Where to eat a great dinner on a Monday night in Montreal

Rita brings a homey yet vibrant dining experience to the corner of Wellington and Regina in Verdun. This cozy spot, a collaborative project by Sophie Bergeron and Joey D’Alleva—who named the restaurant after their grandmothers—fuses Italian roots with a Montreal sensibility. Inside, the warm ambiance, vintage terrazzo floors, and natural light set the stage for meals that feel equal parts intimate and stylish, with family photos watching over the tables and Carta’s design preserving the space’s history.

In the kitchen, Joey draws inspiration from his Italian nonna’s recipes, elevating them with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The concise menu highlights Neapolitan-style pizzas, made in a Forno Bravo oven, and includes creations like a corn cream pie and another topped with mushroom paste and smoked creminis. Fresh pasta, comforting mains like osso bucco, and small plates of fried polenta and local charcuterie round out the offerings.

Raised in Saint-Henri, brothers Alex and Mat Winnicki grew up eating across Montreal, absorbing the city’s patchwork food culture long before cooking professionally. Their first move with their now-famous restaurant Satay Brothers wasn’t a dining room but a hawker-style stall at Atwater Market, built around Singaporean street staples meant to be fast, flavour-forward, and repeatable.

That DNA still shapes the operation today. The Notre-Dame Street restaurant expanded gradually, mirroring demand rather than chasing scale, while the menu stayed anchored to its originals: satays, laksa, papaya salad, rendang. The cooking favours spice balance over spectacle, with most elements made in-house and desserts drawn directly from family recipes. Satay Brothers works because it behaves like a market stall at heart—casual, generous, and designed to be returned to often, not just discovered once.

McKiernan Luncheonette, a sprawling spot from the team behind Joe Beef and Maison Publique, redefines casual dining in Montreal’s Sud-Ouest. Positioned to cater to the day-to-day needs of locals, McKiernan occupies a vibrant space on St-Patrick Street, serving straightforward, yet inventive breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Expect comforting staples like rotisserie chicken and unique all-day breakfast options, accompanied by a modest selection of natural wines and beers. With its capacity for large groups and a flair for hosting, it promises more than just a meal—expect a culinary event designed for community engagement and pure delights.

Set below the 7m-high ceilings of a century-old heritage building in Saint-Henri, Savsav—a play on words from “ceux qui savent savent” (or IYKYK)—is the new all-day social club. Along with a beautiful, naturally-lit ambiance with custom furniture and a six-foot light fixture of white oak, waxed cord, and 60,000 handmade glass beads by artist @jamiewolfond, the project comes from BarBara alumni and serves coffee and tea by day and mostly natural private import wine and cocktails by night, as well as a menu for breakfast/lunch/dinner that evolves; there’s a different menu every week on Thursdays and Fridays.

In Saint-Henri, Elena emerges as a testament to Italian cuisine reimagined. Opened in early 2018 by the team behind Nora Gray, this spot pays homage to inspiring individuals like Elena Pantaleoni, whose spirit infuses the establishment’s warm, unpretentious hospitality. It integrates seamlessly into the neighborhood, reflecting its evolution with a vibrant, inviting space designed by Kyle Adams Goforth. The menu, crafted by Emma Cardarelli and Janice Tiefenbach, showcases dynamic iterations of Italian classics—from artisanal pizzas to homemade pastas, all complemented by Ryan Gray’s meticulously curated natural wine list. This new culinary landmark not only promises exquisite dishes but also embodies a modern trattoria's soul, where every detail underscores a commitment to quality and community.

Its rotating menus of upscale, seasonal fare will keep you guessing, but the buzzy ambiance and service at this Saint-Henri eatery will make you feel like you’re immediately at home.

Nozy is the kind of small Japanese spot that regulars swear by. Chef Nozomu Takeuchi, originally from Hokkaido, first opened his 20-seat neighbourhood restaurant in Saint-Henri in 2015 with a simple goal: to serve home-style Japanese food—the kind you’d find in kitchens across Japan, not just sushi counters. Takeuchi moved Nozy to La Petite-Patrie in 2025, but it's still the exact same quality.

The menu leans into teishoku-style meals, where a main dish is served with rice, miso soup, and a rotation of seasonal side dishes. Expect options like chirashi bowls layered with fresh salmon, sweet shrimp, and quail egg, karaage fried chicken that crackles on first bite, and a seafood-packed kaisen don for sashimi lovers. The omakase experience on Friday nights is a standout—an ever-changing, chef’s-choice tasting menu that draws in die-hards.

The decor is simple and intimate, with wooden tables, white walls, and a tiny open kitchen, letting the food take center stage. Sake imports and a short wine list round out the experience, but really, you come to Nozy for the comfort, quality, and care in every dish.

Westmount’s worst-kept secret, Chez Nick has been serving up all-day breakfasts, stacked sandwiches, and classic diner fare since 1920. Tucked away on Greene Avenue, this storied eatery has outlasted decades of change while keeping its old-school charm intact.

From bacon and eggs to kale salads, the menu has evolved, but the club sandwich remains untouchable. The place has drawn everyone from politicians and rock stars to longtime regulars who practically have their own seats. Even during tough times—think the 1998 ice storm—Chez Nick stayed open, keeping the coffee hot and the neighborhood fed.

Despite its polished look, this is still a diner at heart, where loyalty runs deep and comfort food reigns supreme. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or settling in for a long lunch, Chez Nick is the kind of place you keep coming back to—for 100 years and counting.

Gentile Pizza Parlour isn’t your average pizzeria. Run by the second-generation Gentiles—Anthony Jr., Paolo, and Anna Maria—the Westmount spot expands on the family’s well-loved Café Gentile brand with a deep dive into New York-style pizza and Sicilian “Brooklyn-style” squares. Designed by Zébulon Perron, the space channels the charm of 1980s New York and childhood rec rooms with a bit of Italian retro flair and a slice counter that feels ready-made for the 'hood.

In the kitchen, pizzaiolos master their dough to the fore through every detail from hydration levels to a just-right pepperoni with intense dried-cured flavour. The pizzas range from classic 16-inch pies to indulgent creations like the white truffle and seven-cheese pizza with cipollini onion and truffle honey. It’s elevated while staying humble: light yet satisfying, with each ingredient in balance.

Chalet Bar-B-Q is a piece of Montreal history. Established in 1944, this NDG haunt has earned a near-cult following for its simple, consistently mouth-watering recipe: fresh chickens, charcoal-roasted ‘til crispy and golden. Marcel Mauron, a Swiss immigrant, opened the place during WWII with a singular vision that endures today—no frills, just flawless rotisserie served with fries and a legendary, almost mysterious, gravy.

The place hasn’t changed much since the ‘40s: the knotty pine panelling and family-style booths are as much a staple as the bird itself. Devoted diners rave about the sauce, a guarded recipe that regulars dip everything into, from chicken to fries to toasted buns (we’ll never forget Derek Dammann’s recommendation of making a taco out of the bun). It’s a nostalgic, finger-licking pilgrimage here, and 80 years later, it’s still delivering the same magic.

Mano Cornuto didn’t arrive fully formed. It was built in real time, on a then-uncertain Griffintown corner, by a group of partners figuring things out as they went. Opened in 2019 by alumni of Foxy, Garde Manger, and Crew Collective, the café landed just ahead of the pandemic and never really stopped moving. Instead of closing, it adapted: pizzas, meal kits, shortened teams, longer days. That stretch quietly shaped what Mano would become.

Today, it runs all day, every day, balancing Italian café culture with Montreal pragmatism. The food stays rooted—fresh pasta, daily focaccia, familiar plates—while the room hums with different crowds cycling through from lunch to late evening. It’s less about destination dining than building rhythm, and that consistency is what turned a risky address into a reliable institution.

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.

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.

If you’re in Montreal and craving a bowl of soul-warming noodle soup, this tiny Chinatown gem delivers every time—if you can snag a seat. Famous for its hand-pulled noodles, the menu offers an impressive range of noodle sizes, from delicate strands to udon-like thickness, all cooked to chewy perfection. The star dish is the Traditional Lan Zhou Hand-pulled Beef Noodle Soup, a harmonious mix of rich, daikon-infused broth, tender beef (albeit occasionally a bit firm), and noodles that soak up every ounce of flavour.

Portions are huge—splitting a bowl is a real option—and the value is unbeatable. Add a side to your order for variety, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is hearty. The vibe is fast casual, service is lightning-quick, and the line moves faster than you’d think. Whether you’re dining solo or with friends, this spot hits all the right notes for a comforting, no-frills experience.

Some restaurants try to make a splash. Molenne just feels like it’s always been here. Housed in a former hay depot from Montreal’s first racetrack, this brasserie is built on layers of history. Banquettes salvaged from Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, chimney plaques repurposed as decor, a 32-year-old fridge given a second life—everything about Molenne leans into the past while pushing forward.

But don’t mistake it for a nostalgia act. Chef Louis-Joseph Rochefort (Attica, Australia) is at the helm, turning brasserie staples into something sharper: black cod in shiitake broth, braised cabbage with escargots, white charcutière sauce. The bar, run by Gia Bach Nguyen (Gia), pours cocktails on tap, while a 5,000-bottle wine cellar stocks everything from rare vintages to solid $50 picks.

Kamúy is chef Paul Toussaint’s broadest statement yet—less a single-island portrait than a shared Caribbean table set in the middle of the Quartier des Spectacles. The cooking moves across borders, pulling from Haitian, Antillean, and Latin traditions, then grounding them in Quebec ingredients and fine-dining technique. The menu leans toward small plates built for passing and tasting: accras, jerk-spiced seafood, bright salads, and mains that balance smoke, heat, and sweetness without crowding the palate. The room mirrors the food’s energy, with music, colour, and artwork evoking the bustle of an open-air market rather than a formal dining room. Cocktails, heavy on rum, mezcal, and tropical aromatics, keep pace. Kamúy works best as a gathering place—pre-show, long dinner, or anything in between—where culture, food, and rhythm share equal billing.

Tiradito is a Peruvian-Japanese Nikkei bar that’s made waves with its lively vibe and unforgettable menu. The brainchild of David Schmidt, Marcel Olivier Larrea, David Dumay, and Sébastien Jacques, Tiradito centres on a 60-seat bar where guests can watch every culinary move, turning dining into a performance.

The design—crafted by Schmidt—pairs turquoise accents with warm wood beams and lush greenery, giving the space an inviting, laid-back feel. Chef Larrea’s menu is a colourful, spicy Nikkei fusion of Peruvian and Japanese traditions, featuring shareable plates like pescado, verduras, and carne. Cocktails like the Chilcano and Pisco Sour bring fresh Peruvian flair to the bar, alongside local beers and a smart wine selection.

Le Majestique’s a lively bar first established in 2014, and it’s been boasting a dynamic atmosphere and top-notch cuisine ever since. Decorated by Thomas Csano with a blend of kitsch and curios, Majestique's ambiance invites patrons to indulge in delectable small plates highlighting seafood and seasonal vegetables. Signature dishes like the 12-inch Gaspor pork hot dog are crowd-pleasers and easy date night winners, as is the stellar oyster service. Beyond that, the bar's extensive drink options feature natural wines, microbrews, and classic cocktails, all up for grabs until the late hours.

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.

Kitano Shokudo is the kind of place chefs will send you about when asked where they eat on their nights off. Run by Hiroshi Kitano, a self-taught chef with a deep respect for balance and technique, this Plateau bistro is a love letter to Japanese cuisine—elevated, yet unfussy. Kitano, who cut his teeth with the Otto Group (hence the former name Otto Bistro) before setting out on his own, brings an obsessive attention to detail to every dish, whether it’s jewel-like chirashi, crispy karaage, or rich mazemen noodles topped with duck confit.

The menu leans into seasonality, with specials that veer into unexpected yet deeply comforting territory—think wild boar mapo tofu or a luscious uni carbonara. Fish is a constant star, often sourced straight from Japan, while housemade tsukemono and a sharp, compact sake list round out the experience. The goal here isn’t expansion—it’s intimacy. With fewer seats and a loyal clientele, Kitano Shokudo is about proximity: to the chef, to the craft, and to a kind of soulful cooking that keeps regulars coming back.

A progenitor in the Montreal scene for taking Japanese cooking and treating it to French techniques and presentations, Hiroshi Kitano’s bistro in the Plateau is a must—especially the omakase.

One of the latest and greatest on Griffintown's dining scene, Nolan offers a familiar yet refreshing ambiance, reminiscent of cherished gatherings with friends. Under the expert guidance of Chef Tyler Flamand, formerly of Knuckles, the menu sings with seasonal local produce. Communal small plates pave the way for a traditional spread of vegetables, pasta, meats, and fish.

While every dish at Nolan is a delight, the Nolan Roll stands out. A gourmet twist on the cheese stick, it melds Montreal smoked meat, Emmental cheese, and sauerkraut, perfectly complemented by a red bell pepper sauce. It's an unmissable treat that keeps patrons coming back for more.

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.

Damas operates at a scale that feels almost defiant in Montreal: a vast, richly detailed dining room devoted entirely to generosity. Opened by chef Fuad Alnirabie, the restaurant treats Syrian cuisine as both craft and ceremony, built around mezze meant for sharing, bread baked constantly, and charcoal-grilled meats that anchor the meal. The cooking leans bright and aromatic—fattoush heavy on herbs and lemon, hummus crowned with lamb, vegetables treated with the same care as meat. Lamb appears often and confidently, braised, grilled, or folded into larger compositions.

The room hums nightly, fuelled by families, long tables, and a service team that knows how to pace abundance without rushing it. Sit near the kitchen if you can; watching pita balloon and grills flare is part of the experience.

Sparrow, nestled in Montreal’s vibrant Mile End, is a cozy, British-inspired bar and brunch spot that’s charmed locals for years. With its warm, tavern-like atmosphere—complete with old church pews, antique lighting, and vintage trunks—Sparrow is both inviting and stylish. The menu here pays homage to classic British fare while drawing inspiration from global flavours.

By day, you’ll find traditional offerings like the full English breakfast alongside Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian-inspired dishes such as shakshuka, a breakfast bánh mì with pork belly or eggplant, and a Turkish breakfast platter loaded with feta, olives, flatbread, and merguez. Beyond brunch, Sparrow’s evening menu features small plates with Indian influences, like their standout butter chicken, plus craft cocktails.

Local restaurateur extraordinaire Richard Holder and his collaborators has done it again with Miracolo, an Italian-forward restaurant next to Schwartz's on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Designed in collaboration with Thomas Csano, it's yet another astounding space to dine in, dressed to the nines in every single nook, cranny, and angle you care to look in with vague moments of religiosity—think Madonna statuettes, a cow's head with a halo, or communion wafers at the entrance.

In the kitchen, it's chefs Alejandro Vega and Pierre Morneau. Their menu's a versatile one, offering a little of every size of dish and snack to meet their aims of being open every day of the week: Stop in for a few cocktails and some ricotta or anchovies on toast, or settle in for a more substantial meal of dishes like broccolini or endive salad, skewers of grilled mortadella, crudos, carpaccios, and a lot of fresh pasta that you see being made if you grab one of the table in the back dining room.

It's a bustling spot: At 100-ish seats, this has been a runaway hit since it opened. A great spot if you want that quintessential experience of rubbing shoulders with a neighbour as you chow down and feel the energy of an active address.

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.

On Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Cadet offers a laid-back twist on fine dining, where bold flavours and fresh ingredients meet a buzzing, unpretentious vibe. It trades formality for fun, serving up a rotating menu of shareable plates that blur the line between comfort food and culinary art. Think yellowfin tuna tartare with yuzu, charred octopus in a smoky romesco, and veggies that somehow steal the show.

Housed in a former army surplus store, Cadet’s stripped-down aesthetic—crafted by architect Gilles Maillé—pairs minimalist decor with industrial edges. The open bar invites you to linger over natural wines or a sharp cocktail while the music hums just loud enough to keep things lively. Whether you’re diving into a spread of bold plates or just grabbing a drink with friends, Cadet is where Montreal’s food scene gets its groove back.

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. Come for the bigos, stay for the music and familiar, well-worn charm.

After ten years running Machiavelli, a French-Italian bistro in Pointe-Saint-Charles, chef Natassia Marier was ready for something that felt more personal. The result is Sep Lai, a BYOB Laotian restaurant named after the phrase meaning “that was delicious.” Opened in 2021 in the same space, Sep Lai is a shift toward her mother’s heritage—salty-sour salads, fermented fish sauce, sticky rice, and spring rolls she once learned to fold at her mother’s side. Not long after opening, Marier was joined by chef Line Thongvan, a longtime Thai Express creative turned independent caterer. Born in Laos and raised in Montreal, Line brings humour, fire, and a graphic designer’s eye to everything from menu development to late-night colouring book PDFs. Together, they’re building something that’s rooted in family but made for the present: traditional Lao flavours, room for experimentation, and a casual warmth that makes even first-timers feel like regulars.

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.

Marci's ode to 1960s Italian sports bars and New Jersey vibes was spearheaded by a team of serial restaurateurs including David Schmidt and Hideyuki Imaizumi, as well as sommelier Julien Patenaude, DJ and La Rama owner Kris Guilty, jack-of-all-trades Marc-André Patry, and chef Alex Geoffrion for whom this restaurant marks his debut.

Here, the menu is compact yet vibrant, featuring dishes like clams casino, an anchovy-rich Caesar salad, and notably crispy hybrid pizzas influenced by New York, New Haven, and New Jersey styles. The ambiance is enhanced by a carefully selected wine list and a dynamic sound system, making it more than just another pizza spot—it's a cultural homage with a twist.