Gibby's serves as a destination for prime cuts of beef and fresh seafood within a historic stone building defined by wood-burning fireplaces and dark wood accents. The menu focuses on dry-aged steaks that are trimmed on-site, alongside Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, and oysters harvested from cold waters. Traditional sides such as baked potatoes, pickles, and sourdough bread accompany the primary meat and fish courses. Patrons encounter a multi-room layout that maintains an atmosphere of seclusion and warmth through its thick stone walls and low ceilings. The culinary preparation emphasizes classic grilling techniques over open flames to achieve specific textures and flavor profiles. Every selection of seafood undergoes rigorous sourcing standards to ensure consistency across the entire menu. This establishment functions as a dedicated center for meat and aquatic offerings in a centralized urban environment.
Gibby's is widely celebrated as a quintessential Montreal steakhouse, cherished for its historic atmosphere, elegant decor, and traditional charm housed within a beautifully preserved centuries-old building. Many patrons praise the restaurant for its exceptional service, noting that staff often go above and beyond to create memorable experiences for birthdays and anniversaries. The menu is frequently lauded for its generous portions, high-quality steaks, signature Beef Wellington, and unique touches like fresh bread, pickles, and palate-cleansing sorbet. While some guests have noted inconsistencies in food preparation or service quality during busier times, the overall consensus among regular visitors and first-time guests alike highlights the establishment as a reliable and iconic destination for a classic fine dining experience in Old Montreal.
Dining at Gibby's Steakhouse feels like stepping into history-in the best possible way. Housed in a beautiful 200-year-old building, the atmosphere alone sets it apart & gives the entire experience a timeless charm.
It's easy to see how this restaurant has maintained its reputation for over 55 years. The steaks are done to absolute perfection-expertly cooked, flavorful, & exactly what you hope for when you sit down for a classic steakhouse meal.
A special mention to our waiter, Kashra, who was incredibly charming & attentive. He added a personal touch to the evening that made the experience even more enjoyable.
Between the historic setting, exceptional food, & warm service, Gibby's delivers on every level. A true Montreal staple & well worth the visit.
Dining at Gibbys is one of those classic Montreal experiences that really lives up to the hype. From the moment you walk into the historic stone building in Old Montreal, the atmosphere feels warm, elegant, & timeless. The rustic charm mixed with white tablecloth service sets the tone for a proper steakhouse night.
The highlight, without a doubt, was the steak. Cooked perfectly to temperature, it was tender, juicy, & packed with flavor. You can tell they use high-quality cuts & treat them with care-no unnecessary fuss, just a well-executed steak done right. Every bite was consistent & satisfying, exactly what you hope for when ordering at a place known for steak.
The sides complemented the meal nicely, & the service was attentive without being overbearing. It felt like the staff genuinely cared about the dining experience, which added to the overall enjoyment.
Gibbys strikes a great balance between upscale dining & comfort. It's the kind of place you go for a special occasion or when you simply want a guaranteed great meal. If you're in Montreal & craving a proper steak, this spot should be high on your list.
Gibby's is one of those places you've heard about forever, almost myth-like in reputation… long before you ever actually go. For me, it had been sitting in that category for years.
With my brother visiting (a true steak connoisseur), it finally felt like the right time. I booked a table for five on OpenTable a few weeks in advance for a 7:45 seating… no issues at all.
From the moment we arrived, the experience felt dialed in. We were seated right on time, service was immediate, & the evening flowed exactly the way you hope a place like Gibby's will deliver.
What I Liked:
Service was a standout. Attentive, engaged, but never hovering or interrupting. Drinks came quickly, orders were taken efficiently, & everything arrived with great timing.
A really nice touch to start the meal was the bread & pickles brought to the table. The bread was light, fluffy, & fresh with a great texture, & the pickles were a hit around the table… simple, but done right.
Food-wise, we leaned into what Gibby's is known for… steak.
• The rib steak was exactly what you want it to be: cooked perfectly, rich, & deeply satisfying.
• Wedge salad & Monte Carlo potatoes rounded things out well.
• Across the table, rib eyes, filet, clam chowder, carpaccio-most dishes fully met expectations.
Now… did I need a 20 oz rib steak? Absolutely not.
Did I regret it? Only later that night, when my stomach started filing complaints.
In the moment? Not a chance. Plate cleaned. No survivors.
A fun highlight was the Spanish coffee service, rolled out tableside with a bit of fire & flair. A small touch, but one that adds to the overall experience.
& oddly… even the bill stood out. Thick, high-quality paper. It sounds ridiculous, but it actually matched the overall feel of the place… attention to detail, even at the very end.
That said, one miss worth noting, my wife's peppercorn steak was significantly undercooked & came out rare instead of the medium she ordered, & she found it a bit tough. She didn't say anything at the time (not in her nature), & I'm confident they would have corrected it quickly had we raised it. Still, at this price point, you expect it to land right the first time.
Atmosphere & Vibe:
We were seated in the basement dining room (one of three levels). I joked it might be the'ugly people section,' but in reality it was the opposite, just a great mix of people.
Families, date nights, multi-generational celebrations, groups like ours… it felt lively but not overwhelming. You could actually have a conversation without shouting, which isn't always a given in a busy steakhouse.
The building itself adds a lot. Historic Old Montréal charm, heavy wood, warm lighting-it feels like a place with stories in the walls.
Closing:
Gibby's delivers exactly what its reputation promises: a classic, high-quality steakhouse experience done right.
It's not cheap, but it's not trying to be. This is a place for occasions. Celebrations. When you want to lean in a little & enjoy it.
Would I go every week? No.
Would I go again? Absolutely, when the moment calls for it.
A couple small notes:
• No mashed potatoes (surprisingly missed by a few at the table, especially for softer options)
• Not exactly vegetarian-friendly… but that shouldn't come as a shock
At the end of the day, Gibby's is about steak, tradition, & experience & it delivers on all three, even if not every plate lands perfectly.
C'était un restaurant que nous aimions aller. La dernière fois nos cuisson était complètement raté, ils l'ont refait encore pire. 2 invités n'ont pas mangé en même temps. Bref pas une belle expérience. Avant de faire un avis ici nous avons pris le soin d'écrire au restaurant pour faire part de notre expérience, aucun retour a l'exception d'un email automatique. Etant donné l'importance accordée a une table de 800$+ avec leur non réponse , je me permets de laisser un avis
We went for my daughter's 40th birthday. Everything was better than 5 star. Our server James was over the top, very attentive with our needs , lovely personality & engaging. We had a fabulous time & all our food was Perfact!
