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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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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
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 6 of 50 - 500 Reviews

My go to restaurant in the old port ! Excellent value in a neighbourhood where all the restaurants are overpriced !!

Apr 21, 2026
on Google

Très belle première expérience au Holder. Très bon service & plats délicieux & goûteux. À notre table, nous avions pris la joue braisée, les raviolis au homard, le ta tartare de boeuf & le canard confit & l'ensemble des plats étaient délicieux. J'ai trouvé l'agencement des saveurs très bon! Le service était très bon également. Je recommande & je reviendrais.

Apr 19, 2026
on Google

C'est une excellente adresse !

Apr 11, 2026
on Google

It was my first time since 2021 going there, but yesterday it was a total let down. First, the restaurant had a rancid smell of sewage when we entered. My brother was really disturbed by this. Second, I had the mahi mahi & crème brûlée & woke up during the night with gastric reflux & a sore belly. The mahi mahi was most likely not fresh & the crème brûlée had too many eggs in it. I do intermittent fasting so it was my only meal of the day, so it cannot be anything else that made me sick. Also, the octopus that my mother had was boiled rather than sautéed so the taste was bland. The service was good. Atmosphere was okay. Please rehire your former kitchen staff if they left. My apologies for any typos.

Apr 9, 2026
on Google

A very classic French restaurant. The food was great, the service fantastic.

Apr 8, 2026
on Google

Came to Holder during my Montreal trip & overall, the ambience, service, & food were excellent. For a table of 4, we got the braised beef, mussles & fries, & salmon - all delicious with generous portions. The beef tartare starter was delicious & they were generous with providing extra bread without having to ask. Overall, for a table of 4 with no alcohol, the price was pretty reasonable. I highly recommend this restaurant & would definitely be visiting again when I am in Montreal next.

Apr 8, 2026
on Google

Ristorante piacevole luci soffuse spazi confortevoli. Menu con specialità abbastanza tipiche di Montreal ma ben eseguite e con materie prime di ottima qualita. Nota di merito particolare al servizio, molto efficiente e mai invadente.

Apr 5, 2026
on Google

Une fois de plus, un souper princier.
L'accueille & le service chaleureux.
L'empressement de Dominique, comme toujours dès plus agréable.
La cuisine toujours à la hauteur & plus de nos attentes.

Apr 4, 2026
on Google

decent food, very friendly & attentive service

Apr 3, 2026
on Google

La joue de boeuf & le pavé de foie, ainsi que la tartelette au fromage de chèvre étaient excellents, Le service attentif, de bonne humeur, le rythme de service parfait. L'ambiance de bistrot, donc un peu bruyante; les tables passablement serrées constituent les seuls points négatifs.

Mar 31, 2026
on Google