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.
Gibby's provided a mixed experience. A recent visit (July 2025) for a special occasion was unfortunately a major letdown when compared to our five-star experience back in 2022. That first visit set a high bar, making Gibby's our top choice for this special celebration. Unfortunately, our recent experience was exceptionally disappointing.
Disenchanting Seating & Ambiance
I'd specifically requested a private, intimate table in my online reservation, knowing it was a special occasion. Arriving early on a Monday evening, the restaurant was not busy, with plenty of quieter seating available. Despite this, the hostess seated us in a noisy section, surrounded by a lively group of businessmen & a family with young children. Our small table was also positioned uncomfortably close to another, making private conversation impossible. It was baffling why, given my request & the available space, we were placed in such an unsuitable spot.
Rushed & Questionable Service
Our server was polite but seemed rushed. When I mentioned our special occasion, he gave a cursory acknowledgment, in stark contrast to the genuine interest shown by our server back in 2022. It felt like our server on this occasion was focused on moving things along & maximizing the bill, constantly suggesting the most expensive items & add-ons.
The wine service was particularly concerning. I asked for a recommendation & was immediately pointed to the priciest options. I selected a different bottle, still pricey but more reasonable, which he confirmed. However, the bottle he brought had an unusual label, making it hard to identify. I accepted it, but later discovered on the bill that it was $50 more expensive than what I ordered. I didn't want to haggle on our special night, but it left me wondering if it was an honest mistake. He also acknowledged my request for a decanter but never brought it.
Underwhelming Food & Value
The food quality wasn't as good as our previous visit. Both steaks, ordered medium, arrived well-done. We chose not to send them back, simply wanting to conclude our disappointing evening. Unlike our 2022 visit, there were no complimentary desserts for our special occasion.
Ultimately, our bill was significantly higher than before, for a far less satisfying experience. The combination of the poor seating, rushed & seemingly up-selling service, & food issues meant our special occasion dinner felt unpleasant & overpriced.
Conclusion - Highly Disappointed
While Gibby's has a charming historic setting was very impressive back in 2022, my recent visit demonstrated a significant dip in quality & value. The best part of our July 2025 visit was recalling the wonderful experience we had two years prior. After this experience, & considering all the other great options in the area, I'm not sure if a third visit is likely.
The food was good but could be better seasoned. Service was fantastic! The restaurant was around 27-28 degrees. We were fanning ourselves throughout the whole meal. It was very unpleasant. Washrooms had urine all over the floor & overflowing toilets.
The last of my favourite restaurants finally has fallen. Once my first choice for birthdays or any celebration but now I will definitely think twice before going back.
Service left a lot to be desired. Waitress seemed bothered anytime a request was made, making a big deal about having to'go down to the kitchen'. Pickles & bread took forever to arrive, along with taking our order. Sat nearly 30 minutes before we were served & another 20 before any food hit the table.
Food was good but not excellent. Prices have increased but the quality has gotten worse. Steak was not cooked correctly.
Overall not the experience I expect for $100+ a head. Very disappointed & I am sad to say that I will be looking elsewhere for a high quality dining experience.
Edit: Management responded to my concerns promptly, assured me that changes are going to be made at the restaurant & offered some compensation. Will see how my next experience is & update the review.
Edit 2: Went back tonight & my experience was much better, while there were still some issues with the kitchen they certainly made up for it. Service was much better & I would definitely return.
It's third time here & always good experience. I love the food, drink & atmosphere. Also, they live my dog! Eden was our serve last time & she is such nice with us!
This steak house has Valet parking.
Easy to get a table without a reservation.
Warm & comfortable ambience. Just lovely. Something that is missing from most restaurants these days.
The service was good but not what it used to be twenty years ago.
The warm bread & butter are delicious. The bread is a fluffy white & on the sweet side. Watch these, as they can derail your appetite.
The pickles are good. Crunchy & flavorful.
Both the house & blue cheese salads were good. Very generous with the salad dressing. Nice touch of croutons, real bacon bits & fresh pepper.
As always the lemon sorbet, to clean the palette, was perfect!
We all loved our filet mignon & steak. The Montee Carlo baked potato is delicious. The asparagus & pepper are not worth belly space.
The Oysters Rockefeller were ok. For the price I would have preferred to try something else.
The French fries aren't bad.
Both the sauce Diane & the Peppercorn ROCK!
The crème brûlée was good. I appreciate the vanilla custard. It is not phenomenal but it is good.
The gentlemen at valet were great.
It is not an inexpensive restaurant. However, unlike many other restaurants, included in the price of your meal you get a salad & potato.
The food is delicious & the beef wellington was the best food I've ever tasted. Even Girdon Ramsey's Wellington is nothing compared to this. So amazing! The service was amazing & everyone was so kind & nice. We got complementary desserts which were absolutely jaw dropping. The atmosphere feels like you just walked into Paris!
Le restaurant Gibby's peut paraître un peu guindé au premier abord, mais dès qu'on y entre, on comprend vite que tout est tout simplement parfait.
Le service est impeccable, l'accueil professionnel mais chaleureux, & chaque détail est soigné.
Quant aux plats… un vrai régal du début à la fin ! Tout était savoureux, bien présenté, & préparé avec une grande attention.
Si vous cherchez une expérience culinaire chic, raffinée & inoubliable, Gibby's est une adresse que je recommande vivement.
