Routy occupies the Van Horne Avenue address that longtime regulars will recognize as the former Boxermans, now reimagined by the team behind Myers with a sharper, more gastronomic focus. Chef Grégoire Routy, whose résumé spans Michelin-starred kitchens in France and England and a stint at Raele in Copenhagen, brings a menu that is deliberately concise: a handful of starters, four mains, three desserts, all shaped by Mediterranean and Provençal influences and grounded in local, seasonal product.

The room, designed by Kyle Adams Goforth, is warm and unfussy, with wood surfaces, softly dressed tables, and black-and-white family photographs on the walls. A central cabinet displays the glassware for the wine service, and the bar counter and cabinetry are the work of maker George Papas. The wine list is well-matched to the kitchen, with a strong selection of bottles and options by the glass.

El Khomsa is a Tunisian café-restaurant open since 2000, founded by Marwen Lakhdhar. The menu is rooted in Tunisian home cooking: lablebi (chickpea broth with tuna, poached egg, and chili), couscous d'agneau, couscous osbene, makrouna agneau, nwasser poulet (pasta with chicken and chickpeas), jelbena d'agneau, kamounia (cumin-spiced beef stew), kafteji with merguez, méchoui, salade mechweya, and mlewi sandwiches with tuna or chicken. During Ramadan, a set menu covers soup, brick, salad, and a choice of main.

Au Coin Berbère has been serving Algerian Berber couscous on Prince-Arthur East in the Plateau since 1997, run by a chef-owner whose kitchen is the draw. The menu is built almost entirely around couscous: eight versions ranging from poulet and merguez to boeuf, agneau, and the house Le Coin Berbère (combining lamb shank, merguez, and chicken). The semolina is steamed Algerian-style, grains separated and fluffy, served with vegetable broth gently spiced with anise. Starters include chorba (tomato and bulgur soup with coriander and chickpeas), bourek (chicken or beef), brik à l'oeuf, hummus, salade berbère, and salade poivrons. Desserts run to baklava and touaregs (date and almond pastry with orange and cinnamon), with mint tea to close. BYOW, 65 seats.

Kava is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Griffintown where fine-dining polish meets relaxed, all-day energy. The space is bright and textured—ceramics, rattan, raw finishes—and built to transition seamlessly from weekday lunches to festive Sunday brunches and $1 oyster Tuesdays.

At the pass is chef Keren JL, whose training spans Michelin-starred kitchens in Paris, Hong Kong, and Monaco. Her menu balances comfort and complexity: shrimp arancini, Anatolian çilbir, house sauces layered into grilled chicken sandwiches, and sweet plates like brioche with orange blossom or caramelized red berries. A concise table d’hôte anchors the evenings, while brunch goes heavy on eggs, smoked salmon, and Quebec-grown produce.

With a terrace built for lingering and a bar program that keeps pace, Kava doesn’t overstate its Mediterranean identity, but it does cook like it understands the spirit.

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.

Shay offers a vibrant blend of modern Lebanese cuisine, equally perfect for brunch and dinner. With executive chef Joseph Awad at the helm, Shay delivers inventive dishes that reimagine traditional Middle Eastern flavours with contemporary angles. Designed by Ivy Studio, the restaurant’s space is equally captivating, featuring a marble bar, curved wood banquettes, and desert-inspired tones, making it the perfect setting for a lively meal.

The brunch menu is a standout, featuring unique creations like Shawarma Eggs Benedict, Waffle Taouk with crispy fried chicken and pomegranate BBQ sauce, and halloumi breakfast sandwiches with chili jam. For those with a sweet tooth, the indulgent baklava pancakes and labneh tartines with zaatar are must-tries.

For dinner, Shay’s menu balances rich, savory flavours with refined techniques. The Lamb Shawarma is a crowd favourite, served with pomegranate molasses and pine nuts, while the Mushroom Brochette brings earthy flavours paired with avocado tarator and coriander . For those seeking a hearty dish, the 22oz Ribeye is a showstopper, grilled to perfection with Aleppo butter and peppercress.

Leila is a Mediterranean restaurant on Saint-Laurent Boulevard in Mile End, a collaborative venture from chef Amine Laabi and three longtime friends from his Cafe Gentile days: Gregory Watson, Philippe Carile, and Giuseppe Carta. The 50-seat space, decorated in warm browns, greens, and blues, features an open kitchen and a cozy back lounge area with vintage rugs and armchairs where guests can enjoy drinks while waiting for their table.

The menu draws inspiration from across the southern Mediterranean, from Morocco to Greece, emphasizing simple, seasonal preparations with three to four ingredients. Standout dishes include house-made merguez from Quebec lamb, Moroccan sardine toasts, and a tender braised beef cheek with fennel and chickpeas. The wine list, curated by Alizée Jutras, focuses on selections from Italy, France, and Spain, complemented by classic cocktails.

Despite changes in addresses over the years, this Plateau pizzeria has earned a devoted following since 1985, thanks to its warm, no-frills vibe and flavour-packed pies. The place is small and cozy, with a loyal team that’s been perfecting their recipes for over 35 years. While it can get busy and tables are tight, there’s an unmistakable charm in the bustling, family-run energy of the place.

Their pizzas are legendary for a reason. The Florentine, loaded with spinach and artichoke, is a long-time favourite that draws locals and returning visitors alike. For something bold, the Reuben pizza’s smoked meat under layers of mozzarella cheese, served with Russian dressing and mustard on the side, is both rich and salty, satisfying a craving you didn’t know you had. The crust—a light, buttery foundation that stands well on its own—is the crowning touch to every pie.

Vesta is a trattoria that’s blended New York, Montreal, and Italy in a way only Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione could. This Villeray mainstay serves up pizzas with thick, crispy crusts and loads of character. Each pie lands somewhere between the classic New York slice and Quebec’s traditional “greasy” pizza, balancing tender cheese with a golden, almost-fried dough that can stand up to delivery—and even a next-day breakfast.

Inside, Ménard Dworkind’s design feels like a slice shop reimagined: sage walls, marble tables, and a centre bar bring both coziness and style to the room. There’s pasta too, where simple spaghettini arrives dressed in rich tomato sauce with an oversized meatball, for example.

A Park Extension institution since 1977, Village Grec Souvlaki has spent nearly five decades setting the standard for affordable, no-frills Greek food in Montreal. The gyro is the draw: generous with meat, heavy on tzatziki, and consistent enough that regulars have been coming back for decades. Souvlaki comes on a stick or in a pita, in pork or chicken, and the mixed grilled meat platter, which brings together lamb, sausage, chicken, and pork, is the move for groups. Fried calamari, Greek salad, spanakopita, and dolmadakia fill out the supporting cast.

Anthony Gebrayel and Angélique Custeau opened Beyt on Boulevard Saint-Laurent in spring 2026 with a straightforward premise: a cave à manger in the European tradition, where dropping in for a coffee, a glass of wine, or a plate to share is as valid as a full dinner.

Exposed stone, glass-block bar, 34 seats inside, the name says it all: beyt means house in Arabic, a nod to Anthony's Lebanese roots and to the unhurried hospitality the two co-owners built around. Anthony trained in sommellerie at the ITHQ before a decade in restaurant wine service; Angélique shaped her path across Fleurs et Cadeaux, Hélicoptère, and Bonheur d'Occasion.

The wine list she curates is in constant motion, private imports and artisan arrivals poured by the glass. Food runs to Lebanese-inflected sharing plates: hummus with olive tapenade, stuffed eggplant on labneh, lamb skewers with za'atar yogurt, Quebec cheese and charcuterie boards.

Au Tarot has been on rue Marie-Anne Est at Berry in the Plateau since 1979, opened by Kabyle brothers Ibrahim and Nouredine Kara, with Nouredine still running the kitchen. The merguez are made in house, as is the harissa. The couscous menu is the most extensive in the city: lamb shank, chicken, merguez, chicken and merguez, chicken and lamb, Couscous Tarot (lamb and merguez), Couscous Royal (chicken, lamb, and merguez), osso bucco, grilled shrimp, filet mignon, and a vegetable version, with gluten-free and wild rice options available on request. Tajines run to lamb with prunes, chicken with olives and lemon, fish, duck with green pepper, and braised veal. Briks come stuffed with egg, spinach, tuna, shrimp, or meat. Starters include house merguez, casserole of escargots with garlic butter, pastilla poulet et amande, salade méchiouya, and marguerite d'artichauts et coeur de palmier. Oriental pastries and mint tea to close. Portions are famously generous. BYOW.

This rooftop oasis on the 8th floor of the William Gray Hotel delivers a dining experience with a view that’s hard to top. Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Ferris wheel, and Old Montreal’s historic streets, the terrace transitions effortlessly between seasons, offering breezy summer escapes and cozy winter nights inside its heated glass domes. Whether it’s brunch under clear skies or a five-course dinner beneath the stars, the focus remains on locally-inspired dishes and a strong wine list. A private dome with a fireplace even caters to intimate gatherings. This isn’t just a meal—it’s dining elevated, literally and figuratively.

Loumi is a fast-casual spot that’s rewriting the script on Mediterranean street food, with halloumi at the centre of the plate. Founded by childhood friends Karim Mahmoud and chef Amine Laabi, the Mile End counter takes a single ingredient—the salty, squeaky, grill-loving cheese—and turns it into something worth seeking out.

The menu pulls from Lebanese and Mediterranean traditions but doesn’t stick too closely to any one script. There’s a chicken burger stacked with coleslaw, spicy mayo, and a slab of crisped-up halloumi, a fully vegetarian Loumi burger that holds its own without trying to mimic meat, and a fattoush salad that went through more than 100 test runs before making the cut. Sides like fried potato croquettes, eggplant dumplings, and halloumi cheese sticks round things out, and the house-made lemonades—infused with flavours like raspberry-rose and peach-hibiscus—go beyond the usual.

Patio Patio is what happens when a crew known for throwing parties (see: Boating Club) decides to grow up—just a little. Set inside a reimagined Brasserie T in Sainte-Thérèse, this Mediterranean-inspired spot trades bass drops for a breezy soundtrack of spritzes, grilled octopus, and the sound of a fountain burbling under parasol-shaped light fixtures. Designer Zébulon Perron went all-in on the theme, turning a massive dining room into something that feels closer to the Côte d’Azur than Curé-Labelle. On the menu, chef Jean-François Vachon (ex-L’Express) lets loose with colour and spice: mouhammara, crudo, cigars stuffed with lamb, halibut, handmade pasta. There’s a wine list for both the organic-leaning and the classic-inclined, plus a whole cocktail section titled À boire sous le parasol.

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

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

Kif Kif draws from the breadth of Mediterranean cooking, translating its coastal sensibility into its own modern take. This Westmount address serves bright, unfussy plates that hit somewhere between Tel Aviv and the Ionian coast: Grilled halloumi with pomegranate molasses, hummus and muhammara served with warm pita, and mains like harissa-marinated flank steak or citrusy salmon skewers.

Seasonal ingredients and sustainable sourcing guide the kitchen’s rhythm, while the wine list spans France, Italy, and Greece with natural-leaning bottles that favour brightness over weight.

A Montreal icon since 1979, Estiatorio Milos has introduced the world to authentic Greek cuisine thanks to visionary founder Costas Spiliadis. Starting with a modest spot on Park Avenue, Spiliadis set out to showcase the rich simplicity of Greek cooking, emphasizing fresh, quality ingredients and traditional methods. Today, Milos has evolved into a global name with locations in cities from New York to Dubai, as well as a luxury yacht experience, Milos at Sea, and a five-star gastronomic hotel, Xenodocheio Milos in Athens.

The Montreal location, redesigned by Alain Carle in 2015, exudes elegance with warm lighting, opulent drapery, and an open fish bar showcasing the freshness of its seafood. Signature dishes like the Milos Special, fresh fish selections, and traditional Greek salads bring bold flavours with refined presentation. With a menu and service that embody Greek hospitality, Milos continues to deliver an unforgettable dining experience in Old Montreal and beyond.

Onna Café is a bright and easygoing downtown refuge, offering breakfast, brunch, and lunch seven days a week. The menu leans Mediterranean—think fresh, seasonal plates, handcrafted sandwiches, and classic brunch staples like pancakes and eggs done right. With high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, and plenty of space to work or meet, it’s become a go-to for McGill students, office regulars, and anyone in need of a solid coffee and a quiet hour. Everything’s made to order, and the atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and considered. From morning espresso to midday refuel, Onna delivers without the fuss.

Le Jardin de Panos has been on Duluth Avenue since 1979, and holds a special place in Montreal’s dining scene as the city’s first bring-your-own-wine restaurant. With a lush garden terrace evoking Mediterranean landscapes, this Greek spot is ideal for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner under a canopy of greenery. The atmosphere is charming yet unpretentious, where guests in both casual and elegant attire blend seamlessly.

The menu celebrates Greek family-style dining, featuring classic dishes like grilled calamari, chicken kebabs, and fresh seafood. Starters like Greek yogurt, made with gherkins, celery, and carrots, bring a refreshing, tangy twist to the table. Lunch includes soup, bread, and dessert, offering a cost-effective way to enjoy the restaurant’s flavours. While the indoor space is cozy, the real magic is on the garden patio, a serene escape filled with flowering plants.

Le Bureau has been holding down Griffintown since before the condo cranes moved in. Opened in 2012 in what used to be an antique shop, the space still carries that mix-and-match charm—exposed brick, vintage lamps, and a bar built for long nights. The kitchen runs deep on Mediterranean-style tapas: grilled broccolini with tonnato and almonds, flambéed saganaki, shrimp tacos, and a standout grilled octopus that lands with real weight. There’s a full lineup of signature cocktails that veer from rich to herbaceous, plus natural wines and local beer on tap. Sundays bring jazz. Weeknights bring 5 à 7 crowds and regulars on a first-name basis. It’s not trying to chase trends—it’s already staked its claim. Whether you’re here to eat, drink, flirt, or just post up with a glass of biodynamic Pinot, Le Bureau delivers with ease.

Just steps from Jean-Talon Market, Le Petit Alep has earned a devoted following for its vibrant Syrian and Armenian dishes and carefully curated, affordable wine list. As a casual counterpart to Restaurant Alep, this family-run spot serves up mezze like muhammara, labneh, and shish kebab that celebrate Middle Eastern flavours with a Montreal twist.

Founded by Georges and Jacqueline Frangié in 1976 and expanded by their daughters, Le Petit Alep is infused with warmth and a dynamic family touch. Architect Jean-François Potvin’s design blends open spaces with pops of colour, creating a lively yet inviting ambiance. With an impressive 250-bottle wine list featuring sustainable options from France, Italy, and beyond, Le Petit Alep remains a vibrant gathering spot for all.

Tucked away in Montreal's tranquil Outremont neighborhood, Alma embodies a confluence of culinary traditions and vinicultural passion, a brainchild of chef Juan Lopez Luna and sommelier Lindsay Brennan. This petite haven marries the robust flavors of Mexico with the delicate nuances of Mediterranean cuisine, all underscored by a profound appreciation for Catalan natural wines. The space, intimate and warmly appointed by friends and family of the owners, invites diners into a world where the spirit of Catalonia's 'vino con alma'—wine with soul—permeates every aspect. Every dish tells a story, especially the chef’s signature nixtamalized corn tortillas, a nod to ancient Mexican traditions. The dining experience is elevated by their 'carte blanche' menu, offering diners a curated journey through seasonal specialties, paired with rare vintage wines.