Janice Tiefenbach’s favourite restaurants in Montreal

Set in a converted garage near Saint-Henri’s former RCA complex, Gia Vin & Grill's room balances industrial bones with warm Italian references, anchored by a bar and a cellar-like wine island that invites lingering. The menu draws heavily from central Italy, with an emphasis on charcoal-grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, supported by a tight roster of pastas that rotate with the seasons. Arrosticini arrive smoky and direct, seafood is treated with confidence, and the grill runs year-round. The wine list leans Italian and thoughtful, favouring bottles with structure over trendiness.

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.

A local forerunner for Thai food augmented by pure creativity and Canadian products, this is where chef Jesse Mulder has taken his reputation for dizzyingly good eating to new heights.

Bistro La Franquette takes the idea of a neighbourhood bistro seriously, even in a part of the city not known for understatement. Opened by chef Elias Deligianis with sommelier and co owner Renée Deschenes, the restaurant leans into clarity rather than show. The menu is concise and seasonal, built around well executed plates that favour balance over excess, from pastas and poultry to seafood and classic steak frites.

The room is warm without being precious. High ceilings, handmade details, and a steady hum of conversation give it a lived in feel, while the service stays attentive and unforced. Wine plays a central role, with a list that leans European and rewards curiosity. La Franquette works because it resists the urge to overdefine itself, letting good cooking and hospitality carry the evening.

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.

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.

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.

The Plateau’s Bar Vivar seamlessly melds the rich flavors of Spanish cuisine and an atmosphere reminiscent of intimate Spanish taverns with the warmth of a local haunt. Helmed by Georges Greiche and Patrick Oakes, both Joe Beef veterans, this charming spot offers a mix of a genuine taste of Spain with Montreal touches. Georges, a Montreal native with a passion for storytelling through food, and Patrick, a sommelier with a flair for hospitality, have created a space where the menu will showcase high-quality attention to dishes alongside carefully selected wines, sherries, and vermouths—and it’s quickly become a home away from home for many.

Located at the storied intersection of Notre Dame Street Ouest and Courcelle Street in Saint-Henri, Tran Cantine’s been a go-to for diners thanks to its precision Vietnamese fare since 2017. The brainchild of Marylyn Tran and her husband Wayne, this intimate spot offers both traditional and refreshing, modern twists on their source cuisine. Using family recipes from Pho Tay Ho, Marylyn has crafted a menu where everything is homemade, from broths to marinades. Highlights include their acclaimed Bánh mì and Phở soups, which rank among the best in Montreal. The simple decor and friendly atmosphere make Tran Cantine a perfect spot for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, cementing its status as a local favorite.

Pâtisserie Rhubarbe is the brainchild of acclaimed pastry chef Stéphanie Labelle. Known for its exquisite desserts and charming ambiance, Rhubarbe has become a staple in Montreal's culinary scene since its inception in 2010. Stéphanie, who honed her skills under the tutelage of Pierre Hermé in Paris, brings a blend of meticulous French technique and creative innovation to her work. The bakery is renowned for its delicate pastries like millefeuille, vibrant lemon tarts, and buttery croissants. With a cozy seating area and a menu that includes brunch and afternoon tea, Rhubarbe is undoubtedly one for the books.

Mon Nan, a staple of Montreal’s Chinatown since 1982, offers an authentic Cantonese dining experience that draws both late-night revelers and daytime enthusiasts. Situated by the east gate of Chinatown, this restaurant’s purple neon lights set the tone for an on-point atmosphere. Owned by the Lee family, Mon Nan has remained true to its roots while evolving under the guidance of current owner Joe Lee. The menu, filled with family recipes, features standout dishes like salt and pepper shrimp, Peking duck with homemade pancakes, and perfectly steamed Dungeness crab. It’s a must-visit for both Cantonese classics and a lively dining experience.

Part boutique, part culinary statement, J’ai Feng is where Anita Feng brought her sharp, Szechuan-anchored sensibility to the grocery aisle. After building a loyal following through Trilogie and a string of memorable pop-ups, this was a permanent mark just steps from Cul-Sec, the site of her first one. Now, the project has flipped into Nouilles Sauvette, a takeout window project.

Parcelles, located near the serene shores of Lake Memphremagog, opened its doors in July 2021. Founded by chef-owner Dominic Labelle, the restaurant embodies an agricultural vision that encompasses a restaurant, farm, and (potentially!) vineyard. This idyllic location serves as the perfect backdrop for Labelle's culinary creations: Initially a vegetable farming project, Parcelles has evolved a lot over time.

From a thriving summer hotspot known for its pizzas enjoyed al fresco to surging demand, the establishment has expanded its offerings and now even welcomes guests into Labelle's home in the off-season for intimate, six-course tasting menus that highlight the freshest farm-grown vegetables. Parcelles is a testament to the beauty of simplicity, creativity, and the farm-to-table ethos.