These were the most exciting pop-ups of Montreal's dining scene in 2023

Pop-ups in Montreal may have been brief in 2023, but they made a big impact.

J.P. Karwacki

J.P. Karwacki

January 3, 2024- Read time: 3 min
These were the most exciting pop-ups of Montreal's dining scene in 2023Marc-Olivier Frappier of Mon Lapin during a pop-up night with Toronto's own Taverne Bernhardt's.

We can't say for sure, but despite all of the hardships seen in the restaurant industry, this past year had to be one of the best in recent memory for pop-ups. The last 365 days had chefs from Canadian and international cities near and far coming through to cook in our local kitchens, and it was amazing.

Here are the pop-ups that made the biggest impression on Montreal's writers, critics, photographers, and bloggers. Take notes as you go through these names—with these names, you'll know who to keep an eye on in 2024 when you want to experience something totally new.


Pop-up with Salle Climatisée & Harry Lester. | Photograph: Scott Usheroff / @cravingcurator
Member-only story

Unlock Montreal’s stories. Join The Main community.

Read this story free.

Enter your email to unlock your first article and get The Bulletin — our weekly roundup of food, art, and local culture.

  • 5 free articles per month
  • Save your favourite places & guides
  • Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
  • Stay connected to Montreal culture

Become an Insider.

Join a community that supports independent Montreal stories and celebrates the people shaping its culture.

Subscribe
  • Unlimited access to all stories
  • Exclusive features & local insights
  • Special offers and event invites
  • 10% off in our shop
  • Support local storytelling

Already a member? Sign in

Related articles

You can always rely on this Moroccan-French café
J.P. Karwacki

You can always rely on this Moroccan-French café

Nili's the opposite of fine dining: a tiny Mile End spot with Moroccan home cooking, twice-a-week prices, and the feeling of a café you can reliably drop into.

Give the gift of Montreal’s best restaurants this holiday season
The Main

Give the gift of Montreal’s best restaurants this holiday season

Experiencing a great meal can stick with you longer than anything that comes wrapped.

The Best New Cafés in Montreal [November 2025]
J.P. Karwacki

The Best New Cafés in Montreal [November 2025]

Specialty roasters, cultural hybrids, gym counters, and metaphysical shops: Here are the 26 best new cafés in Montreal.

Montreal lands two spots on Air Canada & enRoute’s Best New Restaurants for 2025
J.P. Karwacki

Montreal lands two spots on Air Canada & enRoute’s Best New Restaurants for 2025

Two local restaurants crack the Top 10 following a strong showing in the long list.

The Best New Bars in Montreal [November 2025]
J.P. Karwacki

The Best New Bars in Montreal [November 2025]

An industry-forward haunt with precision mixology, a new live music venue, Japanese inspirations at a hotel bar, and one big German beer hall.

A (mostly) spoken history of Pasta Casareccia and 40 years of feeding NDG
Tom Zalatnai

A (mostly) spoken history of Pasta Casareccia and 40 years of feeding NDG

How a kid who swore he'd never run the family business ended up exactly in the institution where he belongs.