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.
This place seems classic. Lots of business people, family celebrations, & special occasions.
The fish soup & mushroom pistachio pasta with the QC Chardonnay btg was the perfect seasoning.
Philippe was a pro server. My husband enjoyed the French Onion soup & hanger steak, the chef's choice of prep.
This was my birthday meal out. I have no regrets!
The only thing lacking in the atmosphere was the sound level. I think this place is best for groups of three or more. For some reason it was loud for the two of us but really, we managed fine.
We came here with some business vendors who took us out for dinner. The inside is very classy & chique. & our waiter was very friendly & attentive during the whole meal. We started with some appetizers of oysters, steak tartare, foie gras & French onion soup. My main was the lobster ravioli. We finished with a few dessert samplings including crème brûlée. It was an amazing meal. Everything was delicious! I will definitely come back here when I'm back in Montreal!
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!
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.
We always come here when we're in Montreal. Book ahead & always ask for a windows seat. Less traffic that way. Bustling restaurant filled with lots of energy, business folk, people on dates, family, tourists, & locals. Service is always top-notch, friendly, attentive, & knowledgeable. Food has always been great, & we always order too much. Our faves are the foil gras, grilled octopus salad, & the boeuf cheek a la borguignon. Portions are just right, for us. Prices have gone up over the last year, but I feel like it's gone up everywhere. Photos don't do the food justice. Probably the best mashed potatoes. Veal & steak, cooked to a perfect rare. We'll be back again
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!
The restaurant offered good food. Good for a date or even famil gathering. Food was delicious l, but a but pricey. We ord the hanger steak, veal, salad, calamari, & oysters. All were good, veal was very tender.
