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.
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!
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.
I got the salmon toast, I was worried it might be a small portion but it was huge & worth the price. Very delicious, the veggies pair nicely with the salmon. Refreshing veggies with a savoury smoked salmon flavour.
Sep 5, 2025
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The place opens up at 10 am & glad we made it in time for the last seat at the opening right after there was a super long line of folks waiting to get seated for over 30 mins!!
We tried all their popular ones - ricotta pancakes , mushroom toast & the avocado toast all of them are surprisingly tasty & filling it sure was a good call.
Top notch brunch spot. This is the type of place where you should share dishes so you can try more items & mix sweet & savoury. All 3 items we ordered were homeruns: ricotta pancakes with the special garnish, mushroom toast, fingerling potatoes. The mushroom toast is notable. The mushrooms are juicy & flavourful, stacked in a giant pile.
The place is really lovely & the staff is great, however, you are paying for a nice place only. My plate & my friend's were dry, nothing worth paying that amount, you could honestly do a better plate yourself easily at home. It was disapointing. We ordered the mushroom toast & the summer Dish. Maybe we should have picked panckakes, it's difficult to go wrong with that.
Awesome brunch spot in Montreal... would definitely come here again, whenever back in town. Food: Mushroom Toast - 5/5 I ordered the mushroom toast, & everyone at my table looked at it with admiration as it arrived at the table. Did I share a few bites? Yes... but did I want to? No. Just kidding, but it really is that good if you like mushrooms.. don't think twice! Pancakes - 4/5 - I really liked these, but I did think these were a little overhyped, wouldn't necessarily get it again with the mushroom toast as a different option on the menu.. the party I was with did all really like them though. Service - 5/5 - The waiter we had, I believe an Indian man, was so patient & helpful. Our table was quite rowdy in the restaurant, ordering shots during brunch & being loud, but he was so patient, kind, & helpful... hats off to this guy for dealing with all of us, haha. Ambiance - 4/5 - Nice atmosphere, & we got a round table, which was nice because we were all able to face each other & chat... it actually made a big difference, because I was meeting some people for the first time here, & I noticed that key difference with ease of socializing. Overall, great place!
Service was friendly, attentive, & efficient. Place is designed to look spacious which is nice. Food was good but nothing special, especially for the price. I would say the cocktails are the highlight. My sister was of the same opinion for her food. Sausage roll could be better seasoned, mushroom toast was good but a little sweet for some reason, lots of mushrooms though which was great. Presentation could be better, putting the egg on top everytime doesn't make for the best photos. My sister got the fried chicken sandwich & she felt it was just alright, & I agree from the piece I tasted. The pistachio matcha drink initially tasted mostly like Bailey's. Make sure to mix in the pistachio topping to get the full experience which was delicious. Tiramisu latte with Kahlua was great. They do not skimp on the Kahlua.
