expect from a fried chicken sandwich.
Also, it took 55 mins to get are food & we arrived at opening. A table of 7 that got seated after us got served first & had order same dishes as us, very disappointing.
We spent around $80 & left extremely disappointed. For that price, there are so many better & less expensive places in Montreal. Unfortunately, we won't be coming back.
