Where to eat great oysters in Montreal?
Oysters: you either love them or hate them. We love them!
This vitamin-, mineral-, and protein-rich marine mollusk has won over many fans. Malpeque and Colville Bay from Prince Edward Island, Beausoleil from New Brunswick, or Hamma Hamma from Washington—there’s an incredible variety of oysters (more than a hundred worldwide!). Juicy, plump, briny, sweet, mineral-driven, firm, delicate, or vegetal, we take great pleasure in savoring them, ideally paired with lovely bubbles or a good glass of white wine.
In Montreal, we’re very lucky to have access to a vibrant gastronomic scene. Many excellent restaurants across the island highlight this delicious and delicate seafood. In these spots, you’ll often find beautiful iced displays showcasing all kinds of ocean harvests—almost like a buffet. Many addresses also let you choose an assortment of oysters for your platter. They’re carefully shucked and arranged on a well-chilled plate, then garnished with lemon wedges, mignonette, freshly grated horseradish, Tabasco, or other accompaniments.
We’ve therefore put together this list of places that offer beautiful selections of oysters—fresh and always delicious. These are houses we particularly love visiting to indulge in these flavorful mollusks.
We also invite you to check out our list of where to enjoy the best fish in Montreal.
Bon appétit, and enjoy!
Molenne
Molenne, the exceptional Mile-End brasserie, offers refined cuisine that highlights local products and seafood, in a setting that blends past and present. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails, a curated wine list, and a convivial atmosphere have made Molenne a hit. Known for its made-to-order seafood platters, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some of the city’s best oysters.
Montréal
Bar Henrietta
This neighborhood bar—one of the best places to eat at a bar in Montreal—is inspired by 1960s taverns and Portugal. It serves a wide range of cocktails, Quebec beers, and organic, natural wines and bubbles. In a charming setting, glass in hand, you can enjoy fresh, plump oysters served with lemon and freshly grated horseradish.
Montréal
Joséphine
Located on St-Denis Street, Restaurant Joséphine stands out for its seafood-focused dining experience. Its bistro-style cuisine is designed for sharing, with seafood platters for every budget. We suggest grabbing a seat at the oyster bar and letting the house guide you. Alongside fresh oysters, Joséphine also serves hot oysters with foie gras and crumble. A beautiful terrace and a hidden piano bar—doubling as a private room—make it perfect for birthdays, launches, and 5 à 7s. Whether for an intimate evening, a meal with friends, or a special event, Joséphine is a must on the Plateau Mont-Royal.
Montréal
La Cave du Parapluie
La Cave du Parapluie, the little sister Parapluie next door, offers elegant, lively cuisine focused on oysters, seafood, and small sharing plates, all in a warm, intimate atmosphere. With no reservations, it’s a spontaneous and versatile spot—ideal for aperitif, dinner, or a late-night drink.
Montréal
Joe Beef
Joe Beef is one of Montreal’s true essentials. Chef Jean-Philippe Miron’s menu changes with the seasons, offering generous, rich, market-driven bourgeois cuisine. Top-quality oysters are served here with house-made sauces and lemon. In summer, we recommend settling in on the beautiful back terrace.
Montréal
Lucille's Oyster Dive
Located on Monkland Avenue in the heart of Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, the iconic Lucille’s Oyster Dive offers one of the best oyster selections in Montreal. This lively neighborhood restaurant is renowned for its raw bar and massive seafood platters.
Montréal
Le Majestique
Le Majestique is a kitschy bar and one of our favorite spots for 5 à 7. Oysters are on special at $2.50 each until 7 p.m. Stop by for fresh oysters on ice, served with two mignonettes (one classic, one with apple cider vinegar), Mark’s Louisiana hot sauce, and fresh horseradish. We highly recommend the oysters topped with mullet caviar, cucumber, and ponzu. Professional shuckers open your oysters, adding to the experience.
Montréal
Montréal Plaza
The restaurant Montréal Plaza, by Charles-Antoine Crête and Cheryl Johnson, is a welcoming spot for everyone, offering beautifully executed, refined cuisine. Fresh oysters are served daily with mignonette, horseradish, and hot sauce. We love this place!
Montréal
Le Serpent
Le Serpent is among our best restaurants in Old Montreal. It serves oysters with a maple mignonette, to be enjoyed in a stunning setting. While we mainly come here for the excellent pasta, oysters are available year-round as well.
Montréal
Le Filet
Le Filet is one of the most beautiful restaurants on the Plateau in Montreal. It offers oysters topped with jalapeño and maple or gratinéed with miso—absolutely delicious! The space is intimate and romantic and is featured on our list of the most romantic restaurants in the city.
Montréal
Tuck Shop
Tuck Shop is a charming fine-dining restaurant on Notre-Dame Ouest in Saint-Henri. After a refresh in early 2019, the restaurant added an oyster bar where guests can sit and watch the cooks at work thanks to the beautiful open kitchen.
Montréal
Liverpool House
Liverpool House is a Montreal institution and one of the best restaurants in Little Burgundy. Known for generous, flavorful food and a lively atmosphere, it’s next door to Vin Papillon and Joe Beef and also gives pride of place to seafood. Oysters are showcased in a beautiful iced counter and offered almost perpetually. We love this place!
Montréal
Chez Victoire
Chez Victoire is a place to celebrate—the room is designed to get the party started quickly! You’ll find excellent, delicate small plates to share and… excellent oysters. Whether for birthdays, festive evenings, or even a dinner for two, the house shows great creativity to suit every occasion. On Wednesdays, oysters are just $1 each!
Montréal
Regashi
Izakaya Regashi is a charming little restaurant centered on sharing and a love of great products. The chef’s creations are meticulous and perfectly executed. Thierry Tri’s hot oysters are a must. They were hugely popular in the past, and Thierry decided to bring them back with a modern update. The recipe comes from his father, Tri Du, well before the Tri Express adventure.
Montréal
Leméac
Cette chic brasserie de l’avenue Laurier Ouest est fréquentée depuis toujours par des foules de gourmets. Dans son très généreux menu, Leméac propose en exclusivité des huîtres exceptionnelles. En exclusivité car l’ostréïculteur de Nouvelle-Écosse fournit seulement Leméac à Montréal et un seul autre restaurant mais à New York. Exceptionnelles car elles sont de taille raisonnable, d’une texture parfaite et d’un goût juste iodé idéal.
Montréal
Leméac
This chic brasserie on Laurier West Avenue long draws crowds of discerning gourmets. On its very generous menu, Leméac offers exceptional oysters available exclusively. Exclusive because the oyster farmer from Nova Scotia supplies only Leméac in Montréal and just one other restaurant—located in New York. Exceptional because they are perfectly sized, with an ideal texture and a beautifully balanced briny flavour.
Montréal
