The Best Chic Restaurants in Montreal: Our suggestions

Restaurants chics ouverts pour take-out

The Best Chic Restaurants in Montreal: Article presented by The rosé wines of Provence

Are you trying to find the right restaurant to book for a special occasion? Something chic, out of the ordinary and reliably fantastic? Look no further, because here is our list of the best chic restaurants in Montreal! The addresses on this list are not only visually stunning and gastronomically impressive, they can also be relatively expensive and are typically reserved for a celebratory occasion. Of course, these establishments are also prime locations for oenophiles, because everyone knows that great wine is a crucial component of any fine dining experience. At Tastet, we’ve been drinking rosé wines from Provence! 

Provence has always been the choice region for great rosé, and for good reason. Thanks to the unique climate, its diversity of terroirs and adapted grape varieties, the region is at the top of the podium when it comes to quality rosé wine production. 

Vins de Provence wines are categorized in three distinct appellations of origin : Côtes de Provence (with four official terroirs: Sainte-Victoire, Fréjus, La Londe and Pierrefeu), Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence and Coteaux Varois en Provence.

As you probably already know, a good bottle of rosé wine is pretty hard to turn down. Whether it’s as the accompaniment to a special gastronomic experience or just a pleasant evening with friends and family, drinking rosé wines of Provence ensures an atmosphere of fun loving conviviality.  

Rosés are characteristically fresh and fruity, which is part of what has made them so popular. The rosé wines of Provence offer distinct and colourful notes to the palette, a deliberate result of the history, tradition and impressive know-how from the winegrowers that is behind each bottle. 

If you’ve been enticed by all of this wine-talk, you may want to have a look at our list of the best bars for wining and dining in the city

Without further ado, here is our list of the best chic restaurants in Montreal! 

Bouillon Bilk

Bouillon Bilk is one of the best restaurants in Montreal. Opened in March 2011, this restaurant on Saint-Laurent Boulevard has never ceased to amaze us. In a very minimalist decor, the establishment offers Quebec cuisine that is off the beaten path. Focused on protein – guinea fowl, cod, deer, etc. – the restaurant’s menu always offers a little wow-factor. With the addition of creative and delicious accompaniments to each main course, the menu is a compilation of reliably exceptional gastronomic experiences. The dishes here are always delicate and complex and the menu is in a state of constant flux. The establishment also stands out for its incredibly high quality cuisine and the professionalism of the service. They also have a superb selection of wines. Alison Slattery

1595 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montréal

La Chronique

A restaurant with more than 20 years under its belt in Montreal is an achievement in itself, but the wonders of La Chronique go far beyond its longevity. Talent, hard work, discipline and drive are key to the restaurant’s success. This elegant address on Laurier Avenue West is one of Montreal’s finest French restaurants. La Chronique’s decor is simple – white tablecloths and minimal clutter – allowing for the attentive service and delicious cuisine to shine. In the kitchen, Belgian chef Marc de Canck and Quebecer Olivier de Montigny prepare one of the best French menus in town, and its constantly changing in tandem with the seasons and new arrivals.  La Chronique

104 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Montréal

Le Club Chasse et Pêche

As one of the best restaurants in Montreal, Le Club Chasse et Pêche is a truly essential address for any foodies who are planning a visit to the city. The title “Club” was a deliberate choice to emphasize the privacy that this address offers its clients. Located just out of the way from the usual hustle and bustle of Old Montreal, this address is ideal for anyone who’s looking to go unnoticed or to enjoy a gastronomic experience in an intimate setting that is ideal for conversation. The exceptional menu is designed to highlight flavours from both land and sea and is enhanced with a carefully curated wine list. We come here for the cosy atmosphere and the high quality menu. Nicolas Rue

423 Rue Saint-Claude
Montréal

Ferreira Café

Ferreira Café is a true institution in Montreal. This renowned Portuguese restaurant has earned its reputation through years of hard work and constant innovation. Recently, Ferreira underwent a complete redecoration so the beloved address has a fresh new look to match their famously delicious cuisine. Very chic decor, chic menu and chic clientele; the embodiment of Portugal’s elite! We especially love this address for its delicious cuisine and festive atmosphere. Shoot Studio

1446 Rue Peel
Montréal

Le Filet

Le Filet is an essential restaurant of Montreal’s gastronomic landscape. In their sophisticated decor that is both chic and comfortable, you can expect to enjoy a truly memorable cuisine that is primarily focused on fish and seafood. The hybrid menu is inspired by the chef’s Japanese roots and his training in classical French cuisine. We are particularly fond of the amazing tuna tartar, cuttlefish ink linguini and cavatelli, and the veal cheek with foie gras shavings. The restaurant also offers an exceptional wine list. photo Adrien Williams

219 Avenue du Mont-Royal Ouest
Montréal

Graziella

Oh Graziella! Graziella Battista is one of the best chefs in Montreal, so of course, we love restaurant Graziella. Battista has been running this wonderful restaurant on McGill Street in Old Montreal since 2008. Served in their chic interior, Graziella’s kitchen offers some of the best Italian cuisine in Montreal. The chef surprises her clients with the simplicity of her cooking, her respect for culinary traditions and the incredible freshness of her ingredients. Here, you can enjoy exceptional pastas and other classic Italian dishes – we especially love the exceptional ossobuco. Adored for its generous dishes, perfectly quilted atmosphere and quiet dining room where you can actually hear yourself speak, Graziella is a wonderful address to enjoy a delicious meal in a calming environment. Alison Slattery

116 Rue McGill
Montréal

Jatoba

In the space formerly inhabited by Phillips Lounge, restaurant Jatoba welcomes its guests into a truly enchanting setting. For those who are okay with handing over their whole wallet for a meal, this address is sure to impress. The cornerstone of the Jatoba experience is the iconic seafood platter – chef Olivier Vigneault’s specialty. The menu also features wonderful dumplings, excellent tuna and beef tatakis, vegetable based side dishes and fried rice. Here, you can enjoy an affordable wine list and tasty cocktails created by mixologist and head bartender Stéphane Forget. Jatoba

1184 Rue du Square-Phillips
Montréal

Jellyfish

Jellyfish Crudo+Charbon is a classic restaurant in Old Montreal that has recently relocated to the corner of Marguerite d’Youville and Grey Nuns Street. The title “Crudo+Charbon” is a nod to the menu’s duality as it offers both raw and charcoal-cooked dishes. Here, you can expect to enjoy a rich palette of original dishes and unique flavour combinations. The setting manages to be impressive while remaining fairly modest, the menu is very well designed, the service is always courteous and the atmosphere is reliably festive. Patricia Brochu

626 Rue Marguerite-d'Youville
Montréal

Jun I

Jun I is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Montreal, if not the best. Located on Laurier Avenue West for over 10 years, Jun I is a truly exceptional address and an absolute must-try in Montreal. The decor, designed by Jean Pierre Viau, is original, comfortable and is particularly reminiscent of Montreal’s winters; decorative birch trees, velvet chairs and black tables. Jun I is the place to look if you’re on the hunt for the best sushi in Montreal. The menu also features some delicate Japanese appetizers, a superb sushi and maki bar and some incredible specialty dishes from Japan. Jun I

156 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Montréal

Maison Boulud

Maison Boulud, the restaurant of the chic Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is probably the most chic (and most expensive) address on this list, but it also claims the top podium in the competition for best restaurant in our books. Romain Cagnat, the elegant and very talented chef from Burgundy prepares dishes that are out of the ordinary and characterized by his classic French accent. The terrace adjacent to the restaurant’s dining room is also well worth the trip – it’s one of the most beautiful terraces in Montreal. We particularly love the elegance that exudes out of every corner of this restaurant, from the decor and service to the menu and wine list. The elegantly opulent address is a unique place to spend a special gastronomic evening. Maison Boulud

1228 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Montréal

Milos

Milos is an institution of our city and one of the best Greek restaurants in Montreal. Opened over 40 years ago, the renowned establishment has since infiltrated the restaurant scene in London, New York, Athens, Las Vegas, Miami and Dubai. Having undergone an extensive renovation not too long ago, Milos Montreal now welcomes its guests into a truly opulent and impressive setting that is ideal for conversation. The menu focuses on highlighting the flavours of Greece by using  extremely fresh ingredients in everything, from the appetizers to the desserts. Restaurant Milos may be a little pricey for some, but they offer midday and late evening menus with a much more affordable price tag. Alison Slattery

5357 Avenue du Parc
Montréal

Restaurant Toqué!

Toqué! is a Montreal institution that has been dominating the city’s restaurant scene for over 20 years. Opened at a time when the city’s restaurant industry was hardly recognized and offered little product traceability, the owners worked hard to showcase small scale local producers in a way that hadn’t been done in Montreal before. Season after season, the menu revolves around market cuisine and locally available products. The quality of the ingredients used by Toqué is incomparable to any other establishment. Owners Normand Laprise and Christine Lamarche have brilliantly tackled the challenges of presenting an internationally renowned cuisine that has a strict emphasis on Quebec gastronomy. Quality, consistency and a subdued atmosphere are the hallmarks of this wonderful address.  Photo Hans Laurendeau

900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montréal

Restaurant Tuck Shop

An excellent Montreal restaurant, Tuck Shop is known for their quality cuisine and wine list, charming ambiance, unique decor and wonderful service. This restaurant offers a refined cuisine that changes daily. In our opinion, this address has some of the best house service in the city. If you’re coming here for a special date or celebration, we recommend sitting at the table in front of the kitchen or at the bar because you’re sure to get a little more excitement throughout your meal. Alison Slattery

4662 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Montréal

Renoir

In the Sofitel hotel, right smack in the heart of downtown, you’ll find one of the best French restaurants in Montreal. Renoir’s chef, Olivier Perret, creates dazzling dishes that are beautifully presented and incredibly delicious. Here, you’ll find one of the best tasting menus in town. The restaurant offers an open and bright dining room, tablecloths, comfortable chairs and very professional service – all in all, this place is a high quality classic. Chic and delicious, the restaurant is worth a try! Renoir

1155 Rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Montréal

Monarque

We love Monarque. Located in Old Montreal, this restaurant is famously known for its incredibly stunning interior and chic atmosphere. Everything from the excellent gourmet cuisine to the attentive service and elegant space sets this address apart from the rest – it’s well worth a trip to Old Montreal. Monarque plays in the big leagues and guarantees a memorable and unique dining experience to all of its guests. Alison Slattery

406 Rue Saint-Jacques
Montréal

Henri Brasserie française

Henri Brasserie française is a wonderful restaurant in the middle of downtown Montreal. The decor, imagined by the talented Zébulon Perron, is absolutely superb; magnificent windows, indulgent materials and vertiginous ceilings characterize the space. We love the sophisticated atmosphere that this restaurant offers – a perfect match to the historic building in which it is located. As for the menu, Romain Abrivard is the man in charge and everything is inspired by classic French gastronomy and ingredients from Quebec’s terroir. A lovely chic address to discover. Henri Brasserie française

1238 Rue du Square-Phillips
Montréal

Il Pagliaccio

This small restaurant on Laurier Avenue West is as discreet as it is delicious. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy excellent Italian cuisine, this is the place for you. The menu features half a dozen classic pasta dishes and another half a dozen meat and fish courses. The dessert menu is traditional as and beautifully executed. A visit to Il Pagliaccio will always be enjoyable, whether you’re just a hungry passerby or a true connoisseur. Chic and timeless elegance – qualities that are hard to come across nowadays!  Alison Slattery

365 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Montréal

Leméac

Leméac is an institution of Montreal’s restaurant scene. This chic and refined French brasserie offers a great menu that has been worked down to perfection over the years and has a little something for all palettes and personalities. Here, you can eat French brasserie dishes that are superbly executed. Note that a set late night menu is available every evening starting at 10pm and a table d’hôte menu for lunch and dinner.

1045 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Montréal
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