From smash to stack, these are the best burgers in Montreal

Chez Tousignant evokes a sense of nostalgic comfort with its vintage diner decor designed by Zébulon Perron. This eatery conceived by chefs Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione along with chef Yann Turcotte offers a delightful throwback to the classic casse-croûtes of the 1950s and 60s. Here, everything from the tiles to the seating invites you into a different era. The menu celebrates simplicity perfected, boasting homemade delights such as the city's best smash burgers, exquisite hot dogs, and top-tier poutine, all crafted with a dedication to freshness and quality. Chez Tousignant stands out for its genuine charm and the exceptional skill behind each dish, combining culinary nostalgia with contemporary panache.

Led by chef Michel Lim and partner Michel Nguyen, Mange Dans Mon Hood unapologetically channels In-N-Out vibes with caramelized smash burgers with paper-thin patties, ground daily in-house. It’s not just about the burgers, though. The menu keeps it simple, and that’s the beauty: just two burgers—the Cali, packed with MDMH sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and the Happy, a nostalgic nod to McDonald’s cheeseburgers. The crispy, beef-fat fried shoestring fries are a must, especially in the form of Ol’ Dirty Fries—an unholy pile of fries, pickles, cheese sauce, and their signature MDMH burger sauce. The poutine’s a banger, too.

Messorem Bracitorium, translating to 'The Grim Reaper's Brewery,' has quickly become a top spot for craft beer enthusiasts since opening in 2019. Located along the Lachine Canal in Montreal's Sud-Ouest, it boasts a spacious canalside terrasse and a large taproom. Known for its creamy IPAs and crowd-pleasing lagers, Messorem offers an extensive range of in-house brewed beers, from low-alcohol thirst quenchers to robust Double IPAs and bourbon barrel-aged stouts. The brewery partners with Mitch Deli to provide delicious food pairings.

Larrys in Mile End is one of those places you keep coming back to—not just because the food is great, but because it feels like an extension of your own living room. This all-day café-meets-bistro has been fulfilling Montrealers since it first swung open its doors for both quick coffees and pastries & day-long feasts.

Their menu is an eclectic mix of small plates like salmon rillettes and kedgeree alongside heartier options like a juicy côtelette de porc and their ever-satisfying hamburger. Breakfast in particular hits all the right notes: You’ll want to start with the pikelets—little English-style pancakes topped with salted butter—or the spoonable soft scramble. The breakfast sandwich, with house-made sausages, bacon, and egg, is a revelation despite its simplicity.

On Bernard Street, Le Nouveau Palais has remained a Mile End staple for over 50 years, cherished for its welcoming, no-frills atmosphere. Originally opened as “The Palace” in 1950, this classic diner has evolved over the years, now offering comfort food with a refined twist. When current owners Jacques Séguin and Mary-Martha Campbell took over in 2010, they honoured the space’s history, retaining its charm while restoring its retro decor.

Chef Gita Seaton’s Palace Burger—a well-seasoned, juicy creation—has gained legendary status. Alongside the burger, favourites like creamy mac and cheese and matzo ball soup make Le Nouveau Palais a timeless go-to where Montrealers feel at home.

Housed in what used to be a La Belle Province, Resto-Bar Le Pick Up’s revamped diner keeps the casse-croûte soul alive with retro booths and the right touch of kitsch. The menu, honed by the team behind Dépanneur Le Pick Up and Alexandraplatz (RIP), offers elevated versions of comfort food classics. Expect fried cauliflower that gives fried chicken a run for its money, pulled pork sandwiches worthy of a medal, and fries so crisp they might make you question loyalty to any other potato. Burgers are, of course, more than a solid bet. The drinks lineup balances craft beer, natural wines, and cocktails, all meant to be enjoyed with a sandwich in hand. Bonus: it’s queer-friendly and community-rooted, embodying Hochelaga’s evolving vibe.

Uniburger’s menu, stripped to essentials, ensures that what’s offered is done well. Inspired by Californian burger joints, the patties are hand-pressed onto a hot griddle to form a caramelized crust that seals in the flavour. Canadian beef meets potato bread buns imported straight from the States, creating a combination that’s both nostalgic and elevated.

Think Thousand Island-inspired sauce, thick wedges of iceberg lettuce, and the audacity of placing toppings under the patty. Milkshakes, made with Le Bilboquet ice cream, round out the experience. Here, it’s all about quality over complexity, a philosophy that resonates as much with students as it does with burger connoisseurs.

Consider this the next-gen steakhouse of Montreal: With its in-house butchery, it’s an address in Outremont that flips the porterhouse-and-martinis formula on its head in the best of ways.

At its core, Provisions is a butcher shop with a sharp focus on quality and tradition, bringing a touch of nostalgia to every bite. This is where you’ll find sandwiches and burgers built from the ground up—starting with hyper-local, pasture-raised meats processed in-house. The challah bread, hand-cut brisket, and signature house-made sausages make their offerings anything but typical.

Known for its standout burgers, Provisions takes the smashburger approach, ensuring a caramelized crust on the outside and juicy perfection inside. The sandwiches—brisket, Cubano, turkey, or even halloumi—strike a balance between satisfying simplicity and thoughtfulness. It’s food that’s as good as it is honest.

Joyo’s specializing in halal smashburgers, taking the no-frills philosophy and elevating it with obsessive attention to detail. Each patty, smashed on a flat grill, achieves that elusive balance of caramelized crust and juicy centre. The fries? Hand-cut and double-fried.

The menu strikes a balance between simplicity and invention. Classics like the Oklahoma style layered with grilled onions sit alongside options like the “Azteque,” topped with guacamole and chipotle sauce, or the options with brie and mushrooms. If you’re into chicken, their Nashville spicy version packs serious heat, while vegetarians can opt for a falafel burger that doesn’t disappoint.

Tétreaultville’s Chez Simon Cantine Urbaine serves up comfort food with a bold approach. Simon Jodoin-Bouchard, known for his background in BBQ, shifted focus to smash burgers here—crispy, juicy, and packed with flavour. The menu, inspired by the food from the American Southwest, features chili cheese fries and house-made cheddar jalapeño hot dogs alongside local touches like poutine. It’s satisfying food in a relaxed setting, with a nod to classic diner culture. And with a bar that’s been part of the space for 50 years, the place feels both familiar and fresh.

Why’s the core of the island got to have all the fun? A supergroup of principles from spots like Loïc, Name’s On The Way, and a bunch of other projects have opened this proper American joint in Pointe-Claire. Sporting interior design of soft tones and leather by Kyle Adams Goforth and Sid Lee Architecture, the restaurant serves high-end takes on diner classics—club sandwiches, cheeseburgers, mac and cheese—alongside some more upscaled options like crab cakes and steak-frites. They also make a point of serving a tidy amount of classic cocktails with an eye to martinis and variations.

Open since 1929, Dilallo Burger is a living piece of Montreal history. Its Ville-Émard location has been flipping handcrafted patties for nearly a century, sticking to the same family recipe Luigi Di Lallo created for his children long before customers got their first taste. Their signature Buck Burger, served upside-down with Luigi’s signature peppers, is a time-tested classic that captures the essence of the joint’s old-school charm.

Inside, it’s a museum, with walls covered in photos of local legends that go from Canadiens great Ken Dryden to speed skater Nathalie Lambert. The Di Lallo family remains at the heart of it all, with generations keeping the tradition alive.

L’Hamburger is getting the smash burger exactly right. Born from owner George Megas’s travels to the U.S., this spot brought its take on the quintessential American smash burger to Montreal in 2019. Each patty is pressed cold onto a sizzling griddle, creating that signature crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Sandwiched in Martin’s Potato Rolls with lettuce, onions, pickles, and secret sauce, the result is burger simplicity at its best.

Their fries, golden and crisp, are the ideal companion, though adventurous eaters might take a dunk into one of L’Hamburger’s creamy milkshakes for a satisfying twist. Now with locations in Pierrefonds and Blainville, L’Hamburger is spreading its no-nonsense philosophy of burgers, shakes, and fries to more corners of the city. For smash burger purists, it’s the ultimate destination.

Mister Steer has been flipping its iconic Steerburger since 1958, earning its spot as a Montreal institution. Found in a prime spot on Saint-Catherine Street, this kosher burger haven is known for its fresh, never-frozen beef and its signature seasoning—a flavour that has kept generations coming back for more. The Giant Steerburger or the platter of two sliders are solid picks for those with bigger appetites, especially alongside the curly Suzy Q fries.

Mister Steer remains a downtown mainstay, attracting locals and visitors alike with its welcoming vibe and proximity to key attractions like the Bell Centre. With 60 million burgers served over six decades, it’s clear why this diner is a classic.

Since 1954, Dic Ann’s has been a Montreal icon, thanks to its ultra-thin patties, toasted buns, and signature tomato-based sauce. Founded by Dominic “Dic” Potenza and Ann Collecchia, Dic Ann’s remains true to its roots, delivering straightforward burgers in a unique style that hasn’t changed in over six decades. No frills, no Coca-Cola, and no sauce on the side—it’s just burgers as Dic envisioned: fast, flavourful, and like nothing else in the city.

Dic Ann’s success is still a family affair. Potenza’s grandchildren, Delbina and Anthony, now oversee multiple franchises and a food truck, maintaining Dic’s original vision of simplicity. Each burger comes with a “soupeveur,” a wooden stick for mess-free eating—a small touch that adds to Dic Ann’s memorable experience.

Bistro La Franquette takes the idea of a neighbourhood bistro seriously, even in a part of the city not known for understatement. Opened by chef Elias Deligianis with sommelier and co owner Renée Deschenes, the restaurant leans into clarity rather than show. The menu is concise and seasonal, built around well executed plates that favour balance over excess, from pastas and poultry to seafood and classic steak frites.

The room is warm without being precious. High ceilings, handmade details, and a steady hum of conversation give it a lived in feel, while the service stays attentive and unforced. Wine plays a central role, with a list that leans European and rewards curiosity. La Franquette works because it resists the urge to overdefine itself, letting good cooking and hospitality carry the evening.

Nestled in a semi-basement on Park Avenue, Double's Late Night embodies a contemporary dive bar ethos on the Mile End scene. It’s a great place to unwind over drinks, games, and bites. The decor, with traditional dive bar elements infused with modern twists, features a long bar, pool table, and TVs broadcasting sports. Chef Danny Smiles’ simple menu highlights signature burgers, onion rings, fish and chips, and a revolving set of other delicious options (oftentimes Italian) when his mood strikes.

Neighbouring the 180g café-record store hybrid, Ma Mère en Feu is an experiment in what a diner can be in Montreal. Helmed by Beaver Sheppard and Max Corsillo, this unconventional spot serves up a rotating menu that’s equal parts nostalgia and madness. But at its heart are the sandwiches and burgers, like the Blue Angel Burger, which layers blue cheese decadence on a perfectly juicy patty, or the Nashville XXX Fried Chicken, fiery and indulgent.

The vibe here is pure kitsch—think vintage diner signage, picnic tables, and a no-apologies attitude. Connected to the record store, it’s the kind of place where you can dig through vinyl before demolishing a burger that’s been made just for you.

La Boulette elevates the humble burger with local flair and touches of finer dining. Known for its gourmet approach, the menu showcases Quebec lamb, artisanal bread, and hand-cut fries. Beyond burgers, the duck confit poutine and tartares, like tuna and venison, help make it a neighbourhood favourite.

This Rosemont gem blends simplicity with sophistication, making it a go-to spot. Located near Cinéma Beaubien, La Boulette caters to all occasions, whether it’s a pre-movie bite or a leisurely dinner.

Le Fou Fou in the Royalmount mall is where 12 culinary concepts and three bars come together with a modern twist. From the signature Prime Beef Bar by Moishes’ legendary Lenny Lighter to Tony Messina’s masterful sushi at Kishu, this food hall is delivering a solid alternative to downtown.

Highlights include Tori Ramen delivering Japanese flavors; Il Miglio's pasta and risotto; and Tiramisu's blend of Italian classics with Asian influences. For the health-conscious, Spirulina serves salads and smoothies, while Eva’s offers all-day Mediterranean brunch plus lunch and dinner options.

Its European-inspired design features 900 seats, a heated terrace, and day-to-night vibes alongside QR codes that streamline ordering across multiple venues.

Le Boucan delivers a full-on smoky, saucy, carnivorous experience. Known for their towering Five Napkins Burger, this beast stacks hickory-smoked beef, fried onions, jalapeño mayo, BBQ sauce, and a slab of cheddar on a brioche bun that’s anything but modest. Don’t get us started about the sides of pulled pork poutine or mac and cheese.

What sets Le Boucan apart is its Southern-style barbecue with their signature wood chip smoking technique. From melt-off-the-bone ribs to smoked jackfruit for vegetarians, they cater to every palate, as long as you’re here for bold flavours.

With its rustic vibe, impressive bourbon collection, and a backyard terrace for summer gathering with friends or to catch a game, this spot in Little Burgundy is a great choice.

This family-owned spot, run by Mohamed and Reda Wahba, serves up 100% Canadian AAA beef that’s never seen a freezer. Each burger is grilled to order, but what truly sets Burger de Ville apart is its approach to customization. An extensive selection of free toppings lets you build your burger just the way you like it, while house-made sauces and dressings elevate the experience. Don’t skip their hand-cut fries, cooked in peanut oil. It’s a local favourite for those who appreciate quality without pretense.

Foiegwa in Saint-Henri has taken the classic diner concept and infused it with Parisian elegance, creating a space that feels both familiar and refined. Located in a revamped casse-croûte at the corner of Atwater and Notre-Dame, this Americanized French diner is known for a playful, indulgent menu. Think fluffy ricotta pancakes, truffle-laced spaghetti, and the option to add foie gras to just about anything.

Their weekend brunch is a must, featuring crowd-pleasers like the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and eggs Benedict with duck confit. With chic leather banquettes, marble counters, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect spot to satisfy cravings for comfort food with a gourmet twist.

A block from Concordia University, Patty Slaps is a fresh take on the smash burger. With their perfectly crispy AAA Canadian beef patties, a homemade pretzel bun by Gandom Bakery, and toppings like truffle oil mayo and mushrooms, this spot delivers big flavour in every bite.

The fries here hold their own too—golden, crispy, and just the right amount to pair with your burger, alongside house-made dipping sauces. We’re down with the black pepper-forward poutine, as well. All this is offered in a laid-back yet detail-driven space where quality doesn’t play second fiddle to speed.Pair it all with a cold beer from La Knowlton Co. or a soft drink, and you’re good to go. This is fast food, elevated.

Knox Taverne in Pointe-Saint-Charles is a neighbourhood favourite that combines historic character with a warm, low-key charm. Paying homage to the Knox family who once owned the surrounding farmland, Knox Taverne captures a “working class” aesthetic with its exposed brick, herringbone hardwood floors, and the vibrant green of a climbing plant wall that stretches to the ceiling. The result is a cozy, welcoming space that feels just as suited for a date night as it does for a catch-up with friends. The ambiance, enhanced by three large garage doors that flood the space with light, transforms seamlessly from lively by day to intimate by night.

The menu focuses on elevated comfort food with a nod to the chef’s Mexican heritage. Standouts include the beloved Knox Burger with its Coca-Cola mayo, alongside fresh fish tacos and seasonal dishes like carrot risotto. The bar crafts inventive cocktails with homemade mixers and a thoughtful selection of whiskies and bitters. The terrace is a summer go-to, while inside, attentive service and lively music make for a memorable experience. From the expertly crafted drinks to the “secret” oyster happy hours, Knox Taverne offers a genuinely underrated and gratifying spot in Montreal’s Pointe-Saint-Charles.

The iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s in-house restaurant Maison Boulud is a beacon of haute cuisine, blending French tradition with global inspiration and local flair. Helmed by chef Daniel Boulud and brought to life by hand-picked executive chefs over the years, this refined yet approachable restaurant has become a cornerstone of Montreal’s culinary landscape since opening in 2012.

The menu evolves with the seasons, spotlighting Quebec’s finest ingredients while showcasing Boulud’s worldly influences, honed over decades in New York, Italy, and beyond. Signature dishes, like ris de veau, tartares, and pastas share the stage with indulgent desserts. Pair your meal with selections from a meticulously curated 600-bottle wine list, or explore cocktails during a chic 5 à 7 at the bar.

Designed by Japanese firm Super Potato, the space has understated luxury with natural woods, bronze accents, and a cozy central fireplace. In warmer months, the adjoining veranda provides a magical setting with views of the Ritz’s gardens and famous duck pond. For intimate gatherings, Maison Boulud offers private and semi-private dining rooms, perfect for celebrations or quiet business lunches.

Located in the stunning Le Mount Stephen Hotel, Bar George offers an experience steeped in British tradition with a modern, Montreal twist. This grand space, with its vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and plush seating, sets the stage for an indulgent weekend brunch. On the menu, you’ll find hearty daytime classics like the full English breakfast—complete with black pudding and mushrooms—as well as decadent options like lobster eggs Benedict and scrambled eggs with black truffle. At night, it’s all about finer meals with options like Beef Wellington and black truffle risotto.

The historic building’s lavish decor, from 300-year-old stained glass to 22-carat gold fixtures, makes every meal here feel like a special occasion. Bar George is where Montrealers and visitors alike come for a taste of British-inspired luxury, whether it’s for the food or the atmosphere.

Established in 2014, Bishop and Bagg offers a laid-back pub ambiance and a menu of classic eats like bangers and mash and burgers in the Mile End. An unpretentious spot from the Burgundy Lion team featuring wood accents and dark colors, you’ll find an impressive collection of gins and skilled bartenders crafting cocktails from them. Expect to eat well and drink well while you’re here—just don’t be surprised if it’s busy during brunch hours, or during lunch when swathes of video game designers from the nearby Ubisoft office come in. Those times aside, you can easily get a good bite late at night here.

Paulo et Suzanne has been dishing out everything that’s classically Québecois since 1980. Its retro American diner vibe—think black and white tiles and vintage art—sets the stage for one of the city’s best diners. Here, you’re going to want what’s traditional, like two-egg platters for breakfast and famous poutines that can come as classic or as dressed crazily as you want ‘em with ‘toppings’ like whole hamburgers. Open 24 hours on the weekend and until the late hours of the morning throughout the rest of the week, the owners here take pride in a loyal staff that delivers top-notch service.

QDC Burger started as a one-window operation in the alley behind La Queue de Cheval, and it’s never really shaken that backdoor attitude—just scaled it. The team behind the high-roller steakhouse, led by prolific restaurateur Peter Morentzos, brought their dry-aged beef know-how to the burger world in 2014, turning a fast-food staple into a luxe street-level indulgence. Now with locations in Mile End and the airport, QDC offers the kind of maximalist menu that feels more Vegas than takeout. Think USDA Prime and Canadian AAA “steak-cut” patties stacked with foie gras, lobster, or even yellowtail tuna. You can build your own with everything from Cajun shrimp to black truffles, or go with the chef’s hits like the MOB Burger or Surf & Turf. There’s even a Wagyu option—because of course there is. Fries, mac and cheese, and high-calorie sides round things out, making it less about balance and more about excess