Brunching with kids: Our favourite addresses
Montreal is full of good and beautiful restaurants. But for a thousand and one reasons (lack of space, open kitchen, too much of a festive atmosphere, etc.), it is difficult to go out with your little ones. In fact, not all establishments are kid-friendly and some are technically classified as bars and therefore not allowed to serve people under 18.
Going out to dinner with toddlers can be either a great experience or an ordeal! We all agree, it depends on their age, their hunger (!) and the place you choose. But after a tiring week at work and at home, we all dream of a nice outing (with the family!), a place to sip good wine and enjoy good food. And, it’s sometimes difficult to satisfy all the members of the family.
So we’ve put together some favourite addresses, perfect for families. Whether you want to get together for a good brunch or a lunch that is a change from the usual routine at home. For a pleasant and gourmet moment on Saturday or for a quick dinner on Sunday. The list below shows our favourite places for brunch.
Note that this list is not exhaustive. It simply highlights a few good addresses if you are looking for a place to go out and have a bite to eat with your kids.
Looking for more gourmet recommendations in a specific neighbourhood in Montreal? Or for a special craving? Check out our list of favourite addresses to go to lunch with your kids. Or our list of places to go to dinner with your kids.
Bon appétit!
Bête à Pain
With its delicious breads, decadent pastries and fine à la carte menu, La Bête à Pain Laval is a staple in the area and a real favourite. The bakery is spacious and allows for the fluidity of customer movement (perfect for a family). You can find fresh breads and pastries (among the best); as well as pastries and dishes, prepared by Marc-André Royal. See also the two other locations: Bête à Pain Griffintown and Bête à Pain Ahuntsic. Photos Alison Slattery
Laval
Byblos le Petit Café
Byblos le Petit Café transports you to Tehran with its colourful paintings and intoxicating smells. It’s like a family, a place that warms your heart and treats your belly; the owner Hemela welcomes you with a lot of love, her brother Hamid serves you Iranian tea to accompany the best fine herb feta there is. Try the weekend brunches or the traditional dish served on Sunday nights, you won’t be disappointed. Photos Alison Slattery
Montréal
Boulangerie Merci la vie
While a little far from the city (it’s true) Merci la vie is well worth the detour! Recently reopened in Piedmont, Merci la vie is one of the best bakeries in Quebec. The bread here is to die for, the owners are absolutely adorable, and the space is beautiful. In the kitchen, you will find a fresh lunch menu that puts forward the raw material, mostly organic and from sustainable agriculture. In addition, the new wood-fired oven promises delicious pizzas to add to the delicious kamut risotto, the herbivore salad and others. At Merci la vie, there’s something for every taste and age! Alison Slattery
Piedmont
Lapin Pressé
Le Lapin Pressé is a very nice neighbourhood address in the heart of Petit Laurier. This charming counter is a perfect stop to savour a delicious grilled cheese or to have a good coffee on the go. Alison Slattery
Montréal
BarBara Vin
This lovely café-buvette-épicerie in St-Henri is open from morning to night. It is the place to stop for a coffee, a good croissant or a mortadella sandwich. Located on Notre-Dame Street West, BarBara also has a nice sunny terrace where you can enjoy a glass of wine in the middle of the day.
Montréal
Restaurant Maison Kim Fung
Open every day from 8am to 10pm, Maison Kim Fung is the place to go for excellent dim sum! For a different brunch experience, we go to this address in Chinatown. They serve the Cantonese speciality steamed or fried. We particularly appreciate Kim Fung’s dim sum brunch since the service follows the Chinese tradition; with the plates presented to the tables by the staff on rolling carts! The children will be as surprised as you are! Enjoyment guaranteed.
Montreal
