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.
I went for brunch & the brunch menu was simple, but very original, sophisticated & delicious with good portions. There were three of us & I ordered the yummy salad which is fantastic & definitely filling.. my friends' orders included the pancakes & the fried chicken. Wow, both amazing as I got to sample theirs as well. The service was impeccable. The atmosphere is lively ands bustling but we could hear each other talk. It said it would be 20 to 40 estimated price however I found it to be more in the $40-$60 range. Each person if you include drinks & tips. So more steep price than the usual brunch, nevertheless, I highly recommend this place for brunch. It's too bad they don't take reservations because I would go there a lot more. PS, the mimosas & margaritas are wonderful. We didn't have any desserts, but I can tell you looking at it, it looked good.
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.
I had a weird feeling about having shredded apples with chicken! But omg 😍 the buttermilk chicken was amazing 🤩 the pancakes were also good, but in general very high quality food, definitely try it
We finally got around to trying @dandy.mtl to see if it lived up to the hype. They don't take reservations but we only waited about 15 minutes at 10:45am, not too bad. We were served extremely quickly & ordered delicious, satisfying, Ricotta Pancakes covered in luscious syrup & the buttermik fried chicken sandwich featuring some of the best crispy, delectable fried chicken we've ever had. We washed this down with a delightful maple latté. We finished & were driving home by 11:30am. We don't eat slow but, while everything was excellent (service included), we did feel the overall atmosphere is fast paced & a little rushed. Personally, the opposite of the feeling we want on a Sunday morning but food-wise, yes, it does live up to the hype.
A bit overrated, long lineup out the door & no reservation system. Food & drinks was fair but nothing spectacular. Tried the fried chicken sandwich as that seemed to be one of the most popular dishes, but found it quite dry & unflavoured compared to other places that offers this dish in Toronto.
Dandy's brunch was fantastic! We shared the pancakes & the chicken sandwich between two people & both dishes were delicious. Good portions & delicious flavours. Thanks
I think I just ate the best fried chicken sandwich of my life here! Tender thigh meat, ubercrunchy batter, sweet-ish slaw underneath, airy brioche bun: perfection!! The blistered fingerling potatoes were also delicious.
The Sourdough Bread is really delicious, & the way the avocado was seasoned & salted tasted perfect. Also includes vegetables in the menu, & perfectly balances against the avocado. The Chicken Burger had two big chicken thighs on top of nice soft ciabatta bread. The most delicious chicken burger I ever ate. Also, the milk foam of the Maple Latte was so soft:)
