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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$$
OPEN11:30 am - 10 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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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4.5787 ratings
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
4.5787 ratings
5★
71%
4★
18%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
0%
Write your review

Reviews often mention

french(85) recommend(64) beef(59) duck(51) confit(50) tartare(48) dessert(47) soup(46) duck confit(41) steak(41) attentive(40) wine(39)

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 10 of 50 - 500 Reviews
???
5.0

Excellent excellent excellent

Nov 14, 2025
on Google
Andree
3.0

I was expecting more. Tried their grilled salmon with lemon butter & it was okay but nothing out of the ordinary. Maybe it was not their best dish. Not sure will come back for more.

Love the place though. Service felt cold, but it was a busy lunch hour so i get it.

Nov 13, 2025
on Google
Antoine
3.0

Very busy restaurant! Seats are too close to eachother. Reasonable dishes & prices. Good price quality. A bit slow service. Some main dishes (Ravioli) are not filling. Recommended if you don't mind seats that are too close & if you are not in a hurry.

Nov 12, 2025
on Google
Jean-Jacques
5.0

All good!

Nov 11, 2025
on Google
Richard
4.0

Decided to lunch here after reading the reviews.
Staff were both friendly, pleasant & helpful. Great ambience & well appointed.
My wife ordered the French onion soup & the beef tatare (her favourite) for the entrée. I had the warm goat cheese & beef cheek for the entrée.
My order was fabulous. Loved it. My wife was a wee bit disappointed with hers. The soup was below average & her beef tartare was average fare.
We'll try Vallier tomorrow as we're here for a few days.

Nov 10, 2025
on Google
A
5.0

Excellent service le repas etait a la hauteur de mes attentes dans un ambiance chaleureux

Nov 9, 2025
on Google
Lawrence
5.0

Awesome food & nice service!

Nov 2, 2025
on Google
Scott
5.0

Visiting Montreal, we found Restaurant Holder based on my desire to delve into Brassiere style dining featuring local favorites. We were incredibly impressed with the ambiance, the cuisine was outrageously good, & the restaurant could have stood on those merits alone. However, it was our server Joe, whom made the evening complete. Joe brings Joy. I do not believe I am overstating this, but my wife & I were so thoroughly impressed with his warm & gracious personality, combined with his professional attributes, we felt he represents the finest service we have probably ever experienced in our many decades of dining & travel. Go to Holder for a great meal; request Joe for a great experience!

Nov 1, 2025
on Google
Martine
5.0

On pourrait avoir tendance à croire qu'un restaurant au coeur du Vieux Montréal est un « tourist trap ». Ce n'est pas le cas de ce restaurant. Un menu varié & inspirant, une ambiance décontractée & cozy & que dire du service de Dominique qui a su s'adapter à notre groupe avec Brio. Nous avons tous aimé nos plats. Définitivement une valeur sûre lors de votre séjour à Montréal.

Oct 26, 2025
on Google
Will
5.0

Marvelous bistro! Great wine list, too. Worth a detour. Not cheap but totally worth it.

Oct 22, 2025
on Google
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