Monkland Tavern has been serving NDG since 1995, but longevity’s only part of the story. The neighbourhood favourite co-owned by Barbara Irwin and Chef Josh Crowe serves a menu that's dedicated to blending seasonality with sharp technique—think wild mushrooms from Hochelaga, crudo that cuts straight to summer, and handmade pasta in butter-laced sauces. Regulars know to trust the chef’s menu, a freestyle tasting built around your preferences and the day’s finds. As for the wine list, shaped by Barbara, balances natural-leaning bottles with more classic picks, often poured by the glass. Inside, it earns its moniker of 'tavern' through the warmth of a dining that's refined while leaning rustic: turquoise walls, white tablecloths, and a long wood bar lined with locals.