Montreal’s Top Spots for an Unforgettable Caesar Salad
Where to Enjoy the Best Caesar Salads in Town?!
The origin of this salad remains a mystery, but it certainly gets people talking. The very first Caesar salad is believed to have been created in the 1920s by Italian restaurateur Caesar Cardini at his establishment in Tijuana, Mexico. Rumor has it that the chef served it after a shortage of supplies forced him to improvise with whatever ingredients were on hand. So no, the salad isn’t named after the famous Roman emperor, sworn enemy of Asterix and Obelix!
The Caesar salad is traditionally made with romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes even hard-boiled eggs. In its modern version, bacon or capers are often added too. The key element of this salad is its dressing, made from grated Parmesan, olive oil, anchovies, and egg yolk. This salad enjoys worldwide popularity — so much so that it isn’t tied to any specific type of cuisine. No matter what kind of restaurant you walk into, chances are you’ll spot it on the menu.
Montreal is home to several restaurants offering excellent takes on the classic Caesar salad. The hardest part wasn’t finding them — it was choosing the best ones! This dish often appears in two sections of the menu: as a starter, or as a main course, usually topped with strips of grilled or breaded chicken.
Like all culinary classics, chefs love putting their own spin on it, which explains the wide variety and high quality of Caesar salads you’ll find across the city. It’s often said that the simplest recipes, when done right, are the most satisfying — and the Caesar salad is no exception.
We’ve already shared our list of Montreal’s best salads, but today, we’re shining the spotlight on this iconic favorite.
Here are our top picks for the best Caesar salads in town!
Mano Cornuto
An Italian café nestled in Griffintown, Mano Cornuto has been a local favorite ever since it opened! The vibe is so warm and welcoming, it feels like everyone knows each other. In the kitchen, chef James Baran draws inspiration from classic Italian cafés to create a fresh, all-day menu that’s both simple and satisfying. Their Caesar salad is a must-try: crisp romaine hearts, white anchovies, Caesar dressing, lemon oil, and capers. A perfect balance of flavors, done with Italian flair. (Photo: Craving Curator)
Montréal
Elena
Located in St-Henri, Elena ranks among the best Italian restaurants in Montreal — and it’s one of our all-time favorites! The menu features a selection of antipasti, three house-made salads, some of the city’s best fresh pasta, and outstanding pizzas (which have earned a spot on our list of Montreal’s best). You’ll also find a meat dish, a fish option, and a couple of sides rounding out the offering. Their Caesar salad is a standout: made with kale, radicchio, crunchy croutons, and tossed in a creamy tahini-based dressing. Simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious!
Montréal
Dorsia
This stylish Old Montreal spot serves one of the best — and most elegantly presented — Caesar salads in the city! The salad is perfectly crisp, dressed with just the right amount of sauce (read: generously!), topped with plenty of fresh anchovies and a sourdough crumble for an extra crunchy bite. A must-try if you’re planning a visit!
Montréal
Restaurant Gus
Gus is a cozy neighborhood restaurant known for its comforting cuisine, where simple ingredients are handled with real passion. Their Caesar salad is made to order — the ingredients are mixed fresh for each plate, preserving every flavor and texture until the very last bite. This generous salad comes topped with Italian piccoricci peppers, and for an extra indulgent twist, you can add caviar or, when in season, lobster. Definitely worth a try!
Montréal
maps pizza
Maps Pizza offers a delicious take on the classic Caesar salad! Made with little gem lettuce, anchovy dressing, Parmesan, and sourdough breadcrumbs — it’s simple, refreshing, and the perfect companion to their outstanding house pizzas.
Montréal
Taverne Sur Le Square
Tavern sur le Square offers delicious market-driven cuisine with French and Italian influences. Their Caesar salad is a standout, made with baby romaine, crispy capers, and a rich, creamy anchovy dressing. An absolute delight!
Westmount
Cafe Gentile Westmount
With its elegant, modern decor inspired by classic Italian eateries, Cafe Gentile in Westmount is always buzzing with activity. The menu features creative twists on beloved classics — and their Caesar salad is one of the best in town. Made with crisp romaine lettuce, house-made Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmigiano Reggiano, it’s simple and absolutely delicious!
Westmount
Le Petit Italien
Le Petit Italien serves up delicious pasta in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features classic Italian dishes — nothing too complicated, just simple and satisfying. Their Caesar salad is available as a starter or a main, with the option to add chicken. Made with romaine lettuce and classic Caesar dressing, the twist comes in the form of a Parmesan crumble that replaces the traditional croutons.
Montréal
Bar Henrietta
While Bar Henrietta is known for its famous Manchego popcorn, its kale Caesar salad is just as popular. With bacon, croutons, Grana Padano, and a squeeze of lemon, all served on a mountain of kale, it’s a surefire choice to pair with one of the excellent bottles of wine offered — often available through private imports — at this chic bar.
Montréal
Mandy’s
Who in Montreal hasn’t tried a salad from the many Mandy’s restaurants? Perfect for a quick takeout lunch or for enjoying on-site, Mandy’s has built its reputation over time — and with good reason! You can never get enough of their fresh, generously portioned salads, and one of our favorites is the Jules Caesar salad. Creamy yet crunchy, it strikes the perfect balance between Caesar dressing, bacon, and crispy pita chips served in abundance. Parmesan and mozzarella are also included. For an extra boost, you can add a protein like chicken.
Montréal
Pizzeria Magpie Mile End
Looking for a laid-back evening in a cozy atmosphere? Magpie Pizzeria in the Mile-End is the place to be. Known for its artisanal, wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, this pizzeria doesn’t just shine in the art of thin-crust pizza. Their Caesar salad is also a standout. With house-made creamy Caesar dressing, perfectly grilled pancetta, and fresh herbs, it’s a delightful dish that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Montréal
La Spada
La Spada offers a classic Caesar salad (romaine lettuce, croutons, pancetta, Parmesan, and white anchovies) that definitely deserves a spot on this list!
Montréal
Marci Café - Restaurant
Le Marci offers a kale Caesar salad topped with beautiful fillets of white anchovies that satisfy every craving! The portion is generous, and the price is just right.
Montréal
Bernies Pizza Martini Bar
Bernies offers a super classic yet delicious Caesar salad that instantly takes us back to our childhood! The perfect companion to their outstanding pizzas and garlic bread rolls.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Miracolo
Miracolo’s Caesar salad, featuring little gem lettuce and mortadella bacon, is simply divine. Just like the restaurant itself!
Montréal
