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 ordered a chicken burger, which was absolutely delicious. One of the best pieces of fried chicken in a burger I've ever had, for quality & taste. I'm leaving out a fifth star because the meal came with no sides, & the feel of the restaurant was that you were a little bit crowded with the nearby tables.
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.
I came here for brunch, & it was absolutely delicious! I had the fried chicken burger, & wow, the flavors were amazing. The atmosphere is so nice, & the service was great. If you're planning to come for brunch, try to get there early because there might be a bit of a wait in line. But trust me, the wait is totally worth it!
Apr 14, 2026
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Not only was this the best breakfast I've had on this trip, but it was the best meal overall. Delicious food, friendly & kind waiters, & the atmosphere was lively & fun but not overwhelming. We got the ricotta pancakes, fried chicken sandwich, & side of smashed potato fingerlings. Every single item was superb! I'm going to be dreaming about those pancakes for weeks. The chicken was soooo tender. Everything was seasoned perfectly. Highly highly recommend. My only regret is not finding this place sooner during our trip so we could come here more than once!
Dandy's was a wonderful Sunday brunch experience all around! We arrived at the peak time & waited for a short time, but the staff kept busy & the tables turned. The dining area table arrangement was so unique, offering neighborly banter or privacy. We enjoyed brief exchanges with both our neighbors on either sides, which certainly enhanced our positive experience of the restaurant & the city!
The food selection was limited but inclusive of brunch favorites with Dandy's special prep! I ordered the fried chicken sandwich & loved it. I only wished I could have also ordered the pancakes. Two cocktails are included in our final bill, plus gratuity. I thought it was reasonably priced.
The service was attentive, courteous & friendly. I couldn't ask for more.
Wait was about a half hour at 1pm on Sunday, but so worth it! Our group ordered the ricotta pancakes, fried chix sandwhich, & endless summer. All were delicious & mind blowing. Ricotta pancakes were dense (in a good way!).
3 of us sat outside for brunch on a hot day in June. We enjoyed our food. Two of us had the fried chicken (& enjoyed); one added an egg. I ordered ala carte - toast, egg & a side of avocado.
For beverages, we had a passion fruit lemonade (very tasty), iced matcha late & iced tea.
Service was good, if a little slow. The outdoor seating area was small, but comfortable. It was obviously a little loud because of street noise, but having a normal conversation was not a problem.
We've been waiting to try this place for a long time after hearing so many good reviews. We only had the pancakes to share for dessert & it was very disappointing. The pancakes were mushy & spongy, & there was fried bits under the dough of something bitter. The sauce & strawberry's are good but that's it. It costed 34$ for the pancakes. Would definitely not recommend unfortunately.
What an amazing brunch spot! 5/5 & not even exaggerating. Yes you have to wait in line since it's super popular. Be there early, they open at 10 & there's already a line. We ordered the fried chicken sandwich, fingerlings potatoes & the ricotta pancakes. Everything is so delicious & made to perfection! The waiter was friendly & sweet. The maple lattes were pretty yummy too. It's definitely one of my favorite brunch spots. Will come back to try other items.
