A Guide to the Best Date Spots in Montreal
Whether it’s a first date you’ve been nervous about all week, a second date that’s starting to feel like something, or a quiet evening with the person you’ve been with for years, finding the right table for two is its own kind of pressure. The city makes it harder, not easier: with so many great places in Montreal, narrowing it down to one can feel like the toughest decision of the night. That’s exactly where Tastet comes in.
A good date restaurant isn’t only about the food, though that matters. It’s about the room: a table where you can actually hear each other, lighting soft enough to relax into, a pace that lets the evening stretch without anyone rushing you out. Sometimes that’s an intimate wine bar in the Plateau with a short, well-chosen list and a counter made for leaning in close. Sometimes it’s a warm Italian spot in the Mile End, a few shareable plates between you, the kind of place where ordering becomes a conversation of its own. And sometimes a date calls for something more memorable: a refined tasting menu in Old Montreal for an anniversary you want to get exactly right.
The mood you’re after should shape the room you pick. A first date works best somewhere low-key and conversation-friendly, where a great cocktail and zero awkward silences do most of the work. Something further along can handle a livelier dining room or a buzzy natural wine bar where the energy carries you. And a long-awaited celebration can take its time: a tasting menu, a bottle worth lingering over, dessert you didn’t plan on ordering.
Whatever the occasion, we’ve eaten our way through the contenders so you can skip the second-guessing. Every spot here earns its place on taste alone, never on who paid for it. Browse our picks, choose the spot that fits the night you have in mind, and let the only thing left to plan be the conversation.
Cheap Dates
KazaMaza
Kazamaza, translates — more or less — as "this and that”, or “mix”, and it's a mix of very good things that we enjoy here. This nice address offers delicious middle-eastern dishes that are perfect for sharing. The decor is simple and makes you travel, while the quiet atmosphere is perfect to hear each well. Kazamaza's chef prepares exotic flavors and tasty dishes with precision: tender shanks, amazing hummus, lively kebabs, sumptuous fattouche salads, and much more.
Montréal
Malhi Sweets Restaurant et Sucreries
A trip to Mr. Mahli's restaurant feels a bit like a trip elsewhere. Plus, this address is one of the best Indian restaurants in Montreal! On the walls, you will find pictures of the owner with stars such as Catherine Deneuve, and on the plates, generous portions of some of the best Indian cuisine there is to offer, such as their exceptional goat curries. On the TV's, Bollywood hits stream constantly. For an original and unpretentious date, this is certainly one of your best options.
Montréal
The Dumpling Hut
Dumpling Hut is a quaint little restaurant that offers some of the best dumplings in Montreal! Owner Haiqin is originally from China, and arrived in Montreal in 2013. Since then, she has been introducing Chinese culture to Montreal in her own way: by preparing tasty dumplings for her clients. With its friendly dining room and semi-open kitchen, the address is unique and charming. A great discovery to make on a date!
Montréal
Thai Sep
Opened in 2011, Thaï Sep welcomes its guests into a simple and friendly setting, perfect for enjoying delicious Laotian and Thai cuisine! Chef and owner Anouxath Siyavong prepares dishes with authentic flavours from his native countries, and the result is exquisite! Note that in addition to offering delicious dishes in a rather quiet atmosphere, Thai Sep is also a great BYOB, so you can share your favourite bottle with your date.
Montréal
Le Super Qualité
Super Qualité is an Indian snack bar in Rosemont that offers some of the best cuisine from the Indian subcontinent. It mainly includes street food from South India, cocktails and regional specialities. The space is charming and original, and its relaxed atmosphere is conducive to a date. This small local restaurant should be discovered simply for the quality of its dishes and its friendly staff! Plus, it is one of the best Indian restaurants in town!
Montréal
Otto Yakitori Izakaya
Otto Yakitori is known for its specialty, yakitori (!) — the most delicious meat skewers. The place is suitable for a date with a festive atmosphere without breaking the bank!
Montréal
Drogheria Fine
In the heart of Mile End, this small counter serves impressive gnocchi with tomato sauce that will make you want to return for lunch and dinner. The name, the cuisine, the décor, and the atmosphere of the Drogheria Fine transport you to an old-fashioned European delicatessen. A small window, working as a counter, overlooks Fairmount Avenue West. Ideal for a casual date during a stroll in Mile End.
Montréal
Nouilles de Lan Zhou
Lan Zhou is by far one of our favorite places in town to enjoy delicious, fresh Chinese noodles. Despite the restaurant's modest appearance, the long line of hungry customers that often spills out onto the sidewalk is a testament to the quality of this address. A date that might end in laughter, interspersed with many slurps.
Montréal
Pumpui
Pumpui offers all the wonderful flavours of Thailand in the heart of Little Italy. To eat in or take out, their menu is delicious, authentic, and affordable, with a little kick to boot.
Montréal
Kazu
Kazu is a small and unpretentious Japanese bistro that never disappoints — and this, at a small cost. It is definitely one of our favourite places in town. Kazu is a rather inconspicuous restaurant on this eclectic part of Sainte-Catherine street.
Montréal
Crèmerie SWIRL
SWIRL is a delicious lactose-free ice cream shop on the Plateau. Minimalist in its decor as well as in its offer, the address has become a must in the city. Strolling through the Plateau on your date? Stop by the charming shop for an ice cream!
Montréal
Le Red Tiger (Village)
The neon lights that greet you illuminate the phrase "The more the merrier"! That's the atmosphere you'll find at the Red Tiger, one of our festive and affordable restaurants. The owners wanted a restaurant/bar where you could come and eat Vietnamese street food, and it's been very successful! Right in the heart of the Village, the restaurant is a charming and very friendly place that buzzes with foodies. Also, it's open on Monday!
Montréal
Icehouse
Icehouse is neither haute gastronomy nor fast food, it's an in-between; an unpretentious place where one comes to eat the most delicious feel-good food. The menu is Tex-Mex influenced. You can enjoy tacos, sandwiches, nachos and burritos of all kinds, and a great fried chicken. The establishment is known for its drinks, so it's a good place to go if you're looking for a date with a festive feel. Its friendly and relaxed atmosphere and its nice little terrace in the summer make this address perfect for a date, in addition to being open on Mondays!
Montréal
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Fleurs et Cadeaux Restaurant
This Japanese-style snack bar, nestled in a pink, century-old building on Saint-Urbain Street, offers a multi-sensory experience like no other in the neighbourhood. The attention to detail, from the plates to the sound system, is sure to transport you to another place for an evening. If your date goes well, you can even head downstairs for a drink at Sans Soleil!
Montréal
L'Express
L'Express is a staple in Montreal for its menu, décor and outstanding French brasserie service. Here, the menu does not change, but the quality is always there. French classics executed to perfection!
Montréal
Cadet
Although Cadet is a rather discreet address, you can be sure that the dishes will always be delectable. In a refined and elegant space, you will find a menu in four parts: vegetables, fish, meat and desserts. The restaurant offers a large bar with about twenty seats, a very comfortable dining room, and a nice atmosphere enhanced by its gorgeous lighting.
Montréal
Foxy
This Griffintown address welcomes you in an elegant and very intimate decor that is undeniably romantic! The dishes are delicate and tasty and the place is always bustling. You can sit in the front for the action, at the bar to watch the action in the kitchen, or in the back for a more intimate evening.
Montréal
Tuck Shop
Tuck Shop is an excellent restaurant in Montreal. Why? A combination of things: delicious food, a superb wine list, a cheerful atmosphere and attentive service.
Montréal
Impasto
Impasto is one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal. In a space designed by Zébulon Perron, you will enjoy an Italian menu with the signature touch of chef Michele Forgione and his team. Everything here is homemade, and you can tell. We love the delicacy of the dishes, as well as the sauces and textures.
Montréal
Le Chien Fumant
Le Chien Fumant seats around 30 guests and has been filling up every night since it opened. The little establishment on the Plateau Mont-Royal never ceases to charm its guests, and it's not by chance. We eat here as if we were dining with friends who excel in the art of entertaining. The service at Le Chien Fumant reflects the place: attentive and generous.
Montréal
Restaurant Elena
Located in Saint-Henri, this address is known as much for its conviviality, as it is for its delicious pizzas and sought-after natural wines. All these elements are at the origin of Elena's success. To try it is to love it!
Montréal
Restaurant Moccione
One of our favourite Italian restaurants, Moccione is the ideal place for a date in Villeray. Moccione's cuisine is fresh, tasty and straightforward. The team in the kitchen succeeds marvelously in honouring the Italian classics by adding their personal touch.
Montréal
Pichai
Pichai is a must-visit address in Rosemont-La-Petite-Patrie to (re)discover the gastronomy of northeastern Thailand, chat with the charming team and enjoy carefully selected wines.
Montréal
Le Vin Papillon
Vin Papillon, located in the same block as Joe Beef and Liverpool House, offers its own unique twist to the Joe Beef family offering, which is to make vegetables the star of the show. The menu is fresh and full of textures, with succulent dishes that are perfect for sharing. Note, however, that the address is not vegetarian, and they offer beautiful meat and seafood dishes as well.
Montréal
Nora Gray
This small restaurant on Saint-Jacques Street is quiet, but knows how to get noticed. At Nora Gray, ambiance is everything; the atmosphere is cozy, warm and comfortable. As for the menu, it is simply exquisite.
Montréal
Denise
Located in Parc-Extension, Denise is a fun and relaxed place to meet for a drink. In accordance with the drinks menu, we also enjoy Asian-flavoured small dishes. However, the team in the kitchen is nevertheless free to be inspired by other flavours and promises a constantly evolving menu.
Montréal
BAR ST-DENIS
Since opening, Bar Saint-Denis has become the go-to spot for Rosemont locals, whether they're sitting down to a full meal or out for a quiet drink on a weeknight. The goal was a menu that flexes to what guests are in the mood for: sharing plates you can settle in and make a meal of, or pick at once the first round of drinks runs dry.
Montréal
Stem Bar
Stem Bar is a laid-back spot where the cooking is genuinely good. It's something of an extension of the September Surf café. If you're into local wines and beers, you're in for a treat here. On top of that, the menu leans into sharing plates that pair perfectly with whatever's in your glass.
Montréal
Le Blossom
What's more romantic than sharing sushi under a cherry tree in full bloom? Set in the Village, this restaurant and saké bar charms as much with its sumptuous interior as with its Japanese cooking.
Montréal
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Philemon Bar
In a beautiful space on the border of Little Italy and Mile Ex, Brasserie Harricana has something for almost everyone. In fact, it is on our list of the most beautiful bars in Montreal. Brasserie Harricana on Jean-Talon Street West aims to be a friendly neighbourhood microbrewery, a place that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together, a place where everyone can feel comfortable — and we believe they’ve succeeded!
Montréal
Bar Henrietta
Bar Henrietta is a little haven of joy with a Portuguese tavern feel in the Mile End. With a superb selection of natural wines, you can let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of the good juice that flows until very late. With a refreshing classic cocktail menu, the house is sure to quench your thirst! Henrietta also offers delicious Portuguese-inspired plates and all sorts of sharing dishes. In one sentence: natural wine bar, cocktails and fresh oysters. A wonderful evening, guaranteed.
Montréal
Bar Furco
In a space reminiscent of Berlin bars, Furco offers a "bar where you can also eat well" formula. Designed by Zébulon Perron, the establishment has been bustling since its opening with downtown professionals, party people of all kinds and lovers of good things... or just lovers.
Montréal
Le Majestique
We often talk about the bar Majestique because we have a real weakness for the place. With its kitsch decor, the place is ideal for an original gourmet date. We come here to to enjoy oysters and good wine, and to have a good time until the early morning.
Montréal
Le Rouge Gorge
Even though the vibe at Rouge-Gorge bar is more industrial, there is still a special intimacy to it. It’s a nice and unpretentious place that simply favours the good pleasures of the table. We come here to discover good bottles, to drink, and to enjoy tasty bites.
Montréal
vinvinvin
vinvinvin is a beautiful and colourful wine bar that brightens up the Petite-Patrie and serves the neighbourhood just right. Great project from a super talented team that knows what they're doing! vinvinvin offers a varied and truly delicious selection of "living" northern climate wines accompanied by gourmet small plates to share. vinvinvin's menu is delicious and locally-focused, and changes regularly with the seasons.
Montréal
La Buvette Chez Simone
Buvette Chez Simone is a pioneer in the category of places that serves real sharing dishes in a bar atmosphere. There is only one Buvette Chez Simone, and everything is done just right. The warm service, the vibrant atmosphere and the glasses of wine at just the right price.
Montréal
Bar Cicchetti
What better way to enjoy an apéritif than with a bellini or an Aperol Spritz at Cicchetti? Inspired by the chiccetterias — bars where you can enjoy small bites (or cicchetti) with a drink in hand — the address brings a Mediterranean vibe to the Mile-Ex.
Montréal
BAR - Big in Japan
Tucked behind a nondescript door on St. Laurent Boulevard is Big in Japan. Once inside, the long labyrinthine bar immediately catches the eye and guides the passage of the guests. The bar owes its subdued lighting thanks to a hundred small candles, cleverly placed throughout the space. The warm and enveloping atmosphere of the bar will leave the best impression on all who come.
Montréal
Atwater Cocktail Club
The Atwater Cocktail Club is one of our favourite bars in the Southwest to enjoy a drink in a cozy atmosphere. The bar surprises with its eclectic decor: a fuchsia pink banquette, a dinosaur head, and mirrors on the ceiling. The space is chic and original, and the dates here transport you away. They make delicious cocktails that can accompany tasty revisited classics such as a cheeseburger, rib steak, fries, escargots, frog legs and mor.
Montréal
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
Located on the second floor of the excellent Fugazzi restaurant, the Milky Way bar invites its customers to continue their evening in a truly unique space. A galactic-coloured staircase leads you into the bar. Designed by the Gauley Brothers, The Milky Way is all about extravagant elegance, highlighted by surreal lighting colours. To top off the out-of-this-world experience, you'll enjoy some of the best cocktails in Montreal.
Montréal
Cloakroom Bar
Cloakroom is a hidden bar tucked behind the high-end tailor shop of the same name. The 19th century building is the inspiration for mixologist and bar manager Andrew Whibley, who makes cocktails that are unique to the era. People come here to try his delicious custom cocktails. Just let him know what you like and what you're in the mood for!
Montréal
Bar George
Bar George is located on the ground floor of a stunning heritage house in the heart of downtown Montreal, and is another to boast the title of being one of Montreal’s most stunning bars. This is a perfect place to have a drink in what are truly exceptional surroundings.
Montréal
Le Bar Darling
Located at the corner of St. Laurent and Marie-Anne, spend some time in this enchanting setting with good coffee, food, and drinks!
Montréal
Gokudo
Gokudo is a superb hidden Japanese cocktail bar that opened its dors in the heart of downtown Montreal! It is perfect to start of finish a night-out.
Montréal
l'idéal bar & contenus
Opened in November 2021, in the middle of a pandemic, L'idéal bar & contenu is a hybrid space: part wine bar, part club and part creative studio.
Montréal
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Restaurant Mélisse
Head to this Old Port address to enjoy delicate, fresh and well-seasoned cuisine in a setting that is as lovely as the plates' presentation.
Montréal
Le Butterblume
With a refined décor, friendly staff and absolutely delicious dishes, this charming address has brought a breath of fresh air to this part of Saint-Laurent that was lacking a little love. The house offers a delicious lunch menu that changes with the seasons.
Montréal
larrys
This little Mile End address is wonderful. With a superb wine list and small plates with remarkable flavours, it's a great place to share a good meal.
Montréal
Mano Cornuto
Mano Cornuto, nestled in Griffintown, is an address that we can't get enough of! Ideal for all occasions and at any time of the day, we stop here to enjoy Italian wonders such as focaccia prepared every morning, delicious pasta dishes, colorful salads, generous sandwiches and pastries that will take you across the Atlantic to the land of la dolce vita.
Montréal
BarBara
BarBara's mission is to be a wine bar where good juice flows freely at an affordable price, accompanied by a dispensa (mini grocery store in Italian) and coffee for the early risers. The wine cellar is well stocked with products selected by Catherine Draws; small producers from here and elsewhere whose products can be enjoyed without thirst.
Montréal
noren
noren is a charming little address that we love. With its Japanese accents, and intimate atmosphere (it seats only 10), we head there to enjoy their small yet delicious menu, from A to Z.
Montréal
Café Parvis
Café Parvis has become a downtown staple. The magnificent space, dotted with plants, is worth the detour alone. Masterfully designed by Zébulon Perron, the place is bright during the day and perfectly dimmed at night. In this fabulous setting, you can enjoy very good pizzas, and salads of all kinds.
Montréal
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Café San Gennaro
The latest addition to the beautiful Covone armada - Massimo, Fabrizio, Giovanna (Bottega Montreal, Bottega Laval) and Mauro - this little address looks like one of those chic Neapolitan places where you go in for a coffee and come out with delicious delights in hand.
Montréal
Saison des pluies
It is at the corner of Guizot Street East and Henri-Julien Avenue that Erika Lafleur and Antoine Lacroix-Vézina opened the doors of Saison des pluies, their very first café. A very nice address in Villeray for a date.
Montréal
Club Social PS
Hidden behind Elena, the space offers coffee, wine and pizza lovers a casual and original formula. To be discovered for a casual date!
Montréal
Pastel Rita
Pastel Rita combines a café and creative workshop in its original Mile End space. The color palette inside is reminiscent of a Wes Anderson aesthetic, with a combination of pastels and more saturated colors. Come and enjoy Pastel Rita's revamped menu or have a glass of wine from the new in-house liquor list.
Montréal
Café Névé
Open since 2009 on the Plateau Mont-Royal, Café Névé has been serving excellent third-wave coffee in a simple, welcoming space ever since.
Montréal
Tommy Café
This beautiful café has held onto the charm of the historic Old Montreal building it occupies, while bringing in a modern boho touch. It's a laid-back spot where students, tourists, and young couples all mingle.
Montreal
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Jatoba
Jatoba is a very impressive restaurant. Starting with its decor, this address is located in the former Philips Lounge, and it was La Chambre Design who designed the place. Everything is chic and beautiful, with a lovely terrace equipped to welcome you all year long (and one of the most beautiful in town). At Jatoba, you can enjoy a Japanese-inspired menu. Their seafood platters - the specialty of chef Olivier Vigneault - will be sure to impress. They also offer simple dishes for all tastes; salads, vegetables, dumplings, fish, seafood and meat. Note that the restaurant has a bar license as well.
Montréal
Le Serpent
Le Serpent is one of our favourite restaurants in Montreal. Firstly, because its location in the Darling Foundry is beautiful; and secondly, because its décor is both simple and impressive. The atmosphere here is eclectic and lively, but it might not be the quietest space for a first date. Our favourite spot to sit is at the bar. The restaurant offers superbly executed dishes to be shared, and a few of their dishes of note include their bucatini, confit pork ribs, black garlic, soy, speck linguini and lobster risotto. Be sure to save room for the desserts; chef Masami Waki is one of the best in town.
Montréal
Montréal Plaza
Montreal Plaza is the long-awaited restaurant of Charles-Antoine Crête, who has brought a breath of fresh air to Plaza Saint-Hubert. You walk in here as though it were the home of the co-owner's parents: with a very warm greeting in a festive atmosphere, and always with a glass of wine in hand. The decor, by Zébulon Perron, has a brasserie feel that is quite elegant, with a touch of charming madness. The food here is local, fresh, and often extravagant. With Sébastien Blanchette, Charles-Antoine Crête, Amin Nasrallah (ex Toqué), Sophie Juneau (ex Conti), Cheryl Johnson (chef and co-owner) and Samuel Chevalier (ex Filet et Toqué!) working there, you are in very good hands.
Montréal
Le Filet
Le Filet restaurant is a staple Montreal address and one of the best restaurants in the city. In a mellow decor, which is both chic and comfortable, you will enjoy memorable dishes, mainly inspired by the sea. A hybrid menu influenced by the chef's Japanese origins and his training in French cuisine. We particularly love the exceptional tuna tartare, linguini with squid ink, and cavatellis with veal cheek and foie gras shavings. The restaurant also offers a superb wine list!
Montréal
Mon Lapin
Mon Lapin has built its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the city through the consistency it maintains at every level. Since opening, the Saint-Zotique spot has set itself apart with refined cooking, personalized service, an exceptional wine list, and an atmosphere all its own.
Montréal
Monarque
Monarque is one of the city's most beautiful restaurants and welcomes its clientele to enjoy excellent French-inspired gourmet cuisine. Divided into two sections, Monarque has a brasserie side with a more casual atmosphere and a more accessible menu, and a chic dining room, where you can enjoy an upscale four-course menu served in a very elegant setting.
Montréal
Damas
The space at Damas is sublime and very warm. Upon entering, you will feel welcomed, transported, and charmed. On the menu, you will find exquisite specialties with exceptional flavours and spices, such as fish, charcoal grilled meats, and Fattouch salad.
Montréal
Place Carmin
Place Carmin is a French brasserie restaurant that impresses with its sublime decor. The project is the work of Mélanie Blanchette and her team (Bouillon Bilk, Cadet). You can enjoy tasty dishes from François Nadon in a chic space.
Montréal
Hoogan et Beaufort
Hoogan and Beaufort is a restaurant that opened its doors at the edge of Rosemont, in the Angus Shops. One falls under its charm at first thanks to its magnificent industrial decor, and then after having tasted the magnificent dishes of chef Marc-André Jetté.
Montréal
