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.
A cozy & charming spot for brunch close to Old Montreal! The staff were friendly & suggested many options for additions/substitutions to meals. The coffee & the ricotta pancakes were top tier!
I found this restaurant on Google by searching'best brunches in Montreal'. I also read another'world traveleing milennial's' article on the'10 best breakfast spots to go to' & figured this breakfast was going to be a homerun. We tried two times before around on the weekend where there was a line out the door, so no chance there. We finally got a table for four on a Tuesday arriving at 10am. The decor is nice, i'm sure the ceiling arches provide a great backdrop for that'mimosa while wearing my overcoat & adidas gazelles' or something hip like that, but that's probably the best this establishment can offer. I don't mind getting fancy or experimental with breakfast, but at the end of the day, I like the option to have some good scrambled eggs & nice european toast. Would it cost this restaurant too much to provide maybe a few omelette options? Once you get the menu, you'll know what I mean. The'Endless Summer Breakfast' is a fried egg on toast that could honestly have been used as a second plate. Very hard. The salad that goes along with it isn't your typical breakfast complimentary salad. Cherry tomatoes, zucchini mixed with Tzatziki sauce. Eh. I could think of a few better options. The pancakes were soggy & swimming in syrup. How about let the customer put the syrup on? They tasted okay, but not worth the marquee position on the menu. All the reviews i've read about these being the best pancakes ever...come on, pump your pancake brakes. They were okay. They don't have regular coffee. I get it. That's not en vogue. All the 20 & 30 year olds want the iced lattes. But how about drip coffee? You should at least have that. Instead, I have to get an Americano -- which is close to regular coffee...but, again, you have a beautiful spot, expensive latte machines & your job is breakfast. Just provide coffee. I can let food slide sometimes if the coffee gets me going. The barista brought us two americanos with the same excitement we saw from the Lynx & sleepy racoons at the Biodome. Zilch. Nada. Aucun. I understand keeeping the menu simple, but this was too simple & niche. I could read the faces of some of the over-50's like me as they flipped the menu over --'Where's the rest?' $168 dollars later I learned my lesson - don't take restaurant advice from a 30 year old'world-traveling instagrammer'. Long lines don't mean good food. They've just been overhyped by follows & likes from some influencer on the InstantGram. There is a spot 5 minutes away that is absolutely fantastic - Olive & Gourmando - go there.
Apr 14, 2026
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Great spot! We did have to wait over an hour, but the atmosphere & service made it worth it.
As a vegan, I was able to piece together a meal from a couple of sides, which I appreciated. It would be even better to see a main that's easy to customize (like swapping meat for tofu) or a dedicated vegan option. The coffee was delish!
My party all really enjoyed their meals too!
The ambience is absolutely stunning & the service is warm, attentive, & truly top-notch..exactly what you'd hope for. Their coffee is a highlight; I'd come back just for that alone. The food is decent & enjoyable, though it hasn't quite reached the same heights as the overall experience. A great spot overall
The food is delicious & fresh ingredients that you can taste immediately upon eating. It was busy as we went during brunch time. However there were no delays in service nor in delivering the delicious food & drinks. I was delightfully surprised at the ricotta pancakes, the chicken sandwich & my breakfast dish.
I agree with another review that the chicken was a surprisingly scrumptious & juicy. Not to mention the unique coffee. The atmosphere it's well lit, clean, spacious & welcoming design. My children & I enjoyed it.
Amazing place for brunch. There's plenty of seating but it gets busy very quickly. We had the mushroom toast, the chicken sandwich, the avocado toast, & the ricotta pancakes. Everything tasted excellent! Service is good too. Coffee was also very good & the pastry is delicious.
I loved their roasted potato , coffee & the interior but the famous pancakes & I (went twice ) were still a Dough & liquidy from the inside both visits !! No strawberries available with it but would go again for the roasted potato
Love this place always. I've been several times now & I am never disappointed. The pancakes are fluffy & delicious. I had the salmon toast this time & it was very good, fresh & flavourful. The portions are generous, the coffee is good & the service is good. Note that it gets quite loud in there, I know some people dislike that. Worth it 100% though!
