The most romantic restaurants in Montreal that make for date night centrepieces

A multi-tiered hospitality concept taking over the upper floors of Place VIlle-Marie, Hiatus has truly set itself up to do it all: An outdoor terrasse with Mediterranean raw bar dining on the 44th floor, a bar with snacks on the 45th, and a full-fledged restaurant on the floor above that (the 46th and highest in the building) cooks up Japanese and French plates with technique interplay between the two cuisines. That translates to things like ramen or nori tacos as well as foie gras tartelettes and arctic char. With ambitious interior redesigns by Sid Lee Architecture, Hiatus has among the highest and most highly-prized tables in the city when it comes to lavish dining.

Blending the owners’ Argentinian background with explorations of great cuisines from around the world, this tiny Verdun restaurant is cooking some of the most impactful yet deceivingly simple food in town.

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.

Chef Patrice Demers and sommelier Marie-Josée Beaudoin have made a spectacular return to Montreal’s dining scene with Sabayon, a project which refocuses their passions for dining experiences alongside tea time services and cooking classes—all in one intimate yet multifaceted space in Pointe-Saint-Charles. The space has two halves to it: When you enter, the first room to the left is a large bar seating 12 guests, with a kitchen behind it; that’s where classes take place for savoury dishes, an appetizer–main course–dessert formula where everything is cooked in real time for people to watch and learn, as well as wine classes by Marie-Josée. In addition to those classes and tea times, a dining room which seats 14 people focuses on small tasting menus that top out at about six per service, three nights a week on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays—and it gets booked up like crazy.

Le Violon, located in the space which once housed the famed restaurant Maison Publique and has been transformed by designer Zébulon Perron and co-owner Dan Climan, has been a highly anticipated restaurant from Danny Smiles the day it was hinted at. The team, including co-executive chef Mitch Laughren and chef de cuisine Sara Raspa, brings years of collaboration from previous ventures together into one elegant spot full of veined Portuguese marble, white tablecloths, and Parisian green features that orbit Climan’s paintings. Andrew Park oversees the dining room and wine program, while Kyra Lajeunesse manages operations.

The refined menu features diverse influences, with dishes like tahini-drizzled kibbeh nayyeh, gochujang-glazed sweetbreads, and strawberry shortcake. The evolving wine cellar and exceptional classic cocktail list complement the cuisine. It’s all a harmonious blend of exquisite food, beautiful settings, and impeccable service here.

Dressed in an interior design of black and gold minimalism, the menus of this Griffintown destination sets a high bar for dining in Montreal thanks to its combination of wood-fired and fresh elements.

For over 20 years, Leméac has been a cornerstone of Montreal’s dining scene, offering timeless French bistro classics in the elegant Outremont neighbourhood. This refined yet approachable brasserie serves up beautifully executed dishes like beef tartare, escargots, and steak frites, staying true to its roots while resisting the temptation to follow fleeting trends.

Brunch at Leméac is a highlight, with dishes like the towering French toast with caramelized bananas and chocolate sauce or boudin with cider sauce. The charming terrasse, perfect for any season, and its consistently welcoming atmosphere make it a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.

Mon Lapin has forged its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city thanks to its impeccable consistency on all levels. The restaurant on Saint-Zotique Street has distinguished itself since its opening by offering refined cuisine, personalized service, an exceptional wine list, and a unique atmosphere.

A hidden gem of Westmount, this French-forward bistro is equal parts traditional dishes done to perfection and a level of experimentation you’ll be hard-pressed to find elsewhere.

Tucked away off Parc Avenue in Mile Ex, Bar Cicchetti brings Venetian charm to Montreal with its focus on cicchetti—small, delightful Venetian snacks—and a curated selection of wines, including macerated vintages. Opened by Elyse Leclerc, Gabriel Lavallée, and Mathieu Delisle, the bar offers a cozy, low-lit atmosphere with a design by architects Julia Manasas and Maxime Lefebvre. Enjoy a vibrant terrace in warmer months and a menu of fresh, seasonal bites on the cheap. With a mix of organic and biodynamic wines, creative cocktails, and a welcoming ambiance, Bar Cicchetti is perfect for a relaxed evening of drinks and snacks.

Cartier Arms at the Hyatt Centric Ville-Marie blends Quebecois and British culinary traditions in a space rooted in Old Montreal history. The Burgundy Lion Group, known for iconic pubs around town, brings a refined yet approachable dining experience to this finely designed space from the Gauley Brothers, with décor inspired by London clubs and Canadian railway hotels.

The menu offers a fresh take on English pub classics using high-quality local ingredients. Think crispy calamari, beef carpaccio, and a standout Beaurivage pork chop. For those looking to indulge, Sunday brunch is a must. The bar offers an extensive cocktail selection, as well as drawcards like Martini Wednesdays—a trio of martinis for $25. Paired with a carefully curated wine list, the drinks menu is as diverse as the dishes. Don’t skip on the rooftop terrasse, though.

Antonietta has made an immediate impression in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, welcoming Montrealers with an authentic and refined approach to Italian cuisine. Named in honour of co-owners Anthony Bottazzi and Massimo Zuccheroso’s grandmother, Antonietta pays homage to tradition while embracing a fresh, modern feel. Formerly a pizzeria, the space has been reimagined by Bottazzi, Luigi Minerva, and the Zuccheroso cousins into a warm, minimalist setting of soft mauve and white with vintage touches.

Chef Bottazzi, who has worked at Maison Boulud and Le Serpent, brings his expertise to an evolving menu that reflects Montreal’s seasons. With ingredients sourced daily from Jean-Talon Market, he crafts standout dishes like burrata with blanched Romanesco and truffle vinaigrette, and ricotta-stuffed gnocchi in gorgonzola cream. Meanwhile, the bar boasts an impressive array of natural wines and Italian cocktails. Everything here, from a crave-worthy cacio e pepe pizza to house-made tiramisu, is crafted with care.

Dining at this Old Montreal jewel of a French brasserie and dining room from chef Jérémie Bastien is both a masterclass in its cuisine’s techniques and classics plus cosmopolitan inclusions from other cuisines.

Rôtisserie La Lune is a love letter to Québécois rotisserie culture, reimagined by the celebrated team behind Mon Lapin in Little Italy. Merging old-school comfort with the creative flair that made its sister restaurant a Canadian culinary heavyweight, it's where executive chefs Marc-Olivier Frappier and Jessica Noël work their magic on poultry—think tender chicken, duck, and guinea fowl—sourced from trusted local farms.

The dining room, designed by Zebulon Perron, exudes timeless warmth. With nods to the lunar cycle and a commanding wooden owl at the entrance, it’s an inviting space where rotisserie aromas and the noise of a bustling and lively dining room mingle. A curated wine list by Vanya Filipovic and Alex Landry balances French gems with Quebec’s finest. No reservations, no pretension—just quality comfort food done with soul.

Old Montreal’s Bonaparte offers a timeless experience with refined French cuisine and a warm, historic atmosphere. Established in 1999, the restaurant occupies a historic space within the Auberge Bonaparte, with its Empire-style décor setting the scene for a memorable meal. Guests can choose from three elegant dining rooms, each unique in character, from the classic Imperatrice room with its fireplace to the sunlit Verrière, featuring stained glass windows and a skylight.

Bonaparte’s menu emphasizes the finest French culinary traditions, with both à la carte and tasting menu options available. Highlights include classics like boeuf bourguignon, lobster à la vanilla, and an impressive six-course tasting menu. With attentive service, seasonal ingredients, and a curated wine list, Bonaparte provides an elevated dining experience that’s perfect for intimate dinners, special celebrations, or group gatherings. The restaurant’s dedication to quality, from the service to each thoughtfully plated dish, makes Bonaparte a cherished destination for fine dining in Montreal.

Following in the footsteps of many 'little sister' concepts to open in the past year wherein restaurants provide small attaché projects, Juliette Plaza is the project from Cheryl Johnson and Charles-Antoine Crête's Montréal Plaza.

Opening its doors on February 28, it's in many ways everything a person who's experienced the unbridled creativity of the OG, but it also boasts its own distinct ambiance and menu that's a bit more snackable than its forebearer: Snacks like devilled eggs, sandwiches, and temaki-style rolls get paired up with smaller dishes of seafood and fish mastery found at MP, as well as offal spun in creative new ways. Atmospherically, expect a lot of nostalgia and innovation both in dishes and the walls.

Okeya Kyujiro is an orchestrated immersion into Japanese culinary art and culture, where every step of the 20-course omakase unfolds like theatre. Helmed by Chef Takuya Matsuda, this intimate, reservation-only spot in Montreal elevates Edomae sushi to a meticulous performance, blending razor-sharp precision, curated sake pairings, and an aesthetic homage to Japan. From the whisper of bonito flakes being grated to the delicate balance of umami in every bite, it's much more than simple theatrics here. This is gastronomy as art—sharp, deliberate, and unforgettable.

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.

Lawrence has evolved, but its commitment to exceptional food remains unchanged. What began as a pop-up inside Sparrow in 2010 has now transformed into an intimate tasting-menu destination, housed in the former larrys space on Fairmount Avenue. Chef Marc Cohen, alongside Sefi Amir, has refined the restaurant’s approach, crafting a menu that blends whole-animal butchery with meticulous plating and a touch of British inspiration. Dishes lean adventurous—think brain and morel agnolotti or tongue terrine—while still maintaining the depth and elegance that made Lawrence a Montreal institution. The wine program, curated by Keaton Ritchie, mirrors this philosophy, focusing exclusively on private imports that highlight small producers. A close relationship with Boucherie Lawrence ensures the highest quality meats, while house-baked bread and seasonal vegetables round out the offering. Whether for a three- or four-course midday indulgence or a full tasting menu at dinner, Lawrence remains one of the city’s most compelling dining experiences.

This venture comes from WITH Hospitality, the group known for spots like Ryu, Ayla, Sushi Dept, and Livi. Positioned in Old Montreal, Dorsia is a contemporary fine dining establishment that draws inspiration from the vibrant elegance of the 1980s, merging French and Italian culinary techniques. Canadian-born Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe, who boasts experience from Michelin-starred restaurants such as The Restaurant at Meadowood and Ensue, is behind the menu which features dishes like smoked burrata with fennel, hand-cut tagliatelle with local lamb ragu, and Quebec duck roasted with sea buckthorn berries.

The restaurant's design, a collaboration with Ivy Studio, marries elegance with incorporated wood millwork, marble, travertine, mirrors, and soft, indirect lighting. That said, the 100-seat venue is designed for sophisticated nights out, which is helped along by classic cocktails and a curated wine list.

A sleek setting against the industrial backdrop of Saint-Henri, Estelle is an upscale Italian eatery set in a chic space for fine dining in a lively, atmospheric setting. The menu, helmed by Chef David Tarantini, delivers Italian classics with unexpected twists—think handmade pappardelle elevated with truffle oil or branzino spiked with jalapeño tahini. Alongside its inventive dishes, Estelle boasts a curated wine list and cocktails that lean towards Italian flair. The minimalist yet vibrant setting serves as a stage for a feeling of exclusivity you can't find often in Montreal. Whether you’re diving into delicate linguine with clams or crispy salmon Milanese, Estelle promises an experience.

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.”

Nama Omakase's a contemporary restaurant blending Japanese and French cuisine with top-tier service. Run by Carma Hospitality and chef-owner GaCong Ruan who grew up in the restaurant industry, Nama has enlisted executive chef Michael Ho, a finalist from Les Chefs!, and general manager Victor Loison, who brings Michelin-starred expertise to the table.
Designed by Guillaume Menard, the restaurant's interior is composed of elegant treatments of raw materials with its brick walls and stone columns. The menu highlights sashimi platters and seasonal dishes, and guests can choose the omakase experience or the à la carte menu. The quality and meticulous preparation help justify the costs here, especially when paired with wine and cocktail selections.

Consider this the next-gen steakhouse of Montreal: With its in-house butchery, it’s an address in Outremont that flips the porterhouse-and-martinis formula on its head in the best of ways.

At its core, Provisions is a butcher shop with a sharp focus on quality and tradition, bringing a touch of nostalgia to every bite. This is where you’ll find sandwiches and burgers built from the ground up—starting with hyper-local, pasture-raised meats processed in-house. The challah bread, hand-cut brisket, and signature house-made sausages make their offerings anything but typical.

Known for its standout burgers, Provisions takes the smashburger approach, ensuring a caramelized crust on the outside and juicy perfection inside. The sandwiches—brisket, Cubano, turkey, or even halloumi—strike a balance between satisfying simplicity and thoughtfulness. It’s food that’s as good as it is honest.

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

A sleek and modernized project compared to past counterparts from the team behind Tri Express, this izakaya project by chef Tri Du’s son Thierry-Tri Du-Boisclair in Saint-Henri combines their history in Japanese cooking with Quebec terroir. Most dishes are made to be shared over drinks and explore a custom aging room for the fish on-site, including things like bao buns, tataki, and oysters—there’s some sushi, but Montrealers who know Tri Express shouldn’t expect more sushi. This new spot’s a departure for the team.

Once a simple espresso spot and preamble cocktail bar to Datcha, Montreal's Kabinet has transformed into a refined dining destination. Inspired by 1970s Parisian bistros, the space now features warm, chic decor designed by ADHOC Architectes, with vintage European touches like marble bistro tables, Thonet chairs, and a stunning crystal chandelier from Ukraine. The menu showcases continental classics with modern twists, such as chicken-liver mousse with sea buckthorn gel and 90-day aged beef tartare. Seasonal changes keep the offerings fresh, with a constant selection of local and imported caviar served in various elegant presentations. Complementing the cuisine, Kabinet maintains its acclaimed cocktail menu and a diverse, dynamic wine list, ensuring a sophisticated yet unpretentious dining experience.

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

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

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

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

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

Since its debut in 2011, Nora Gray has remained a standout in Montreal’s dining scene, celebrated for its Southern Italian-inspired cuisine, impeccable wine selection, and warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s an intimate, wood-lined eatery that’s we’d call a hidden gem if its reputation as a destination for indulgent meals, romantic evenings, or post-event dinners near the Bell Centre didn’t precede it.

Co-founders Emma Cardarelli and Ryan Gray, veterans of Montreal’s iconic Liverpool House, built Nora Gray out of culinary passion and an obsession with detail. Now, under the leadership of new executive chef Dmetro Sinclair, the restaurant enters an exciting chapter.

The menu evolves constantly but expect expertly crafted pastas, thoughtfully prepared proteins, and vibrant seasonal vegetables. Highlights might include tender house-made ravioli, rustic pork chops with braised cabbage, or fresh crudo topped with creative garnishes. Pair these dishes with selections from the restaurant’s well-stocked wine cellar, emphasizing organic, natural, and biodynamic options.

Hubert Marsolais and Claude Pelletier’s Old Montreal restaurant is a discreet and pensive place to spend hours over opulent dishes that, time and again, provide the most memorable of experiences.

Opening next to Hélicoptère, Copilote transformed a former neighborhood dépanneur into an intimate 25-seat bar that's got a chic yet relaxed vibe. Serving as a great spot to extend an evening into the night or start things off with a pre-dinner drink, it's a versatile spot. It closes earlier than your average local bar, but this ain't your average local bar: Copilote offers a menu of shareable finger foods like oysters, tartare, and chicken liver mousse—but given the experience of the team behind the project, don't expect it all to be run-of-the-mill.

The cocktail menu, crafted by Benjamin Gauthier, highlights seasonal ingredients and Quebec spirits while an ever-changing selection of wines by the glass helps to enrich the experience. Expanding the Hochelaga dining scene once again, Copilote stands out with its creative and seasonal offerings, mirroring the quality of Hélicoptère.

Note that the kitchen closes at midnight.

The wood fire-informed and deeply seasonal menus of this fine dining titan from chef Marc-André Jetté is as comforting as it is exciting, and its wine lists will immediately astound you.

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.

An essential address in Montreal for Syrian cuisine, every spiced and aromatic bite here is impeccably sourced from across the Mediterranean, from shared mezze to sizzling grilled platters.

Taverne Atlantic, debuting in Montreal’s Mile Ex in late 2019, swiftly became a hotspot at the corner of Avenue du Parc and Rue Beaubien. It’s where restaurateurs Alexandre Baldwin, Alexandre Wolosianski, and Éric Dupuis have crafted a stylish Art Deco haven featuring a long, elegant bar, central seating, and a rooftop terrace. The drink menu, curated by Frédérique Fortin and Alexandre Taillon, includes creative cocktails and a robust selection of beers and wines. Chez Eddy Snack Bar complements the drinks with its menu of pizzas, hot dogs, and poutines, blending American comfort food with gourmet touches.

Snowdon Deli isn't just a restaurant; it's an institution. For those in the know, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane. For newcomers, it's a delightful discovery waiting to happen. This iconic Jewish deli, with its vibrant matzo ball soup and cheese bagelach, transports you straight to the heart of classic Miami eateries, echoing the charm of places like Wolfie’s Rascal House. Outlasting local legends like The Brown Derby and Ben’s, Snowdon Deli stands as a testament to timeless taste and tradition.

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.

This destination in Hochelaga is an exceedingly accessible option for fine dining where tasting menus take you on a tour of its chef David Ollu’s Bouillon Bilk tutelage plus wholly new avenues.

The standalone wood-fired restaurant Hoogan & Beaufort has already made Angus Technopole a destination in Montreal, but with Annette, there’s a cherry on top when heading out east. It’s a plant-filled, wine-forward spot with live entertainment and a finessed menu where chef Marc-André Jetté can really shine, full of comparably smaller plates fed by the chef’s own butcher shop. That means you can expect dishes like boudin croquettes, beef tartare, sweetbreads, and lamb chops alongside lighter vegetarian dishes to round it all out.

Opened in 2023 at Espace Saint-Denis, Le Molière doesn’t aim to reinvent the wheel—it leans fully into the tradition of the French brasserie: elegant, generous, and by-the-book in the best way. Chef Jean-Sébastien Thomas (formerly of Les Fillettes) ensures the classics are done right, from veal kidneys to salmon with sorrel. Lunch keeps it unfussy—think herb omelettes or Toulouse sausage with mash—while dinner brings in richer, more elaborate fare. The wine list sticks close to home, favouring French and European bottles over natural or offbeat selections. With direct access to Théâtre Saint-Denis, it works just as well for a quick pre-show bite as for a full evening out. Designed by Pierre Brousseau of Camdi, the space is warm and expansive, and includes a private room that seats up to 80 guests.