Restaurant 1881 receives consistently strong praise for both food and service, with many reviews calling the dishes fresh, well balanced and beautifully presented, featuring items like duck salad, tartares, shakshuka, tuna tartare, beef, salmon, and a highly regarded breakfast and brunch lineup. The atmosphere is described as modern, cozy, and welcoming, suitable for business lunches, dates, or casual meals, with attentive, friendly staff and smooth service at quieter times. Several guests highlight generous portions and good value, while a few note occasional issues such as slower service during busy hours, minor hiccups with table setup or wine service, and one or two encounters with less attentive staff. Coffee is praised by some and criticized by others, but overall the cafe style breakfast and brunch are repeatedly celebrated, including standout items like the classic breakfast, croissant breakfast sandwich, shakshuka, and duck salad. Overall, Restaurant 1881 is regarded as a reliable, high quality spot in downtown Montreal with standout food and solid service, particularly for brunch and casual dining.
Took a colleague out for lunch & we ordered the table d'hôte with a delicious fresh salad & tasty cod with vegetables. It was so good! We both enjoyed our food & the service was friendly.
Truly the best brunch I've ever had. I'm used to settling for'basic' or heavy food at brunch, but Le 1881 is on another level. I ordered the classic breakfast & was blown away by the freshness of the ingredients; it exceeded every expectation. The prices are fair, the decor is stunning, & for once, I received a perfectly made cappuccino. I dined alone today, but I will definitely be back with friends!
Restaurant Le 1881 in Montréal is a hidden gem nestled within the MAA Club Sportif on Peel Street. The menu blends refined bistro classics with fresh, seasonal ingredients-standouts include tuna tartare, shakshuka, & salmon eggs Benedict. The ambiance is modern & cozy, making it ideal for brunch dates or casual dinners. Service is warm & attentive, & prices are reasonable for downtown. Though coffee could be better & service can slow during busy hours, overall it's a great spot for quality dining without the fuss. A solid choice for anyone seeking elevated comfort food in a relaxed, stylish setting.
After a delayed flight, we arrived as the final guests of the evening, not expecting much. To our surprise, every dish exceeded expectations. The fish was delicately seasoned, highlighting its natural freshness, while the duck leg salad was a standout - the meat meltingly tender against the crisp, sweet greens. The thoughtful flavors turned what could have been a tiring night into a warm & memorable welcome, marking the perfect start to our trip. Recommend!
Excellent, market fresh, well executed food. You can't go wrong eating here! Downtown seems to be filled with chain restaurants & this is a breath of fresh air!
I've enjoyed lunch here several times. Friendly service in a pleasant setting, not too crowded. The food is excellent. The pasta dishes are flavourful & filling. Tuna tartare is delicious. There's always a fresh fish of the day. Every dish is freshly prepared. Even though it's located at the entrance of a sports club, it's open to the public. Coffee is excellent too. Don't hesitate to come here for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. You won't be disappointed.
Aug 20, 2025
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We had a wonderful brunch experience at Restaurant LE 1881. The dishes were fresh, flavorful, & beautifully presented. The shakshuka was rich & hearty, with perfectly poached eggs in a vibrant tomato sauce topped with fresh arugula. It came with a side of crisp toast & fresh fruit - a refreshing balance to the warm, savory flavors.
The croissant breakfast sandwich was equally impressive - flaky, buttery pastry enveloping fluffy eggs, melted cheese, & peppery greens, paired with fresh strawberries & melon.
The atmosphere was modern & inviting, with plenty of natural light & comfortable seating. The service was attentive, warm, & genuinely welcoming, adding to the relaxed, enjoyable dining experience.
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a stylish yet cozy spot for brunch in the city.
We were a little unsure when we walked in as the restaurant was empty. We ordered breakfast. It was lovely. Hubby's eggs were perfectly cooked & everything was tasty. I ordered yogurt & fruit. All fresh fruit & lots of it. The service was excellent. We are going again tomorrow. We enjoyed it so much.
We went back a second time & again it was perfection. Best breakfast in Montreal. We talked to the chef/owner. Such passion for creating exceptional food. It is enjoyable eating breakfast where the chef really cares if you enjoy the food. Such a culinary delight.
5-star is not enough for Lea's superb service & warm personality! We also enjoyed the food a lot made by the chef Gary - from the soup to the cod, everything is so fresh & tasty. A very nice dining experience for sure.
thanks to Lea's incredibly warm & welcoming service - she truly made us feel at home.
surprise came when Chef Gary himself came out to introduce the dishes & kindly answered my questions - such a pleasure to meet him & even take a photo together!
The standout dish of the day was definitely the tomato soup - a cold, refreshing surprise with cucumber notes & a beautifully layered mix of spices. Very unique!
The pan-seared cod was super fresh, & I loved the crispy texture of the skin.
The Burger 1881 is one of my favorite - the bun was light & airy, while the patty was tight, juicy, & full of flavor. The coffee was… well, just your average coffee.
Jun 19, 2025
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I had the hamburger with fries, cooked medium, & it was absolutely phenomenal - possibly the best burger I've ever had. The quality of the meat really stood out: rich, flavorful, & clearly fresh. It was cooked perfectly, juicy without being greasy, & the grilled onions added a sweet, smoky touch that took it to another level.
The bun was fresh & held everything together without falling apart, & the toppings were well-balanced - nothing overpowering, just complementing the star of the show: the beef.
The fries were crispy, golden, & clearly made with care. Every part of the plate felt thoughtfully prepared.
If you're in Montreal & want a burger that's a cut above the rest, Le 1881 is a must-try. I'll absolutely be coming back.
I stumbled upon this restaurant after a workout at the gym, & I'm so glad I did! The lentil soup was absolutely delicious, & the salmon tartare was incredibly refreshing-both dishes were bursting with fresh flavors. The staff was warm & welcoming, & a special shoutout to Gary for making the experience even better. The prices are very affordable, especially considering the top-notch quality of the food. Highly recommend this spot!
I don't usually do reviews. But. The food is flavourful, the ingredients are fresh. In line with the MAA spirit the meals are healthy, no chemical or salty sulfite taste. Perfect salads, well seasoned tartares (without tons of mayonnaise), best fries in town... The place feels personal: the team is sweet & the chef - passionate about flavors - is always in the kitchen & often comes to exchange with the customers, to get their honest reviews & to thank them. I have eaten at this place at various occasions by now & I am pleasantly surprised with the consistency of flavors & cooking techniques. & let me tell you - the value for money thing is mind-blowing: good luck finding an alternative for that price! I highly recommend this place.
What a hidden gem! We went for weekend brunch & were not disappointed. Beautiful, chic restaurant with professional & friendly staff. The Smoked Salmon Benedict was exceptional. Fresh, flavourful salmon paired with perfectly poached eggs & a delicious hollandaise sauce that left us craving more. On the other hand, the 1881 Breakfast was absolutely incredible. The tender meat, flavourful mashed potatoes, & a fried egg with a runny yolk created a perfect harmony of textures & tastes. This dish was truly a surprise that elevated our breakfast to another level. Hats off to the chef! To be completely honest, the pictures don't do it justice.
Nov 2, 2024
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This little restaurant is tucked away inside a fitness club. It's a cute space with great food & great service. The food is fresh & delicious. Both the chef & waiter were very friendly. Highly recommend!
