With bohemian decor and a menu rooted in balance, gratitude, and sustainability, LOV offers a thoughtful and indulgent plant-based eating experience. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, it offers refined vegetarian and vegan dishes inspired by North American and Italian traditions, complemented by natural wines and signature cocktails. Chef Ian Perreault’s creations and the warm atmosphere invite you to slow down and savour a meal made with care.

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.

Gabé Café brings a slice of Seoul to the Plateau, trading in fluff, cream, and a whole lot of precision. The stars of the show are the Korean-style cream donuts—soft, bouncy, and filled with whipped milk cream that leans more airy than indulgent. Flavours rotate with the seasons, but staples like strawberry, pistachio, and earl grey keep regulars coming back. The space is compact but welcoming, with a nod to traditional Korean seating and an atmosphere that hums with casual energy. Beyond the sweets, there’s croffles, brunch sandwiches, and coffee roasted by an award-winning Korean roaster. Go early: the donuts don’t stick around for long.

Burgundy Lion Pub offers a distinct blend of British tradition and Montreal vibes, making it a relied-upon spot in Little Burgundy since opening in 2008. The pub’s décor is filled with memorabilia and souvenirs from the owners’ travels to England, along with collaborations with artists, which all together adds to the welcoming vibe. They serve a rotating list of beers, including two house brews, and boast one of the largest whiskey collections in Quebec with over 500 different bottles.

While the pub fare stays true to its roots with dishes that have included the likes of bangers and mash, Lancashire hotpot, and shepherd’s pie, there are seasonal updates to keep things fresh. Their brunch options are crowd-pleasers as well, ranging from hearty staples like the full English breakfast to Scotch eggs, avocado toasts, and a whole lotta mimosas.

Le Rond-Point is a cornerstone of Hochelaga’s community life. More than a spot for coffee and breakfast sandwiches (which, by the way, are served all day), this self-managed cooperative operates with a clear mission: inclusivity, accessibility, and a commitment to fostering local culture. Founded by Héloïse Lanouette, the space has evolved alongside the neighbourhood, adapting to shifting demographics and economic realities while staying true to its roots.

The café’s menu leans into comfort—think grilled cheese, homemade syrups, and seasonal brunch specials—while the space itself doubles as a gathering place, offering a mix of sofas, work-friendly tables, and even a kid-friendly corner. Prices remain deliberately affordable, and the café shares its walls with a vintage clothing store, a natural extension of its DIY ethos. Whether you’re here for a long work session, a quick coffee, or just to check out what’s new in the neighbourhood, Le Rond-Point is a spot that feels like it belongs to everyone.

Supernat is the kind of spot that Hochelaga didn’t know it needed until it arrived. A café by day, a natural wine bar by night, and a neighbourhood hangout all the time, this Sainte-Catherine East joint is the brainchild of Paul Tran and Olivier Trudeau—two industry outsiders who decided to create the kind of place they wanted to spend time in. With its wabi-sabi aesthetic, communal vibe, and a prime perch next to Morgan Park, they’ve nailed it.

The menu revolves around Japanese sandos—soft Hokkaidō milk bread stacked with fillings like Peking duck and raclette or salmon sashimi with wasabi mayo—alongside a lineup of snacks that lean into Tran’s Vietnamese roots. The coffee program is serious, featuring a house blend from Zab Café and pour-overs showcasing rare beans. But it’s the seven lines of wine on tap that set Supernat apart, pouring natural whites, frizzantes, and ciders in glasses, magnums, and jeroboams for the truly committed.

Between the Drag & Bellinis brunches, alleyway performances, and a terrace built for slow afternoons, Supernat has carved out a space where great drinks, good food, and a little chaos mix perfectly.

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

Huit 100 Vingt is a farm and table champêtre in Saint-Ambroise-de-Kildare, Lanaudière, run by chef Loïc Leperlier, originally from Réunion Island, and his partner Jessica Grégoire, who grew up on adjacent family land. The two met in 2012 at a Relais & Châteaux property in Pennsylvania and eventually settled here to tap the sugar maples and build a kitchen around what the property produces. The dining room, framed by wide-plank lumber they milled themselves, looks out over the Lanaudière countryside to Mont Saint-Hilaire and the St. Lawrence beyond. The menu runs from March through December, shifting between a reinvented sugar shack experience in the spring and a harvest-driven table champêtre through fall. Maple syrup aged in bourbon barrels, farm-raised meats, and produce from the kitchen garden anchor a menu that reflects both the seasons and Leperlier's broader culinary formation. A Sunday brunch is also offered.

A downtown bistro on rue Bishop, Le Grand Comité comes from Groupe Comité and executive chef Rémi Lemieux, whose résumé runs through Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana and Éric Ripert's Le Bernardin, and whose cooking earned Michelin recognition in the guide's first Montreal year.

The kitchen applies that pedigree to neighbourhood bistro fare built on Quebec sourcing: Kenauk trout, Gaspor pork, farm vegetables from La Charrette, and chicken from Ferme Antoine, alongside croques, steak frites, and a limited-quantity signature burger. Desserts wink at the city, including an île flottante flavoured like the Orange Julep and a sticky toffee pudding crossed with pouding chômeur.

The wine list moves between natural bottles and classic appellations without fuss, cocktails get equal attention, and weekends bring brunches that are light but just right.

Pas de problème brings a distinctly Jamaican point of view to Saint-Henri, but the family behind it is what gives the café its shape. Run by Paris alongside her father Royden and brother Kingston, the project doubles as a small act of inheritance: Royden, born in Kingston, Jamaica, returned to Montreal with plans to build something he could pass on. The result is a café that trades laptop culture for conversation, with no Wi-Fi and a menu that moves from all-day brunch into early evening comfort food. Jamaican patties, jerk chicken smoked out back, and a brunch plate built around eggs, beans, sausages, and house-made bread anchor the food, while Blue Mountain coffee, hojicha, and sorrel round things out. Even the grandmother’s mac and cheese made the cut.

Bagel Etc. has been fuelling Montreal mornings since the 1940s, back when it was Cookie’s Main Lunch. These days, it’s a well-worn institution on the Main where regulars squeeze into booths or take their chances with the mirror-lined bar, and Leonard Cohen’s former seat remains a quiet relic. The neon glow and Formica tables may have aged, but the breakfasts—huevos rancheros, buttery bagels, and eggs with house-made hollandaise—have stayed timeless.

It’s a spot that runs on routine. The same faces return day after day, from judges to students to parents who once sat in highchairs here themselves. On weekends, the place is packed, a low hum of conversation rising over coffee cups and plates of eggs. The menu hasn’t changed much, because it doesn’t need to—Fairmount bagels, hearty omelettes, and diner classics hold their own.

The charm is in the details. A hot sauce collection that’s as much a dare as a condiment selection. A lineup of daily specials scrawled on a board. Servers who know your order before you do. Bagel Etc. isn’t just about breakfast; it’s about the ritual of showing up, taking your seat, and being part of something bigger than just another meal.

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

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

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

After eight years in the game, Barley has dropped the “Bar à Céréales” and grown into something warmer, sharper, and more grounded in its Middle Eastern roots. The Notre-Dame Street staple now centres its brunch and lunch menu on bold, ingredient-forward plates—think Turkish eggs with Aleppo pepper, falafel salads, and the Aylwin’s bacon hummus, a local nod that’s already a crowd favourite. There’s still fun to be had (matcha pancakes, black sesame date lattes), but the tone is more considered, from the revamped space to a refined coffee and cocktail program. While reservations are recommended, walk-ins are always welcome—and group dining is now possible in one of two private rooms.

Don’t miss this lunch and weekend brunch spot inside the multidisciplinary art space of Maison Alcan in the Golden Square Mile. Coming from the team behind the Italian destination Beatrice, Chef ​​Michael Coppa’s designed a crowdpleaser of a menu at Améa that is genuinely playful. Bombolone sandwiches with cream cheese and smoked salmon? Lafayette croissants? Stacked brioche French toast loaded with whipped pistachio cream and macerated strawberries and savory crostinis? It looks good, it tastes great—you couldn’t want much more than that.

Tula brings soulful, homestyle vegan Indian and Pan-Asian cooking to the Plateau. Owner Abhishek Arun draws inspiration from family recipes—like the coconut curry from his grandmother’s kitchen—to create deeply flavourful, balanced dishes that celebrate plant-based traditions. The menu includes curries, biryanis, bento-style lunches, and Canada’s first all-vegan Indian brunch on weekends. Nearly everything is gluten-free, made without MSG, and designed to nourish without heaviness. Beyond the food, Tula is also a wellness space, hosting yoga and community events in line with its name, which means “balance.” The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, much like the simmering dishes that emerge from the kitchen.

Caroline Dumas made her mark on Montreal with SoupeSoup, turning simple, homey cooking into an institution. After stepping away from that empire, she returned in 2017 with Bloomfield, a small but thoughtful neighbourhood bistro on Van Horne. It’s intimate—just a handful of tables and a terrace when the weather cooperates—but the heart of the place is the kitchen, where Dumas crafts the kind of meals she’d want on her own table.

The menu is compact, seasonal, and effortlessly satisfying. Brunch is a standout, with dishes like a Jerusalem platter loaded with dips, eggs, and halloumi, or a well-executed avocado toast. There’s always a nod to international flavours—grilled corn straight out of Café Habana’s playbook, a fragrant chicken adobo—but the throughline is fresh, unfussy cooking. And with a tight selection of natural wines curated by Steve Beauséjour, the drink list keeps pace.

Bloomfield isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, just perfect the ride. It’s the kind of place that feels like an extension of your own kitchen—if your kitchen had a chef who knows exactly what you want before you do.

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

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

Bagel St-Lo, an integral part of Verdun's fabric since 2014, embodies community spirit. Isa Lora Messier and Émilie Sirois, fueled by a passion for hospitality, created this inviting haven where locals gather over freshly baked bagels and comforting dishes. With a focus on local sourcing and a dedicated team, Bagel St-Lo radiates authenticity and warmth. Their menu features bagel benedicts alongside classic breakfast staples, all crafted with care and affordability. Beyond food, it serves as a hub for connection, offering a curated selection of wines and Quebec products. Whether indoors or on the sunny terrace, Bagel St-Lo welcomes all with open arms.

There’s no February 30, and that’s kind of the point. Le 30 Février, from the Café Tordu team, brings a surreal edge to the Plateau’s brunch scene—where labneh meets eggs Benedict on croissant-style bread, French toast gets topped with kunafa and Nutella, and shakshuka shows up with pomegranate salsa and housemade flair. It’s familiar brunch terrain, reimagined with a bold Middle Eastern twist and plated like it’s competing for best in show.

The space is all purple hues, soft glows, and playful maximalism—just enough to feel dreamy without tipping into kitsch. Most dishes stay under $30, but between the visuals and the flavour, it feels like more. Brunch here isn’t just a meal—it’s a full scene.

Lord William Pub brings some edge to Griffintown’s drinking scene, housed in an old ironworks building near the Lachine Canal. It’s the kind of place where a Caesar isn’t just a Caesar—it’s stacked with bacon, shrimp, or a hot pepper that means business. Brunch leans indulgent (think fried chicken and pancakes with Bailey’s custard), and the pub fare hits the right notes between classic comfort and thoughtful twists.

The beer selection is solid, cocktails are dialed in, and the terrasse feels like a well-kept secret. Mondays bring a trivia night that’s anything but typical, and comedy shows round out the calendar. Lord William keeps things local, from the farm-to-table ingredients in the kitchen to partnerships that support nearby businesses. Whether you’re in for a game, a drink, or just a night of good company, this spot delivers with zero pretense and just the right amount of rowdiness.

Since it opened its doors in 2010, Fabergé has become a Mile End mainstay for those in search of a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere fuelled by brunches full of creative eggs Benedicts to a signature breakfast poutine served with a velvety hollandaise.

The charm of Fabergé lies not only in its indulgent menu, but also in its vibe. It’s casual yet cool, with a welcoming energy that’s perfectly suited to its crowd. The place is decked out with mid-century modern touches—Eames chairs and a mural by local artist Philippe Legris that displays a map of Montreal adds some neighbourhood flair.

Weekends come with lines out the door, a testament to its ongoing popularity. But with Fabergé, the wait is always worth it. It’s a spot that’s become ingrained in the Mile End brunch circuit, perfect for those who appreciate a place where comfort food meets creativity in the best way.

At the crossroads of Mile End and Little Italy, Le Butterblume is versatile, just as good for settling into their cozy dining room for a weekend brunch or grabbing something quick at their adjacent grocery.

The food here is thoughtful without being fussy, a reflection of the seasoned talent in the kitchen. Since 2016, Butterblume has been turning out refined comfort food that draws crowds from across the city. Think fresh, seasonal ingredients elevated into dishes that surprise without overwhelming. Take their signature eggplant toast, served with roasted peppers, poached egg, creamy tonnato, and thin slices of coppa. Or the maultaschen ravioli, making even a simple lunchtime stop feel like an adventure.

And then there’s the brunch. The menu takes all those familiar breakfast staples you know and love and cranks them up: The lemon brioche with sour cream and dill is an excellent example, as is the puff pastry with confit salmon, where buttery layers hold a mess of poached egg, creamy goat cheese, and pickled beets together.

Régine Café has carved out a reputation as one of Montreal’s brunch queens, serving up elaborate plates seven days a week in its charming, high-tea-inspired space. From its famed waffles with trout gravlax to egg-stuffed croissants, the menu strikes a balance between classic comforts and bold, creative twists.

Satisfying the stomach while pampering guests with thoughtful touches like morning shooters of fresh-pressed juice from warm, attentive service, it’s no wonder one can expect line-ups here. Just know that the wait melts away once you step into its rococo-styled interior.

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.

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.

Janine Café, the sister to Montreal’s beloved Régine Café, is an 80-seat gem that offers brunch in an atmosphere that’s like a playful nod to London’s tea rooms, blending bold rococo accents with delicacy.

Situated in Verdun, the menu reflects Janine’s distinct personality while honouring the creative classics of Régine: Decadent veggie brunches, the hearty Gros Ham plate—each dish is crafted with fresh ingredients, and get even better when paired with Kittel coffee and irresistible pastries from their in-house counter. It’s a must-visit for those seeking an indulgent and vibrant brunch experience.

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.

Arthurs Nosh Bar is a Saint-Henri favourite, blending Jewish culinary traditions with a new-gen sentiment. Helmed by Raegan Steinberg and Alex Cohen, both with roots in Montreal’s fine dining scene, this small but vibrant restaurant honours the flavours of Sephardic, Ashkenazi, and Mizrahi cooking. The stylish space, with its olive-toned bar and sun-filled atmosphere, makes Arthurs a perfect spot to enjoy comfort food classics like schnitzel and babka in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

The McArthur sandwich with fried chicken’s a daily standout choice, but the brunch menu—available weekends only—features must-try dishes like an American grand slam, Moroccan toast with challah, poached eggs, and spiced chickpeas, and a hearty latke smorgasbord.

Hof Kelsten is a beloved Plateau bakery-deli hybrid that offers some of Montreal’s finest bread and pastries. Chef-owner Jeffrey Finkelstein, whose impressive culinary journey includes stints at world-renowned restaurants like Per Se, The French Laundry, and Noma, shifted gears from haute cuisine to artisanal baking when he launched this spot in 2013. Croissants, pain au chocolate, and babka are all stars here.

The bakery’s weekend brunches are legendary, featuring standout dishes like shakshuka with merguez and a French toast made with challah and topped with veal pancetta. Every bite reflects Finkelstein’s dedication to high-quality ingredients, many of which are locally sourced, and his passion for elevating simple comfort food into something extraordinary.

Le Café Big Trouble is the kind of spot where you want to hang out, chat with the folks behind the counter, and maybe end up staying longer than you planned. It feels like a throwback to the kind of no-nonsense, comforting spots you stumble upon in a city that still has an edge, a corner where you can get a good bite and good vibes, and no pretense.

Their menu hits like a blend of nostalgia and well-crafted simplicity. It’ll range from the Grand Slam—a hefty plate of two eggs, sourdough toast, bacon, sausages, home fries, and seasonal fruit— to breakfast sandwiches and “Paddington” ricotta pancakes topped with marmalade, milk crumble, and maple syrup. If you’ve had one too many the night before, the chopped cheese is a solid option, as is the poutine and spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

Hélico Café, nestled in Hochelaga, has become a beloved spot for coffee lovers and brunch enthusiasts alike since opening in 2018. It brings a fresh and vibrant touch to the neighbourhood: The design, with its cheerful orange and white tones, creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for enjoying the café’s standout offerings.

Known for its exceptional homemade pastries including flaky croissants, decadent kouign-amanns, and one of the best brownies in town, the café also serves up a savory menu featuring seasonal, market-inspired dishes. Their breakfast sandwich, a local favourite, pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee. Just as good for a pastry and coffee or a full lunch or brunch, Hélico Café is a bright spot.

Café Melbourne brings a slice of Australia to Montreal in the form of a laid-back vibe and serious coffee culture. Since opening in 2015, it’s become a brunch hotspot for Montrealers looking for something a little different. The café’s Aussie roots are unmistakable, from the menu offerings to the warm, no-fuss hospitality that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into your local Melbourne coffee joint.

The food? Classic brunch fare, but with an unmistakable connection to the café’s source material: Smashed avocado on toast, salmon bagels, and soft-boiled egg platters are part of the lineup, but it’s the more eclectic dishes that steal the show: Chipotle chicken sourdough toasties and jaffles—a type of toasted sandwich that’s sealed at the edges, allowing for oozing, sauce-filled combinations like mac ‘n cheese or baked beans stuffed between crisp, golden bread.

Beyond the food and drink, it’s the relaxed and friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back. The café’s motto—“Our French isn’t great, but our coffee is”—sums up the place’s spirit: welcoming, unfussy, and full of charm. It’s a place where you can grab a bite, sip some of the best coffee in town, and maybe try Vegemite for the first time.

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.

Calientitos brings the warmth of a Colombian bakery to Plaza St-Hubert, serving up empanadas, alfajores, and house-made breads that draw on 45 years of tradition. It’s more than just a neighbourhood spot—it’s a connection point for Montreal’s Latin American diaspora, and a place where regulars swap greetings as naturally as they do pastry recommendations. The café’s manager, Leidy, chose the location for its accessibility and foot traffic, but also for something more personal: her first visit to Montreal began on this very street, which reminded her of home.

Sweet and savoury options rotate through the display case daily—cheese breads, caramel-stuffed treats, flaky pastries—but the vibe stays consistent: welcoming, relaxed, and deeply rooted in culture. Whether you’re here for brunch or a quick snack, there’s a good chance you’ll linger longer than expected. The prices help, but so does the scent of fresh baking that seems to follow you out the door.

Velora Café Pâtisserie operates on a simple premise: dessert first. Sort of.

The menu is anchored by a rotating selection of Tres Leches cakes—pistachio, saffron, coconut, dulce de leche—each prepared by hand and shaped by the owners’ culinary heritage. Alongside them are tiramisus, Persian pastries, and a small lineup of croissants and seasonal creations that lean toward rich, layered flavours. The café also serves breakfast plates, from pistachio French toast to fruit-forward yogurt bowls, plus a range of lattes, matchas, and milkshakes that mirror the kitchen’s interest in sweet, aromatic profiles.

Part café, part bar, part urban farm, Café Monk is a daytime hangout and nighttime restaurant rooted in the heart of Ville-Émard. It lives inside a former Laurentian Bank—vault still intact—and runs on a tight loop of local sourcing, in-house prep, and seasonal menus. Co-founded by a crew of industry vets and neighbourhood collaborators, the space pulls double duty: laptop-friendly by day with an all-day brunch menu, then shifting into apéro mode with cocktails, wine, and hearty plates come evening. Downstairs, Ferme Fortuna grows mushrooms, herbs, and leafy greens to feed the kitchen’s ever-evolving menu. The drinks program skews hyper-local, from Quebec beers and natural wines to a coffee program helmed by Escape Roasters. It’s rare to find a spot that does this much without the vibe getting muddled—but Café Monk pulls it off. Friendly, flexible, and fresh in every sense.

The owners here come from Mediterranean families of shopkeepers, and the premise they brought to Saint-Denis is that fresh fruit and indulgence are not opposing forces. The kitchen runs on waffles, split roughly evenly between sweet and savoury. The savoury side treats the waffle the way a pizza treats dough: cheese sauce with spinach, mushrooms and a poached egg; marinated salmon with capers and red onion; smoked meat under caramelized onions with goat, brie or provolone melted over top. Sweet versions start from a vanilla batter made without added sugar, then get cheerfully undone with Nutella, pistachio cream or torched marshmallows. Juices and smoothies are pressed to order with no water and nothing added, and the menu extends to sandwiches, salads, sundaes and boards meant for sharing. Wifi is free, dogs are welcome, and a private room can be booked for meetings or baby showers.

Mirazu has been serving Anatolian cooking on the Mile End stretch of Saint-Laurent since around 2018, 42 seats and BYOB. The menu covers cold and hot mezzes (mouhammara, baba ghannouj, sigara böregi), charcoal grills including adana kebab and shish tavuk, and lamb-forward mains like tandir kebab and the braised shoulder. Weekend brunch runs Turkish-style with two serpme spreads served family-format, plus menemen, cilbir, and hand-rolled pafiks. Baklava and kunefe for dessert.

A Persian café and brunch spot on Sherbrooke West that earns genuine loyalty from its regulars. The menu spans traditional Iranian breakfast sets (the Nashtaei platters, served until 4pm, are the draw) through to saffron rice dishes, ash reshteh, and a roster of Persian-spiced herbal teas with names like "Le parfum de la vie" and "La chanson de la vie." The coffee program holds its own too, with saffron lattes, pistachio Turkish coffee, and a house Mocha Toranj. Portions are generous, the room is cozy, and the staff have a reputation for going out of their way. Worth knowing: brunch runs until 4pm daily.

Mohamed Ould Atigh arrived in Montreal from Mauritania in 1996 with three dollars and a student visa, cooked out of a dorm room, then out of a rented garage on Parc, before settling at 142 Fairmount in 2007.

La Khaïma, which takes its name from the communal desert tents of nomadic Mauritanian tribes, is widely considered the only Mauritanian restaurant outside Mauritania. There is no paper menu. The prix fixe format delivers m'berberli soup (lentils, ginger, caramelized onions, lime, cumin), mezze, and a large shared platter of couscous with three daily preparations: typically a chicken tenadi with candied lemon and olives, a beef marjen slow-cooked with dates, and a vegan option. Meals end with mint tea.

The dining room, with its low tables, cushioned benches, and quilted tapestries, is designed to evoke the khaima itself. Atigh makes his own bissap, a hibiscus juice available in original, mint, and ginger versions, sold at the restaurant and in stores across Montreal. BYOW.

Le Passé Composé is a two-location brunch spot founded by Chef Arnaud Glay, sourcing fresh, local produce and culinary goods for their menu of classics with a twist. Its Plateau restaurant is a collaborative effort between Glay and the Sandhu Family, behind India Rosa and Restaurant Sandhu, using Quebec farm-raised pork, eggs, and duck products. Each menu item is richer than the next, whether it’s an apple and white chocolate waffle or a poached egg on brioche, with foie grois two ways, caramelized onion compote, and crispy prosciutto.

Camilo Lapointe-Nascimento won Les Chefs! in 2020 at 23, the competition's youngest winner, and has since co-founded the pop-up dining experience Menu Extra. Cam's Déjeuner, at 433 de Bienville on the Plateau, is his first permanent address. The menu is tight: four breakfast sandwiches on fresh spelt and poppy seed bread, each built around egg, smoked cheese, and pickled jalapeños, with variations running bacon, smash sausage, or vegetable. Tater tots on the side, filter coffee or a can to wash it down. The full coffee menu covers espresso standards through chai latte and dirty chai.

Le Nil Bleu has been on rue Saint-Denis in the Plateau since 1993, making it one of Montreal's longest-running Ethiopian restaurants. The dining room, attached to the Kutuma Hotel, is dressed in white tablecloths and zebra-print upholstery, with a wine list weighted toward private imports from South Africa. The kitchen uses organic ingredients and no preservatives, with the injera swappable for rice or quinoa for gluten-sensitive diners. The signature format is the two-course tasting menu: a plateau of five starters (including kitfo, the filet mignon tartare with spiced butter and house cheese, alongside bouticha, aubergine purée, and caramelized vegetable salad), followed by five shared mains covering doro wat, zilzil tibbs, lamb, lentils, and a vegetable stew. À la carte options include sambusa, a vegan platter, and yebeg alicha (slow-braised lamb). Cocktails draw on African spirits and ingredients: bayab gin, agave, amarula, Ethiopian coffee.

Restaurant Le Cauris, on Avenue Beaumont near Marché Jean-Talon, is chef Edmond Diolo's Senegalese restaurant, operating under various names over the years (most recently rebranded from Diolo Traiteur). The kitchen is built around the Senegalese canon: thiebou dieune (red rice with fish and vegetables in spiced sauce), thiebou yapp (brown rice with meat), dibi (lamb or chicken grilled over wood fire with caramelized onion sauce), yassa poulet, jarret d'agneau with gratin dauphinois, mafé boeuf, and ndolé. Pastels de Dakar, the crispy Senegalese fish or meat pastries with tomato sauce, anchor the starters alongside fatayas and nems. Desserts include thiakry (millet couscous with yogurt and nutmeg) and ngualakh (millet with peanut and baobab cream). House drinks are bissap, ginger juice, and bouye (baobab juice). Catering and private events for groups of 30 or more.

Salon Mogador has been on rue Beaubien Est in Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie since 2006, opened by chef-owner Nabil Soubhi as a tribute to Moroccan culinary tradition, named for the Atlantic port city of Essaouira. The dining room is dressed in cushioned banquettes, lanterns, and textile-heavy North African décor. The menu covers tajines in both savory and sweet-savory preparations (chicken with olives and preserved lemon, chicken with apricots and grilled almonds, lamb shank with prunes and grilled almonds, lamb shank with vegetables, kefta), couscous (vegetarian, chicken tfya with raisins and caramelized onions, merguez, lamb shank, royal), pastilla au poulet (chicken with almonds, egg, cinnamon, saffron, and honey), and a full tapas section including méchouia, zaalouk, loubia, laâdess, khlii, and crevettes pili-pili. Brunch runs Saturday and Sunday with Moroccan crêpes, msemen, tajine œufs, and omelettes. Friday and Saturday evenings feature a belly dance show with a set souper-spectacle menu. The wine list includes Moroccan bottles. Harissa maison.

Freddi is a bar and dining destination at Hotel William Gray, opened in 2026 as the property marked its 10th anniversary. Drawing on classic hotel bars as its reference point, the roughly 50-seat room flows into the hotel's existing Living Room beneath a glass roof, creating a single interconnected social space running from lunch through late evening. In the kitchen is Konstantin Chakhnov, who also helms Maggie Oakes next door, with prior time in Michelin-starred rooms including The Fat Duck.

The menu is Japanese-inspired: cold dishes like wagyu tartare with bone marrow and taro chips or hamachi and maguro sashimi with maple ponzu; hot plates including wagyu gyoza, miso-maple glazed black cod, and yakitori-style duck breast; and two signature temaki sets.

The cocktail program is built around Japanese concepts (wabi-sabi, kaizen, omotenashi) and works in ingredients like yuzu shōchū, Japanese gin, sake, and butter-washed Japanese whisky alongside Quebec spirits. The wine list leans natural and global, with a dedicated sake section.

Bowls, sandwiches, empanadas, and brunch are on the menu at Juanitos, the multihyphenate Saint-Henri Latin-American resto-café-épicerie. Their space embraces the hallmarks of a fast casual eatery, with a central counter where customers can order their food, grab a coffee, or pay for their grocery items (think frozen empanadas and imported dry goods). Beyond a delicious brunch featuring arepas, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros, and more, they have a party room for bigger gatherings and plenty of gluten free options.

A sibling to El Pacífico next door, Aurora Café brings a warm, unhurried energy to rue Ontario Est in Hochelaga. The brunch menu draws on Latino-Mexican influences: sweet corn pancakes with passionfruit jam and tonka bean cream, a brioche avocado toast with mole and grilled halloumi, a crispy chicken sandwich with spiced agave syrup. Pastries and pan mexicano come from Carlota Boulangerie. Specialty coffee runs all day; kitchen closes at 3 p.m.

One of the Plateau's most enduring institutions, Café Cherrier has occupied the corner of Saint-Denis and Cherrier since 1983, drawing writers, politicians, journalists, and artists to its pink-lit dining room, cushy banquettes, and vine-covered wraparound terrasse. Owner Jacques Boisseau built the place into what he calls the home of Montreal's "faune créatrice," and the walls bear black-and-white portraits of regulars past: René Lévesque, Yvon Deschamps, and others. The menu is classic French brasserie: fish soup with rouille, escargots, duck confit, steak frites, crème brûlée, tarte Tatin. A rotating table d'hôte runs lunch and dinner through the week. The wine list leans on private imports.

An Irish tavern with genuine depth behind the bar, Le Trèfle occupies two floors on Wellington with a terrace out front and a second level that doubles as a private event space. The room leans into the theme without overdoing it: wood walls and floors, a copper-topped bar, antique detailing throughout. The whisky list is the serious business here, running to over 100 bottles across Irish, Scotch, Japanese, and North American expressions, with particular strength in Islay single malts and a solid Irish core anchored by multiple Jameson and Bushmills releases. Thirty-two taps cover everything from Guinness and Smithwick's to rotating Quebec microbrasserie selections. The kitchen goes further than most pub menus: duck tartare, wagyu burger, moules à la bière, oysters, a full Irish breakfast on brunch. Poutine with Guinness gravy is the crowd favourite.

Café Saint Louis occupies a sunny corner at Villeneuve and De Bullion, where it has served the neighbourhood since June 2019. The name carries a double meaning: a nod to the area's former designation as Saint-Louis, and a reflection of the name Louis appearing across each of the four founding partners' families. Anthony Blanc and Guillaume Lavoisier lead the kitchen, bringing training from Brioche à Tête and production work for Myriade, among others. The pastry program is the main draw: croissants, chocolatines, and the house specialty "gougounes," a croissant-dough pastry offered in raspberry-cream-almond or chocolate-pear-almond variations. Coffee comes from Union, which developed a custom Costa Rican and Indian blend for the café. With only 12 seats, colourful furnishings assembled by the partners and their friends, and a neighbourhood mural across the back wall, the space is intimate by design.

Couple-run since 2017, Le P'tit Rustik is a thirty-seat café-bistro on rue Drolet where the owners built the furniture, sewed the cushions, and still run the floor and kitchen themselves. The name references bognettes, traditional Alpine potato fritters that co-owner Thomas Moenne Loccoz inherited from his grandparents' restaurant in the Alps and has been serving as a house specialty ever since.

The brunch menu rotates every few weeks around eggs Benedict, omelettes, and a breakfast croissant, with seasonal touches: tartiflette and Savoyard fondue in winter, salmon gravlax and avocado toast when it warms up. A fixed-price brunch table d'hôte includes soup or gazpacho and a homemade dessert. Coffee comes from Barista, teas from Camellia Sinensis; the liquor license covers wines, sangria, and mimosas.

On Notre-Dame Ouest in Saint-Henri, Sunny's Dinette runs a cheerful, all-day operation built around brunch classics with enough personality to stand apart. The room leans into the diner-with-attitude aesthetic: bold navy and yellow graphics, a menu that covers serious ground without taking itself too seriously.

Eggs Benedict come in five versions, including a pulled beef and avocado build and a smoked salmon with cream cheese. The egg section also covers shakshuka, a layered casserole of breakfast potatoes, cheese curds, and crispy bacon with hollandaise, and the Brunch Ultime: two eggs, chili beans, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes, and a mini stack of pancakes. Bagels, toasts, salads, and sandwiches (halloumi ciabatta, pulled beef wrap, steak and eggs) fill out the lunch side. On the drinks menu: a full coffee program, matcha lattes in several variations, affogatos, hot chocolates, and a short bar list with mimosas, an espresso martini, and seasonal cocktails.

Down a few steps from Sherbrooke Street West, Café Aunja has been drawing regulars to its basement-level Persian tea house since 2013. The name means "there" in Farsi, and the space earns it: vintage collectibles, traditional Persian decorative elements, rotating art, and a curated book selection create an atmosphere closer to a personal living room than a commercial café. No laptops allowed.

The drinks menu is the real draw. The Persian Fog (saffron syrup, black tea, steamed milk, pistachio) is the signature order, alongside tisanes, the Majoun (milk, banana, walnut, date, pistachios, coconut powder), and a full cold drinks list. Saffron and rosewater cake, Sholeh Zard, and Ferni anchor the sweets side. Brunch covers Iranian breakfast plates, egg dishes, and sandwiches built around house-made kookus in Barbari bread. Reservations available on weekends.

Brunch, snacks, drinks: that’s Loretta’s forté. The small bar-cantine in Villeray offers wines from independent winemakers, a small selection of beer and cocktails, and food in an unfussy, bright space. No item on the food menu is more than $22, no glass of wine over $16. Choose from reds, whites, or oranges, two kinds of beer, and five simple cocktails. To eat at night: popcorn, nuts, grilled cheese, and hot dogs. To eat at brunch: egg sandwiches, smoked salmon bagels, and a ham and goat cheese sandwich made with apple fritters.

On Bélanger Street, a few steps east of Saint-Laurent, Café Caron & Frères opened in September 2022 as a third-wave anchor for Little Italy. Simon-Pierre and Xavier-Bertrand Caron, veterans of other neighbourhood cafés, rotate a carefully curated selection of beans across their grinders, sourcing from five roasters in Montreal and beyond. The result is one of the city's more serious whole-bean programs. Beyond coffee, the kitchen produces house-made soups, salads, sandwiches, and a breakfast sandwich that has quietly earned a devoted following. The Ivy Studio-designed space runs to about fifteen seats spread across tables, a front counter, and sofas, with a courtyard and a bench out front when the season allows.

Honestly, it's the kind of neighbourhood café that makes a block feel complete.

A Plateau institution for over 30 years, Chez José Café has held down its corner of avenue Duluth with a straightforward proposition: honest, no-frills cooking sourced from local artisans and small producers, served in a colourful, convivial room with a patio out front. Everything is made in-house, nothing is fried.

The menu covers a lot of ground without losing focus. Portuguese-style breakfasts anchor the morning (fried eggs, chorizo, sautéed potatoes and peppers on toasted Portuguese bread), alongside vegan platters, omelettes, sweet and savoury crêpes, and a strong smoothie list. At lunch, the sandwiches on housemade Portuguese bread are the move: the Churrasco chicken and the house végé-pâté have their devotees. The seafood soup (mussels, squid, shrimp in a tomato-coriander base) is considered a signature. An evening tapas and cocktail menu rounds things out.

Bagatelle has been on rue Ontario Est, steps from Marché Maisonneuve, since 2005. The format is French brasserie: à la carte and table d'hôte at lunch and dinner, with a market-driven menu that shifts with the seasons. The dinner card runs from duck confit imperial rolls and smoked beef tartare to duck magret, braised veal flank, and a five-course tasting menu at $85. A five-course tasting menu is available for $85. Weekend brunch is a draw, with an extensive benedicts menu and house-smoked salmon on Saint-Viateur bagels. BYOB, with a terrace in season.

Salon Rosie-Lanoi gives afternoon tea the kind of pace it deserves. Reservations keep things unhurried, the kitchen works in small batches, and the menu changes often enough that repeat visits never feel repetitive. Expect the classics done properly—egg and cucumber finger sandwiches, scones with jam—plus a few indulgent extras if the table calls for it, like Victoria sponge or chocolate biscuit cake. Brunch and lunch follow the same home-baked logic.

Owners Nadine and Christine built the salon around the tea rituals they shared with their grandmothers, and that sense of care carries through the space and service. When you’re done, Pointe-Claire Village is right outside, ready for a slow walk and a second cup settling in.

Launched in 2019 by chef Julien Laporte and baker Lilian Gourbin, this Jarry East spot combines a bakery, café, and brunch restaurant into one sharp, minimal space that does a lot with a little. The bread—made with organic, locally milled flour—is excellent. The viennoiseries are polished without being precious. And the short, evolving brunch menu pulls from French technique, Nordic simplicity, and the flavours of whatever cuisine Julien happens to be exploring that week. Gravlax with housemade rye, eggs Benedict on a toasted muffin, or a croque-madame built on their own loaves—it’s all thoughtful, balanced, and beautifully plated. Coffee comes courtesy of La Tasse à Café, and the team’s commitment to making everything in-house runs deep. Even if you’re just grabbing a pastry to go, you’ll feel the attention to craft. Fanfare doesn’t overplay its hand; it just plays it well.

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.