Gibby's propose des coupes de bœuf de première qualité et des fruits de mer frais dans un bâtiment historique en pierre caractérisé par des foyers au bois et des boiseries sombres. Le menu se concentre sur des steaks vieillis à sec parés sur place, accompagnés de saumon de l'Atlantique, de truite arc-en-ciel et d'huîtres récoltées dans les eaux froides. Des accompagnements traditionnels tels que des pommes de terre au four, des cornichons et du pain au levain complètent les plats principaux. La clientèle découvre une disposition à plusieurs salles qui conserve une atmosphère d'intimité grâce à ses murs de pierre épais et ses plafonds bas. La préparation culinaire privilégie des techniques de grillade classiques sur flammes nues pour obtenir des textures et des profils aromatiques précis. Chaque sélection de fruits de mer respecte des normes d'approvisionnement rigoureuses. Cet établissement fonctionne comme un centre dédié aux viandes et aux produits aquatiques.
Gibby's est largement reconnu comme une institution emblématique de Montréal, célèbre pour son cadre historique, son décor classique et ses plats de viande et de fruits de mer de grande qualité. De nombreux clients louent le restaurant pour son service exceptionnel, la constance de ses plats et ses petites attentions, comme les cornichons, le pain et le sorbet offerts. Bien que beaucoup le considèrent comme une destination incontournable pour les grandes occasions, d'autres ont noté des irrégularités dans la préparation des plats, la température et la rapidité du service, particulièrement depuis les récents changements de direction. Malgré des avis partagés sur les prix et quelques lacunes occasionnelles, une grande partie de la clientèle continue de voir le restaurant comme une adresse de référence, soulignant l'expérience mémorable et le dévouement du personnel professionnel.
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 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.
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.
Visited Gibby's after over 20 years. The service was very friendly but painfully slow taking over 3 hours to be served. Although busy, the restaurant was not full.
The escargot were minute, the Gibby salad was excellent & our steaks were cooked to perfection. The price was outrageous. There are better & less expensive steak restaurants in Montreal. Caters mainly to the tourist clientele. Would not return.
Delicious food & great service in between courses. We were never waiting for a long time.
They had a great way of adding a few little things to make the experience better. Pickles with the bread, a small lemon sorbet in between appetizers & the main course to clear the pallet, & mint chocolates at the end to have you leaving refreshed.
They didn't know the family / a la cart style we were looking for (different steaks cut for each man to try on their plate) but they learned 😏
Would recommend the Burrata, dipping the bread in the escargot flavoring, the sirloin, the lamb chops, &/or the beef Wellington as a must.
