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.
Love this place! Even though it's busy & loud but feels like it's alive! The food was excellent! Our server was super sweet, & we were lucky enough to get some VIP service ! Highly recommend especially for a group
Nov 26, 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.
A perfect spot for a family dinner. Excellent service. Somehow the vibe is just right: not too formal, not too casual. Classic menu options with a touch of flair.
Que dire de ce restaurant légendaire qui n'a pas deja été dit de ces partenaires. Pouvons nous dire être Montréalais si on ne visite pas cet endroit. Chef, toujours aussi délicieux ! Service "a1" .
Nice room, efficient servers - we were a party of 10 - but goodness the food. The flavourful salad was the high point of the meal, but might have served three - is this the Americanization of brasserie servings? The soup was thin, bland & instantly forgettable; the confit de canard looked forlorn & overcooked in a vast forest of arugula, had little flavour & no succulence & the roast potatoes underneath were meagre & hard to locate in all that foliage. A lackluster fruit salad with a tiny dollop of sherbet made dessert hardly worth the effort.'Disappointing' is the polite term for what Holder gets away with.
We picked Holder for is location to our hotel, but ended up wanting to go back because it was fantastic. We sat at the bar while waiting for our table & the bar staff were great. The food at dinner was excellent. The bison mozzarella appetizer was great; duck confit, & pepperedelle dinners amazing; & the creme Brule dessert was one of the best I've ever had. The prices were very reasonable as well
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.
Great food, service, & atmosphere. Loved the onion soup, lobster ravioli, & braised beef cheek was just amazing! Tender, flavorful, with delicious mashed potatoes underneath it with crunchy sring beans. Would definitely visit this place again next time I'm in Montreal!
Very lively atmosphere & good food. If you are a regular, you will notice that the menu selection does not change much. But, if you are a casual goer, the resta is real nice, a landmark in Montreal nightlife.
