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.
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.
Overrated & overpriced food. The atmosphere is nice, but the place can get very loud when it's busy, & the maître d' was snobby & rude. All this makes Holder not worth a second visit.
Sep 18, 2024
on Google
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We've been to holder 3+ times now & the food never disappoints! It's one of our favourites to return to especially when hosting out of towners as its wide range menu has something for everyone. Food & service quality is superb. I want to especially shout out Joe who has served us twice now, including last night, who truly brings the experience to a whole other level with such care, perfectly timed service & a great personality. Holder we will be back again because of this care to food & quality of experience. 🤍
Their ham egg Benedict is the best one I ever had because of their bechamel sauce to die for. I made it try to my bf & he was also sooo impressed. It was out first time going there but not the last! The staff are very nice & attentive & the service is super fast!
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
Duck confit was good for the first time though not as crispy as desired. Beef cheek was divine. Definitely some cool stuff on the menu, a shame we didn't have time to try dessert. Fun & attentive service too.
I rarely post Google reviews unless I found someplace to be exceptionally spectacular. I went to Holder on a Sunday night & had one of the best restaurant experiences in Montreal in a long time. For all of summer, I'm accustomed to visiting all the top-rated restaurants & terrases in Montreal but always had sub-par service at most places. Was really a spark of joy visiting Holder - the staff is incredible, sooo warm & friendly & there's always someone to take care of you. In terms of service, one of the best restaurants I've been to in a long time - hands down!!! They have an amazing selection of wines if you're a wine-person & our server let us try a few options before which I thought was very nice. The atmosphere, the staff, the food - all top-notch!!!!!!!
Sep 10, 2024
on Google
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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!
Very small option for vegetarian. My guess had to order twice the same appetizer to have a decent portion. They were not able to provide any option / accommodation (pasta with tomato sauce..) Told me it is their policy & to write a review if I'm not happy so.. here I am..
Sep 5, 2024
on Google
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Une très bonne adresse à garder précieusement dans son carnet. Un service exemplaire, le repas très bon & bien présente & le dessert original & agréable.
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 👍
