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.
Très satisfait de mon passage dans ce restaurant. Le menu offre beaucoup de choix & tout ce qu'on a commandé était excellent. Le service à la clientèle est impeccable & l'équipe est très sympathique. Ça donne envie de revenir essayer d'autres plats.
J'aimerais féliciter Jo. J'ai été TRÈS bien servi. Ça faisait longtemps que je n'avais pas eu un service si exceptionnel. Beau travail à Jo & à toute son équipe. Nous reviendrons certainement. ❤?
Merci beaucoup.
Mar 6, 2026
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We came here thinking it would be an upscale dinner. It's certainly more casual than upscale. Food was mediocre at best, my gnocchi was swimming in grease & was basically inedible. The tables are tightly packed in - you can reach your arm to the table next to yours while seated; not very private or romantic. Service could be better. Was nothing special.
Excellente serveuse & de bonne humeur. La présentation de mon assiette (une sorte de bavette/steak) était peu inspirante. Frites moyennes. Ca ne ressemblait pas à des frites maison. Belle ambiance.
We had a great BD dinner at Holder. Dominique's service was impeccable. We enjoyed the calamari, the oysters, the little goat tart, the beef & the duck & everything was on point.
Dominique even sent over some free dessert once I mentionned to her on the side it was my friend's BD & made her night special, thank you Dominique!
We dined here on a recent trip to Montreal & my friends & I really enjoyed our meal! I had salmon, my sister had duck & another friend had the beef cheeks. Each plate was prepared perfectly & our waiter, Masha suggested the perfect wines to go with each entree . The atmosphere was very comfortable & welcoming & the staff very attentive to our needs. We highly recommend Holder..
Unfortunately on 3 dishes only one was good. The two other ones we'not eatable' ..!!!
Maybe the choices A la carte would have been better ..... will nerver know because we wont go back
Loved it. We went for brunch at Holder, & while the staff gave off mild post-holiday, long-weekend energy, neither the food nor the service suffered.
It felt a bit like being taken care of by a very capable friend the morning after a long night-good food, competent service, relaxed vibes. Not the best brunch in Montreal, but solid, well-executed dining that delivers exactly what it promises.
Would happily return.
Dec 28, 2025
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Food was amazing & the service was fast. We were in & out in a hour. The restaurant is a bit loud however. So if you are looking for a quiet dinner, this may not be the best place. If you are looking for delicious food, its worth the reservation.
Belle ambiance, décor soigné & service impeccable. Nous avons beaucoup aimé nos plats lors du brunch. Nous avons déjà hâte d'y retourner pour le souper.
Je suis allée souper avec des amis samedi dernier au Holder & c'était ma première fois. Je suis enchantée avec ce super beau restaurant!!!
La décoration est magnifique, la nourriture excellente (j'ai mangé de moules & elles étaient délicieuses!) & le service superb!!! Un gros merci à Melissa, la gérante du resto qui a été super gentille & serviable.
