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.
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.
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
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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.
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!
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.
We came here on a Saturday without a reservation, but since we arrived before 5 p.m., there was no wait & no problem getting a table.
The staff were wonderful-so friendly & patient! They noticed we were non-French-speaking tourists & took the time to explain the menu & specials to us, which we really appreciated.
Everything was delicious! If you're traveling with young kids & want to enjoy elevated food without breaking the bank-& in a warm, welcoming atmosphere-this is definitely the place for you.
The calamari was an instant family favorite, the lobster ravioli & duck confit were both perfect, & the mussels were not only tasty but came in a huge portion!
If I ever visit Montreal again, I'll definitely be back for dinner here!
Expérience incroyable au Holder grâce à Dominique!
Je suis venue manger avec mon conjoint pour sa fête & nous avons adoré l'ambiance, le repas & la joie de Dominique!! :)
