The team’s favourite spots from Montréal Plaza and Juliette Plaza
The team’s favourite spots from Montréal Plaza and Juliette Plaza.
When you work in the restaurant industry, you spend your days feeding others. But when it’s time to sit down for a meal—where do we go? That’s the question we often ask the teams at Montréal Plaza and Juliette Plaza—and one we decided to turn into an article full of great recommendations.
From indulgent brunches to lively wine bars, from fine dining tables to beloved institutions, friends’ restaurants, and hidden gems, this list reflects what the teams truly love. These are places where you eat well, feel good, and that, each in their own way, help make Montréal’s culinary scene shine.
Every spot was chosen by the people who cook, welcome, and bring to life two of the city’s most iconic restaurants. The kind of insider recommendations you almost want to keep to yourself—but are glad to share.
And for even more local discoveries like the Montréal Plaza team’s favourites, we invite you to download the Tastet app. It helps you find, in just a few clicks, the best spots in Montréal and across Québec—based on your mood, cravings, or neighbourhood. A true pocket-sized concierge, created by food lovers, for those who love to eat well.
Happy exploring—and above all, bon appétit!
BAR ST-DENIS
Despite what the name might suggest, Bar St-Denis is actually a restaurant. While it’s perfectly fine to drop by for a martini or a glass of wine, it would be a real shame not to sit down and enjoy a meal at this beautiful establishment, where the food is truly excellent.
Montréal
Rose Ross
In the heart of the bustling Promenade Masson lies Rose Ross, an adorable little restaurant with a local and seasonal focus. It’s the first venture from owners Sébastien Courville, Myriam Pelletier, and Olivier Dubuc. Sébastien and Myriam, partners in life, also share the role of head chef.
Montréal
Le Majestique
Le Majestique is a bar we hold dear—and one of the best places in Montréal to enjoy great food with your drink. What makes Majestique such a success is the whole experience: its lively atmosphere, the quality of its ingredients, and its thoughtful wine list. The team takes pride in offering something simple yet well executed to a very loyal clientele. We love Majestique for a laid-back evening where you can easily be won over by good wine and good vibes.
Montréal
Au Pied de Cochon
Au Pied de Cochon is the place to go when you’re craving delicious, deeply comforting Québécois cuisine. This restaurant ranks among the best in the city and remains a cornerstone of Montréal’s gastronomic scene. The atmosphere is always warm, lively, and on the verge of overflowing. The house reflects its owner perfectly: extreme, intense, generous, and convivial. On the menu, you’ll find creative dishes served in portions that often defy reason—but with indulgence comes unforgettable evenings, whether from sheer pleasure… or a well-earned food coma.
Montréal
BOUILLON BILK
Bouillon Bilk is one of Montréal’s best restaurants. The dishes are always refined and complex, often changing but consistently showcasing the chef’s remarkable creativity. The establishment also stands out for its exceptional service—professional, attentive, and warm. There’s also a superb wine selection to complete the experience.
Montréal
Mon Lapin
Mon Lapin has earned its reputation as one of Montréal’s best restaurants thanks to its remarkable consistency on every level. Since opening on Saint-Zotique Street, it has stood out for its thoughtful cuisine, personalized service, outstanding wine list, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. In 2023, the restaurant was ranked first on the prestigious Canada’s 100 Best list—so clearly, we’re not the only ones who love this place.
Montréal
Toqué!
Toqué! is a Montréal institution that has been around for over 20 years. From the very beginning, the restaurant has championed local producers—at a time when the restaurant scene was barely recognized and product traceability was still a vague concept. Season after season, the menus are built around market cuisine, always highlighting Québec’s terroir. The quality of the ingredients used at Toqué! is truly unmatched. Owners Normand Laprise and Christine Lamarche have brilliantly met the challenge of creating an internationally renowned restaurant that celebrates Québécois gastronomy. Quality, consistency, and a warm, refined atmosphere perfectly define this iconic establishment. (Photo: Hans Laurendeau)
Montréal
Annette bar à vin
Annette Bar à Vin is the latest project from Marc-André Jetté and Mila Rishkova. After creating one of Montréal’s best catering services (Hoogan et Beaufort Événement), one of its finest upscale restaurants (Hoogan et Beaufort), and one of the city’s top butcher shops (Édouard et Léo), the entrepreneurial duo has launched a stunning wine bar in the Shops Angus.
Montréal
Hoogan et Beaufort
Hoogan et Beaufort is a restaurant located in the Shops Angus. With its clean, airy décor, the space is stunning—a tasteful blend of modern and old, with the open kitchen at its heart. On the menu, you’ll find delicate plates crafted by chef and co-owner Marc-André Jetté and his team. The focus is on using as many Québec-sourced ingredients as possible, with many dishes cooked in the beautiful wood-fired oven at the back of the room. The result: refined yet approachable plates and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. (Photo: Alison Slattery)
Montréal
Bar Henrietta
Bar Henrietta is a charming neighbourhood spot where you can eat and drink well—at surprisingly reasonable prices, especially for Laurier Ouest. Housed in the former Baldwin Barmacie space, Henrietta welcomes you into a setting inspired by 1960s taverns. Here, you’ll find excellent wines, classic and house cocktails, and a food menu served until 3 a.m. most nights of the week. People come for the original music and the relaxed yet festive atmosphere. Full disclosure: the writer is madly in love with one of the bar’s owners.
Montréal
L'Express
L’Express is a cornerstone of Montréal’s dining scene and a true institution—it’s been around since 1980! The menu has barely changed over the past 40 years, and everything is made in-house (except for the bread). From the pickles prepared twice a day to the restaurant’s signature sauces, the team at L’Express pours care and passion into everything they serve.
Montréal
Jun I
Jun I is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Montréal—if not the best. Located for over a decade on Laurier Ouest, it’s an exceptional address and a true city staple. The décor, designed by Jean Pierre Viau, is both original and inviting, evoking Montréal winters with birch details, velvet chairs, and dark tables. At Jun I, you’ll enjoy some of the finest sushi in the city. The menu features delicate appetizers, an outstanding sushi and maki bar, and a few house specialties that vary with imports from Japan.
Montréal
Leméac
Leméac is a distinguished French brasserie—one of the very best—that has proudly passed the 20-year mark. The restaurant remains as relevant as ever; its enduring popularity is a testament to the owners’ commitment to quality and their dedication to offering guests an exceptional experience.
Montréal
Place Carmin
In the kitchen, the talented chef François Nadon brings his fine-dining expertise from Bouillon Bilk to this new address, adapting his refined style to a more brasserie-inspired menu.
Montréal
Monarque
This address is not only one of the city’s must-visit spots but also one of Montréal’s most beautiful restaurants, welcoming guests to enjoy exquisite French-inspired cuisine. At Monarque, the menu changes slightly with the seasons to ensure freshness is always at the forefront. The dishes remain elegant, well-crafted classics, rooted in a market-driven approach to cooking.
Montréal
Le Serpent
Le Serpent is a must-visit Montréal institution that has been delighting diners since 2013 in the stunning industrial setting of the Fonderie Darling. Here, chef Michele Mercuri serves refined contemporary Italian cuisine—fresh pasta, risottos, meats, and seafood—plus a standout tiramisu that’s not to be missed. Elegant and lively, it’s one of Montréal’s most beautiful restaurants, perfect for any occasion.
Montréal
Casavant
Located just steps from the Jean-Talon Market, in the peaceful charm of rue de Castelnau Est, Casavant offers outstanding cuisine and an experience that drew crowds from the moment it opened. Food lovers continue to flock here for its irresistible appeal: a beautifully designed space, a warm and convivial atmosphere, and, of course, delicious food crafted by passionate and talented hands—all at an excellent value.
Montréal
Restaurant Moccione
The cuisine at Moccione is honest, fresh, and full of flavour—without any unnecessary frills. The kitchen team masterfully honours Italian classics while adding their own personal touch. Their handmade pasta, prepared daily on-site, is simply divine and well deserving of the restaurant’s spot on our list of the best Italian restaurants in Montréal.
Montréal
Rôtisserie La Lune
La Rôtisserie la Lune, the highly anticipated new project from the team behind Mon Lapin, opened its doors in December 2024. Located in the same neighbourhood as Mon Lapin, this new spot pays homage to the traditional Québécois rotisserie, elevated by the team’s signature creativity and finesse. In a space designed by Zébulon Perron, the chicken here is nothing short of irresistible—and you’ll have no trouble succumbing to the many other delights offered at this next-generation rotisserie.
Montréal
Le Filet
Le Filet is one of Montréal’s finest and most beautiful restaurants—and one of our personal favourites! Here, service is paramount: the welcome is always warm and gracious, and every guest is treated with the utmost care. With precision and artistry, the three-part menu—jeu, set et match—showcases dishes inspired by the chef’s Japanese heritage and French culinary training. The result is a deeply personal creation, featuring original dishes and plates of rare finesse.
Montréal
Damas
Damas, located on Van Horne Avenue, is simply stunning. Owners Ivan Abbas and Fuad Alneirabeie welcome you into a magnificent space that celebrates the beauty of Syria. The restaurant exudes warmth, with rich fabrics and warm tones that create an inviting atmosphere. On the menu, you’ll find charcoal-grilled meats and fish, Fattet Mozat, Fattoush salad, cold mezzes, and other Syrian specialties bursting with exquisite spices and flavours. The elegant interior can seat just over a hundred guests, and in the warmer months, Damas also offers a beautiful corner terrace with 70 seats—a perfect spot to enjoy this exceptional dining experience.
Montréal
Il Miglio
Il Miglio is an excellent Mile End spot built around the concept of an Italian-style cafeteria. The establishment offers antipasti—Italian-inspired bites, hot or cold—perfect as appetizers or for a light Italian meal. You can also pick up everything you need to make great pasta at home. On-site, the menu features three starters, three quick pasta dishes, and a few saucy classics like lasagna, meatballs, and stuffed pasta. Every dish is perfectly cooked, the sauces are transportive, and the plates—priced between $17 and $30—are absolutely delicious!
Montréal
Ferreira Café
Ferreira is a true Montréal institution. This renowned Portuguese restaurant has earned its stellar reputation through years of dedication and constant reinvention. The space was recently completely redesigned, bringing a fresh, elegant look to the establishment. Chic décor, chic setting, chic clientele—it’s Portuguese sophistication at its finest! We love this address for its delicious cuisine and because it’s truly the perfect spot for a festive night out. (Photo: Shoot Studio)
Montréal
Gema Pizzeria
Following the success of Impasto, the famous duo Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione opened Pizzeria Gema—a lively, generous, and fun spot. This small pizzeria offers a solid menu and features monthly collaboration pizzas with other chefs. It’s also the only place where we’ve truly enjoyed a Hawaiian pizza. Playful appetizers and soft-serve ice cream are also worth trying while you’re there. The place is family-friendly, too—its name comes from the chefs’ children: Giovanni + Emilia + Massimo + Anna = GEMA. Just a heads-up: service can be a little slow at times.
Montréal
Bloomfield
Bloomfield opened its doors on Van Horne Avenue in September 2017 and is the restaurant of Caroline Dumas—the beloved founder of SoupeSoup. This charming little spot offers a friendly and affordable weekend brunch experience that perfectly reflects her warm, down-to-earth approach to cooking.
Montréal
Moccione Pizza
Opened during the pandemic in the former Moccione restaurant space, Moccione Pizza quickly became one of the best pizzerias in the city—thanks in large part to the work of pizzaiolo Giancarlo Cianculli (chef Luca Cianculli’s brother). Alongside its outstanding pizza, the address also offers a few delicious small plates (arancini, polpette, stracciatella, and salads) as well as a fine selection of gourmet products and wines to go. And now, you can enjoy your meal on-site in their newly opened dining room!
Montréal
Bottega
When thinking of Bottega, the first thing that comes to mind is Italian elegance—along with the know-how passed down from Mr. Covone Sr. to his children, who now run both restaurants with great success. The pizzas are simple yet exquisite, accompanied by memorable Italian appetizers. The Margherita is our favourite. A true classic, Bottega remains to this day a reliable and beloved choice. Takeout pizzas are also available, as well as a lovely terrace in the warmer months.
Montreal
Olive et Gourmando
Olive et Gourmando has been a beloved Old Montréal staple for over two decades—and there’s no doubt it will remain so for years to come. It’s the place to go when you’re craving something simple yet truly delicious, as beautiful as it is tasty. The décor is warm and inviting, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a Sunday morning in good company. The brunch and lunch options are all incredibly tempting—home to one of the best brunches in Montréal and some of the city’s finest croissants.
Montréal
Kazu
Kazu is always packed—and for good reason. This lively, cozy spot serves up small Japanese delights at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is casual, but the quality of the food is impressively refined. Chef Kazuo Akutsu is truly exceptional! Don’t miss the Japanese crêpe, dumplings, carpaccio, and shrimp burger. There’s often a line, but once seated, you’ll be eating in no time.
Montréal
Restaurant Kamúy
Located in Montréal’s Quartier des Spectacles, Kamúy is the creation of Haitian chef Paul Toussaint. The menu celebrates sustainable ingredients, joyfully blending local products, intoxicating spices, and root vegetables inspired by the many flavours of the Caribbean. Every detail—from the décor and the dishes to the music—has been carefully designed to reflect Caribbean traditions. At Kamúy, you don’t just enjoy an incredible meal—you also celebrate a rich culture and vibrant community.
Montréal
Automne Boulangerie
Automne Boulangerie is a small bakery that’s truly worth the detour! On the counter, you’ll find a beautiful selection of breads that pay homage to traditional French baking, along with a few specialties influenced by Scandinavian and Californian traditions. There are viennoiseries, light fruit tarts made with seasonal produce, Scandinavian-inspired sandwiches, and weekly specialties. Their excellent croissants are best enjoyed in the bakery’s charming, thoughtfully designed space.
Montréal
Hof Kelsten
We talk about this bakery often—but only because we have a real soft spot for it. With his background in classical cuisine, Jeffrey Finkelstein has created one of the best bakeries in the city. People come here for brunch or coffee in a sleek, contemporary space—but above all, for one of Montréal’s very best croissants. The pastry is perfectly flaky and buttery—impossible to resist. Maybe it’s the Bongard oven that makes it so exceptional, or perhaps it’s the baker’s meticulous craftsmanship. Either way, the croissant at Hof Kelsten is truly exquisite.
Montréal
Hof Sucrée
Building on its success, Hof Kelsten opened a new production space in the Mile-Ex this year, where its delicious viennoiseries and pastries are now made (the bread is still baked on Saint-Laurent). These treats are distributed to cafés all across the city. The new address—aptly named Hof Sucrée—also features a spacious café-boutique where you can pick up all of these delectable creations or sit down to enjoy a bite with a coffee.
Montreal
Pâtisserie Mélilot
Located on Laurier Ouest, Mélilot offers delicate, flavourful, and perfectly executed sweet creations. Most of the chef’s pastries are infused with subtle herbal and floral notes. You can enjoy them as individual portions or shareable desserts (serving 4 to 6 people). The shop also serves a few lunch options and doubles as a café. It’s a beautiful spot—one that’s absolutely worth discovering!
Montréal
Jean Talon Market
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Marché Jean-Talon is one of the largest and most iconic open-air public markets in North America. Vibrant and colorful year-round, it brings together farmers, local producers, artisans, and restaurateurs, offering a full immersion into Québec’s terroir. It’s an essential stop for anyone who loves to eat well, cook well, and discover local flavours.
Montréal
Marché Atwater
With its distinctive Art Deco architecture, Marché Atwater is a beloved gourmet destination for Montréalers. Open since 1933, it houses butchers, cheesemongers, fishmongers, bakers, and farmers who proudly showcase local products with skill and passion. In summer, its forecourt comes alive with outdoor stalls—perfect for strolling and stocking up on the freshest local produce.
Montréal
Boucherie de Tours
Located in Marché Atwater, La Boucherie de Tours stands out for the exceptional quality of its meats and attentive service. Specializing in premium cuts, the butcher shop offers expertly prepared selections—from dry-aged beef to Québec lamb and responsibly raised poultry. A trusted address for true meat lovers.
Montréal
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