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 widely celebrated for its exceptional brunch offerings, particularly the ricotta pancakes, which many guests describe as the best they have ever tasted, and the crispy fried chicken sandwich, which frequently earns high praise for its quality and flavor. Visitors consistently highlight the fresh, high-quality ingredients and the beautiful, modern atmosphere that makes the restaurant a must-visit destination in Old Montreal. While the popularity of the spot often results in lines, especially on weekends, many guests feel the delicious meals, vibrant energy, and attentive, welcoming service provided by the professional staff make the experience entirely worth the wait.
We celebrated Mother's Day with a delightful brunch at this restaurant, choosing from a spread that included Mushroom Toast, Ricotta Pancakes, & the Endless Summer Breakfast, with extra Crispy Bacon ordered at an additional cost. Each dish was beautifully prepared, & the uniquely unsalty, beef jerky-like bacon, though pricier, was definitely worth trying. The quality of the food & the warm, friendly service from the staff made our special day even more enjoyable.
We had an incredible breakfast at this place! The food was absolutely amazing, with such unique & delicious flavors. The only reason I couldn't give it a 5 star was because the line to get in was ridiculously long.
Delicious food, staff are all friendly & helpful. We had to wait in line but that's only because it's a popular breakfast spot! You could order coffee in line while you wait. Highly recommended if you are looking for a good breakfast spot while in MTL.
Mar 17, 2024
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Dandy is a super popular breakfast/brunch resto in Old Montreal that fills up very, very quickly. A small bakery window faces a rectangular eating area fronted by a large arch & backed by an even larger window facing St. Jacques street. The menu itself is relatively limited with seven options listed (along with a few sides & whatever is available at the baked good counter at the front), but there is something for everyone...sweet, savory, breakfast item or lunch. For our meal we ordered the Ricotta Pancakes (good but a little on the dry side, although the maple syrup mix at the bottom of the dish was quite nice) & Mushroom Toast (also good, savory & large) coupled with the baked Butter Tart (yummy...you can never go wrong with a butter tart). Service was friendly & efficient with the meal coming out promptly (although we were one of the firsts to get our order in). NOTE: The restaurant opens at 10am & the line starts to build at 9:45am, if not earlier, so if you arrive at around 10:15 then expect to wait 45 minutes until the tables turn & new patrons are cycled through. Enjoy!
Upon arriving at the restaurant, my companion & I were warmly greeted by the hostess & promptly seated, although we did have to wait about 40 minutes for a table during the busy lunch rush. However, the friendly service & impeccable attention from the waitstaff made up for the wait. We opted for the avocado breakfast toast & the crispy chicken sandwich. While the avocado toast was delicious, served in a deep plate made it difficult to cut the bread comfortably. I'd suggest they serve it on a flat plate for easier enjoyment. As for the crispy chicken sandwich, it was an absolute delight. The chicken was flavorful, & the crust was soft & easy to eat. The ambiance of the restaurant was inviting, making it a perfect spot for brunch. Overall, despite a minor inconvenience with the avocado toast plate, I would highly recommend this place for a delightful brunch experience.
Unfortunately we were disappointed by our breakfast at Dandy. The server was great but the food was just okay. I ordered the breakfast sandwich & found the verrrry thick cut bacon not cooked enough; it was just fatty, no crisp anywhere. The bread was large & almost overpowering. My husband saw a pic of the ricotta pancakes on instagram so had to get them. Again, disappointed. They tasted like Aunt Jemina powder pancakes!
