A local’s guide to the best restaurants in Old Montreal

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.

Garde Manger has spent nearly two decades refining the balance between serious cooking and late night energy. Hidden behind a discreet Old Montreal façade, the room opens into two compact dining spaces divided by an open kitchen, where music from the 80s and 90s sets the tempo as service unfolds. The menu leans heavily toward seafood, favouring oysters, razor clams, wild prawns, and raw or lightly handled preparations that keep flavours direct.

Plates are designed for sharing as often as for solo indulgence, with chalkboard specials shifting alongside the seasons. The wine list is broad without being scattered, moving comfortably between France, Italy, North America, and organic or skin contact bottles. As the night progresses, the dining room tilts from polished to celebratory, a transition the restaurant has made its signature.

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.

Monopole plays it quiet, but it doesn’t miss. Open since 2017 on the edge of Old Montréal and Griffintown in Cité Multimedia, this café-buvette hybrid was built by five industry pros—Gabriel Gallant, Daniel Alvarez, François Larose, Ngoc-An Trinh, and a silent partner—who saw a gap in a neighbourhood saturated with chains but starved for soul. The name, borrowed from a fictional wine bar in one of their favourite books, nods to both their geeky streak and Québec’s singular wine landscape.

By day, it’s a coffee stop with pastries from Hof Kelsten and beans from 49th Parallel. By night, it shifts into a low-key wine bar with a sharp, seasonal menu: lobster rolls, venison tartare, “potato of the day,” and late-night snacks like spicy popcorn and liver mousse. The wine list leans natural, with small-producer bottles starting at $35. It’s intimate, affordable, and unflashy in all the right ways—a place to talk, eat well, and drink better.

Hidden in plain sight within the industrial bones of Griffintown’s Darling Foundry, Le Serpent plays it cool with its sleek, stripped-back interior and unapologetically sharp menu. This isn’t your grandmother’s Italian joint—expect refined plates that balance subtlety and boldness, with pastas like pappardelle laced with braised boar stealing the show.

The space is a study in contrasts: raw concrete meets moody lighting, while massive windows flood the room with daylight before it transitions into an atmospheric night spot. The kitchen doesn’t waste time on filler, focusing on clean, contemporary Italian flavours. The grilled fish and razor clams are highlights, but desserts by Masami Waki might actually outshine the mains. Pair it all with a bottle from the 250-strong wine list, and you’ve got a meal that feels as carefully constructed as the room itself. No frills, just finesse.

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.

Graziella brings the sophistication and heart of Italian cuisine to Old Montreal in a warm, modern setting. Opened in 2007 by chef Graziella Battista, along with Pierre Jullien and Alexandre Gagnon, this restaurant embodies an Italian culinary spirit, emphasizing quality, local ingredients, and careful seasonal selections. Known for her dedication to craft, Battista showcases elegant dishes such as osso buco, hand-made pastas, and fresh seafood, all prepared with finesse.

The ambiance is understated and chic, with high ceilings, exposed stone walls, and cozy banquettes. For intimate dinners or special events, Graziella offers private rooms and dedicated service, accommodating both small groups and larger gatherings. The wine list, curated by Jullien, features organic and biodynamic bottles from Italy and beyond, thoughtfully paired to enhance each dish.

Stellina from Montreal’s Novantuno group brings an Italian dining experience to Old Montreal that blends sophistication with nostalgia, paying homage to Italian culinary tradition while reaching beyond the ordinary. Situated on Saint-Jacques Street, Stellina is more than just a pasta spot—it’s a pastificio, a fresh pasta workshop where Chef Jonathan Agnello and his team meticulously handcraft intricate pasta shapes like scarpinocc and capunti, turning each plate into a showcase of regional Italian artistry.

Massimo Lecas, a veteran in Montreal’s nightlife and dining scene, envisioned Stellina as a space that honours the slow, deliberate processes of traditional Italian cooking. Designed by the Gauley Brothers, the space captures an elegant New York-meets-Italy vibe, with exposed brick, mirrored ceilings, and rich leather seating. In keeping with Italian tradition, the wine list is largely Italian, curated to highlight unique bottles that match the restaurant’s refined, artisanal ethos. A seat at the kitchen bar offers a front-row view of the pasta-making process, inviting diners to witness the dedication behind every bite.

Barroco opened in 2008, but the spirit behind it feels older—drawn from Mediterranean kitchens, Spanish taverns, and the worn stone walls of its Old Montreal address. The idea came from Jérémie Falissard, Louis Koorevaar, and Roberto Porres, who built a space where French, Italian, and Spanish traditions could live side by side in a setting equal parts elegance and comfort. Think braised beef, house paella, and an evolving menu grounded in seasonal ingredients. The bar’s seven seats offer a front-row view of Louis’s cocktail program, while sommelier Ayoub Lamnini oversees the room with ease. Everything here—decor, music, plating—has a personal touch, a legacy of three friends who wanted full creative control. Over the years, Barroco has hosted everything from intimate meals to private parties for U2. But its real staying power comes from consistency: good food, a warm welcome, and a sense that even after years gone by, it still feels like home.

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.

This venture comes from WITH Hospitality, the group known for spots like Ryu, Ayla, Sushi Dept, and Livi. Positioned in Old Montreal, Dorsia is a contemporary fine dining establishment that draws inspiration from the vibrant elegance of the 1980s, merging French and Italian culinary techniques. Canadian-born Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe, who boasts experience from Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Restaurant at Meadowood and Ensue, is behind the menu which features dishes like smoked burrata with fennel, hand-cut tagliatelle with local lamb ragu, and Quebec duck roasted with sea buckthorn berries.

The restaurant's design, a collaboration with Ivy Studio, marries elegance with incorporated wood millwork, marble, travertine, mirrors, and soft, indirect lighting. That said, the 100-seat venue is designed for sophisticated nights out, which is helped along by classic cocktails and a curated wine list.

Oncle Lee Kao reimagines modern Chinese-American cuisine in Old Montreal, building on the foundation of its Laurier West sibling while forging its own identity. Rather than adhering strictly to regional traditions, the menu takes a creative approach to familiar flavours—blending bold spices, wok-fired techniques, and flame-grilled elements.

Dishes range from a whole grilled seabream served in a fiery Sichuan-style broth to a brined, cumin-rubbed lamb skewer inspired by Northern Chinese street food. There’s also grilled octopus paired with lap cheong sausage and a house-made glaze, among other inventive takes. The high-ceilinged dining room, warmed by pale wood tones and anchored by a central bar, offers a lively yet refined setting. A semi-private space caters to groups without losing the restaurant’s energetic flow. With an appellation-driven wine selection and cocktails that layer Chinese influences into classic forms, Oncle Lee Kao delivers a fresh, dynamic experience—one that’s distinctly its own.

Dandy, tucked in the heart of Old Montreal, is a bright, stylish brunch spot where the food is as captivating as the space. Chef-owner Michael Tozzi has crafted a menu filled with dishes far from ordinary. Ricotta pancakes drenched in maple brown butter, the tangy and fresh “Endless Summer Breakfast” bowl, or a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich stacked with apple remoulade on a brioche bun are just a few of the highlights.

Dandy is all about quality ingredients, playful flavours, and an effortlessly cool vibe. The large windows flood the space with light, complementing the retro-modern decor that blends elegance and comfort. It’s no wonder there are often lines out the door—this is a brunch experience worth waiting for.

Olive et Gourmando, a fixture in Old Montreal since 1997, has mastered the art of comfort food with upscaled twists. Co-owners Dyan Solomon and Éric Girard have created a café that blends artisanal breads, rich pastries, and flavour-packed dishes that keep people coming back.

Popular items like the “poached egg on your face” panini or the house-made ricotta plate are available throughout the week, while weekend brunch highlights treats like brioche French toast with labneh and nut crumble. The space feels like a warm, inviting kitchen, with a cozy wooden interior and an irresistible pastry counter that’s always stocked.

Barbecue in Montreal usually means smoked meat, not smoked brisket—but John Lattuca is trying to change that. A world champion pitmaster with titles from Jack Daniel’s and the World Food Championships, Lattuca opened his Old Port restaurant with one goal: bring Texas-style, wood-fired barbecue to a city that didn’t know it needed it. His approach is purist. No sauces on the table, no reheats, and no gimmicks—just brisket, ribs, and pulled pork cooked low and slow in limited daily batches. When it’s gone, the doors close. That obsessive commitment to quality means everything is served at peak tenderness, straight off the fire. The space is small (just 45 seats), but the flavour is big. Even locals used to dry brisket or deli-style cuts end up converts. With a growing base of barbecue diehards and curious tourists, Lattuca’s blend of smoke science and stubborn authenticity is slowly carving out a niche of its own.

Capisco is chef Marcel Olivier Larrea’s love letter to his roots and a wild dive into Peruvian-Italian fusion that Montreal didn’t know it needed. Created alongside partners David Dumay and David Schmidt, the 70-seat place breathes life into Old Montreal’s former Papillon space, with a design that's weaving nostalgia into every corner—think vintage tiles and custom chandeliers that feel like they’ve seen a few good stories.

Chef Larrea’s menu cooks up bachiche cuisine, a heady mix of Italian and Peruvian traditions whichdraws on his heritage and the Italian diaspora’s influence on Peruvian cuisine: The dishes reinterpret classics with twists like ricotta gnocchi à la huancaína, while drinks like the Rosa do Botija marry Italian spirits with Peruvian leche de tigre.

Stash Café has been a fixture of Old Montreal since 1972, long before the cobblestone streets became a tourist backdrop. First opened by Stanislaw Pruszynski—“Stash” for short—the restaurant quickly evolved from a modest flea market hangout into a full-fledged Polish dining institution. Since 1978, it’s been run by a group of Polish women who’ve kept the atmosphere warm and the recipes faithful to tradition. After a fire destroyed a neighbouring building, the café relocated, complete with its antique convent furnishings, to its current spot on rue St-Sulpice, just steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica. The menu remains rooted in comfort: pierogi served with caramelized onions and sour cream, smoky kielbasa, rich zurek soup, and hearty cabbage rolls. Brunch adds scrambled eggs with sausage or sweet cheese-filled crepes. The vibe hasn’t changed in decades—and that’s exactly the point. Come for the bigos, stay for the music and familiar, well-worn charm.

Wolf and Workman from the Burgundy Lion Group is a must-visit destination in Old Montreal. Inspired by the rich history of two former Montreal mayors, Wolfred Nelson and William Workman, this English gastropub has an old-world charm with imposing stone walls, red leather seating, and a long wooden bar.

Its cozy yet elegant atmosphere is perfect for a leisurely weekend brunch or a casual pint. The menu is as hearty as it is refined, with pub staples like lamb pie alongside pasta and a knockout burger. Then there’s the impressive brunch offering with a solid menu that includes everything from full English breakfasts to duck Scotch eggs and croque madame.

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.

Da Emma is a chapter of Roman culinary history brought to life in Old Montreal. Tucked into a centuries-old stone cellar, this institution has been serving unapologetically traditional Italian fare since 1993. Passed down through generations, its recipes—like tender polpette, roasted lamb, and fettuccine with porcini mushrooms—embody a no-frills approach to cooking where technique and quality ingredients take center stage.

The space feels timeless, with vaulted stone ceilings and walls lined with photos of celebrity diners and loyal locals alike. The vibe is as warm and unpretentious as the food, though the experience comes with a hefty price tag. On the drinks side, a sommelier-curated wine list leans heavily Italian, complementing the menu’s robust flavors without overshadowing them.

Reservations are tough to snag, but the payoff is a meal steeped in tradition and atmosphere—a rare combination that makes Da Emma a cornerstone of Montreal’s culinary scene.

Hayat is the latest project helmed by chef Joseph Awad of Griffintown’s SHAY, a new spot in the Old Port with a menu billed as a series of inspirations culled from the Lebanese sea and Syrian mountains alongside fine dining adaptations from Awad A few dishes pull from those geographies like shrimp in an arak-tomato sauce or a Mediterranean halibut with a potato galette and sauce vierge, and in addition to classic mezze and traditional dishes like richly spiced soujouk sausage and shish taouk plates, you’ll get choices like lamb shawarma tacos, baklawa pancakes, roasted vegetable tarts. The swish interior design by Montreal’s own Ivy Studio helps elevate the night out, particularly though a central fabric chandelier evoking the mountain ranges of Lebanon.

In a quiet corner of Old Montreal, Dispensa has been serving Italian coffee, sandwiches, and pantry staples since 2014. Founded by brothers Antony and Aldo Molinaro with their longtime friend Daniel Guerrera, the café blends the spirit of an old-country alimentari with the rhythm of a neighbourhood lunch counter. The space is compact—part espresso bar, part grocery—but it punches above its weight when it comes to flavour. There’s always a rush at lunch for warm focaccia piled with porchetta or breaded chicken, finished with house sauces like basil mayo or marinated eggplant. Mornings start with a caffè and a bombolone, and the shelves are stocked with imported olive oil, panettone, and prepared dishes. Antony usually works the front, greeting customers like family, while Daniel handles the grill and Aldo pours one of the area’s most reliable espressos. There’s seating inside, and a bench out front when the weather plays nice.

“Our cuisine takes risks. In the beginning, people would freak out about how we present things, or include other cuisines, and the risk-taking is what sets us apart,” chef Mike Lafaille told us when we caught with him at his location for Kwizinn in Old Montreal.

At this address, Lafaille's trying out new avenues in his cooking. Apart from keeping bangers like his plantain burger, it’s a far cry from his old platters with rice, salad, and pikliz: Here, the new chapter’s aspiring to experiments that explore Caribbean cuisines further with things like oysters served with a calamansi sabayon, empanadas with scotch bonnet jam, short rib bao buns with a hoisin-mango sauce, or plantain hummus with a lemon confit.

La Cave à Manger feels like it belongs in another era—part Old World bakery, part low-key wine bar, all operating from a compact cellar space on Saint-Paul Street. At the helm is Raphaël Creton, who grew up above his father’s restaurant a few blocks away and now brings the same commitment to craft to his own place. Bread is the throughline here: long-fermented, naturally leavened, and made with organic flour and filtered water. The result? Pizzas with crackling cornmeal crusts, sourdough baguettes that hold their chew, and viennoiseries like pistachio-orange blossom rolls that rarely survive the morning rush. The jambon beurre is a standout—built with Isle-aux-Grues cheddar, French cornichons, and house ham on signature baguette. Wine lovers will appreciate the curated cellar, where the bottles are priced more like a dépanneur than a dining room. There’s limited seating, but in summer, the terrace offers a quiet spot to linger with something flakey and fermented.

Montreal’s reigning brunch crew shifts gears with Paparmane, a maximalist tea salon from the team behind Régine and Janine Café. Just steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica, the 57-seat room is decked out in Rococo drama: velvet chairs, vintage china, chandeliers with birds, and waitstaff trained to deliver “wow.” Founder Pierre-Luc Chevalier channels his hotelier past into every detail, from the bespoke tableware to the “magic guide” every employee carries. Tea is the main act—18 types curated by sommelier Elyse Perreault (aka Lady T)—but food holds its own: devilled eggs get truffled, grilled cheese is studded with walnuts and 1608 cheese, and cucumber sandwiches veer off course with miso and salmon. Even cocktails arrive in teapots. With no allegiance to British tradition beyond the tiered service, Paparmane is more theatrical brunch sequel than quaint tearoom revival—and all the better for it.

Helena Loureiro has spent over a decade refining what Portuguese fine dining can look like in Montreal. At her namesake restaurant on McGill Street, the approach is grounded in tradition but styled for a modern palate—petiscos to start, plenty of cod and octopus, and mains that span from pan-seared fish to flame-kissed Angus beef. The space itself is pared-back but elegant, with warm lighting and attentive service that never tips into stiffness. Designed by Agostino De Reggi, the room echoes the menu: sophisticated, but grounded. While the caldo verde and bacalhau dishes nod to Loureiro’s roots, there’s nothing static about the food here. Each plate walks a line between comfort and precision. It’s the kind of spot regulars keep in rotation—for celebrations or just because they know what’s good—and it’s quietly held its place as one of Old Montreal’s most consistent bets for Portuguese cuisine with finesse.

Gibbys is a Montreal dining icon, steeped in history and housed in a stunning 200-year-old stone building in Old Montreal. With fireplaces, dim lighting, and original wooden beams, the ambiance is irresistibly old-world, offering a warm, elegant setting that transports guests back in time. Known for its high-quality seafood and prime cuts of expertly aged steaks, Gibbys serves up a classic, hearty menu designed for indulgence, accompanied by a meticulously curated wine list.

Upon arrival, diners are treated to freshly baked bread, dill pickles, and crumbled bacon, setting the tone for an experience that celebrates fine food and timeless charm. Signature dishes range from chilled oysters and broiled steaks to the famed Monte Carlo potatoes, and each main course includes a refreshing lemon sorbet and a choice of sides. The attentive staff ensures that every detail of the meal is exceptional, from perfect wine pairings to impeccable service.

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.

Opened in 2001 by Faruk Ahmed, Restaurant Gandhi brought refined Indian dining to a part of Montreal better known for French bistros and steak frites. The goal was simple: combine elegance with authenticity. Set in a classic Old Montreal stone building, the restaurant trades flash for formality—white tablecloths, carved wooden chairs, warm colours, and a quiet, dignified atmosphere. Chef Ali Monnaf’s menu spans the classics—tandoori platters, fragrant biryanis, creamy butter chicken, and bold vindaloos—with a few standout dishes like the Korahi lamb and a solid range of vegetarian options. There’s also a curated wine list and a short selection of Indian beers. Lunch draws business crowds, while dinner leans romantic or celebratory. Gandhi doesn’t try to reinvent the cuisine, but it does offer a polished take that’s rare in the neighbourhood. For those seeking familiar dishes served with care and a little ceremony, this one’s earned its long-standing reputation.

Jellyfish Crudo + Charbon doesn’t shy away from drama—nor should it. Set in a striking heritage corner space with 16-foot ceilings, towering windows, and an eye for high-gloss detail, this Old Montreal spot pulls off the rare trick of feeling both theatrical and grounded. Co-owned by hospitality veterans Francis Rodrigue and Roberto Pesut, the restaurant divides its menu between raw (crudo) and charcoal-grilled (charbon) dishes, each crafted with an eye toward global influences and bold presentation. Think kampachi crudo with yuzu kosho, grilled wagyu, or octopus done over fire. The cocktails are just as considered, and the mezzanine offers a bird’s-eye view of the velvet, chartreuse, and crystal-lit interior. Whether you’re here for a full dinner or a well-poured drink at the bar, Jellyfish delivers glamour with a serious culinary backbone—proof that showmanship and substance don’t have to be at odds.