Where to go for a birthday lunch in Montreal?

satay brothers notre dame ouest saint Henri

While backyard birthday parties around our uncle’s above-ground pool are memorable, sometimes we want to treat ourselves a little differently. Indeed, this kind of occasion deserves a good table. Take advantage of your day and go to the restaurant to be pampered a little! Because this kind of occasion does indeed deserve proper celebrating.

Montreal is full of amazing restaurants, perfect for celebrations. There’s something for everyone’s taste, from supper clubs to more traditional dining, to establishments that cater to large multi-generational families.

Work, kids, and the thousand and one responsibilities we have to make up for on a daily basis often prevent us from gathering all our loved ones for a birthday dinner. Moreover, dinners at the restaurant usually end late. Here’s a solution: go for lunch instead!

Lunch is an ideal way to get together to celebrate a birthday. Take half a day off work or extend your break time by an hour, so you can get to the event. It is important to note that if the birthday party is organized at the last minute, you will have a better chance of getting a table at the celebrant’s favourite restaurant. The best part is that the kids will be at school or daycare, so it’s a bit of a break. Don’t forget that you won’t have to pay for a babysitter!

So, we’ve put together a list of places to go for lunch on your birthday. It features restaurants from all over the city, and a variety of cuisines.

For those who wish to celebrate with a large group in a more intimate setting, we invite you to consult our list of private rooms in Montreal.

Wishing you a memorable birthday lunch!

Satay Brothers

Satay Brothers is a charming and lively place where you can savour dishes that transport you far from our cold Quebec winters.  

3721 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest
Montréal

Gia

At Gia you can enjoy traditional Abruzzo grilled meats and a fine selection of Italian natural wines.  

1025 Rue Lenoir
Montréal

Leméac

The Montreal institution Leméac is a chic French brewery—one of the best—that has recently passed the 15-year mark. Still going strong, the popularity of the address reflects the owners’ concern to satisfy their customers and offer a quality product.

1045 Avenue Laurier Ouest
Montréal

Mano Cornuto

Every day, the house prepares its own focaccias. These oven-baked flatbreads are offered with your choice of spread (truffle honey, fig or apricot jam) and ricotta cheese. The rest of the menu is designed to showcase excellent local and Italian products.  

988 Rue Ottawa
Montréal

Monarque

Monarque’s menu is truly delicious. Jérémie Bastien is the creative head of the restaurant, and it is with great finesse that he offers a delicious and carefully prepared classic French-inspired cuisine.  

406 Rue Saint-Jacques
Montréal

Restaurant Mélisse

The recommended approach at Mélisse is to share several small dishes. Their delicate mezzes are each as comforting, balanced and fresh as the next.  

719 Rue William
Montréal

Le Butterblume

The cuisine at Butterblume is refined without being precious. The dishes here are delicate and of a lovely and surprising subtlety. You will find the boutique next door to the restaurant, to spoil yourself a little more on your birthday.

5836 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montréal

Bottega

Bottega has been making some of the best pizza in Montreal since opening in 2006; plus, we think it’s the best Neapolitan pizza in the city. The talented mother Giovanna and her son Fabrizio make most of the recipes at Bottega. For those of you on the North Shore, we invite you to visit their second location on Saint-Martin Boulevard in Laval.

65 Rue Saint-Zotique East
Montréal

Le Darling

To our delight, Darling now offers fresh and hearty lunch dishes as well as an excellent brunch menu (the latter is served from Friday to Sunday only). We love this café-resto-bar for its food, its wine list, and its unique and funky decor.

4328 Boulevard Saint-Laurent
Montréal

Place Carmin

For a festive weekday lunch in the Old Port, Place Carmin is the place to be. The menu—created by chef François Nadon—is composed of gastronomic dishes, but in a brasserie style at affordable prices. A dozen desserts are also on the menu, perfect to end your birthday meal right.

740 Rue William
Montréal

Holder

A Montreal institution, Holder is a large European-style brasserie that serves tasty and well-executed dishes. We come here for the festive side of the establishment—it’s the perfect place for a large group lunch in a chic and comfortable space!

407 Rue McGill
Montréal

Bistro Tendresse

An address in the village, Bistro Tendresse offers mainly vegan cuisine, and is on our list of the best vegan restaurants in Montreal! Their wine list is composed mostly of private imports (all vegan, of course), their decor is modern and minimal, and their dishes are hearty and tasty. We love it!

1259 Rue Sainte-Catherine Est
Montréal

Escondite

Escondite is a small Mexican taqueria that serves some of the best tacos in Montreal. The restaurant shines with its mismatched decor and its walls covered with exotic motifs. With its authentic cocktails, Escondite transports us to a festive and colourful Mexico—perfect for a boozy lunch at a reasonable price!

1224 Rue Drummond
Montréal
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Photography by Alison Slattery



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