Where to eat at the best French restaurants in Montreal

A Montreal institution since 1980 on rue Saint-Denis, L'Express continues to uphold its reputation for timeless French cuisine and conviviality. Founded by François Tremblay, Colette Brossoit, and Pierre Villeneuve, the restaurant caters to everyone with a welcoming atmosphere that remains to this day. With a menu largely unchanged over the years, L'Express offers classic dishes like sorrel soup, marrow, and veal liver, prepared with an unwavering consistency and attention to detail. Designed by renowned architect Luc Laporte, the elegant decor exudes a timeless charm, attracting a diverse clientele served by a stable team of long-serving staff.

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.

For over 20 years, Leméac has been a cornerstone of Montreal’s dining scene, offering timeless French bistro classics in the elegant Outremont neighbourhood. This refined yet approachable brasserie serves up beautifully executed dishes like beef tartare, escargots, and steak frites, staying true to its roots while resisting the temptation to follow fleeting trends.

Brunch at Leméac is a highlight, with dishes like the towering French toast with caramelized bananas and chocolate sauce or boudin with cider sauce. The charming terrasse, perfect for any season, and its consistently welcoming atmosphere make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Hubert Marsolais and Claude Pelletier’s Old Montreal restaurant is a discreet and pensive place to spend hours over opulent dishes that, time and again, provide the most memorable of experiences.

Dining at this Old Montreal jewel of a French brasserie and dining room from chef Jérémie Bastien is both a masterclass in its cuisine’s techniques and classics plus cosmopolitan inclusions from other cuisines.

A true Montreal institution, Chez Lévêque has graced Laurier Avenue West since 1972, offering a taste of classic French brasserie dining in a timeless setting. Known for its warm, authentic atmosphere, this Parisian-inspired spot is beloved by regulars and visitors alike for its welcoming service and expertly crafted menu. With a focus on French staples like foie gras pâté, coq au vin, fresh oysters, and the famed lobster bisque, Chef Michel Servières and team ensure each dish is prepared with quality and finesse. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace, one of the most charming in Montreal, is an ideal spot to unwind. With 50 years of history, Chez Lévêque remains a go-to for anyone seeking classic French dining in a cozy, elegant atmosphere.

Place Carmin in Old Montreal is a chic reimagining of the French brasserie by Mélanie Blanchette and François Nadon, the duo behind Montreal’s beloved Bouillon Bilk and Cadet. Born from a desire to merge classic hospitality with refined French cooking, Place Carmin offers an array of brasserie mainstays like grilled cuts of beef, seafood platters, and luxurious French desserts. Set in the former Le Local, the spacious restaurant features skylights, earthy tones, and rounded fixtures designed by Clairoux, creating an airy, elegant atmosphere that balances sophistication with a warm, welcoming vibe.

Chef Nadon’s menu goes beyond typical brasserie fare, showcasing rich, meticulously prepared dishes like foie gras terrine, zucchini vichyssoise, and a stunning rib steak for two, served with golden fries and a choice of sauces. The dessert list is refreshingly unpretentious, featuring crème caramel and chocolate mousse that emphasize classic flavours over showy plating. With a robust French wine list, private dining spaces, and a large terrace planned for summer, Place Carmin promises to be a standout for both everyday diners and special gatherings, inviting guests to enjoy a touch of French elegance in the heart of Montreal.

The Plateau’s Le Pégase has quietly held its place as a beloved French BYOB spot for over 25 years, defying the flashy trends with its unpretentious charm and seriously good food. Chef Michael Audet-Laparé, who came up through local legends like Chez Victoire and Grenadine, has brought a refined yet comforting take on French classics since taking the reins to craft dishes like rack of lamb and escargots that are unapologetically rich and perfectly executed.

The ambiance is intimate, warmed by soft lighting and a tasteful recent refresh by La Firme, which added a modern touch to the long-standing decor. Co-owner Damien Haennel and his team bring decades of hospitality experience, making every service feel effortless and welcoming. Le Pégase’s loyal patrons know what they’re here for: expertly prepared French cuisine in a cozy, familiar setting where they can bring their own bottle and linger over every bite.

Chez Victoire delivers refined bistro fare that proudly showcases local, eco-responsible ingredients. Helmed by chef Alexandre Gosselin, the menu celebrates Quebec’s seasonal bounty, with dishes that rotate monthly and reflect the chef’s commitment to fresh, creative cuisine. Favourites include the truffle roasted cauliflower and mozzarella di buffala tomato salad.

The warm, retro-inspired décor and inviting atmosphere make it an ideal spot for locals and newcomers alike, while the wine list curated by Gabrielle Plastre highlights Quebec and Canadian selections alongside sustainable European wines. Groups can reserve the cozy mezzanine for private events, fully equipped with a bar, music, and projector screen.

When you step into the Golden Square Mile’s Le Pois Penché, it’s as if you’ve stumbled into a classic Parisian brasserie. Sure, the brunch is legendary—where red velvet chairs and black-and-white checkered floors set the stage for classics like ham and Gruyère omelette and mascarpone-laden French toast—but don’t be fooled into thinking this place is a one-trick pony.

The dinner menu is also where the brasserie shines with the familiar comfort of French favourites. Think steak frites, rich duck confit, and indulgent. And for seafood lovers, there’s the fresh seafood platter—a towering tribute to all things oceanic.

It’s more than a place to grab brunch or dinner—it’s a space to unwind, whether at the polished bar with a perfectly crafted cocktail, on the cozy summer terrace with a glass of wine, or in the elegant private wine cellar, which feels like a tucked-away escape for special events.

La Chronique has been a staple of Montreal’s fine dining scene since 1995, offering exquisite French-inspired cuisine under the leadership of Belgian chef Marc De Canck and his partner, Quebec native Olivier de Montigny. Originally a small bistro, La Chronique quickly established itself as one of the city’s premier dining destinations, renowned for its culinary precision and elegance.

In 2013, the restaurant moved to a larger space on Laurier Avenue, where a minimalist yet sophisticated décor complements the focus on high-quality ingredients and meticulously crafted dishes. La Chronique’s menu shifts with the seasons, featuring signature items like house-made foie gras, sweetbreads, and scallops, along with an ever-evolving tasting menu available in five or seven courses. The wine selection includes a wide range of options that emphasize perfect wine pairings, a cornerstone of the restaurant’s philosophy.

After nearly 30 years, Le 9e's Restaurant Île-de-France has reopened on the 9th floor of the Eaton Centre next to the grand hall. An opulent art deco space inspired by Lady Eaton's voyages on the French Line, it was designed by architect Jacques Carlu to recreate that luxury.

Featuring a blend of French and Quebec plates with some modernized techniques, the menu combines ship-inspired dishes and Eaton's original recipes. Helmed by a team composed of Jeff Baikowitz, Marco Gucciardi, manager Andrew Whibley, culinary director Derek Dammann, executive chef Liam Hopkins and café director Dominique Jacques, it clearly took a huge amount of talent to pull this off. Highlights include tartare, breaded cod, onglet steak, and pastas by Kiera German.

The wine list emphasizes natural options, while the cocktail bar, Le French Line, handles classic cocktails done right with a few occasional creative spins. Le 9e includes the 120-seat Île de France restaurant; the Gold and Silver rooms, two additional multipurpose spaces, each with capacity of up to 20; and La Grande Salle, a venue equipped to host a wide range of events. The maximum capacity is 500 guests.

Old Montreal’s Bonaparte offers a timeless experience with refined French cuisine and a warm, historic atmosphere. Established in 1999, the restaurant occupies a historic space within the Auberge Bonaparte, with its Empire-style décor setting the scene for a memorable meal. Guests can choose from three elegant dining rooms, each unique in character, from the classic Imperatrice room with its fireplace to the sunlit Verrière, featuring stained glass windows and a skylight.

Bonaparte’s menu emphasizes the finest French culinary traditions, with both à la carte and tasting menu options available. Highlights include classics like boeuf bourguignon, lobster à la vanilla, and an impressive six-course tasting menu. With attentive service, seasonal ingredients, and a curated wine list, Bonaparte provides an elevated dining experience that’s perfect for intimate dinners, special celebrations, or group gatherings. The restaurant’s dedication to quality, from the service to each thoughtfully plated dish, makes Bonaparte a cherished destination for fine dining in Montreal.

Jerome Ferrer’s Saint-Hubert restaurant offers a culinary journey that merges artistry and the essence of Quebec’s terroir. Located in the Plaza district, this fine dining establishment showcases the talent of Chef Jérôme Ferrer, a Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef and recipient of numerous accolades, including recognition from the Order of Canada. The multi-course menu is a love letter to Canadian ingredients, presenting dishes like Gaspésie lobster cooked three ways and Appalachian red deer paired with bold accompaniments.

Ferrer’s meticulous approach brings together heritage and innovation, from the Inuit-inspired seal cushion hors d’œuvre to maple-themed desserts that evoke childhood nostalgia. Each dish is crafted with locally sourced, seasonal products, celebrating Quebec’s landscapes and producers.

The wine pairings, curated with precision, further elevate the experience. Whether indulging in a nine- or eleven-course tasting menu, diners are promised a sensory and emotional journey that blurs the line between gastronomy and theatre.

Holder in Old Montreal is a beloved brasserie that’s become a cornerstone of the city’s dining scene. Open for two decades and owned by brothers Maurice, Richard, and Paul Holder—names that resonate in Montreal’s restaurant world—this European-inspired space combines charm with vibrant energy.

Designed by the late Luc Laporte, Holder’s interior is a mix of brass accents, high ceilings, and expansive windows, creating a welcoming yet polished ambiance. Its bar, often bustling during happy hour, adds to the lively atmosphere that makes Holder a favourite for both business lunches and evening gatherings.

The menu is a homage to bistro classics, with refined yet approachable dishes like veal flank steak, lobster ravioli, and braised beef cheek. The seafood offerings, including fresh mussels and seasonal fish, are crowd-pleasers, while the Quebec cheese selection rounds out a quintessential Montreal dining experience. With a well-curated wine list and a variety of cocktails, Holder is ideal for any occasion, from celebratory dinners to casual group meetups.

Henri Brasserie Française + Lounge French elegance with the unique charm of a stunning space in the historic Birks building. Owned by the family behind Hôtels St-Martin, Henri is a refined yet approachable brasserie that quickly became a downtown favourite, thanks to a beautifully crafted menu served in a grand, high-ceilinged dining room with 19th-century French-inspired décor.

The menu celebrates classic French cuisine with a Quebecois twist, with signature dishes like the rich seafood soup, refined hamburgers, and perfectly cooked Arctic char. The wine list, curated by sommelier Colin Beaudoin-Lambert, features private imports and exceptional champagnes, while mixologist Eddy Germain serves up cocktails that balance tradition and creativity.

Opened in 2023 at Espace Saint-Denis, Le Molière doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel—it leans fully into the tradition of the French brasserie: elegant, generous, and by-the-book in the best way. Chef Jean-Sébastien Thomas (formerly of Les Fillettes) ensures the classics are done right, from veal kidneys to salmon with sorrel. Lunch keeps it unfussy—think herb omelettes or Toulouse sausage with mash—while dinner brings in richer, more elaborate fare. The wine list sticks close to home, favouring French and European bottles over natural or offbeat selections. With direct access to Théâtre Saint-Denis, it works just as well for a quick pre-show bite as for a full evening out. Designed by Pierre Brousseau of Camdi, the space is warm and expansive, and includes a private room that seats up to 80 guests.

When Vincent Châtelais opened L’État-Major in 2013, it wasn’t just to ease the pressure off Le Quartier Général—his first BYOB hit in the Plateau—it was to extend a winning formula. Set on a bright corner in Hochelaga, the second spot offers the same market-driven, comfort-forward cooking in a bigger, more relaxed space. Chef Chrystel Tremblay keeps the menu in motion, reworking classics like veal chop, foie gras, tartare, and Gaspor suckling pig into weekly rotations that feel familiar without getting stale. Designed by Serge Labrie, the room is understated and warm, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flood it with light rather than attitude. Right next door, their third project—Heirloom pizzeria—adds another layer to the block. Dominic Laflamme has since stepped back from the business, but Châtelais is still at the helm, keeping things casual, welcoming, and just elevated enough to match whatever bottle you decide to bring.

Kitchen Galerie has always thrived on reinvention. Originally opened in 2007 and now helmed by chef Vincent Stafford, the Villeray-Little Italy bistro sits a stone’s throw from Jean-Talon Market and leans into that proximity with a menu shaped by whatever’s freshest that day. The vibe? Part open-kitchen theatre, part neighbourhood dinner party, where foie gras might be poached in a dishwasher and served next to oysters topped with more foie gras—because why not. Stafford, along with partners Alexis Dangléant Bourguignon and Vincent Arsenault, keeps the spirit of the place intact while pushing toward more modern techniques—fermentation, unexpected cuts, low-intervention wines. Regulars swear by the beef rib and tartare, but the tasting menu is where things really take off: a curated trip through whatever the kitchen’s excited about that day. Service is friendly, unrushed, and just sharp enough to keep things humming. It’s not just a meal—it’s a night out that feels like a shared secret.

Monsieur B does what too many BYOBs aim for but few actually pull off: great food, fair prices, and a vibe that feels like a genuine neighbourhood staple, not a concept. Tucked into the Plateau and open even on Sunday and Monday nights, it’s an easy go-to when other kitchens are closed and your best bottle’s burning a hole in your bag. Chef Félix Madore Sztuka turns out a small but sharp menu of French-inspired plates—elegant without being showy. One night might feature duck confit tart, another, a truffle chicken ballotine with lemon waffle and goat cheese espuma. There’s also a tasting menu for those looking to go all in, plus the option to add fries with extra mayo (which you should absolutely do). The décor keeps things unpretentious—intimate but not cramped, and easy to settle into. Owner Marc-André Paradis knows the formula: trust good people, keep the standards high, and let the food speak for itself.

Brasserie Bernard doesn’t reinvent the wheel—it polishes it until it shines. Set in the old Moulerie space on Bernard Avenue, this Parisian-style brasserie channels quiet elegance without straying into stuffiness. It’s the kind of place where regulars return for the same reason they first came: consistency, warmth, and solid French cooking done right. Run by the veteran Holder brothers—Paul, Maurice, and Richard—the space wears its legacy with ease, from the yellow-beige palette and gold-lettered signage to the Luc Laporte–designed dining room that still feels timeless a decade on. Chef Alexandre Fortier delivers crowd-pleasers with just enough finesse: think mussels marinière, beef tartare, duck confit, and veal liver, alongside seasonal specials and comfort-forward bistro fare. The wine list, curated by sommelier Alexis Stradin, keeps things classic, and Monday night oysters at a buck a piece don’t hurt either. Brasserie Bernard doesn’t shout—it doesn’t need to. It’s built to last.

Chez Alexandre et Fils is one of the rare downtown institutions that has managed to evolve without losing the character that made it iconic. Since 1977, Alain Creton—Peel Street’s unofficial mayor—has welcomed guests like friends, whether they’re regulars from the block or champagne-soaked Formula 1 fans. A French bistro at heart, it also carries the DNA of a British pub upstairs, a holdover from Creton’s early business savvy and a small revolution in licensing that made it the first place in Quebec to serve draft British beer. The menu reads like a love letter to brasserie classics—onion soup, foie de veau, duck confit, tartare, mussels—but regularly makes space for seasonal flavours, updated riffs, and indulgent lunch or brunch prix fixes. It’s a place where you can show up for oysters and a glass of wine, or go full tilt with lobster pasta and profiteroles. Either way, expect old-world charm, proper service, and the feeling that you’ve stepped into someone’s very well-appointed home.

Au Petit Extra has been quietly shaping Montréal’s bistro scene since 1985—less flashy than its Plateau peers, but every bit as essential. Set next to the art deco cabaret Lion d’Or (which it also supplies with food), this Centre-Sud fixture draws an eclectic mix: artists, hospital workers, old-guard regulars, and curious newcomers. The dining room leans classic with white tablecloths, wood chairs, and weathered mirrors, while the kitchen—led by Louis-Philippe Daoust—delivers French staples with the kind of precision that only comes from doing it for decades. Think duck done every way, soupe de poisson with pastis, or a vol-au-vent packed with sweetbreads and pearl onions. The menu shifts with the seasons, but not for novelty’s sake—just enough to keep the regulars engaged. With a well-priced, wide-reaching wine list (including 30+ by the glass) and one of the city’s better lunch table d’hôte offerings, Au Petit Extra lives up to its name. Not flashy, just quietly, consistently excellent.

La Raclette has held down its corner of the Plateau since 1985, offering a warm, alpine detour from the usual French bistro formula. This bring-your-own-wine spot is one of the city’s longest-standing AVVs, with Swiss roots that go beyond the name. Co-owners Martin Adam, Dianita, and chef Selven Nellatamby have built on the restaurant’s legacy, staying true to traditions—raclette, fondue, pierrade—while updating the menu with seasonal Québécois ingredients and vegetarian options. The house’s pride is its pierrade: a custom-made grill system designed in-house and now being commercialized. That spirit of craft and continuity runs through the whole experience, from the old-school service to the house-made desserts, like the dome of chocolate filled with scotch caramel. Inside, the classic European dining room seats 90, with room for 25 more on a flower-lined heated terrasse in warmer months. If you’ve never paired your favourite bottle with a bubbling slab of melted cheese, this is the place to start.

La Prunelle has been holding down its corner of Duluth since 1999, quietly earning its spot among the city’s best BYOBs. What began as a passion project from original owner Carol Painchaud is now a tight-knit family operation led by Annie and Félix Tremblay. The name, a nod to the French expression for something deeply cherished, still rings true in the way the restaurant is run—low-key, thoughtful, and full of care. Chef Jeremy Musialak’s menu leans French with a Québécois twist, shaped by what’s in season and scrawled across the slate board as daily specials. The gnuddis, duck breast, veal sweetbreads, and grilled octopus have all earned their place as crowd favourites. With its wide corner windows and soft, unpretentious design, the space glows in the evening light and keeps the energy relaxed but vibrant. It’s the kind of place you bring your best bottle to—not just for the food, but for the feeling.

Les Canailles doesn’t try to steal the spotlight—it just quietly earns it, night after night. Across from Place Simon-Valois in Hochelaga, this BYOB bistro has built a loyal following over the past decade with a simple formula: honest, generous cooking, friendly service, and zero pretension. Owner Marc-André Paradis (also behind Monsieur B and Gaston) keeps things tight with chef John Hammond in the kitchen and a menu that swings between French staples and Mediterranean influences. Think grilled octopus, tartare, duck breast, and an Angus AAA steak that lands with enough heft to share—if you’re feeling generous. The open kitchen adds to the easygoing energy, and if you’re lucky, Ariane will be running your section with quiet precision. It’s the kind of place where the regulars know the specials by heart and bring a bottle that’s as unfussy and welcoming as the room itself. Solid, satisfying, and full of heart.

Les Oiseaux de Passage is the kind of neighbourhood BYOB that quietly builds a following by doing things the right way—and for the right reasons. Tucked into the Plateau, this small, market-driven restaurant is run by a team that treats cooking like a craft. The focus is on seasonal, mostly organic ingredients sourced from Québec producers, many of them processed in-house. The menu leans into refined, European and Mediterranean-leaning flavours: think duck, lamb, venison, foie gras, and smoked specialties, alongside thoughtful vegetarian options that feel like more than just afterthoughts. Sauces and classic techniques are treated with respect, a nod to the restaurant’s legacy, but the vibe is far from old-fashioned.

Since 2008, Plein Sud has been bringing the cuisine of southern France, from Corsica to Nice and Provence, to life on the Plateau without ever resorting to tacky clichés. The restaurant focuses on sharing platters: homemade charcuterie, pissaladière, aubergine à la bonifacienne, veal sauté with green olives, bacon and gnocchi, and a solid ricotta and lemon fiadone.

The spirit of the house is as much about the food as it is about the drink, with a privately imported wine cellar focused on the regions of origin and a cocktail menu featuring myrtle, citron and pastis. It’s less a picture postcard and more like a proper family meal from sunny Southern France flown over to our neck of the woods.