Helena

Helena Loureiro has spent over a decade refining what Portuguese fine dining can look like in Montreal. At her namesake restaurant on McGill Street, the approach is grounded in tradition but styled for a modern palate—petiscos to start, plenty of cod and octopus, and mains that span from pan-seared fish to flame-kissed Angus beef. The space itself is pared-back but elegant, with warm lighting and attentive service that never tips into stiffness. Designed by Agostino De Reggi, the room echoes the menu: sophisticated, but grounded. While the caldo verde and bacalhau dishes nod to Loureiro’s roots, there’s nothing static about the food here. Each plate walks a line between comfort and precision. It’s the kind of spot regulars keep in rotation—for celebrations or just because they know what’s good—and it’s quietly held its place as one of Old Montreal’s most consistent bets for Portuguese cuisine with finesse.