Le Jardin Nelson, housed in an historic building that dates back to 1812 in Montreal's Old Montreal, is known for its large, heated outdoor terrace. Le Jardin Nelson specializes in crepes, pizzas and salads but the crepes are the most popular. Enjoy live classical music during lunch and a jazz singer during the evenings on the terrace.
Reviews describe Jardin Nelson as a picturesque Old Montreal spot with a lush courtyard and a lively terrace, where live jazz and a warm, relaxed vibe elevate meals. The setting is repeatedly praised for its greenery and ambience, with heaters making outdoor dining comfortable even as crowds gather. Service is typically described as attentive and friendly, though some guests note slower pacing during busy times and occasional inconsistencies. Dishes receive mixed verdicts, with many praising seafood, duck, crepes, and cocktails, while a few meals feel overpriced or underwhelming. Overall the standout draw is the ambiance and musical atmosphere, with many recommending a visit to enjoy the vibe and come back to explore more of the menu.
Jardin Nelson mesmerized us! It's definitely a memorable, out-of-the-ordinary place. The space is beautiful & unique: there is no traditional roof, so you can see the sky while sitting inside under elegant coverings & greenery. It creates a very special atmosphere.
There is live music & it is absolutely beautiful. Combined with the many flowers & plants everywhere, the whole place feels vibrant & magical.
The food is exquisite, beautifully presented & delicious. The service was excellent.
It was a delightful experience for our family. A place we will definitely remember!
Atmosphere was phenomenal, loved the live music & wonderful staff -both of which were great distractions from the extremely mediocre food. With such a beautiful location & talented musicians, I would expect the food to match!
The food tasted bad, & that ain't good.
Sep 28, 2025
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It's a very nice restaurant. Truly such a beautiful vibe, great live music. & the food is great.
we came during end of September & the weather is beautiful. We sat at the patio side since there was a huge line to the garden & we have a plane to catch.
But once the food came, a hoard of wasps came. They enjoyed the food before I even got to my plate. There were multiple wasps that would round all the tables. I got the maple glazed baby back ribs, which were delicious (from the few bites that I got) but it really attracted the wasps.
The waitress saw I was very uncomfortable with the wasps touching my food, so she brought a plate of homemade repellent with lemon, lavender, cinnamon & lemongrass. It helped a bit, but they soon came back after I got a few more bites in.
I had to give up on my food. I touched majority of the seafood on my tostadas & ate 1/4 ribs.
But the wasps definitely just landed & made my lunch theirs.
Other guests at nearby tables were also having the same issue & were using napkins to cover their food as much as possible.
So just be prepared for the pests when you come, & maybe don't order the baby back ribs.
The crepe seemed fine though. The wasps weren't as attracted to it
Delicious shrimp & seafood tostada to start.
Mains were duck confit with summer salad & shepherd's pie with duck: both were very good. Beautiful ambiance & live music. Good service.
We went in the back, they have a beautiful terrace with live music. It's not loud, just perfect to be able to have a conversation & hear the music in the background.
We had : brie, calamari, pizza & salmon lasagna.
They food was delicious & the portions a very decent size. I took an appetizer & I couldn't finish my main course.
Our waiter was so nice & caring.
Had a great time at Jardin Nelson in Old Montreal! The food & drinks were good overall. The pizza wasn't the best I've had, but still worth trying. The crêpe, on the other hand, was absolutely awesome. The atmosphere really makes this place special, beautiful setting with live music that adds so much to the experience. Definitely a spot worth visiting if you're in the area!
Aug 25, 2025
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JN is one of those rare gems in Montreal where the ambience completely steals the show. Whether it's during the day or evening, the relaxed atmosphere, live jazz, & beautiful greenery-enhanced by a whimsical rainwater system trickling through umbrella canopies-create a truly unique experience. Unfortunately, the food doesn't match the setting; the pizza is disappointing, the chicken burger is just okay, & the cocktails are decent at best. Its kids friendly & they provide coloring set to kids, but make sure your kids enjoy the live music & not ruin the experience;-)! Still, despite the mediocre food, I find myself going back again & again for the charm & vibe alone.
We had an amazing experience at Jardin Nelson! The service was warm, attentive, & efficient from start to finish. We ordered the chicken burger, crepes, & the chicken poke bowl, & every dish was absolutely delicious. The flavors were fresh & well-balanced, & the presentation was great. The atmosphere was also lovely, making it the perfect spot to relax & enjoy a great meal. Highly recommend for anyone looking for quality food & top-notch service in a beautiful setting!
We had a really lovely dinner at Jardin Nelson in Montreal. The atmosphere was warm & full of life - especially because of the live music. There were several musicians performing while we dined, & it added something really special to the experience. During jazz festival season, it's even more vibrant, with music floating through the air & talented artists keeping everyone entertained. It feels like one of those classic Montreal spots where you just want to linger.
The food was absolutely delicious. The chef did an excellent job - everything we ordered was fresh, full of flavor, & beautifully presented. The menu is rich & diverse, so everyone in our group found something they really enjoyed, whether it was seafood, vegetarian dishes, or something light & refreshing.
Our waitress, Melina, was amazing - friendly, attentive, & genuinely warm. She made us feel welcome & taken care of throughout the whole meal.
The desserts were also fantastic - a perfect way to end the evening. Overall, the service, the food, & the live music created a memorable night. If you're visiting Montreal, Jardin Nelson is definitely worth a stop.
I stumbled across this beautiful restaurant while exploring Old Montreal & boy am I glad I did. The vibe of the patio was so warm & welcoming, the roast pork sandwich on rosemary focaccia bread was delicious, & fries were perfect. I also enjoyed the white wine sangria & would absolutely order all of this again. Our server was kind & prompt, & the jazz in the background was really enjoyable. If I'm back in Montreal again soon, I will definitely come back.
Jul 10, 2025
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Disappointing. Been here before & wanted to take my family to experience the beautiful atmosphere. Ordered the lobster sandwich & it was mediocre at best, poorly seasoned & stale bun. Severely over priced. The serve was adequate & the music was nice.
Jardin Nelson was buzzing with energy on a weeknight, & we were fortunate enough to snag a table in the beautiful garden, where we enjoyed live jazz music alongside our meal.
We started with the baby ribs glazed with Jack Daniel's & maple syrup, & they were absolutely delicious--fall-off-the-bone tender! A must-try for anyone. For our entrees, we opted for the pâté chinois au canard, which is akin to shepherd's pie but filled with succulent shredded duck, corn, & creamy mashed potatoes. It was simply delightful. The lasagna au gratin was also impressive, featuring layers of eggplant, tomato sauce, spinach, & peppers baked to perfection.
By far my favourite restaurant in Montreal. The live music was beautiful, the staff are incredibly attentive, & the food is delicious. This is quite possibly the best restaurant I've ever been to.
Jardin Nelson is a gem in Old Montreal. The live jazz, & friendly staff make it such a delightful experience. The food is great-I loved the duck confit poutine & the sangria. The atmosphere is amazing. Definitely a must-visit for a relaxing meal in a beautiful setting!
Dec 29, 2024
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Jardin Nelson is an absolute gem, especially if you're a jazz lover! The atmosphere is unbeatable, with live jazz performances that truly set the mood for a memorable evening. The courtyard is beautifully designed, creating a warm & inviting ambiance that's perfect for relaxing with friends or a date. The food is just as fantastic as the music. I highly recommend the *pudding chômeur* - it's hands down one of the best I've had, rich & comforting. Pairing that dessert with the live jazz made for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're there for the music, the food, or both, Jardin Nelson delivers on all fronts. Can't wait to go back! They do look in a hurry to have you order.. But it was lovely!!
Terrific menu with a wide selection of salads, crepes & sandwiches. Extensive alcohol options. Nice outdoor seating area. Given the location in Old Montreal, the prices are a tad high, but well worth it. Food was fresh & beautifully prepared.
Jardin Nelson in Montreal is an absolute gem! I had the canard du confit crêpe, & it was simply divine. The duck was tender & flavorful, perfectly complemented by the delicate & crispy crêpe. The dish was beautifully balanced, with the rich duck filling blending harmoniously with the other ingredients. The ambiance of the restaurant added to the experience-sitting in the charming garden courtyard with live jazz music in the background made for a memorable meal. The service was friendly & attentive, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you're in Montreal & looking for a unique & delicious meal in a beautiful setting, Jardin Nelson is a must-visit. I highly recommend it!
Went around 8 PM on a Sunday & were pleasantly surprised by the short wait; it seems like the service is quite efficient. Ordered a small pitcher of lychee sangria that was quite delicious & fresh, albeit quite sweet. We weren't too hungry, so we only shared a charcuterie pizza. There was A LOT of meat on it. While tasty, it quickly became too salty. We mainly came for the live jazz band, which did not disappoint. They played many recognizable songs. Ultimately, we did slightly wish we went somewhere else for our last night in Montreal as it was obviously a tourist spot. That being said, the terrace atmosphere was beautiful & the live jazz was top-notch, making the visit worth it.
