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 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.
The food was phenomenal! We enjoyed the lobster ravioli, the beef special, & the butterscotch mi cuit. The staff were kind & the service was fast. Highly recommend that you make a reservation for this fabulous restaurant.
Food is spectacular, & the price is fair. I ordered the Papardelle with mushrooms & pancetta. It was tremendously good! Service is very efficient too. & the place is beautiful, charming, with a big bar in the background. I recommend this place 100/100! Because I'll be back for sure!
Great place, would highly recommend going if you're in Montreal. The beef cheek was really good. Good food, busy & a bit crowded but good atmosphere in general. Recommend a reservation. The service was particularly good! We ate there on October 4, & our server Joe was incredible. Never had to wait on anything, quick on new drinks, great recommendations, & just a pleasure to talk with.
Oct 7, 2024
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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)
We didn't have reservations, just got to town; place was packed...the squeezed us in & I'm glad they did! The decor the long bar in the restaurant is magnificent. The large space, the music, close tables, people talking makes for a very nice ambience. Food was exceptional! Highly recommend going there!
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.
Delightful setting with just the right balance of sophisticated & casual. The service is impeccable, the staff works together like a well oiled machine. The star of the evening is the food! It's fresh, well prepared, & flavorful. We had the paella, salmon, & lobster ravioli, all of which were cooked just right. Oh, & leave room for dessert. The comfort food of sucre a la creme & the truffles au chocolat Guayaquil were all to die for! Highly recommend. Ask for Pierre Gabriel for impeccable service.
I'm so impressed with this place! The design is stylish & modern, creating a warm & inviting atmosphere. But the real showstopper is the food , it's absolutely mouthwatering! The steak is cooked to perfection, & the caramelized onions add a sweet & savory flavor that complements it perfectly. I'm a total steak lover, & this dish exceeded my expectations. If you're a fellow steak enthusiast or just looking for a great dining experience, I highly recommend checking this place out. You won't be disappointed!
Une cuisine française très correcte & sans prétention, au travers d'un service du même registre, qui en font une adresse idéale pour un déjeuner ou dîner improvisé. Cuisine simple & relativement bien exécutée. Choix des vins au verre assez conséquent pour Montréal, & plutôt traditionnel (merci pour ça 🙏). Je recommande 👍
