Montreal’s 50 Best New Restaurants of 2024
The year is coming to an end: it’s finally time to present our list of Montreal’s best new restaurants of 2024!
Phew! What a year it’s been! We’ve made it to the end of 2024, a year full of twists and turns in the Montreal restaurant scene, and we’re wrapping up with a bit of hair-raising excitement (and a break from the GST in restaurants).
Sadly, several fabourites didn’t make it to the finish line (Normand Laprise’s Brasseries T! and Burger T!, Dinette Triple Crown, Un Po Di Piu, Marconi, Pullman, Moleskine, Boxermans, Paradiso Pasta, Paloma, only to name a few). On the bright side, we’ve seen plenty of new openings including several highly anticipated projects that launched in 2024. Namely, Île de France at Eaton Centre Le 9e, which was fully restored and modernized (it was, in fact, the most-read article on Tastet.ca this year!). We also saw the opening of Le Violon, Danny Smiles’ most recent opus; Juliette Plaza, Montréal Plaza‘s new sibling; Oncle Lee, opened at the start of the year by young prodigy chef Andersen Lee backed by the team behind Cadet and Bouillon Bilk (which also rose from the ashes after a devastating fire); Romies Bistro, from the couple lovely behind Arthurs; and finally, Rôtisserie La Lune, opened by the friends from Mon Lapin just in time to make it onto this list.
We also had several pleasant surprises: Parapluie, from chef Robin Filteau Boucher, which made it into Canada’s top 10 best new restaurants (and for good reason!), the surprising Chez Jean-Paul, the fabulous Dorsia in Old Montreal, Panacée in the Village, La Spada in Saint-Henri, Leila, chef Amine Laabi’s new spot in Mile-End, Claire Jacques, a charming wine bar in Villeray… We’ve also seen a bunch of new great affordable eats, like the excellent shawarmas from Dunya, the divine pizza from Palomino, banh mi from Chom Chom, and roast chicken from Bertha’s. Lots of new cafés and bars too.
In total, we covered over 100 new openings in Montreal this year – not including all the others in Quebec City and elsewhere in the province. To keep it digestable, we narrowed it down to 50 for this list, which still makes for plenty of new places to try. By comparison, our best new openings lists featured 16 spots in 2023 and 22 in 2022.
Without further ado, here is our list of the 50 best new Montreal restaurants of 2024. All of these addresses, and many more, can also be found in our Tastet+ app!
We wish all of you, dear readers, a wonderful 2025 filled with delicious discoveries. Cheers!
Rôtisserie La Lune
The team at Mon Lapin waited until the very end of 2024 to unveil their new project: a modern rotisserie, paying tribute to the tradition of Quebec rotisseries. In a stunning and spacious dining room designed by the timeless Zébulon Perron, they’ve reimagined the classics, like the famous rotisserie chicken, served with fries and homemade BBQ sauce (and what a sauce!), coleslaw (a perfect blend of creamy and traditional), the club sandwich, and the vol-au-vent (with scallops—absolutely divine). Everything is prepared with the meticulous care we’ve come to expect from chefs Marc-Olivier Frappier and Jessica Noël and their team, supported by an experienced front-of-house crew. We were already sold, but the brief preview we had before the holidays confirms that Rôtisserie La Lune exceeds expectations.
Montreal
Restaurant Île de France - Le 9e
The news that Eaton Centre’s iconic 9th floor and its lavish restaurant Île de France were set to reopen made quite a splash early this year. In fact, it was our most-read article of the entire year! To bring this project to life, the developers called upon trusted professionals: chefs Derek Dammann (formerly of Maison Publique and McKiernan) and Liam Hopkins (McKiernan, Park), maître d’hôtel Marco Gucciardi (Milos, Bar George, etc.), and mixologist Andrew Whibley (Cloakroom, Bar Dominion), who led the cocktail program and the opening of the Le French Line bar. The sumptuous restaurant offers a menu inspired by the original, featuring elegantly reimagined French and Quebecois classics. It’s a joy to see this historic space come back to life!
Montréal
Le Violon
It’s in the former home of Maison Publique, at the corner of Marquette and Gilford, that Danny Smiles has chosen to settle. Surrounded by his longtime partner Mitch Laughren, maître d’hôtel Andrew Park, and his friend, artist Dan Climan, the celebrity chef presents a more thoughtful and mature side, after showing his wild side with Double’s Late Night bar. In an elegant setting designed by Zébulon Perron (again!) and Dan Climan, he offers local, seasonal cuisine that honours his Egyptian, Italian, and Irish roots. A new classic is born. Long live Le Violon!
Montréal
Restaurant Parapluie
Parapluie was undoubtedly one of our team’s biggest favorites this year. It’s always a pleasure to revisit chef Robin Filteau Boucher and his partner, maître d’hôtel Karelle Voyer, at this small neighbourhood restaurant with about 30 seats and an elegant, timeless décor. Robin’s simple yet refined cuisine never fails to impress, and Karelle’s wine list is perfectly in sync. We also appreciate the prices, which are quite reasonable. If you haven’t yet tried the lobster oeuf mayo, it’s high time to fix that!
Montréal
Leila
Quietly opened just before the holidays, Leila is set to quickly become a Mile-End favorite. Chefs Amine Laabi (public’s choice on the show Les Chefs! in 2022) and Gregory Watson (Café Gentile, Beba) offer a culinary journey through the southern Mediterranean — with flavours from Spain, Portugal, Italy, southern France, Greece, and Morocco on the plate — in a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. No B.S., only good vibes.
Montréal
La Spada
Chef Steve Marcone (Bistro Amerigo) and culinary photographer Scott Usheroff (a.k.a. Craving Curator) are behind this stylish Italian restaurant with a colorful décor in Saint-Henri. On the menu, you’ll find well-executed and comforting classics of Roman gastronomy. A standout for us were the Ravioli Francese, the Chicken Paillard, and the Tortellini in Brodo.
Montréal
Oncle Lee
Opened at the very beginning of 2024, Oncle Lee has brought a breath of fresh air to Laurier Ouest. Surrounded by his mentors from Bouillon Bilk and Cadet, young chef prodigy Andersen Lee offers a cuisine that is deeply Chinese, yet perfectly adapted to Western and Quebecois palates. A strong team in both the kitchen and front of house, a fantastic menu, and a very pleasant terrace—these are all reasons why Oncle Lee quickly earned its spot on our list of the best restaurants in Mile End.
Montréal
BOUILLON BILK
We were really afraid of losing our beloved Bouillon Bilk last spring! Destroyed by a fire in May 2024, the restaurant has finally found a new home at 22 Sainte-Catherine Street East and was able to reopen just two months later. Known for the quality of its cuisine and the professionalism of its entire staff, this restaurant has become an institution and a must-visit. The address offers a unique culinary experience with creative dishes and an excellent wine list.
Montréal
Romies
Everything Reagan Steinberg and Alex Cohen touch seems to turn to gold. After the immense success of Arthurs Nosh Bar, the two lovebirds have gathered an all-star team of former Joe Beef staffers at Romies, a chic contemporary American bistro located in the space once occupied by Boris Bistro. The cuisine creatively reinterprets the classics, in a sophisticated and festive atmosphere, complete with one of the most beautiful terraces in the city. Bravo!
Montréal
Juliette Plaza
Cheryl Johnson and Charles-Antoine Crête certainly have more than one trick up their sleeve. This is evident with their new project, located right next door to Montréal Plaza, offering equally creative and high-quality cuisine, but in a more accessible and casual format, with a wine list to match. Plus, it’s open at lunchtime — all the more reason to indulge!
Montréal
Birbante
Rumor had for some time that brothers Pierpaolo and Davide Sansone, from the excellent Panzeria on St-Denis, were secretly working on a new project. This new restaurant, Birbante, reimagines the culinary heritage of Puglia with a modern twist, in an absolutely stunning setting. Definitely worth trying!
Montréal
Bouillon Albert
Probably one of the nicest surprises of the year, Bouillon Albert revisits the tradition of French bouillons, small restaurants offering affordable cuisine in an unpretentious atmosphere. The timing is perfect in these uncertain economic times. A much-appreciated break for our wallets!
Montréal
Restaurant Chez Jean-Paul
We’re cheating a bit here — Chez Jean-Paul opened in December 2023, just before the New Year — but it’s because we believe this wonderful spot in the Rosemont neighbourhood didn’t get the attention it deserved. As discreet as he is talented, chef Isael Gadoua (former Joe Beef and Paloma) works small miracles in his kitchen. His dishes are always refined, sometimes surprising, even bewildering, like the braised veal tongue served with homemade cheese tortillons or the must-try grilled lake trout with orange sauce and trout roe. You can feel the influence of chef Armand from Paloma, but we’re also reminded of the boldness of Ariel Schor cooking at Beba. In short, a table worth discovering!
Montréal
Dorsia
It’s common for restaurants to invest colossal amounts into their décor without paying much attention to what’s on the plate, especially in Old Montreal. Rest assured, that’s not the case here: Dorsia’s cuisine is just as sumptuous as its décor. It’s not cheap, of course, but for an experience of such a high level, a little indulgence is well worth it.
Montréal
Bona Fide Montreal
While we were saddened by the closure of Paloma last summer, we quickly found joy in seeing a worthy successor take its place. Bona Fide is a humble neighbourhood Italian restaurant that serves great food and wine with genuine, bona fide sincerity.
Montréal
Mémo
Mémo is the playground of chef Rémi Lemieux (former Au Pied de Cochon, Nord-Est). While the place might not look like much (the décor will be revamped soon, the chef assures us), what’s on the plate more than makes up for it. Drawing on his recent experience at Top Chef Canada, the chef offers a MÉMOrable tasting menu in the evening and a more relaxed menu during the day. Worth trying!
Montréal
Restaurant Panacée
In this small, sober, and elegant restaurant on Atateken Street in the Village, chef-owner Catherine Couvet Desrosiers (former Foxy, Cadet, Bouillon Bilk) serves beautifully crafted and flavourful dishes, served around a large central counter. A concept that fosters interaction and allows you to fully experience what Panacée has to offer.
Montréal
Polari
A well-known figure in Montreal’s wine scene, sommelier Keaton Ritchie (former Lawrence, Salle Climatisée) has opened his small wine bar on Rue de Castelnau, near Casavant, which incidently made it to our list of the best new restaurants of 2023. Great wine at accessible prices, a few simple yet delicious bites, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s no surprise that this spot quickly became a must-visit in Villeray!
Montréal
Motel Ontario
Don’t try calling to book a room at Motel Ontario; it’s actually a neighborhood restaurant-wine bar located in a former bank on Promenade Ontario, much to our delight! The charming team behind Pizzeria Heirloom and État-Major offers a wine bar concept with shareable dishes and a selection of very affordable wines by the glass or bottle, all in a beautiful decor designed by Tania Morrison of LOVACO. We love it!
Montréal
Papito Restaurant
The wonderful team behind Café Parvis and Furco has completed their hat trick with a third location near the Quartier des spectacles, on Rue Saint-Alexandre just around the corner from the other two. In a spacious dining room designed by Zébulon Perron (this guy never sleeps!), you can enjoy excellent wood-fired grilled dishes. A great spot for groups.
Montreal
Claire Jacques
Claire Jacques is the creation of pastry chef Laurence Théberge and sommelier Philippe Guilbault, who do everything here together: the cooking, service, wine list, and cocktails. The menu is divided in two sections : savoury and sweet. Though both are equally appetizing, it’s worth nothing that Laurence was trained by Patrice Demers, which gives you an idea of the level of her cooking. Open from mid-afternoon to early evening, it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon snack or an aperitif with friends.
Montréal
Bar Vivar
Two former Joe Beef staff members, chef-owner Georges Greiche in the kitchen and his friend Patrick Oakes in the dining room, have teamed up at Bar Vivar. The duo offers a Spanish tapas-style menu that is flavourful and affordable, and has quickly won us over. Plus, they’re even open for lunch!
Montréal
Gino’s Negroni & Lasagna
The concept at Gino’s is simple: lasagna and negronis, offered at reasonable prices, in a very charming setting with a festive and friendly atmosphere. A formula that has quickly won over many, especially parents looking for a fun and affordable family outing.
Montréal
Miracolo
The Majestique/Darling family has expanded this year with the miraculous Miracolo, located a little further down Boulevard Saint-Laurent. Designer Thomas Csano impresses again with his baroque-rococo decor, filled with icons, madonnas, and vintage finds. Chefs Alejandro Vega and Pierre Morneau offer a flavourful and festive italo-québécois menu. Notably, children are welcome here, unlike at the other two locations, which have bar licenses. Hallelujah!
Montréal
Rendez-Vous Pointe-Claire
We really enjoyed Lou’s, which opened in Pointe-Claire in the fall of 2023. We love its new sibling, Rendez-vous, which offers a more laid-back experience just next door. Take a seat at the bar, which wraps around the kitchen, and enjoy delicious small plates with a glass of wine or a cocktail. It’s a rendez-vous!
Pointe-Claire
Olive et Gourmando Royalmount
The must-visit café-bakery by Dyan Solomon now has a branch at Royalmount. This new Olive & Gourmando location, away from Fou Fou, has its own dining room, beautifully decorated by Atelier Zébulon Perron. It offers all the classics we love from the original, along with some surprises! In the evening, the café serves a lovely small bar menu, wine, and cocktails.
Montréal
Terroirs Restaurant
The opening of Terroirs last August didn’t make much noise, but this neighborhood restaurant in the Shops Angus, which took over Magnolia’s space, is worth a closer look. The owners are true local food and agriculture enthusiasts. Start a conversation with them, and they’ll talk for hours. This passion is reflected in the dishes, which are generous, hearty, and always made with local ingredients.
Montréal
Capisco
The arrival of Capisco brought a breeze of warmth and exoticism to Old Montreal. Chef Marcel Larrea (Tiradito, Chifa) offers an italo-Peruvian cuisine full of flavour and just enough spice. To quench our thirst, we dive into the tempting cocktail menu. Very sexy!
Montréal
Nama Omakase
We eagerly awaited the opening of Nama Omakase, an ambitious project by chefs GaCong Ruan and Michael Ho with the Carma Hospitality group (Ciccio’s, Yama, Bird Bar, Máti), originally slated for 2023. The wait stretched until June, but it was well worth it. Nama skillfully blends GaCong’s Japanese influences (he hails from Maïko and Torii) with Michael’s French techniques, honed at Bocuse in Lyon and Boulud in Montreal.
Montreal
Mama C
Zébulon Perron’s ears must be burning, as here’s another restaurant designed by his workshop. Newly opened on the ground floor of Hôtel Nelligan, Mama C offers dishes inspired by the fresh flavors of Greece, blending tradition and modern Mediterranean tastes. We’re, of course, dazzled by the sumptuous décor, with a large olive tree at its heart.
Montréal
MÁTI
A collaboration between Carma Hospitality (Nama, Yama, Ciccio’s) and Tomahawk Group (June Buvette, Mignon, Buvette Pastek), MÁTI offers refined cuisine inspired by the Greek islands in an elegant, intimate setting with a cozy atmosphere. A highly appealing option to discover on your next visit to Old Montreal.
Montréal
Pavillon - Restaurant
The restaurant on the third floor of the Société des arts technologiques (SAT) has undergone a makeover with a new concept called Pavillon – Club Social. Simple dishes, a short natural wine list, a few cocktails, all at accessible prices. And, of course, a beautiful, green terrace. Just a few steps from the Quartier des spectacles, it’s the perfect spot for an after-work drink or a bite before a show.
Montréal
Othym
Why is an institution like Othym on this list? Because the popular BYOB spot in the Village, which celebrated its 20th anniversary this year, has undergone a facelift, moving a little further down Atateken Street. In this new, larger, and better equipped space, chef Noé Lainesse and his team continue their mission to offer local, responsible, and creative cuisine.
Montréal
Bistro Le Cerf-Volant
The east side of the city can rejoice with the arrival of Bistro Cerf-Volant, which has revitalized the former location of the iconic Taverne Reeves in Tétreaultville, just steps from the equally legendary Chez Simon cantine urbaine. This restaurant offers a BYOB experience that stands out in the neighbourhood with its upscale concept and commitment to quality. Its modern bistronomic cuisine highlights fresh, seasonal products, with a blend of conviviality and authenticity in a contemporary gastronomic setting.
Montréal
Junco Café-Buvette
There aren’t many good places to eat near the Frontenac metro station, which partly explains our excitement when we learned of not one, but two new spots in the Mellem rental condo project: wine bar Éléonore and the Junco café-buvette. A charming and bright café with Italian accents by day, Junco, named after a small bird that nests along nearby railroad tracks, transforms into an intimate and warm wine bar in the evening. A wonderful discovery!
Montréal
Dunya
In these difficult times, we really need spots like Dunya: well-made, delicious, and affordable shawarmas and falafels, prepared by a young, passionate team in a cheerfuly coloured space. It’s simply refreshing. We love it!
Montréal
Ohayo Café
In Japanese, “ohayo” means “good morning,” a fitting name for this new café by chef Hiroshi Kitano and his friend Samath Mom, located right next to their restaurant Kitano Shokudo, in the former space of the now-defunct Panthère Verte. The menu is inspired by yōshoku cuisine, blending Japanese and Western influences. We’re hooked on the crispy fried chicken burger, the Ebi burger (shrimp), and the Tamago sando (egg sandwich on Japanese milk bread), but it’s undoubtedly the incredible spicy veggie ramen, with its creamy sesame broth, that knocks us off our chairs. Delicious!
Montréal
Bernies Pizza Martini Bar
Located on Boulevard des Sources in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Bernies offers a tavern-style menu – thin-crust pizzas, mini burgers, garlic breadsticks, chicken wings, Caesar salad, and more. The drinks menu features a wide selection of martinis, both classic and less so. With a seating capacity of 80, it’s the perfect place for a fun and affordable night out with family or friends.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Marci Café - Restaurant
Thanks to its delicious New Jersey-style pizza, almost ridiculously affordable cocktails, and festive, cozy atmosphere, Marci quickly became one of the liveliest spots in Plaza Saint-Hubert. The location also boasts an excellent sound system, which is no surprise, as several of the owners are well-known figures of Montreal’s nightlife and music scene.
Montréal
maps pizza
If we were to define the Scandinavian equivalent of pizza design, it would probably resemble something like Maps Pizzeria. The dough, made from a blend of flours with both sourdough and yeast, is the result of extensive experimentation. It produces a thin, crunchy crust with the aroma of fresh sourdough bread. The toppings are applied with almost mathematical precision. It’s worth mentioning that one of the owners is an architect and interned at a bakery in Copenhagen. He also designed the minimalist decor: immaculate white walls, two large communal wooden tables with clean lines, and a long counter running along the windows. Despite its elegant simplicity, the place doesn’t lack warmth. One of the best pizzerias in Montreal, without a doubt!
Montréal
Palomino
Located behind Taverne Knox in Pointe-Saint-Charles, Palomino has quickly become a must-visit in the neighbourhood. Its square pizza is a cross between Roman and Sicilian styles, with a thick crust that’s both soft and perfectly crispy. The menu features just half a dozen items, but that’s more than enough. Our favorite is the Vodka Calabrese, with rosé vodka sauce, and the Upside Down Palo Marg, a reimagined Margherita with basil puree, tomato sauce, and cheese. And of course, don’t forget the ranch dip.
Montréal
ChomChom - Griffintown
The Lucky Belly Group (Red Tiger, Blossom, Tiramisu, Terrasse Carla) opened Chomchom two years ago in Le Central and has since gained great success among fans of modern Vietnamese cuisine. To our great delight, it is now possible to enjoy Chomchom’s delights on Ottawa Street in Griffintown, right next to the famous Mano Cornuto.
Montréal
Restaurant Bangluck
Bangluck was the idea of a passionate couple, Chita and Nim, who wanted to recreate the experience of Thailand’s traditional noodle shops in Montreal. Don’t look for pad Thai on the menu; it’s not there. Instead, they offer authentic Thai street food dishes like kuay tiew heng, a bowl of rice noodles with soy sauce, pork, and fried fish balls; kuay tiew tomyum, a spicy-sour soup; or khao man gai, a sticky rice dish served with steamed chicken.
Montréal
Le Red Tiger (Angus)
When it opened in 2014, Red Tiger was one of the pioneers of the Asian street-food wave that has since swept through Montreal. The restaurant quickly became a must-visit in the Village with its excellent, affordable Vietnamese dishes, tempting cocktails, and festive, casual atmosphere. Ten years later, the second Red Tiger location at the Shops Angus offers the same tempting Vietnamese street food, in a more modern and minimalist decor. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s a great new option for workers in the nearby buildings and local residents. If you’d rather have sushi, the owners also opened a new Blossom location right next door.
Montréal
Château Maneki
The team behind Maneki, a beloved Asian counter in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, has brought new life to Crèmerie Chateaubriand’s pink and blue castle on Crémazie. The menu at Château Maneki mainly features oshizushi (pressed sushi, flambéed with a torch) and tartares. In summer, you can also order soft-serve ice cream, a nod to the building’s original purpose, and enjoy it on the terrace.
Montréal
Kazo Ramen Mont-Royal
Already established on Newman Boulevard in Lasalle, Kazo has recently been delighting residents and visitors of the Plateau with its comforting ramen. The 20 seat restaurant offers an experience faithful to Japanese traditions while offering a variety of original flavours to entice ramen lovers.
Montréal
Bertha's Rôtisserie
The owners of Provisions butcher shop and wine bar, just next door, are behind this small Peruvian chicken counter. Grilled chicken is the star of the menu, which you can enjoy with yuca fries and coleslaw, or in a sandwich, salad, or bowl, preferably paired with a good Inca Kola.
Montréal
Onigiri shop NDO
The onigiri craze seems to have taken over Montreal. These small rice balls filled with meat, eggs, or fish have long been found in Chinatown and on Sainte-Catherine West, but recently, onigiri counters have been popping up all over the city. After opening a first branch in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, Onigiri Shop opened a second counter in Saint-Henri, on Notre-Dame West. They offer a wide variety of classic onigiri at very low prices, as well as more indulgent house specialties like the K-Pop (Korean fried chicken, kimchi, cheese, and furikake) or the Luxe Salmon (spicy fresh salmon, cooked salmon, and salmon roe). The portions are quite generous for the price, so order sparingly!
Montréal
CAFÉ Le NIGIRIZ
While Onigiri Shop focuses on abundance and indulgence, Nigiriz is much more zen and elegant. In a calming decor that almost invites meditation, you can enjoy excellent onigiri with subtle, refined flavors and delicate Japanese teas. We recommend the combo of two onigiri and a side with genmaicha or hojicha tea. The perfect remedy for gray winter days.
Montreal
YUBARI
Located in the St-Paul Hotel on McGill Street, this chic restaurant offers Japanese cuisine with a French twist. The decor, which evokes traditional Japan with modern accents (cue the leopard-print banquettes), is striking, as is chef Annie Kwan’s cuisine. The prices are on the higher side, but the quality and experience are well worth it.
Montréal
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Photography by Cover: Le Violon (photo: Jeremy Dionne)
