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Restaurant Top Pick

Holder

Montreal’s classic French brasserie destination remains the undisputed local authority on perfectly crafted tartare.

Old Montreal
4.5$$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 11:30 am
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Photo of Holder, Old Montreal - Montreal
FrenchTartareMusselsCouscousBrunchGreat selection of wines
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About

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.
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5★
71%
4★
18%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
0%

Mentioned in:

Holder was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for Holder

Food
Service
on Google4.5 (3000+)
*as of 2026-08-01
5★
71%
4★
18%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
0%

Review Summary

Holder is widely regarded as a staple in Old Montreal, offering a classic French brasserie experience that frequently delights visitors and locals alike. Many guests praise the authentic menu, highlighting standouts such as the beef cheeks, duck confit, beef tartare, and mussels, often paired with an extensive wine list. While the atmosphere is consistently described as lively, bustling, and stylish, some diners find the dining room can become quite energetic and noisy, which may not suit those seeking a quiet or intimate environment. Service is a frequent highlight, with many reviews commending the professional, attentive, and welcoming nature of the staff, although a small number of patrons have noted inconsistent experiences with both service pacing and food quality. Overall, the restaurant is frequently recommended for its generous portions, great value, and warm hospitality, making it a reliable destination for group dinners, business lunches, and special occasions.
Page 4 of 7 - 70 Reviews

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
on Google

Food came out very fast! French toast is great, very sweet & a lot of caramel.

Dec 28, 2024
on Google

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

Nov 25, 2024
on Google
5.0

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.

Nov 12, 2024
on Google

Service for lunch was slow & ok. Very polite. The hot coco was like 4 sips & cold. The French onion soup was good, & fish & chips were just ok.

Nov 9, 2024
on Google
5.0

Love this place, classic French bistro style with awesome prices & great quality food. Really enjoyed they had kids dishes for $10

Oct 28, 2024
on Google

This is an excellent French style Bistro with outstanding food & a pleasant decor. Definitely worth visiting

Oct 20, 2024
on Google

delicious French cuisine with very reasonable price. less than 50$/person for a fine dining like this. Merci.

Oct 5, 2024
on Google

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!

Oct 4, 2024
on Google

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
on Google