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The city's mostly closed on January 1st, but these spots are open and ready to feed and ply you with a drink or two.
Let's be honest: Montreal can feel like a ghost town on the first day of the new year, save for the fo
But if you're among the hungry looking to nurse last night's damage with restaurants open in Montreal on January 1? Whether you want a greasy breakfast, a proper sit-down meal, or just refusing to cook on a holiday, there are spots that show up when the city needs them on New Year's Day.
The places that operate on New Year's Day tend to fall into a few categories: the old-school diners that never close, the hotel restaurants catering to out-of-towners, the chains that keep the lights on no matter what, and the occasional independent spot whose owners just can't quit.
What follows is a guide to eating well—or at least eating better, anyway—on the first day of the year.
While many serve it today, Otto Yakitori stands out as Montreal's progenitor for authentic charcoal-grilled yakitori. Founded in 2016 and named "Otto" to pays homage to its founders' roles as fathers, the izakaya offers a focused menu with skewers of various chicken cuts. Adorned with wild wall art and warm lighting, the menu also features Japanese specialties like sashimi, uni chawanmushi, mazemen, and ramen. Best of all, the sake, beer, wine, and cocktails don’t stop flowing here until the very last minute they’re open.
Restarted by chefs Pablo Rojas and Hakim Rahal of Provisions Bar à Vin and Andrew Whibley of the Cloakroom cocktail bar, Bar Dominion's less of a reinvention of the old Dominion Square Tavern and more of a revisit to its formula, drawing inspiration from both its last form and the one from when it first opened in 1927 as a hotel restaurant. The menu's now toned down from the ploughman's lunches and Sunday roasts of yore and now focused on more drinks and snackable food, with Rojas and Rahal opting for a leaner but refined offering of seafood and fish, like a full raw bar brimming with oysters, crab, caviar and lobster.
As for drinks, in addition to wine there are 25 cocktails in all on a menu broken down into martinis, negronis (boulevardiers, white negronis, and so forth), a whiskey-forward cocktail section, a selection of 75s and spritzes, and a section for highballs and fizzes.
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.
There’s nothing aimless about Limbo. Set in the former Marconi space on the chaotic corner of Mozart and Clark, this polished brasserie from chef Harrison Shewchuk and a dream team of collaborators (Jesse Massumi, Jack Zeppetelli, Xavier Cloutier-Guerard) channels French, Italian, and British cues into something crisp, contemporary, and unmistakably personal. The menu’s tight and intentional—think squid ink-slicked scallops, endives draped in jambon blanc, and fresh pasta served with confidence, not fuss.
Vegetables come via Parcelles, drinks via a sharp bar program and Henri Murray’s dialed-in wine list, all served in a room that balances elegance with edge: tin ceilings, open kitchen, and a quiet intensity that tells you you’re in the right place. This is the kind of opening that doesn’t need to shout to make a statement.
Barranco takes its name from a coastal district in Lima known for colour, noise, and late nights—an energy its owners saw mirrored on Saint-Denis. Opened in 2021, the project began as a fast-casual idea before the cooking pushed it somewhere more deliberate. Today, the menu draws heavily from Peruvian street food—ceviches, salchipapas, anticuchos—treated with a steadier hand and Montréal context rather than nostalgia.
Seafood anchors much of the cooking, especially the ceviche program, where citrus, heat, and texture are allowed to do the heavy lifting. The room leans lively as the week goes on, a shift that mirrors the bar’s focus on pisco-driven cocktails and Latin spirits.
Mare is a refined Italian seafood restaurant in the Old Port from the team behind Stellina and Fiorellino. Led by chef Jonathan Agnello, the kitchen takes its cues from Sicily and the broader Mediterranean, with daily shipments of fresh fish and a focus on crudo, house-made pasta, and meticulously plated mains. The space—divided into a cocktail bar, raw bar, and dining room—is styled with cinematic precision by Sid Lee Architecture and designer Kayla Pongrac, balancing classic Italian cues with modern restraint. Cocktails lean inventive but rooted, developed in collaboration with a mixologist from Italy, and the service—bow ties and white gloves included—matches the room’s elegance.
Muni isn’t your standard sports bar with a couple of simulators stuffed in a corner—it’s an 8,000-square-foot alt-country club for golfers and the golf-curious alike. Designed to bring the fairway indoors, this Pointe-Saint-Charles space merges high-tech GOLFZON simulators with a Southern-inspired menu, a boutique stocked with hard-to-find brands, and a sleek Ivy Studio-designed space that trades cliché snobbery for something far more inclusive.
The brainchild of ex-golfer Emile Ménard and a team behind some of Montreal’s best-known hangouts, Muni’s name—short for “municipal”—is a nod to accessibility. Whether you’re swinging a club for the first time or refining your game with AI swing evaluations, the goal is the same: Have a drink, hit a few shots, and enjoy the game without the rigid traditions. Throw in a cocktail program influenced by New Orleans classics and a menu of biscuits, fried chicken, and Cobb salads, and you’ve got a clubhouse built for everyone.
Henri Brasserie Française + Lounge French elegance with the unique charm of a stunning space in the historic Birks building. Owned by the family behind Hôtels St-Martin, Henri is a refined yet approachable brasserie that quickly became a downtown favourite, thanks to a beautifully crafted menu served in a grand, high-ceilinged dining room with 19th-century French-inspired décor.
The menu celebrates classic French cuisine with a Quebecois twist, with signature dishes like the rich seafood soup, refined hamburgers, and perfectly cooked Arctic char. The wine list, curated by sommelier Colin Beaudoin-Lambert, features private imports and exceptional champagnes, while mixologist Eddy Germain serves up cocktails that balance tradition and creativity.
A pillar of Montréal’s steakhouse tradition for over six decades, Rib N Reef is a masterclass in old-school indulgence. The menu revolves around dry-aged USDA Prime Midwestern beef, carefully aged on-site using both wet and dry-aging methods for maximum depth of flavour. Steaks are hand-cut and grilled over an open charcoal pit, a nod to the kind of precise, high-heat cooking that defines a top-tier chophouse. Beyond the beef, the experience leans into spectacle—valet service, tableside flambés, and a fully stocked cigar lounge set the tone.
In the summer, the rooftop terrasse offers an open-air alternative, while the wine cellar below provides a more intimate setting. The leather-backed booths, extensive wine list, and unwavering attention to detail cement this spot’s place as a destination for those who take their steaks, and their rituals, seriously.
With an open kitchen, a close-knit family team, and a menu rooted in Syrian tradition, Brocard makes a strong case for slowing down on Saint-Laurent. The format is familiar — mezze, grilled meats, slow-simmered dishes — but the execution is sharp and unpretentious. Classics like kibbeh and shish barak sit alongside regional specialties like fattet mozat, a layered lamb dish rarely seen outside of Hama. The team includes multiple generations, with parents Nahla and Majd guiding the kitchen alongside their children. It’s the kind of place where the bread is made in-house, the portions are generous, and someone always makes sure you’re well-fed. There’s no liquor licence yet, but the focus here is clearly on the food — fragrant, comforting, and made with care.
The Gray Collection opened this Parisian steakhouse downtown, bringing classic French bistro fare to a polished space with burgundy banquettes, cascading pendant lights, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The menu has all the greatest hits: oysters, shrimp cocktail, beef tartare, foie gras au cognac, Caesar salad, onion soup.
Mains lean heavily into beef: bar steak, wagyu burger, côte de boeuf, beef filet au poivre. A table d'hôte midi runs Monday through Friday with two services. Desserts include Paris-Brest, soufflé glacé au Cointreau, Norwegian vanilla omelette flambéed with Grand Marnier.
The wine list skews French with Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne. Signature cocktails feature Hennessy and elaborate specs.
The vibes are high when eating at this restaurant from Chuck Hughes. It’s an absolute parade of surf and turf served up with a service staff that knows how to have a good time.
A true Montreal institution, Chez Lévêque has graced Laurier Avenue West since 1972, offering a taste of classic French brasserie dining in a timeless setting. Known for its warm, authentic atmosphere, this Parisian-inspired spot is beloved by regulars and visitors alike for its welcoming service and expertly crafted menu. With a focus on French staples like foie gras pâté, coq au vin, fresh oysters, and the famed lobster bisque, Chef Michel Servières and team ensure each dish is prepared with quality and finesse. The restaurant’s outdoor terrace, one of the most charming in Montreal, is an ideal spot to unwind. With 50 years of history, Chez Lévêque remains a go-to for anyone seeking classic French dining in a cozy, elegant atmosphere.
The dining experience at Restaurant Les Pyrénées is inspired by the culinary traditions of Catalonia and the Basque Country—we say 'inspired' because the menu showcases a blend of French and Spanish flavors, featuring dishes such as paella, cassoulet, and slow-braised lamb. Emphasizing fresh, market-driven ingredients, the restaurant crafts colorful and authentic plates that reflect the rich gastronomic heritage of the Pyrenees region.
Despite the name, The Palm Court isn’t a courtyard and has never pretended to be one. It sits just inside the Ritz-Carlton Montréal’s Sherbrooke Street entrance, beneath a ceiling painted with palms rather than shaded by them—a small detail that sets the tone. Designed by Tokyo-based firm Super Potato, the room leans into quiet luxury: low lighting, plush seating, and service calibrated to notice without hovering.
While best known for its long-running afternoon tea tradition, the Palm Court functions just as confidently as an all-day lounge. Cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks are handled with restraint and polish, and the food—drawn from the Ritz’s kitchen under executive chef Romain Valicon—moves between refined French technique and familiar comforts.
The Four Seasons Hotel Montreal’s in-house restaurant MARCUS fuses luxury with local flair on an expansive third floor designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron. This communal space welcomes both locals and guests, where the lounge, bar, restaurant, and terrasse offer distinct atmospheres, from an oceanic lounge to a forest-like bar. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Samuelsson with executive chef Jason Morris, the venue reflects Montreal's vibrant social scene. Morris, known for his precision and creativity, ensures each dish from the globally inspired menu complements the sophisticated, timeless setting, making MARCUS a culinary landmark in the city.
Originally a bespoke tailor shop, Cloakroom expanded in 2015 to include a hidden speakeasy accessible through its coat check. This 25-seater bar in Montreal's Golden Square Mile quickly gained acclaim for its exceptional cocktails, leading to a second location in Brisbane. The ambiance is swanky, with drinks crafted to order and crystal-clear ice that adds a touch of elegance. Cloakroom eschews a traditional menu, instead offering a bespoke cocktail experience. Guests discuss their preferences with the expert bartenders, who then create tailored drinks, often inspired by pre-Prohibition classics like the Martinez or Old Fashioned. Founded by Andrew Whibley, Cloakroom blends the charm of a clandestine bar with top-notch mixology.
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.
Le 404 operates on the logic of a quiet in-joke. Open late from Thursday to Sunday, the Old Montreal bar is built around concealment, accessed through a deliberately misleading front that rewards those paying attention. Inside, the room leans intimate and dim, with a design language that pulls from classic cocktail bars without slipping into costume: red velvet textures, marble surfaces, low lighting, and a tight layout meant for conversation. The cocktail list focuses on modern classics and house originals, favouring balance and technique over novelty for novelty’s sake. A concise food menu—think tartares, oysters, and small plates meant to stretch the night—supports the bar’s late-hour rhythm.
Pamika has offered its refined version of Thai dining since 2012, guided by the personal cooking history of chef Pamika Sukla. After a decade on Sherbrooke, the move to Saint-Laurent marked a shift in scale rather than spirit: the menu still draws from the dishes she grew up with, shaped by time spent in Isan and Bangkok.
The cooking leans regional—khao soi from the north, seafood-driven curries from the south, papaya salads and stir-fries rooted in everyday Thai kitchens—served in formats meant for sharing. A dedicated Chef’s Table pushes deeper, offering a tasting menu that foregrounds lesser-known preparations and seasonal ingredients. Cocktails fold Thai aromatics into classic structures, while the wine list keeps things flexible, from familiar bottles to more exploratory picks.
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.
The team behind the Mile End sandwich slinger Renzo includes hospitality veterans, designers, and one country-singing chef (Jean-Michel Leblond) with a taste for reinvention. Together, they’ve built a tight, baseball-era throwback of a space that looks like a cross between a diner, a deli, and a vintage clubhouse. The name riffs on “San Lorenzo,” nodding to their spot on Saint-Laurent, but the menu draws from much farther afield: from a fried chicken sandwich with jalapeño zip to a smoked meat-style corned beef inspired by a trip to
There are 14 sandwiches in all, plus a few sweet things like pouding chômeur and key lime pie. With its punchy branding, strong local energy, and an alcoholic slushie machine for good measure, Renzo was clearly aiming for institution status right out of the gate after its opening in June 2025.
Breaking the monotony of Griffintown's dining scene, Nolan offers a familiar yet refreshing ambiance, reminiscent of cherished gatherings with friends. Under the expert guidance of Chef Tyler Flamand, formerly of Knuckles, the menu sings with seasonal local produce. Communal small plates pave the way for a traditional spread of vegetables, pasta, meats, and fish.
While every dish at Nolan is a delight, the Nolan Roll stands out. A gourmet twist on the cheese stick, it melds Montreal smoked meat, Emmental cheese, and sauerkraut, perfectly complemented by a red bell pepper sauce. It's an unmissable treat that keeps patrons coming back for more.
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