What started as Quebec’s first wine and dessert bar has evolved into something sharper: a sensual, precision-driven spot in Little Italy where savoury plates and plated desserts go head-to-head—and both win. Run by pastry chefs with a flair for savoury technique, the kitchen leans into texture, temperature, and balance, whether you’re eating sweet potato agnolotti or a Tunisian-style brik pastry stuffed with saffron and honey. The wine list, curated by co-founder Jared Tuck, blends natural and classic bottles with an unusually deep bench of dessert wines—over 40 by the glass. There’s always a tasting menu (vegan options too), but even a solo visit for cocktails and one of their infamous late-night sweets feels intentional. It’s refined without being stiff, elegant without being exclusive. Ratafia might be built on desserts, but there’s nothing saccharine about it.

Hakka cuisine—fiery, fragrant, forged on the streets of Kolkata and Mumbai—finally has a proper home in Montreal thanks to Oorja. Chef Camara Boodram and owner Charan Vaddadi bring Indo-Chinese cooking into sharper focus at this Saint-Henri spot, with wok-fired momos, chilli paneer, braised five-spice pork belly, and Manchurian veggie balls that punch far above their $15 price tag. It’s bold, nostalgic food for anyone who grew up on Gobi Manchurian and late-night schezwan noodles, but Oorja’s drinks program takes it further: cocktails with masala bitters, tamarind, and cashew orgeat, plus baiju in the mix for good measure. The name means “energy,” and the place has plenty of it—vibrant, comforting, and unafraid to take a few risks. If you’re after something different than the usual Tuesday pasta or bistro fare, this place flips the script.

Kazamaza has quietly become a beloved institution in Montréal’s dining scene, offering a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern flavors in a cozy, unpretentious setting. Since its opening, the restaurant has captivated locals with its warm, exposed brick interior and a menu that celebrates the diverse culinary traditions of Syria and Lebanon. Under the guidance of chef Mostafa Daham, each dish is prepared with meticulous care, whether it’s the simple yet flavorful kibbe nayyé or the richly layered fatteh. The menu is designed for sharing, encouraging diners to explore a variety of meze and entrées that showcase the vibrant, aromatic spices of the region.

The ambiance at Kazamaza is relaxed and inviting, with a focus on enjoying good food at a leisurely pace. Whether you’re savoring a glass of arak or diving into a plate of makanek, the experience feels both familiar and transporting. For those seeking a genuine taste of the Middle East in Montréal, Kazamaza offers an exceptional and affordable culinary journey.

Oncle Lee on Laurier Avenue West redefines Chinese dining with a distinctly Montreal twist. A creation of Andersen Lee and the minds behind Bouillon Bilk, the restaurant’s simple yet elegantly adorned space with sleek black banquettes and Chinese lanterns reflects a deep reverence for both the culinary and cultural aspects of Lee’s heritage. The menu reimagines traditional Chinese dishes through a local lens, featuring items like chow mein alongside innovative offerings such as steamed oysters with black bean. Oncle Lee also boasts a compelling drink selection, including bespoke cocktails and a thoughtful wine list, so meals celebrate refined tastes and communal dining.

Bringing a slice of Rome to Montreal’s Saint-Henri, La Spada is a love letter to Italian cuisine and culture. With its richly adorned interior—plush banquettes, rococo candelabras, and a marble-topped bar dubbed “purgatory”—the restaurant transforms dining into an experience of theatrical elegance. Helmed by Scott Usheroff and Steve Marcone, this osteria combines the warmth of a neighbourhood gathering spot with the refinement of Roman fine dining.

The menu delivers timeless Italian dishes like cacio e pepe, vitello saltimbocca, and fried Roman-style suppli while also introducing inventive offerings such as butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sage sauce. Diners can tear into house-made focaccia, swirl squid ink linguine, and toast with classic aperitifs or curated Roman wines.

“Our goal was to create more than a restaurant—we wanted a sense of community and belonging,” says Marcone. "We wanted to create a sense of church. People don’t just come to eat; they come to hang out and feel like they belong long before they walk through our doors.”

A cornerstone of Montreal’s Little Italy, Impasto merges tradition and innovation in Italian cuisine with unapologetic finesse. Helmed by Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione—two names synonymous with the city’s culinary scene—the restaurant offers a menu that celebrates regional Italian cooking through a local lens. From house-cured charcuterie to saffron-laced tagliatelle, every dish balances rustic authenticity with a polished edge. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, which rotates often but never misses staples like the famed Gaspor porchetta and spelt gnocchi.

Designed by Zébulon Perron, the space reflects the menu’s duality: industrial minimalism softened by warm, inviting touches. With just 50 seats and a front-row bar overlooking the open kitchen, the dining experience is as intimate as it is refined. And the wine? A thoughtful curation of Italian and Quebec labels, expertly selected to elevate every plate. Impasto isn’t just a meal—it’s a masterclass in modern Italian dining.

A labor of love by partners Kristin and Johnny, Keela warmly welcomes diners to its intimate and charming space in the Village. Bringing a wealth of experience and passion to their neighbourhood, Johnny’s a seasoned chef with stints at Lucille’s Oyster Dive and Park who applies himself to a menu rich in comfort food classics and daily specials, while Kristin ensures a seamless dining experience on the floor. Signature dishes include wood-fired flatbreads, burgers, steak frites, and appetizers like piri piri shrimp and celery root carpaccio. With a customizable three-course sharing menu on offer as well as a drink selection including organic and natural wines and house-crafted cocktails, it’s great place to enjoy a wooden terrace by summer, and a warm interior of brick walls, wood floors, and a large bay window in the winter.

Back when we got in touch with the chef running the show of this new spot in Villeray, Charles-Tristan Prévost, we were told that while Casavant is a proper French brasserie, it’s very much meant to be the kind of place you could roll through in shorts in the summer. That means this place from vinvinvin alumni and other industry vets is making a point of keeping things fun and casual while upholding quality. In a slicky designed place by MRDK, the kitchen churns out classics like tartare, tartes Provençale, chanterelle risotto, and more thatès carefully with wines from owner Matisse Deslauriersès wine import agency, À Boire Debout, which pulls in bottles from Italy and France with a bit of the States, Spain and Germany as well.

John Winter Russell’s classic restaurant for refined seasonal dishes inside a deconsecrated church is an exploration of landscape through food, where the cooking is both intriguing and engaging.

Brasserie Harricana, a standout in Montreal's microbrewery scene since 2015, blends classy craft beer with an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Located on Jean-Talon West, this chic spot offers over three dozen beers on tap, many brewed onsite, with options from visiting breweries. The airy, light-filled interior features retro touches and a spacious outdoor terrace. Co-founders Marie-Pier Veilleux and Cynthia Santamaria draw inspiration from the original 1975 Harricana in Amos, Quebec, creating a space where everyone feels at home. Complementing the diverse beer selection, the menu features comforting dishes, perfect for sharing and enjoying in a beautiful setting.

Rosemont’s cozy neighbourhood restaurant Mastard quickly became a destination for those seeking inventive, seasonal cuisine grounded in local ingredients in the years following its opening during the pandemic. Helmed by Chef Simon Mathys and his wife, Viki Brisson-Sylvestre, the restaurant’s five-course tasting menus showcase Quebec’s rich bounty with creativity and precision according to the seasons. Known for his time at establishments like Manitoba, Mathys brings a locally celebrated expertise to each plate, offering dishes that are both elegant and unpretentious.

Mastard’s commitment to natural wines and Quebec spirits adds a thoughtful touch to the dining experience, while the casual yet refined atmosphere makes it feel like a gem to any newcomer. The menu changes frequently, with every dish crafted to highlight the best ingredients available at any given time.

The Plateau’s La Matraca is a humble taqueria with an atmosphere reminiscent of Mexico City’s no-nonsense taco joints. The menu offers the essentials—tacos filled with suadero, chuleta, and al pastor—that stay true to their roots. Suadero, a specialty, arrives tender and flavorful, while the al pastor is a satisfying balance of marinated pork, cilantro, and pineapple. Though the space is minimal, with cafeteria-style seating and a bustling open kitchen, the focus remains squarely on the food. It’s an unpretentious spot where simple ingredients and traditional techniques come together, delivering a slice of authenticity.

Bistro Amerigo has been a cornerstone of NDG dining since 2014, blending old-school Italian traditions with a welcoming neighbourhood vibe. Named after owner Steve Marcone’s father and son, this compact eatery serves up hearty, authentic fare that feels as if it’s straight from a nonna’s kitchen. The menu is stacked with Italian classics, from tender homemade meatballs to cavatelli with sausage and rapini, all complemented by a thoughtful selection of private-import wines from Rome and Sicily.

The space exudes charm, while the no-reservations policy means you’ll need patience—but the payoff is worth it. Standout dishes like fried calamari and gnocchi funghi e tartufata are the kind of meals you’ll want to savour slowly, though the generous negronis might make you linger longer than intended. Amerigo is less a restaurant and more a communal table where NDG gathers to eat, drink, and connect.

Known for their level of creativity that hinges on the unhinged, this French restaurant’s stupefying theatrics are well-known both in the dining room and on its plates.

At Montréal Plaza, whimsy isn’t a garnish—it’s baked right into the DNA. Chefs Charles-Antoine Crête and Cheryl Johnson run the kitchen like a well-oiled experiment: playful, unpredictable, but anchored by technique. The dining room, designed by Zébulon Perron, hints at the surreal—plastic dinosaurs on the pass, Elmo sightings at the bar—but the cooking is no joke. Sashimi de pétoncles arrives on a toy triceratops, layered with citrus and quinoa; a whelk gratin might follow, then foie gras with strawberries, and a dessert that’s basically fruit gone punk. The à la carte is ever-shifting, but the tasting menu (introduced by demand) has become the house favourite.

French methods meet global flavour, with Johnson grounding Crête’s improvisational streak. Even with its absurdist touches, the place runs tight and tastes sharp. Plaza doesn’t just blur the line between high dining and irreverence—it makes it irrelevant.

One meal here and you’ll no longer be surprised why its tables are in such high demand: This restaurant has single-handedly stolen the show when it comes to eating a fantastically delicious Italian meal.

Blending Korean and Japanese influences with a Montreal touch, Jako keeps things simple but deeply satisfying. The menu focuses on well-executed comfort dishes, from pork donburi with fried kimchi to chicken katsu curry and stir-fried noodle bowls. A favourite for its rich, balanced flavours and unpretentious approach, the restaurant draws steady crowds, making reservations a smart move. The atmosphere is cozy, the service is welcoming, and every dish is plated with care. While the menu isn’t sprawling, it’s designed so that each visit offers something new to try—whether that’s a cheese-stuffed katsu, a comforting bowl of miso soup, or a perfectly layered rice bowl. Fusion spots can be hit or miss, but Jako gets it right.

Darna Bistroquet feels like walking into someone’s home—if that someone happened to be a seasoned Moroccan host with a thing for natural wine and seasonal vegetables. On Tuesdays, this Petite-Patrie bistro is just the right pace: unhurried, inviting, and packed with share plates that lean North African and Mediterranean. Expect warm spices, slow-cooked meats, confit onions, and the kind of crêpes that could double as dessert or dinner. The space itself was designed by co-owner Selma Laroussi, a landscape architect, and it shows—intimate and grounded without feeling precious. Her partner, Otman Amer (ex-Ferreira), leads the kitchen with Méline Besson, cooking in rhythm with what’s fresh from the Arrivage network of local farms. The wine list goes heavy on the Mediterranean, with plenty by the glass, plus non-alcoholic options that actually taste like something. Call it comfort food, but with sharper edges and better lighting.

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.

Brama is a rising star on Montreal’s Italian dining scene, passionately helmed by Chef John Hanna. With over 20,000 hours spent mastering Italian cuisine in some of the city’s finest kitchens, Hanna brings his experience and dedication to Brama, established in 2020. His focus is clear: delivering authentic, high-quality Mediterranean dishes with an emphasis on simple, natural ingredients and refined flavour. Brama’s menu features hand-tossed pizzas, fresh pastas, and inventive appetizers like truffle arancini and creamy burrata, while the house-made Nutella salted caramel cheesecake has won many fans.

Guests are welcomed warmly into Brama’s chic yet relaxed dining space, where the kitchen’s commitment to freshness and flavour shines. Regulars praise the restaurant’s flawless takeout, from thoughtful packaging to consistently delicious, warm dishes.

A family-run spot since 1995, Miami Déli’s helmed by Mr. Steve Tsantes and his sons. Folks come for vibrant decor that pays homage to Miami, with fish adorning the walls that’ve been caught by the owner himself. The diner caters to all tastes and appetites, from breakfast to late-night munchies, offering a diverse menu including poutines, pizzas, subs, Greek specialties, and more. Open day and night, you can expect a diverse crowd here, from East End factory workers to people getting a greasy bite after being out all night (but it’s not like it gets Waffle House levels of crazy here).

A Montreal sushi staple since 1986, Mikado blends traditional Japanese craftsmanship with subtle global influences. While the menu sticks to classic nigiri, sashimi, and meticulously rolled maki, the kitchen isn’t afraid to experiment—bringing in seasonal ingredients and refined techniques from its diverse team of chefs.

With a focus on high-quality seafood and precise execution, Mikado delivers sushi that’s clean, balanced, and elegantly presented. The atmosphere leans calm and understated, making it ideal for a quiet dinner, a refined lunch, or a moment away from the city’s usual hustle. For those who appreciate Japanese tradition with just a hint of contemporary flair, Mikado remains a timeless choice.

Kazo Ramen’s original LaSalle location opened quietly but didn’t stay under the radar for long. Run by co-owners Ryan Huang and Marco Zhou, the shop built its reputation on broths that don’t cut corners—slow-cooked tonkotsu, clear chicken and beef stocks, and a standout spicy sesame tan tan loaded with cha shu and ground pork. It’s a tight, unfussy spot where the noodles are made in-house and matched to each broth style—thin for the rich stuff, thick for lighter soups. While the ramen is the clear draw, the karaage with citrus mayo has its own cult following. There’s nothing flashy about the space, but that’s the point. In a neighbourhood not exactly known for its ramen game, Kazo carved out a loyal following by sticking to the fundamentals: quality, consistency, and flavour that speaks for itself.

Falafel Saint-Jacques is a cornerstone for vegetarian Middle Eastern street food in Montreal. Originally opened in Ville-Saint-Pierre, it has since expanded to a larger location in Lachine, bringing the same dedication to fresh, made-to-order fare. Founded by Ronen Baruch and Saleh Seh—an Israeli and a Palestinian—the restaurant’s story underscores a collaborative spirit reflected in its carefully crafted menu.

The falafels are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and among the best in the city. Their shiitake mushroom shawarma offers a rich, satisfying alternative to the usual meat options, while their extensive salad bar, including staples like tabbouleh and baba ganoush, caters to a wide range of tastes. Everything, from the pita to the tahini, is made in-house.

The Lachine location introduces a bakery component, producing items like halva croissants and babka alongside international bread staples. With dishes ranging from $3.99 to $13.99, Falafel Saint-Jacques delivers quality and substance at a price point that makes it accessible to all.

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.

Ma Poule Mouillée is Montreal’s bustling Portuguese Plateau rotisserie where locals and visitors alike have been wowed since its opening in 2013. The restaurant is celebrated not just for its expertly charcoal-grilled chicken but also for offering one of the best poutines in the city. This particular dish stands out due to its inventive use of São Jorge cheese, flavorful grilled chorizo, and a signature homemade sauce that the chef proudly claims makes all the difference.

Beyond its famed poutine, Ma Poule Mouillée features a menu brimming with Portuguese classics from sandwiches to fried squid, all served in a vibrant, no-frills, cafeteria-style setting. For those on the go, the entire menu is available for takeout.

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.