The best crudos in Montreal
Here’s our list of the best crudos in Montreal.
Fresh, delicate, and endlessly refined, crudo is making its mark on Montreal’s restaurant scene. This Italian word, which simply means “raw,” originally refers to a traditional preparation from the coastal regions of the Mediterranean: ultra-fresh fish, thinly sliced and seasoned with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon, and sea salt. A disarmingly simple dish—one that relies entirely on the quality of a single ingredient: freshness.
Over time, this minimalist preparation has traveled and evolved through encounters with other culinary cultures. In Tokyo, it takes the form of sashimi or tataki — refined cousins of the Italian crudo. In Lima, Peruvian ceviche celebrates raw fish with bright citrus and bold chilies. In parts of China, certain traditions highlight the texture and finesse of raw fish through light, aromatic marinades.
Crudo, Montreal-style
In Montreal, this remarkable cultural diversity shines through on the plate. Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and North American restaurants have all embraced crudo, reinventing it with creativity — blending local ingredients with techniques from around the world. You’ll now find it both in fine dining establishments and in more casual spots — a dish that’s as elegant as it is approachable.
Whether served on a porcelain plate or as dainty bites at the bar, crudo captivates with its purity and precision. In this list, we’ve gathered some of the best crudos in Montreal — from classic Italian interpretations to bold, cross-cultural creations. It’s an invitation to explore raw fish in all its forms, in a city that never stops reinventing itself. Bon appétit!
Mano Cornuto
It would be impossible not to mention the crudo from Mano Cornuto, one of the best Italian restaurants in the city. This dish is arguably one of Montreal’s most iconic. Prepared with delicious striped bass and seasoned with pecorino aioli, bomba purée, lemon, and pine nuts, this crudo di branzino never fails to impress.
Montréal
Motto Handroll Bar
At Motto, the quality and freshness of the seafood are undeniable. Crudo lovers will be delighted by the restaurant’s impressive variety: bluefin tuna crudo (with scallions and wasabi relish), hamachi crudo (with yuzu soy sauce, jalapeño, and cilantro), and albacore crudo (with yuzu-jalapeño vinaigrette, ginger-scallion relish, and coriander oil). Each dish is prepared right before your eyes, showcasing the chefs’ precision and the team’s remarkable attention to detail.
Montréal
Restaurant Mélisse
Impossible de parler de crudo sans évoquer Mare. Cette adresse du Vieux-Port, menée par la bande du Stellina, Fiorellino et Siamo Noi, se spécialise dans les produits de la mer italiens. Le menu offre une section “crudo bar” qui propose pas moins de quatre crudos, à notre plus grand plaisir ! On adore le crudo di branzino, agrémenté de pistaches, piment, ricotta et épeautre et le crudo di tonno, servi avec nduja, stracciatella, câpres et citron.
Montréal
Mare Porto Vecchio
It would be impossible to talk about crudo without mentioning Mare. Located in the Old Port and run by the team behind Stellina, Fiorellino, and Siamo Noi, this restaurant specializes in Italian seafood. The menu features a dedicated “crudo bar” section with no fewer than four different crudos — much to our delight! We especially love the crudo di branzino, topped with pistachios, chili, ricotta, and spelt, as well as the crudo di tonno, served with ’nduja, stracciatella, capers, and lemon.
Montréal
Le Serpent
Le Serpent is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Montreal. Beyond its stunning design, the food is exceptional — it’s also among the city’s best Italian restaurants. Their crudo trio is particularly delicious: hamachi crudo with grapefruit, brioche, honey, and chili; salmon crudo with kombu, ginger, and soy; and finally, sea bass crudo with sunchoke, orange, and marigold.
Montréal
La Cave du Parapluie
The team behind Le Parapluie has just opened La Cave du Parapluie, located right next door. This intimate little restaurant highlights fish and seafood, offering a menu of small plates to share. The menu changes daily, so crudo isn’t always available — but if it is, you absolutely have to try it!
Montréal
Oncle Lee Kăo
Oncle Lee Kao, located in the Old Port, is the younger sibling of Oncle Lee on Laurier — and one of the best Chinese restaurants in the city, in our opinion. The restaurant serves an outstanding selection of crudos featuring hiramasa, salmon, tuna, and albacore — each one as delicious as the next.
Montréal
Romies
Like everything else on the menu, the rainbow trout crudo at the American bistro Romies is absolutely delicious. Served with crema, citrus, Yucatán-style onions, jalapeño, and olive oil, it’s the perfect balance of acidity and heat.
Montréal
PREZZE MOLLO
Prezze Mollo is one of the most exciting openings of 2025. Located in the Mile End, it’s a fantastic spot for a great lunch with colleagues or a lively dinner with friends. Although it’s housed in an office tower, the space transforms into a festive, welcoming atmosphere in the evening. The menu, inspired by Italian cuisine, is delicious. Their crudo, available on the dinner menu, is topped with sea buckthorn, orange, buckwheat, and bird’s eye chili — tangy, slightly floral, and gently spicy!
Montréal
Nora Gray
Nora Gray is a cozy Italian restaurant in the Southwest and one of Montreal’s must-visit spots. The dishes here are simple yet impeccably executed, and their tuna crudo is no exception: Prince Edward Island bluefin tuna, pepperoncini, and lemon — quality ingredients that speak for themselves.
Montréal
