FR
Montreal Restaurants: RestoMontreal.caMontreal Restaurants: RestoMontreal.ca

Logo RestoMontreal.ca

0
×
Loading filters...
Restaurant Top Pick

Holder

Montreal’s classic French brasserie destination remains the undisputed local authority on perfectly crafted tartare.

Old Montreal
4.5$$
CLOSEDOpens Tomorrow at 11:30 am
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Photo of Holder, Old Montreal - Montreal
FrenchTartareMusselsCouscousBrunchGreat selection of wines
Loading suggestions...

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.
Loading restaurants nearby...
Loading...
5★
71%
4★
18%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
0%

Mentioned in:

Holder was featured in the article(s) below.

Restaurants in Old MontrealView More

Tiradito Restaurant
Gandhi Restaurant

Gandhi

230 Rue St-Paul O.
(2030)
Steak Frites St-Paul Restaurant
Vieux-Port Steakhouse Restaurant
Restaurant Mélisse Restaurant
Loading nearby events...
Loading related links...

Reviews for Holder

Food
Service
on Google4.5 (3000+)
*as of 2026-08-15
5★
71%
4★
18%
3★
5%
2★
6%
1★
0%

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 16 of 51 - 505 Reviews
5.0

Great quality of food, service & environment

Jul 12, 2025
on Google

Awesome

Jul 12, 2025
on Google

La madame qui fait le service est troop stressé de son travail. Trop tendu alors j'étais vraiment mal à l'aise. J'aime quand le service est agréable. Je ne me suis pas senti dans un restaurent haut de gamme.

Jul 12, 2025
on Google

Classic bistro ambience. Fabulous service. Delicious food.

Jul 7, 2025
on Google

It was absolutely amazing.
The chicken mousse reminded me of my childhood where my grandmother would buy duck liver in the can. It tasted the exactly same, I highly recommended

Jul 5, 2025
on Google

A veritable Parisian experience in the heart of Montreal… absolutely delicious classic French brasserie type of fare. Beef cheek bourguignon served over dreamy mashed potatoes was divine… the endive salad a delight! Highly recommend…

Jul 3, 2025
on Google

We had a nice dinner at Holder in Old Montreal. The ambiance was lively & stylish, & the service was friendly & attentive.

Here's what we ordered:
🥩 Beef Tartare: Flavorful & well-prepared, though a touch too salty for my taste. Still enjoyable overall.
🥗 Mixed Vegetable Salad: Light, fresh, & a great starter - nicely balanced & refreshing.
🐮 Braised Beef Cheeks: Tender & deeply flavored, one of the best dishes of the night.
🦆 Duck Confit: The skin was crisp, but the meat was a bit dry. Could use a bit more juiciness.
🦞 Lobster Ravioli: Rich & creamy, with a generous amount of lobster. A standout dish!

Overall, a solid dining experience with a few minor flaws. Still a great spot to check out if you're in Old Montreal!

Jul 1, 2025
on Google

One of the few places we were lucky to get dinner reservations...which is both good & bad. The service was excellent...well trained & knowledgeable wait staff. Ours was Anabelle & she made some great suggestions, topped off our wine & checked in on us. The food on the other hand was ok...we 4 got the Hanger steak (was cooked medii but was still tough/, Lobster ravioli (no flavor, wouldn't reco), the duck confit was good & the veal Marsala steak was the best among the 4 dishes.

Jun 30, 2025
on Google
5.0

Très bonne ambiance,service impeccable & la bouffe est excellente!

Jun 30, 2025
on Google
5.0

I would give our recent dining experience at Holder six stars if I could. The food was excellent. We shared the calamari & mozzarella di bufala to start. The braised beef cheek was outstanding - rich & flavourful. The grilled hanger steak was bistro perfection. But what made the evening was possibly the best service we've had ever. Professional of course. But friendly & kind & genuine. Joe made a great evening unforgettable. His food & wine suggestions were spot on. So if you're gonna go to Holder, ask for a table in Joe's section. It's worth it.

Jun 29, 2025
on Google