Where to Have Lunch in Montreal in December: Our Picks
Where to Have Lunch in Montreal in December: Our Picks
December is the month when everything speeds up — that familiar feeling that everyone is running on overdrive, yet more than ever, deserving of a pause. It’s the season of quick catch-ups, stolen meals between deadlines, colleagues invited for a “just before the holidays” lunch, and celebrations that sneak their way into midday. Lunch becomes the perfect excuse to take a breath, to celebrate, to gather the team, or simply to mark the moment before turning the page on another year. Menus take on festive touches, and many restaurants open exceptionally at lunchtime to welcome the year-end buzz.
There are the discreet lunches, slipped in between two meetings for a touch of magic. There are the big lunches, where the whole team gathers around a great bottle. And then there are the lunches that deliberately go off the rails — the ones that begin calmly and, in December only, are allowed to slide seamlessly into an unapologetic 5 à 7.
We’ve selected several spots where our team would love to go for lunch to wrap up the year. Addresses that know how to welcome the unique energy of December, where every midday meal can quietly turn into a small celebration. It’s a time to bring everyone together, to check in one last time with those who’ve shared our daily lives, and to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished. December offers that rare permission to transform the ordinary into something softer, more intentional, and more collective.
If you’re looking to celebrate with a large group in a more intimate setting, we invite you to explore our list of private dining rooms in Montreal. Our guides to business lunches that impress and festive lunch spots can also spark great ideas for celebrating throughout the month of December.
Here, then, is our selection of places to gather around the table at lunchtime this month — and our very best wishes for the end of the year!
Le Club Chasse et Pêche
Le Club Chasse et Pêche is one of those rare restaurants that, with every visit, makes you feel as though you’ve left Montreal for a parallel world. A true staple of the city’s gastronomic scene, it enchants as much with its hushed, intimate atmosphere as with its opulent, contemporary take on classic fine dining, all elevated by impeccable service. Exceptionally for December, the team will be opening for lunch on Thursdays and Fridays — the 11th, 12th, 18th, and 19th — offering the chance to savor the experience of this true institution at midday.
Montréal
Restaurant Cappello
Perched on the 44th floor of Place Ville Marie in downtown Montreal, Cappello is an Italian brasserie that pairs spectacular views with generous, crowd-pleasing cuisine. The restaurant revisits classic Italian dishes in an elegant setting inspired by Tuscany. Creative cocktails and a strong wine list round out the experience, which is both convivial and refined. Taking advantage of December, Cappello is officially launching its weekday lunch service, Monday to Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Montréal
Mon Lapin
Mon Lapin ranks among the very best tables in Montreal. Guests come for its precise yet soulful cooking, attentive service, exceptional wine cellar, and one-of-a-kind atmosphere. With shareable plates, local ingredients, and a deeply convivial spirit, the restaurant remains a true standout — fun dining at its finest. In December, Mon Lapin opens exceptionally for lunch from Thursday to Saturday for three festive weeks, offering a “joyful” seasonal menu. The famous Romagnol passatelli are back, alongside beloved classics and plenty of new dishes. The cellar will also be especially well stocked for the occasion, filled with liquid treasures for all your wine-loving cravings.
Montréal
Juliette Plaza
Juliette Plaza, the little sister of Montréal Plaza located just next door, stands out for its inviting atmosphere and the high quality of its cuisine, which clearly echoes that of its renowned neighbor. Its more relaxed vibe is reflected in a more accessible menu — and in its wine list as well. A true lunchtime favorite, we simply couldn’t overlook this address to celebrate December.
Montréal
Romies
Romies, a chic American-style bistro in Old Montreal, is a beautiful destination whose carefully designed décor instantly makes you want to settle in. The atmosphere is lively and warm, promising a dining experience that’s unpretentious yet both sophisticated and fun. Open for weekday lunch, the restaurant serves reimagined American classics, along with a $35 lunch table d’hôte on Thursdays and Fridays — a great opportunity to discover (or rediscover) the spot.
Montréal
Motto Handroll Bar
Motto, one of the finest Japanese restaurants in the city, located in the heart of Old Montreal, celebrates the art of temaki: sheets of nori filled and hand-rolled to order, served right before your eyes. With its massive central bar as the focal point of the space, it’s perfectly suited for small groups of two to four. An ideal spot for a quick, fresh, and absolutely delicious lunch.
Montréal
L'Express
L’Express is a chic French brasserie–style Montreal institution that has been serving high-quality classic French cuisine since 1980. It ranks among the city’s best French restaurants and is especially appreciated for its excellent value and elegant décor. With its impressively consistent cooking, it’s the perfect spot for a holiday-season lunch.
Montréal
Restaurant Mélisse
Mélisse is a go-to address for affordable business lunches in Montreal. You eat and drink very well here — and at reasonable prices. The menu features delicate, fresh, and beautifully seasoned cuisine. The service is friendly, the décor is gorgeous, and the restaurant remains one of our personal favorites.
Montréal
Neotokyo
Neotokyo is a noodle bar that instantly transports you into a neo-futuristic universe somewhere between Montreal and Blade Runner. You’ll find excellent ramen and mazemen in an electric atmosphere, enhanced by a strong selection of sakes and Japanese-inspired cocktails. A spot that’s as fun as it is approachable — perfect for getting together as a group without blowing the budget.
Montreal
Porte à Côté - Boire & Manger
Porte à Côté, quite literally the next door neighbor to Rose Ross, happily brings together the same team, the same creativity, and the same passion. Designed as a more relaxed and accessible neighborhood restaurant, it too focuses on local, seasonal products. The menu is built around small, irresistibly tasty shared plates. Its intimate, hushed ambiance is ideal for the season.
Montréal
Taverne Grecque Máti
Housed in a stunning space on Saint-Paul Street West, MÁTI is a true gem for enjoying fresh dishes inspired by the flavors of Greece. Blending thoughtful cuisine, a warm atmosphere, and impeccable service, the restaurant emphasizes plates made for sharing — perfect for celebrating in small groups. Its refined décor, combining modern design with the timeless charm of Old Montreal, makes it a place you’ll gladly linger at.
Montréal
Stella Brasserie italienne
Stella Brasserie, a newcomer to the Quartier des spectacles, marks the natural evolution of Stella Pizzeria with a full-fledged Italian brasserie concept. Located in the Esplanade Tranquille pavilion, the bright 120-seat dining room is ideal for groups and business lunches — the perfect place to enjoy a taste of Italy amid Montreal’s vibrant energy.
Montréal
HÀ Vieux-Montréal
Hà (Old Montreal) offers cuisine inspired by the flavors of Southeast Asia. The varied menu by talented Laotian chef Ross Louangsignotha features meat dishes, soups, some of the best spring rolls and bao buns in the city, as well as a few vegetarian options and seafood — all paired with original cocktails. The perfect spot for a festive and affordable lunch!
Montréal
Jatoba
Jatoba ranks among the most beautiful restaurants in Montreal, with its chic décor and absolutely spectacular covered terrace that can seat up to 100 guests. Enough to charm any guest or make a lasting impression — guaranteed. Chef Olivier Vigneault crafts a refined and delicious Japanese-inspired menu. The perfect address to impress while eating exceptionally well.
Montréal
Pizzeria Locali
Pizzeria Locali, located on Saint-Zotique Street, is the newest address from the NO.900 group, dedicated to New York–style pizza. Here, classic Italian-American favorites are revisited with thin crusts and generous toppings, alongside a few starters and main dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and approachable — ideal for enjoying one of the best pizzas in the city!
Montréal
Yans Deli
Yan’s Deli is Benji Greenberg’s warm and flavorful spot in the west end of the city — the former chef of the legendary Joe Beef. You’ll find delicious sandwiches and comforting dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients — exactly what you crave for a winter lunch. It’s the perfect place for a tasty, quick, and hassle-free meal, whether with friends, family, or colleagues. An address particularly well suited for small December celebrations.
Montréal
Leméac
Leméac, this chic French brasserie on Laurier Avenue West—one of Montréal’s very best—has enjoyed unwavering popularity since opening over 20 years ago. Lunchtime here is always in high demand, thanks to cuisine and service that rank among the finest in the city. Not surprisingly, Leméac also appears on our list of Montréal’s must-try addresses.
Montréal
