Restaurants for Dining Alone: The Best Spots
When you sit in a restaurant and observe the other patrons around you, it often feels like you’re surrounded by couples, young families, or groups of friends. Yet, the restaurant industry is seeing a growing trend: more and more diners are choosing to enjoy a solo culinary experience. People are finally starting to view dining alone as completely normal and socially acceptable, whether it’s for brunch, a quick lunch, or a memorable dinner.
Taking the time to treat yourself is essential. Want to celebrate the end of a long week? Book a table at a nice restaurant and enjoy an evening just for you. Craving a quiet moment on a Sunday morning? Savor a delicious brunch and a comforting coffee. And if your day has been tougher than usual, why not give yourself a well-deserved break with a good lunch? Every moment is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself.
With this in mind, we have carefully curated a selection of restaurants where dining alone becomes a truly enjoyable experience. We highly recommend sitting at the bar whenever possible: it’s the perfect spot to soak in the energy of the kitchen or bar, chat with the staff, and savor your meal in a relaxed atmosphere. Many of the restaurants on this list were chosen with this idea in mind, as they provide spaces that make solo dining particularly pleasant.
There’s no need to lower your head when asking for a table for one. On the contrary, see it as an opportunity to fully enjoy your meal without distractions. The establishments on this list are ideal for a date with yourself, offering quality cuisine, attentive service, and a welcoming ambiance.
Here’s our list of the best restaurants for dining alone in Montreal.
Happy exploring!
Il Miglio
This restaurant, which is also part of our list of the best Italian spots in Montreal, offers a selection of appetizers, freshly made pasta, and a few saucy dishes, including lasagna, meatballs, and stuffed pasta. You can pair it all with a good glass of wine and finish your meal with a delicious tiramisu. Il Miglio is the perfect option for a solo lunch infused with the flavors of Italy!
Montréal
Bar Henrietta
If you’re looking for a great wine bar to enjoy a glass and a small bite, Bar Henrietta is the place for you! The establishment boasts a very intriguing wine list, with all bottles privately imported and carefully selected. From bubbles to natural wines and magnums, there’s something for every taste and every occasion. You’ll also find deliciously executed classic cocktails and Quebec craft beers on tap. As for food, the menu features a variety of shareable plates (or not) that change regularly. In short, this Mile-End gem is a must-visit for your next me-time evening.
Montréal
Pumpui
In the heart of Little Italy, this small counter-restaurant opened its doors to offer an excellent menu inspired by the flavors of Thailand. Inside, you’ll find aisles stocked with products from Southeast Asia, a few wooden booths, and a counter by the large windows. In short, Épicerie Pumpui is an inviting space serving outstanding dishes and products, perfect for enjoying on-site or at home. It’s no surprise that this spot ranks among our favorite Thai restaurants in Montreal.
Montreal
L'Express
If you’re looking to feel like a true Montrealer, treat yourself to a solo breakfast at one of Montreal’s most iconic restaurants! L’Express has been making its mark for nearly 40 years. Faithfully honoring the recipes of classic French brasserie cuisine, L’Express’s menu is both creative and celebratory. There’s nothing not to love about this place. It’s a must-visit that you should try without hesitation!
Montréal
Café Parvis
Whether it’s for a downtown lunch, an after-work drink, or a delicious evening meal, Café Parvis offers a fresh experience that’s sure to please. The menu focuses primarily on light pizzas (among the best in town), alongside other delicious small plates. You’ll find salads, falafels, and delightful weekend brunches as well. To complete your meal, be sure to check out their thoughtfully curated wine list, which changes regularly—perfect for those who love trying something new. When dining solo, the bar is a favorite spot to sit, and you can even get some work done if you’d like!
Montréal
Cadet
The highly anticipated little sibling of the must-visit Bouillon Bilk and the big sibling of Place Carmin, Cadet offers smart and efficient service. The regularly changing menu features small plates (though not so small). Someone with a light appetite might be satisfied with just one of the heartier dishes, but it’s recommended to order one or two per person, depending on your hunger. Each plate is delicately prepared, and their wine list features interesting selections that perfectly complement the menu. This is a superb and delicious spot that you’ll never tire of!
Montréal
Patati Patata Friterie de Luxe
Patati Patata is an unpretentious gourmet fry shop that has been serving up delicious snack bar (casse-croûtes) classics for over 20 years! People come here to enjoy a tasty burger or a comforting poutine in a relaxed, simple, and warm atmosphere. The spot also offers classic yet indulgent breakfasts at any time of day! Patati Patata is a timeless Montreal classic that never goes out of style. There’s also a location at Jean-Talon Market. Be sure to try it the next time you’re craving comfort food!
Montréal
Isle de Garde - Brasserie
Located on Beaubien East, l’Isle de Garde is a fantastic craft brewery with a very inviting terrace (in the summer). It’s worth noting that it’s one of the best bar terraces in Montreal, making it one of the busiest spots in the neighborhood. The place offers a menu of classic, comforting dishes like fried chicken, gnocchi, and pulled pork chili… the food is excellent! L’Isle de Garde is especially known for its beer selection. The counter’s walls display a rotating series of 24 beers brewed on-site. Whether for lunch or in the evening, l’Isle de Garde is a friendly, unpretentious microbrewery worth checking out. A little-known secret of the neighborhood is to settle in for a lunch and spend the afternoon working there 😉
Montréal
vinvinvin
In a colorful and charming setting, vinvinvin offers an array of wines to discover. You’ll find a varied and truly delightful selection of wines from northern climates (known as “living” wines). The menu also features delicious small plates made with local ingredients. Adding to the experience is a friendly and warm team, with attentive and professional service. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations. It’s no wonder vinvinvin is now part of our list of the best wine bars!
Montréal
Pho Bang New York
This must-visit spot in Chinatown offers delicious Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices. The menu features Tonkinese soups, some grilled dishes, pork vermicelli, beef rice, imperial rolls, and more. However, people mainly come here to enjoy one of the best Phở soups in Montreal! Whether for lunch or an evening meal, you’re sure to feel comforted by one of their authentic dishes.
Montréal
Yokato Yokabai Ramen
Yokato Yokabai Ramen is a small, discreet ramen restaurant located at the corner of Drolet Street and Rachel Street. In our opinion, it offers one of the best, if not the best ramen in Montreal. The establishment is also one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city!
Montréal
Leméac
The institution Leméac is a stylish French brasserie, one of the best, that has been around for over 20 years. The restaurant remains relevant today, and its enduring popularity shows the owners’ commitment to satisfying their clientele and offering high-quality dishes.
Montréal
Birbante
Nestled on Boulevard Saint-Laurent in Montreal, Birbante invites its guests to immerse themselves in an Italian experience where tradition and modernity meet. Settle in at the bar, where the team is warm and friendly, and you’ll be in good hands.
Montréal
Montréal Plaza
Montréal Plaza is one of those places where you go to enjoy a great bite and a good drink with friends, for a date, or to celebrate an occasion in a group. But it’s also a perfect spot to settle in alone at the bar. It’s the kind of legendary place where you feel right at home, even when dining solo.
Montréal
Juliette Plaza
Next door to the legendary Montréal Plaza, separated only by a quirky little curtain, Juliette Plaza will celebrate its official opening on February 28, 2024. The establishment stands out with its unique ambiance and the high quality of its cuisine, offered at both lunch and dinner, clearly reflecting the influence of the prestigious team from the neighboring institution.
Montréal
Entre-Deux
At Entre-Deux, you’ll be welcomed in a lighthearted and friendly atmosphere, where you’ll enjoy great food paired with impeccable service. Settle in at the bar and let yourself be tempted by one of their delicious martinis.
Montreal
Regashi
An izakaya is the Japanese equivalent of a French bistro, and regashi is a Japanese term evoking heritage. This name was carefully chosen for the restaurant on Atwater Avenue, representing the legacy of Thierry-Tri Du-Boisclair, the chef and co-owner, who embodies the dual culture. Naomie and Thierry will welcome you like family and ensure you have a memorable evening.
Montréal
Mano Cornuto
Mano Cornuto is a popular Italian café in Griffintown, known for its lively atmosphere and cuisine inspired by Italian cafés. The menu highlights both local and Italian products, offering options for every time of day, and the bar features a variety of drinks, including cocktails and wines.
Montréal
larrys
This Larrys is a must-visit little café-restaurant-bar in the city, located in the former space of Lawrence at the corner of Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Fairmont East. Owned by the same people as the restaurant Lawrence—Sefi Amir and Marc Cohen—the establishment is absolutely charming, and we highly recommend it to everyone.
Montréal
Verdun Beach
Verdun Beach is not just a bar where you can enjoy great drinks, it’s also an excellent canteen! From small snacks to hearty meals, the place satisfies everyone’s appetite. The owners complement this offering with Verdun Beef, where you’ll find a lunch counter with a very affordable “snack bar” menu.
Montréal
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