Where To Eat on December 25: Christmas dinner, no dishes

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.

Restaurant Beijing has been a Chinatown mainstay since 1989, drawing a mix of loyal regulars and curious newcomers. Known for its sprawling menu, the spot serves Cantonese staples like sweet and sour pork and peanut butter dumplings alongside adventurous off-menu options like razor clams and black-bean snails. The sizzling clay pot chicken with gizzards and wings—jeh jeh gai bo—is a standout for those in the know.

This old-school eatery is a haven for bold flavours and variety. While the food consistently earns high praise, the ambiance and service can polarize diners. The bustling vibe, dated decor, and less-than-spotless bathrooms might not appeal to everyone, but the kitchen’s quality keeps fans coming back.

When you step into the Golden Square Mile’s Le Pois Penché, it’s as if you’ve stumbled into a classic Parisian brasserie. Sure, the brunch is legendary—where red velvet chairs and black-and-white checkered floors set the stage for classics like ham and Gruyère omelette and mascarpone-laden French toast—but don’t be fooled into thinking this place is a one-trick pony.

The dinner menu is also where the brasserie shines with the familiar comfort of French favourites. Think steak frites, rich duck confit, and indulgent. And for seafood lovers, there’s the fresh seafood platter—a towering tribute to all things oceanic.

It’s more than a place to grab brunch or dinner—it’s a space to unwind, whether at the polished bar with a perfectly crafted cocktail, on the cozy summer terrace with a glass of wine, or in the elegant private wine cellar, which feels like a tucked-away escape for special events.

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.

Situated in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, Le Renoir seamlessly blends the elegance of French gastronomy with the vibrancy of local flavours and international influences. With critically acclaimed Chef Olivier Perret at the helm, the restaurant has earned two prestigious “Toques” from Gault & Millau and is celebrated as one of Montreal’s top hotel dining experiences.

Chef Perret, originally from Burgundy, France, brings a deep appreciation for seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to every plate. His expertise, shaped by years of working at renowned restaurants in France and Sofitel locations across North America, is evident in menus that are both inventive and rooted in tradition. Pastry Chef Paul Peyrat complements this vision with stunning desserts that elevate the dining experience further.

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.

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.

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.

Auberge Saint-Gabriel is more than just a restaurant; it’s a piece of living history in Old Montreal. Originally built in 1688, it was North America’s first licensed inn in 1754. Today, this historic gem—now co-owned by Swiss restaurateur Marc Bolay and Quebec singer Garou—combines rich Quebec heritage with elevated gastronomy in a setting that feels timeless. Designer Bruno Braën carefully modernized the interior, enhancing original stone walls, wood beams, and cozy fireplaces to preserve the inn’s enchanting past while creating a refined and atmospheric dining experience.

In the kitchen, seasonal menus focus on market-fresh Quebec ingredients. Classic dishes like the rotisserie-cooked chicken and Marc Bolay’s traditional Swiss fondue share the spotlight with seasonal fare, from wood-fired aged beef to inventive vegetable dishes. A curated wine list offers selections that respect the earth, including Canadian and Quebec wines that perfectly complement the menu.

The Auberge’s charm extends beyond the dining room with multiple private rooms and an inviting lounge. In warmer months, guests can dine on a terrace that’s as historic as it is picturesque. Whether for intimate dinners, private events, or just soaking in Montreal’s history over fine wine and superb food, Auberge Saint-Gabriel remains a true Montreal landmark, blending tradition with gastronomic elegance.

The iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal’s in-house restaurant Maison Boulud is a beacon of haute cuisine, blending French tradition with global inspiration and local flair. Helmed by chef Daniel Boulud and brought to life by hand-picked executive chefs over the years, this refined yet approachable restaurant has become a cornerstone of Montreal’s culinary landscape since opening in 2012.

The menu evolves with the seasons, spotlighting Quebec’s finest ingredients while showcasing Boulud’s worldly influences, honed over decades in New York, Italy, and beyond. Signature dishes, like ris de veau, tartares, and pastas share the stage with indulgent desserts. Pair your meal with selections from a meticulously curated 600-bottle wine list, or explore cocktails during a chic 5 à 7 at the bar.

Designed by Japanese firm Super Potato, the space has understated luxury with natural woods, bronze accents, and a cozy central fireplace. In warmer months, the adjoining veranda provides a magical setting with views of the Ritz’s gardens and famous duck pond. For intimate gatherings, Maison Boulud offers private and semi-private dining rooms, perfect for celebrations or quiet business lunches.

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.

Mignon Steak is a love letter to the now-closed L’Entrecôte Saint-Jean, reimagined for a new era. Restaurateur Thomas Vernis channels his nostalgia into a focused, no-frills concept: AAA Angus steak, crispy frites, and a house-made secret sauce, served with a simple lineup of seasonal starters and desserts. The table d’hôte keeps things straightforward—salad or soup to start, steak-frites as the main event, and a rotating dessert to finish. The wine list leans organic and natural, while the cocktail program is a martini lover’s dream, offering multiple takes on the classic.

Designed by Amlyne Phillips, the 30-seat space in Little Burgundy feels like a retro Parisian bistro, warm and intimate. It’s a sharp departure from the sprawling steakhouse model, proving that sometimes, all you need is a perfect cut of beef, a well-mixed drink, and a seat at the bar.

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.

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.

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.

A decade before the Old Port’s cocktail boom took hold, Philémon Bar staked its claim on rue Saint-Paul Ouest. The year was 2010. The space—a 19th-century warehouse once filled with mining hardware and dry goods—had been stripped back to the bones by Ariel Goldstein and interior architect Zébulon Perron. Their goal wasn’t to chase trends but to build something neighbourly: a bar for the people working, living, and partying in Old Montréal. It worked.

Philémon became one of the first spots in the area to bridge the gap between casual and elevated. It’s still doing that—under moody lighting and against exposed brick—with a smart list of wines curated by Carolyn Aubry (aka Whine Mom), strong cocktails, and a food program handled by its sister restaurant, Bon Service. Think share plates, cheeses, house pasta, and things that disappear fast when the mood’s right. Which, here, it usually is.

Walking into Kim Fung is a sensory overload in the best possible way—brimming with chatter, the clicking of chopsticks, and the constant parade of steam baskets making their rounds. Situated in Chinatown, this bustling dim sum hall has long been a cornerstone for anyone looking to scratch that itch for authentic, no-frills Chinese food.

You don’t come to Kim Fung for quiet intimacy or to be coddled by servers. You come because it’s got character and characters. It’s where families, students, tourists, and local die-hards converge over steaming baskets of shrimp dumplings, pork buns, and turnip cakes, all brought to you by the relentless, efficient cart service that makes dim sum what it is.

If you’re a first-timer, brace yourself. The experience can be chaotic—carts whizz by, filled with all sorts of delicious-looking things, and there’s a good chance you’ll take something without fully knowing what it is (a rite of passage, really). It’s an unapologetically busy atmosphere to grab a seat and dive in headfirst.

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.

Pushap, a Montreal institution since 1986, brings the comforting, plant-based flavours of Punjab to life in its small, bustling dining room near the Décarie Autoroute. Founded by Daljit Mohan and his wife Seema Sharma, the restaurant was named after Daljit’s mother—a heartfelt nod to family, which is at the core of everything here. The menu is 100% vegetarian, offering homemade dishes like lentil curries, Shahi Paneer, and Mattar Kofta, all prepared on-site with care. Their thalis—hearty, diverse platters—are a standout, alongside crispy samosas and silky lassis.

Pushap also built a loyal following with its traditional Indian desserts (hence the ‘official’ name Pushap Sweets), from syrupy gulab jamun to creamy barfi, all made fresh in-house. The unassuming decor, warm service, and unbelievably affordable prices make it feel like dining with family. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, this spot delivers soulful Indian food that’s as authentic as it gets.