Located in a beautiful turn of the century building in Old Montreal, Brasserie Holder's design makes good use of its high ceilings and wide open space creating a sense of European charm that is hard to find anywhere else in town. Specializing in Old World European cuisine, Restaurant Holder is famous for its vast selection of brasserie-style seafood, pasta and meat dishes. Sample Menu items at Holder include: grilled beefsteak, steamed clams, salads, tartares, etc...
Overall, reviews describe Holder as a lively, classic French brasserie in Old Montreal with a warm, versatile atmosphere and a strong wine list. Service is repeatedly praised for attentiveness and friendliness, though a few visits note slower pacing or inconsistent attention during peak hours. The space is stylish and bustling, which can translate to a noisy environment and limited privacy, making it less ideal for quiet business meals or intimate dinners. The food earns high marks for standout dishes such as braised beef cheeks, duck confit, lobster ravioli, mussels, oysters, and French onion soup, with many diners calling the meals superb and well presented. Yet other orders have fallen flat, including greasy or under seasoned items, dry meats, or dishes that felt overpriced for the portion or quality. The menu's breadth is a strength, offering classic French bistro staples and brasserie favorites that suit groups, celebrations, or casual yet substantial lunches, with brunch and lunch service generally reliable. In sum, Holder emerges as a dependable, high energy spot with many standout plates and gracious service, but experiences can vary by dish and by the tempo of the room.
The food is the star of this restaurant: lobster ravioli, flank, fries from the flank in the truffle lobster ravioli sauce, or gnocchi, all delicious. French onion soup for the first time was wonderfully cheesy & a peppery depth to the sauce. A regular for us when visiting Montréal each year.
Dec 30, 2024
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Had the beef bourgignon & shepherd's pie. Both were divine. Waiter also recommended a lovely Bordeaux to pair with our meal. Overall a great place for classic french fare
I recently dined at a fantastic restaurant with a fantastic atmosphere. I was fortunate enough to sit by the window on a rainy day, which created the perfect ambiance-there's something so relaxing about watching the rain while enjoying a meal. The food was equally impressive. I started with the French onion soup, which was rich & flavorful, with just the right balance of savory & sweet. For the entrée, I opted for the tartare de saumon, & it did not disappoint-fresh, vibrant, & perfectly seasoned. Overall, a delightful experience, & I highly recommend both the soup & the tartare de saumon for anyone visiting.
This was truly one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. The food here is beyond delicious, even down to the free bread. We ordered the French onion soup, the grilled hanger steak with shallots & fries, the pappardelle with mushrooms, pine nuts, & pancetta, & a side of sautéed rapini. Everything exceeded our already high expectations. For dessert, we ordered the butterscotch mi-cuit with Maldon salt & butterscotch ice cream- I don't think I've ever had a better dessert. The wine selection is fantastic & my boyfriend loved the cider on tap! If you find yourself in Montréal, this place is a must!
Exactly what we would look for having lunch. The waitress was extremely nice with a personal style that I liked. I ordered beef cheek & creme brûlé, both were delicious. Little bit expensive for what it is but in Montreal to find a place with a high French food best value is almost impossible, always expensive
Oct 3, 2024
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Wonderful full-service restaurant on Rue McGill on the edge of Old Montreal. Delicious French-inspired food steak, pasta, seafood, salads. Spacious brasserie style room. Excellent wine & cocktails. Highly recommended.
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.
Aug 6, 2024
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Marvelous braised beef cheek. I was pleased & enjoyed the balance of flavours as expected of French cuisine. A hearty dish that pleased my palate. Timely service from seating to bill. A great place if you are looking for phenomenal French cuisine for any occasion.
Delicious meal, great service, no issue getting a table for one when they were very busy, beautiful ambiance, looking forward to eating here again next time I'm in Montréal. Highly recommend the French onion soup, creme brule..
We found this restaurant randomly & went for Brunch. & let me tell you that their French toast is to die for . I really enjoyed every single bite & didn't want to finish it at all. Never ever had this amazing French toast.
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!
