Bar St-Denis is rapidly ascending Montreal's culinary ladder, and for good reason. The magic lies in the dedication of David Gauthier, Emily Holmsy, and their gifted crew. Among a menu of standout dishes, the Deer Kibbeh Nayeh stands out. This raw deer delicacy, with its creamy texture and subtle sweetness, is a testament to premium local sourcing. Garnished with mint and onions, and enriched by a premium olive oil drizzle, it's a symphony of flavors. Paired with spicy chili-brushed flatbread, every bite promises a new revelation.

This dep from Egyptian owners Michael Mankoura and Sandra Besada is where cultures come together in one entity, serving street food-style dishes you could find on the streets of Cairo—only with a Montreal touch. You want shakshuka? You got it. Slices of cured and spiced basterma steak in a croque-monsieur? Coming right up. A beef-stuffed hawawshi dough pocket? No problem. All that and more at this Jean-Talon Market-adjacent spot.

Taking over the space that once housed Cafécoquetel, Sae Low comes from chef Minh Phat Tu of Mui Mui and Anemone. True to its address’s former tenants, it’s a café and wine bar doing simple, small plates with pan-Asian influences on plates of seasonal Quebec products (a hallmark of Minh’s work). Think salmon tataki salads, or donburi-style bowls with spicy tuna, shiso and cucumber or roasted oyster mushrooms with peanut sauce. It’s simple and fresh with a wine list and coffee menu to match as well, making this place just as good for afternoons as it is for late evenings.

Now that Little Italy’s Ratafia has made a point of transitioning away from being solely about wine and desserts, its original concept’s been revived at NaNaNa mere blocks away—just with less sitting down. At this takeout counter, classic cake recipes are back, like the Crunchy du Ratafia with honey, saffron, labneh, orange blossom, and tamarind, or the Medovik (a layered Soviet honey cake). They’ve also ventured into the world of ice cream with seasonal flavours, so all told, it’s all not a sit-down spot per se but it’s a great dessert stop that doubles as a go-to place to order a whole cake.

Mon Lapin has forged its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city thanks to its impeccable consistency on all levels. The restaurant on Saint-Zotique Street has distinguished itself since its opening by offering refined cuisine, personalized service, an exceptional wine list, and a unique atmosphere.