Classiques de restaurants du Vieux-Montréal au coeur de la Petite Bourgogne. Un hommage à Charles "Joe-Beef" McKiernan, héros de la classe ouvrière du 19ième siècle. A deux pas mi-ivres du célèbre Marché Atwater. Steaks et fruits de mer.
Dans l'ensemble des avis, Joe Beef se distingue par une cuisine riche et décadente et des portions généreuses, avec le spaghetti au homard, le filet et le steak mariné, ainsi qu'un fort accent sur les fruits de mer qui revient souvent. Le service est décrit comme attentif, compétent et chaleureux, contribuant à une ambiance animée et décontractée que beaucoup considèrent comme une institution montréalaise. Le homard spaghetti et d'autres plats emblématiques sont régulièrement mis en avant, mais certains visiteurs trouvent le prix élevé et certaines préparations manquent d'assaisonnement ou se révèlent inégales, laissant des impressions mitigées sur la valeur. Les réservations restent difficiles et l'endroit peut être bruyant, mais l'expérience globale est décrite comme mémorable et adaptée pour une occasion spéciale, avec des desserts tels que marjolaine et éclair pistache qui retiennent l'attention. En résumé, Joe Beef propose des saveurs audacieuses et un spectacle culinaire qui séduisent de nombreux gourmets, tout en laissant certains souhaitant plus de cohérence et un meilleur rapport qualité-prix.
It lived up to its reputation - the food was awesome. We started with oysters & clams as well as the smoked meat croquettes - all tasty. We ordered 3 mains (lobster spaghetti, cod & beef filet) & they were all very delicious. Finished off with a cheese plate featuring some great Quebec cheeses. Recommend.
Wonderful food & service. Had the lobster spaghetti & a duck dish along with steak tartare & bone marrow as well as scallops & shrimp scampi. Staff was so gracious & the food was delicious. 10/10 would recommend it.
28 avr. 2026
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I always love going to Joe's Beef when I visit Montreal. The food can be heavy, so don't order too much at once, although it's great food! I love getting the oysters 🦪 & lobster 🦞 spaghetti. The steak is great as well!
We tried a good portion of the appetizers & were not disappointed once. The beef tartare, shrimp cocktail, & oysters were spectacular. My partner loved the foie gras but I thought that the lobster salad was the best. Best service I've had. Can't recommend enough.
I have been looking to dine at Joe Beef for years. I could only get a reservation at Liverpool House the last time I visited Montreal in August of 2022, & based on how high that experience was, wanted to ensure I got in this round.
We got a reservation at 9:15 at the bar. Which really did not make a difference. We showed up a few minutes early but it was five minutes of servers & staff alike walking by us, obviously busy, without a smile or we'll be right with you. I work in hospitality & regardless of what you have in your hands or how busy you are, you greet, say hello, flash a smile & let the guest know we'll be right with you. But all members of the staff were more concerned with resetting tables than addressing that we were standing at the door for 5+ minutes. When the host finally greeted us she said they were setting it up. Another 15 minutes go by. When we finally get at the bar they were apologetic. The host with the long nails brought us an INCH of Prosecco each, but we appreciated the gesture anyways. The chairs seemed like one seat where they shoved two stools into, but we were determined to enjoy the night that we had been looking forward to regardless. She offered us martinis (which were not comped), & streamlined them making sure we got them right away that we appreciated.
It was a few minutes before we got offered water. They were obviously busy so we did not mind since we had a little bit of Prosecco in front of us. The chef on the oyster bar went into great depth about the specials.. he was kind but maybe a little flustered? Normally I love in-depth menus but it was almost overkill, & he was almost yelling at us? Unsure if they were drinking on but.. We got the shrimp cocktail which was good, tartare & snails were just okay. They were able to move us to a table but the service was inconsistent.
All members of staff seemed more occupied with taking shots with VIP table in the window than actually effectively running a renowned restaurant. The only members who seemed to care about their jobs was the brunette host without nails, the brunette male server they transferred us to (he had the section across from the bar), & the blonde male bartender with circle glasses.
Lobster pasta was one dimensional. Steak was super mid. We skipped dessert because the blaring disco music was so loud that we could not hear one another. Overall, a 1/5 is being generous. We left in disbelief of the experience, one of our nights in MTL & $400 completely wasted.
The food here was delicious! We tried the Lobster Spaghetti, beef tenderloins, & a side of carrots. The lobster spaghetti was very flavorful & well coated with sauce. The beef tenderloin was perfectly cooked & served on top of ham & bread with an egg on top, & the carrots were very flavorful & paired well with the mains. Definitely recommend this restaurant, & we made a reservation since the tables book up very quickly! We also tried mocktails & a marjolaine 24-layer cake for dessert. The cake was delicious & not too sweet, with alternating layers of chocolate, cake, caramel, & cream. Our servers were very attentive, & we loved eating dinner here!
I went to Joe Beef for the first time 10 years ago on a visit to Montreal, & that was one of the best experiences of my young life. This past weekend I decided to take a trip back solely to recreate that feeling. Our group was extremely excited for dinner & unfortunately we were extremely disappointed.
This is not the same restaurant as it was in its prime.There is no sense of care or passion anymore. The atmosphere left our party anxious & uncomfortable the entire time. They stuck the three of us (we're all six feet plus) on an extremely small two top in the corner of the back dining room. That room was crammed to say the least & there was no sense of privacy or intimacy. The music was far too loud, our group wasn't able to even have a conversation, & I couldn't hear the waitress talk as she described the specials. She was lovely but the descriptions of the items were misleading. The food was bland, unthoughtful, & rather cold. Prices were steep which don't necessarily bother me. I would've paid twice as much if the food was half as good as the first time. I don't want to be that guy that complains about portion sizes, but they marketed some entrees & special as enough for three people to share. Maybe it's just me but 9oz of sole (fish) on a plate with 1oz of overcooked lobster isn't a sharable dish worth $125 dollars.
It appears to me that the reason this place is still popular is tourism. They are living off of their reputation from past years, & packing the place with first timers. Maybe some people today would be satisfied with the clout they posses. I just want to feel the love in the food when I go to any restaurant.
Lastly this place is suffering from an identity crisis. Is it fine dining? Is it rustic? & why is there cheesy disco ball in the restaurant?
I don't see how Joe Beef gets back on track.
7 avr. 2026
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Went to Joe Beef for a dinner for 4 on 04/04/2026.
Food: the lobster pasta was a standout, as was the duck. The fries are a must! The tartare & shrimp cocktail were excellent appetizers. The beef faded into the background to be honest!
Service: we loved the sommelier! He had a great white wine suggestion, & was very thoughtful in suggesting a rose instead of a red (we had 2 red wine haters on the table!). Without him, we wouldn't have ordered a second bottle - a real testament to his charm & skill! He was very attentive - I noticed something in my glass (perhaps some sediment from my wine?) & he immediately replaced it, without even being asked - he was clearly paying attention to the table! A tablemate found her drink too strong & the sommelier/waiter took finding her a delicious alternative very seriously (without charging for the first drink!).
Plates & cutlery were changed between courses, which was so appreciated. Overall, the service added to the experience - we wanted to order more food & drink because we felt so welcomed!
Atmosphere: busy, warm, & comfortable.
Overall, it's worth a stop in Montreal. The warm, attentive service makes you feel welcomed & happy, the food is just wonderful. You get the bill & truly feel that it was money well spent - a rare experience these days!
Food was great. We had the smoked salmon & croquettes to start, the croquettes especially were delicious. For mains we got the lobster spaghetti & filet de boeuf. The spaghetti was the best thing I ate my entire stay in montreal, delicious! Steak was pretty good too, not the best I've ever had but pretty good for not being a dedicated steak restaurant. We did get the layered cake for dessert, I was not a huge fan (very sweet & a bit dry) but my companion quite enjoyed it.
Service on the other hand was not impressive, he was quite condescending & not at all attentive, but maybe he was just having a bad day. Our food did come out quickly & they brought the bill right away.
One the best restaurant experience of my life, everything was perfect. Joe beef is a must! The oysters were excellent & the scallop was delicious. The lobster pasta was amazing & the sauce was perfect like a rich bisque sauce very creamy. Cod cheeks were also great & very flavourful. The dessert was an incredible end to the meal the Marjolaine was outstanding & the pistachio eclair was one the best desserts I have ever had if you love pistachio it's gonna blow your mind. Our waiter was very nice, very professional & knowledgeable. The restaurant is very homely & warm, beautiful decor very kitsch. I would recommend Joe beef to anyone who wants to experience dining at its finest & also they have amazing seafood options, don't let the name fool you
15 mars 2026
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Excellent food, my mom is a picky eater but surprisingly she loved everything we ate! Service was friendly & nice ! I wrote a note that it my mom's birthday but no bday plating or no bday comp.. tartare boeuf was so good, spicy clams was pretty okay, lobster spaghetti was good it reminds me of a lobster bisque, magret canard was excellent! The desserts was delicious marjolaine wasnt sweet at all ! Chesnut ice cream was delicious but towards the end it was very sweet after more bites
One of the best meals & experiences I've ever had.
First the food - We had the raw scallop, escargot, lettuces, rabbit, lobster spaghetti & the Marjolaine for dessert. Flavors were complex yet clear, rich & dense without being overly heavy, beautifully crafted, cooked perfectly. We hesitated to order the lobster spaghetti wondering if it was just online hype but we were not disappointed in the slightest - perfect al dente cook on the pasta with a beautifully creamy & rich bisque-like sauce. The rabbit was so bold, rich & complex it was truly one of the most unique dishes I've ever had. But the raw scallop to start honestly stole the show. So fresh & vibrant - excellent way to start the meal. Don't sleep on the lettuce either it was a great refreshing compliment to a rich meal. You also just have to face palm yourself in amusement when you have such an incredible, unique & special dinner then make it to dessert & casually order the signature cake with a cappuccino & think'wait is THIS the best thing??'
The atmosphere - everything feels so intentional & meticulously chosen/placed yet completely unpretentious. The lighting is excellent & comfortable. Each room with slightly different character. The antiques, art, lamps, wall papers, etc. communicate the neighborhood's rich history as a former antique/furniture area.
The service - we sat at the bar & at first said that we wish we could have scored a table & now I never want to sit anywhere else. The entire bar team was absolutely excellent. Our server - Edouard I believe was is name - was absolutely fantastic guide through the menu & took our experience to the next level. Made suggestions, helped us pair drinks, coursed the meals out at a perfect pace, chatted with us & had us laughing & truly just took our entire experience to the next level. Ordering here is NOT easy, I wish I could have had everything & I always suffer from order envy - but Edouard helped us craft a perfectly balanced & complete meal. He also shared with us the history of the neighborhood &'Joe Beef' himself which was fascinating & special. The other server behind the bar - JJ - was equally kind & charismatic & after we told them we were celebrating our anniversary & what we enjoyed doing the entire bar team seamed to come together to write us a list of recommended bars, restaurants & places to see music.
Not only will be we back… this place has me wanting to move to Montreal.
it's almost a you like it or you dislike it kind of place. theres no in between. & in montreal, when you are spoilt for choices, the in betweens fall behind.
joe beef on the other hand, was absolutely spectacular. having eaten at the so called top spots around the city, nothing is as good as joe beef (as of now).
the oysters were specifically chosen, 3 different types to be exact, from places like merasheen bay, cheebooktook & fiona's fury (from PEI). where each oyster takes up to 4-5 years to get to that size.
their version of the double down was phenomenally decadent & sinful. two slabs of fried foie gras splashed with maple syrup. if au pied di cochon was foie gras heaven, this must be the stairs leading up to that.
their iconic lobster pasta, incredible. one of the best lobster pasta ive had. even across italy, this stands out to me. the meat was cooked perfectly, the sauce on the pasta was rich yet not overpowering. & the bacon gave it a bite that did not take too much away from the seafood.
to end it off, i had this pistachio eclair. it was crunchy & had right amount of sweetness.
the cocktails was good too & not too pricey (anything
We had an absolutely phenomenal experience tonight. Service, food & ambiance were all terrific. We had oysters & the zesty Italian beef tartare to start, & shared the lobster pasta & filet mignon in red wine sauce for mains. Had the ice cream for dessert. Everything we ate was impeccable, & the staff were all super friendly, attentive but still pleasantly casual & knowledgeable. Cocktails were maybe the weaker point, not bad at all but not exactly inspired either.
Had been looking forward to this reservation for weeks & it absolutely exceeded our expectations. A must for any foodie visiting Montreal!
I've eaten at Joe Beef twice in my life, & I've been incredibly happy with the experience both times.
The first time around several years ago (2016/17), I had a lamb steak with bone marrow mashed potatoes, which I still dream about, & tried foie gras for the first time. Still one of the best meals of my life.
Second time was in December 2025. We had lobster spaghetti, & rabbit + mashed potatoes, along with the croquettes for an app. I'd say the only thing that was mediocre were the mashed potatoes - everything else was A+. We were also treated to a free steak since another table didn't want it - & it was delicious as well.
Service has always been great. The restaurant itself is a classic. Joe Beef deserves the hype it gets, & I look forward to eating here on another special occasion down the line.
Yum. I am decidedly not a foodie but I absolutely adored Joe Beef on my first visit. I am a steak & potatoes man & have had that at restaurants across Montreal & in other cities, but I must say the 30 oz rib-steak I had here which I devoured was perhaps the best. Better than Gibbys or Moishes, I also loved the accoutrements, the huge piece of meat came with spinach, green salad, horse radish & fries, which were indeed enough for our 3 diners, the other two having split the lobster spaghetti. To top it off the service was perfect & the atmosphere was casual but fun. Now if only I could afford to go here more often, but once in a while does suffice. Again, yum.
⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐?⭐? An Unforgettable Evening Worth Every Bite
We visited this gem of a restaurant to celebrate my husband's birthday, & from the moment we walked in, it felt like we had stepped into a perfectly orchestrated dream. The ambiance struck that rare balance between elegant & inviting - softly lit, warm, & full of quiet, happy energy.
Now, let's talk about the service - hands down, the best I've ever experienced. Every single member of the team seemed to move in perfect harmony, as if they shared one mind with the goal of making our night flawless. Whether it was someone gracefully refilling our water as they passed, or another gently clearing plates with a smile & a kind word, the teamwork was seamless & a joy to watch.
Our main server, Alex, was an absolute star. He took all the pressure off our decision-making & curated a stunning four-course meal that flowed beautifully from one dish to the next - cohesive, balanced, & beyond delicious. The other Alex (yes, two Alexes!) was equally wonderful - attentive, charming, & meticulous, ensuring our table was pristine between courses & our glasses of water never empty.
& the food… oh, the food! Every plate felt like a small celebration in itself. The croquettes were crisp & creamy perfection, the tuna tartare delicate & full of bright flavor, & the lobster spaghetti? A masterpiece - rich, tender, & the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. Every cocktail - including my mocktail - was crafted with care & creativity, each one divine in its own right.
It was the kind of dinner you don't just eat, but feel - wrapped in kindness, thoughtfulness, & genuine hospitality.
Highly, highly recommend this place. Five shining stars & a standing ovation to the entire team. We can't wait to go back & relive the magic.
