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 provides a consistently welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Montreal, celebrated for its classic French-inspired brasserie cuisine and vibrant energy. Guests frequently praise the high quality of dishes like the duck confit, beef tartare, and French onion soup, noting both the generous portions and the elegant presentation of the meals. The restaurant stands out for its exceptional service, with many diners highlighting the attentive, friendly, and professional staff who contribute to a memorable experience for families, business professionals, and tourists alike. While the dining room can become lively and energetic due to its popularity, most visitors appreciate the sophisticated yet comfortable setting, making it a reliable destination for a high-quality meal.
Our quest for a delightful dining experience during our weekend getaway led us to Holder, & it surpassed all our expectations. With our server Antoine offering impeccable wine & dessert recommendations, & his attentiveness ensuring our glasses were never empty, combined with the stunning bar & exquisite cuisine, we will undoubtedly be recommending this dining experience. We recommend: -Château Garraud'18, Lalande-De-Pomerol. (For a full bodied affordable red wine. Antoine's recommendation) -The Duck Confit -Crème Brûlée -MI-CUIT Au Caramel Salé (A Butterscotch style lava cake with ice cream. This was a unique dish that is hard to compare to anything else I've had. This was also a Antoine recommendation)
Duck confit was good for the first time though not as crispy as desired. Beef cheek was divine. Definitely some cool stuff on the menu, a shame we didn't have time to try dessert. Fun & attentive service too.
Beautiful space that is bright & open. Food was good & servers were friendly, however, be sure to check your receipt. My 9 year old son ordered two crepes from the kids menu for him & his 5 year old sister & we were charged for the adult crepes (description on the menu is nearly identical, so when we received the crepes, we thought they were the kids meal). We were also charged $4.50 for Americanos even though we ordered regular coffee ($3) & Americanos weren't even on the menu. When the taxes are nearly 15% on food, these extra charges add up. The server brought the bill & machine at the same time, & though I could have made a stink, it was a birthday brunch & I ended up paying the additional $20. Duck confit was very tasty, though quite oily, the crepes were beautifully presented, but tasted day-old. The mushroom casserole & poached eggs was a good comfort food dish.
Aug 17, 2024
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My wife had the best mussels & french fries (moules & frites) since Belgium. They were amazing. The duck confit was another amazing dish - & the dessert was fantastic. The service was outstanding. We will come back next time when we are in Montreal. Highly recommended.
Sadly duck confit was sold out on the Sunday night we visit... food was ok, I think I'm paying the atmosphere more than the food I taste. My friend was upset about the foie gras is a mousse, not prepared in whole.
Delicious French food & excellent service. I enjoyed a duck confit that was incredibly moist & flavorful, with meat that melted in the mouth. The salad dressing, enhanced with white truffle, was outstanding. A slightly chilled white wine complemented the meal perfectly on a summer night. The crème brûlée was not overly sweet, boasting a very smooth & delicate texture. Great meal!
To start, the ambiance & look of the restaurant are absolutely outstanding. & the service was fast & the staff were very kind & helpful. An excellent choice if you're looking to celebrate a birthday or anniversary. We opted to share the seafood paella, which was listed as a main, & it exceeded our expectations. The server recommended a spicy twist on the classic beef tartare, which was delightful. However, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the chicken paté, which was extraordinary. For our main courses, we enjoyed the hanger steak, braised beef, lobster ravioli, & duck confit. Each dish was exquisite & worth trying, but the lobster ravioli stood out as my personal favorite. Holder is a must-visit in Montreal.
We came for lunch - service was lovely & friendly. Refilled our waters at least 12 times. This restaurant honestly floored my expectations. Best French onion soup I've ever had, best duck confit I've ever had & best French fries we've ever had. The mussels were good but not as incredible as everything else. Also the chocolate ganache cake was incredible. All around amazing experience I highly recommend this place.
It is a decent French restaurant. A bit expensive (reasonable for being a French restaurant). The steak is not the best. The salad quite salty. The duck confit is okay. Not my personal favorite. Took almost 30 min to wait for the dishes. No waitress refilled our water.
