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.
We were there in June. Nice dining atmosphere with a live jazz band entertainment. Felt like we were in France dining alfresco. Food was good but rather pricey.
Avant notre spectacle à la Place des arts, France & moi, on s'est gâtées pas à peu près Jardin Nelson. Vieux Montréal !
Tant au niveau des papilles gustatives que de retourner à un de mes restos préféré dans le Vieux Montréal ! Coup de foudre assuré autant pour l'ambiance de la terrasse intérieure que les coktails ainsi que la qualité des plats proposés. Tout était parfait, de mon Gimlet aux bleuets en passant par nos entrées de salade de betteraves aux framboises, les côtes levées au Wisky & sirop d'érable & nos repas principaux. La carte est tellement délicieuse que c'est difficile de choisir. Nos choix se sont arrêtés sur deux de leurs plats Signature, leur fameuse crêpe aux fruits de mer & le'Mac & Cheese' également aux fruits de mer. Il faut y revenir souvent pour tout goûter ! 😃 Je vous le recommande fortement! L'expérience est également agrémentée d'un petit groupe de musiqie Jazz.
Avant notre spectacle à la Place des arts, France & moi, on s'est gâtées pas à peu près Jardin Nelson. Vieux Montréal !
Tant au niveau des papilles gustatives que de retourner à un de mes restos préféré dans le Vieux Montréal ! Coup de foudre assuré autant pour l'ambiance de la terrasse intérieure que les coktails ainsi que la qualité des plats proposés. Tout était parfait, de mon Gimlet aux bleuets en passant par nos entrées de salade de betteraves aux framboises, les côtes levées au Wisky & sirop d'érable & nos repas principaux. La carte est tellement délicieuse que c'est difficile de choisir. Nos choix se sont arrêtés sur deux de leurs plats Signature, leur fameuse crêpe aux fruits de mer & le'Mac & Cheese' également aux fruits de mer. Il faut y revenir souvent pour tout goûter ! 😃 Je vous le recommande fortement! L'expérience est également agrémentée d'un petit groupe de musiqie Jazz.
Nice terrase with live jazz music to grab something to eat or drink.
Everything was alright, except for the quality of the salmon in the salmon avocado toast - it's clearly not good & the taste is not the best. Apart from that, the salad & its dressing was great.
I would like to come back & try other parts of the menu.
Restaurant avec une cour intérieure très agréable ! La carte propose beaucoup de choix variés ! Tout donne envie, c'est dur de choisir ! Groupe de jazz qui accompagne le repas. Les cocktails étaient originaux & bien exécutés. & les plats également. Nous nous sommes régalés !
Sep 4, 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.
The Jardin is a very nice place & I'll admit that the atmosphere & the vibes of this place is top notch. It's a lovely place to get into if you can, though it is often extremely busy. Personally, if you're in the area & there isn't a line, it's a great place to drop in & enjoy. Gotta shout out the jazz band too. I just don't think that it's worth the long wait most people need to go through to get into it.
This is a must try restaurant in Montreal. The vibes & atmosphere are next level. Ask to sit in the back courtyard if available, it's 100% worth it! The decor, the music (live jazz) really bring the restaurant to life. The food is decent, we had the tostadas as starters & pancakes as main. Pretty good but nothing amazing. But the environment really makes the restaurant unique! Great drink selection, perfect outdoor brunch spot on a nice summer day!
Jul 12, 2025
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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.
Service was good & our waitress was very nice but for the rest I wouldn't recommend this restaurant. The worst chicken burger I had, the bun was burnt & stale. Chunky piece of hard chicken not even tasty. Mediocre fries & had a Pina colada which taste just like syrup. The table for 4 people was very small outside & we hardly even had room for our plates on the table. We were very uncomfortably seated in an over crowded area. I heard of this place before & always wanted to try it but honestly there is nothing really special about this place except for the live jazz music which was nice. For such an overpriced menu there are way nicer & better restaurants in Montreal!
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.
Jun 4, 2025
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I went there a few times, evrything on the menu is good. Love the outside courtyard, it make it special & different from other places especially when the jazz band is playing.
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!
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!!
