One of the Plateau's most enduring institutions, Café Cherrier has occupied the corner of Saint-Denis and Cherrier since 1983, drawing writers, politicians, journalists, and artists to its pink-lit dining room, cushy banquettes, and vine-covered wraparound terrasse. Owner Jacques Boisseau built the place into what he calls the home of Montreal's "faune créatrice," and the walls bear black-and-white portraits of regulars past: René Lévesque, Yvon Deschamps, and others. The menu is classic French brasserie: fish soup with rouille, escargots, duck confit, steak frites, crème brûlée, tarte Tatin. A rotating table d'hôte runs lunch and dinner through the week. The wine list leans on private imports.