Ariel Schor's favourite restaurants in Montreal

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.

Kam Shing has cemented itself as a cornerstone for Chinese comfort food in Montreal, with each of its locations drawing in loyal crowds for over three decades. The menu leans heavily on classic Cantonese and Szechuan dishes, offering heaping portions of favourites like General Tao chicken, mapo tofu, and crispy Cantonese chow mein. It’s the kind of spot where shrimp toast becomes a cult obsession and won ton soup earns its title as some of the best in town.

The no-frills dining rooms—think plastic tablecloths and plain walls—keep the focus squarely on the food. Service is efficient, if brusque, but the payoff is undeniable: steaming plates of fried noodles, honey garlic spare ribs, and salt-and-pepper shrimp that disappear as fast as they arrive. Pro tip: the food travels well, and takeout can be the move for letting those bold sauces settle into their full glory.

The restaurant that launched a thousand ships, this is a definitive Montreal dining experience thanks to its one-two punch celebrating classic dining with a banquet-style celebration of good food.

Since 2005, this Little Burgundy institution has shaped the city’s dining scene, turning classic French techniques into something unapologetically Montreal. Founded by Frédéric Morin, Allison Cunningham, and former partner David McMillan, the restaurant pays tribute to 19th-century tavern owner Charles “Joe Beef” McKiernan, whose legacy of excess and generosity lives on in every over-the-top plate.

The menu, scrawled on a chalkboard and dictated by what’s fresh, blends Quebecois bounty with a bistro’s indulgence: foie gras, roasted bone marrow, and a perennial lobster spaghetti. The wine list leans classic, but there’s room for natural selections and deep cuts from smaller producers. The space itself—cluttered, candlelit, a little chaotic—feels like the kind of place where a dinner reservation could turn into a multi-hour feast. Expect to leave full, maybe a little tipsy, and with a renewed appreciation for why this spot remains one of Montreal’s greats.

When you’re in the mood for Greek food, Nostos is a go-to spot. Their standard menu hits all the right notes: charcoal-grilled meats, creamy tzatziki, crisp fries, and fresh Greek salads are all great choices, but the true standout? The Nostos Special—a generous sharing platter loaded with perfectly grilled chicken or pork, a mountain of warm pita, and all the fixings you need for a feast.

Whether for the epic portions, like their famed grilled chicken with its charred, lemony flavour, or just craving a pork pita paired with fries done right, diners are in for a satisfying meal. The no-frills vibe keeps the focus on the food, while the welcoming service and reasonable prices make it easy to see why this spot has been a neighbourhood favourite for decades.

Miss Pho in Ville Saint-Laurent’s a slightly—ever so slightly—refined take on Vietnamese comfort food without sacrificing authenticity. The heart of the menu lies in its aromatic, piping hot, and perfectly balanced broth, a foundation that makes their pho some of the best around. Whether it’s the rich bun bo hue, grilled chicken soup, or the beef with tripe, every bowl is a solid choice.

Their menu extends beyond soups, with standout grilled meat dishes, crispy spring rolls, and unexpectedly excellent calamari paired with a tangy, citrus-forward dipping sauce. Portions are generous, the service is welcoming, and the vibe is modern yet casual, with a parking lot terrace that surprisingly works. From what we hear, the Noodle and Grilled Meat combo or the duck soup are cult favourites.

Found behind storied stone walls in Old Montreal, Romies reimagines midcentury American bistro dining with a distinctly Montreal twist. Created by Alex Cohen and Raegan Steinberg of Arthurs Nosh Bar, this chic yet unpretentious eatery is as much about nostalgia as it is about good food, offering a menu that elevates diner classics.

The space, designed by Annika Krausz, is a seamless blend of midcentury design’s warmth and industrial elegance. Wine-red leather banquettes, candlelit marble tables, and black-and-white photography by Krausz’s family create an atmosphere both cozy and refined. Beyond the dining room, a courtyard with a pétanque area and lush tree canopy becomes an escape for cocktails and/or dessert.

The kitchen, helmed by Cohen alongside Nicholas Giambattisto and Melissa Wood, delivers playful yet elegant plates. Start with beef tartare layered with potato salad or the Cold-Cut Fish Sevilla, then move to mains like the Filet Mignon au Poivre or Venetian pasta with clams. Desserts by Leigh Roper are showstoppers, with the Brooklyn blackout cake and an impossibly good cherry pie stealing the spotlight.

The Four Seasons Hotel Montreal’s in-house restaurant MARCUS fuses luxury with local flair on an expansive third floor designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron. This communal space welcomes both locals and guests, where the lounge, bar, restaurant, and terrasse offer distinct atmospheres, from an oceanic lounge to a forest-like bar. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Samuelsson with executive chef Jason Morris, the venue reflects Montreal's vibrant social scene. Morris, known for his precision and creativity, ensures each dish from the globally inspired menu complements the sophisticated, timeless setting, making MARCUS a culinary landmark in the city.

Snowdon Deli isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution. For those in the know, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it's a delightful discovery waiting to happen. This iconic Jewish deli, with its vibrant matzo ball soup and cheese bagelach, transports you straight to the heart of classic Miami eateries, echoing the charm of places like Wolfie’s Rascal House. Outlasting local legends like The Brown Derby and Ben’s, Snowdon Deli stands as a testament to timeless taste and tradition.

La Boucherie de Tours has been a cornerstone of Atwater Market since 1988, built on its tradition, craftsmanship, and the community they’ve built over the years. Founded by Pierrot Fortier and now helmed by butchers Benjamin Avilés and Alexandre Sévigny-Lupien, the shop offers premium cuts, house-made charcuterie, and a level of service that keeps customers coming back.

From Kamouraska lamb to grass-fed beef, veal liver, and wild boar pâté, the selection reflects both quality and attention to detail. Long-time favourites like marinated bavette, seasoned with orange juice and steak spices, remain as popular as ever and the shop’s close relationships with Quebec farmers ensure fresh, ethically sourced products that cater to families and discerning food lovers alike. What’s more, the staff go beyond expectations, offering guidance on recipes, cooking techniques, or the perfect pairing for a charcuterie board.