Holder occupies a sprawling industrial space characterized by high ceilings and exposed brickwork that define its bustling atmosphere. The kitchen focuses on refined French brasserie staples with an emphasis on technical precision. Signature preparations include expertly seasoned hand-cut beef tartare served alongside crisp, golden frites. Mussels arrive in generous portions, steamed in aromatic broths that highlight the natural salinity of the shellfish. Diners navigate an expansive menu that balances traditional techniques with contemporary presentations. Large circular booths and polished woodwork foster an environment conducive to focused consumption of classic culinary favorites. This establishment maintains a consistent reputation for delivering robust, flavorful plates that remain grounded in the core principles of European culinary traditions through careful ingredient selection and diligent, systematic kitchen execution.
Holder is widely celebrated as a staple in Old Montréal, offering an inviting atmosphere and consistently high-quality French bistro cuisine. Guests frequently praise standout dishes such as the braised beef cheeks, duck confit, onion soup, and fresh seafood, while highlighting the exceptional service provided by a professional and attentive staff. Although the restaurant is often bustling and can become quite lively or noisy, many diners find this adds to its charming, authentic energy. While a small number of visitors have noted inconsistencies in dish preparation or noise levels, the overwhelming majority of reviews emphasize a memorable, enjoyable dining experience that makes the restaurant a reliable recommendation for both casual outings and special celebrations.
The French onion soup was delicious. For the appetizer, we had the salmon tartare-it was very fresh & refreshing.
For my main, I ordered a steak medium rare, but it came a bit too rare. That said, the steak itself was flavorful, with a nicely seared, crispy exterior. The cut was thick, & paired with the salad, the portion was just right for me. My partner ordered the duck confit-it was tender, flavorful, & not gamey at all, making it very easy to enjoy.
We were too full to try dessert. The staff were friendly & the service was great.
We came here on a Saturday without a reservation, but since we arrived before 5 p.m., there was no wait & no problem getting a table.
The staff were wonderful-so friendly & patient! They noticed we were non-French-speaking tourists & took the time to explain the menu & specials to us, which we really appreciated.
Everything was delicious! If you're traveling with young kids & want to enjoy elevated food without breaking the bank-& in a warm, welcoming atmosphere-this is definitely the place for you.
The calamari was an instant family favorite, the lobster ravioli & duck confit were both perfect, & the mussels were not only tasty but came in a huge portion!
If I ever visit Montreal again, I'll definitely be back for dinner here!
I came here with my partner to celebrate my new marathon PR at the Marathon Beneva de Montréal & it was amazing. The french onion soup was the best I've ever had, & my partner said his favourite meal throughout his entire trip was his entree: Duck Confit. The portions were fantastic & we were both amazed by how fast our food orders came up. Our server was a kind gentleman who was very attentive & polite. Would strongly recommend!
I arrived to Montreal from Ontario & had to come here. I made a late reservation & they still accepted me. I was given an excellent window seat, & felt extremely welcomed. My server was wonderful. I started with 24 oysters. They tasted good & were fresh ($2 each). I paired it with a Prosecco! Afterwards I had the duck confit. It was delicious! The duck could've been juicer, but overall the flavour & textures were wonderful. Truly a beautiful experience with fast reliable service. I ended the night with a night cap, a boulevardier! Everything was tasty, fresh & worth it. I highly recommend this place for some French cuisine!
We had a nice dinner at Holder in Old Montreal. The ambiance was lively & stylish, & the service was friendly & attentive.
Here's what we ordered:
🥩 Beef Tartare: Flavorful & well-prepared, though a touch too salty for my taste. Still enjoyable overall.
🥗 Mixed Vegetable Salad: Light, fresh, & a great starter - nicely balanced & refreshing.
🐮 Braised Beef Cheeks: Tender & deeply flavored, one of the best dishes of the night.
🦆 Duck Confit: The skin was crisp, but the meat was a bit dry. Could use a bit more juiciness.
🦞 Lobster Ravioli: Rich & creamy, with a generous amount of lobster. A standout dish!
Overall, a solid dining experience with a few minor flaws. Still a great spot to check out if you're in Old Montreal!
One of the few places we were lucky to get dinner reservations...which is both good & bad. The service was excellent...well trained & knowledgeable wait staff. Ours was Anabelle & she made some great suggestions, topped off our wine & checked in on us. The food on the other hand was ok...we 4 got the Hanger steak (was cooked medii but was still tough/, Lobster ravioli (no flavor, wouldn't reco), the duck confit was good & the veal Marsala steak was the best among the 4 dishes.
