Montreal Restaurants

Regional Dining Discussions Quebec, Maritimes, Prairies
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Hello,

We are coming to Montreal this fall for 3 nights/4 days. We love good food. It is the central focus when we travel. Can be high end or no frills, as long as the quality is there. We have been (years ago) to Joe Beef, APDC and L’Express.

We are thinking for dinners:

  • Beba
  • Vin Mon Lapin
  • Cabaret L’Enfer (vs Bouillon Bilk if they are re-opened, but leaning towards C L’E).

Lunches:
Juliette Plaza
Jean Talon Market
Maybe Toque? Still worth going to?
_____ Please recommend! (We have been to Schwartz’s).

Any must-visit places for coffee or pastry or breakfast is very appreciated! As is any recommendation for lunch in Vermont on the way back to southern New England (having dinner at HOTW on the way up).

Staying at Hotel William Gray (unless someone says this is to be avoided and somewhere else should be booked).

Thank you so much in advance! I will be sure to report back.

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My favorites used to be Européa and Milos, but I haven’t been to Montreal in ages. I wonder if they’re just as good now.

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Me too, and folks here shared a lot of help on this thread! Following with interest!

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If you can get to the Plateau early enough, Kouign Amann Bakery is excellent.
At Kouign-Amann | Pastry in Montreal on the Plateau (aukouingamann.com)

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I would go with Cabaret L’Enfer over Bouillon Bilk. Both are quite good but I think CL is more refined and better value. Although you can easily spend much more than BB.

I normally dont miss Ma Poule Mouillée for Portuguese chicken

Also consider Le Serpent for Italian

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For lunch in Vermont, depends somewhat on at what point in your journey you want to stop! These are all relatively close to I-89 so not big detours from the route - in Burlington, I’d suggest Grey Jay (sister restaurant to Honey Road); in Waterbury, Prohibition Pig (barbecue); in Montpelier, Wilaiwan’s Kitchen (Thai); in White River, Tuckerbox (Turkish).

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I liked Le Filet.
https://www.lefilet.ca/mobile/

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I second Le Filet, had a fantastic meal there a few years ago and would definitely return. L’Express is a Montreal institution with classic dishes and a fun vibe, always sit at the bar. I was supposed to dine there last summer, until my hotel/apartment screwed up my reservation and I had to cancel.

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I always have enjoyed Lemèac, too.

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I’ve always wanted to try it, but for some reason never made it there.
Now I’m thinking about a “weekend” in Montreal next year since the CAD is so weak rn.

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It’s a little less traditional than L’Express. I’ve been at least 3 times.

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Thank you so much - I will look into this perhaps for lunch.
I would like to give Juliette Plaza a shot for lunch as well.
I’m on the fence about Toque, or if it has past its’ moment…

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Thank you very much

Would you recommend substituting this in, in place of Vin Mon Lapin, Beba, or Cabaret L’Enfer?

Thank you again

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I haven’t been to the 3 you’ve mentioned.

Beba always looks great online. I would probably keep Beba. It’s on my wishlist.

I have only been to Toqué once. It was very good, even excellent. I don’t think it’s past it’s prime. There are so many places to try, that’s the main reason I haven’t returned to Toqué and Le Club Chasse et Pêche.

I prefer smaller and less formal places, typically. Toqué, atmosphere-wise, isn’t my favourite kind of place in Montreal.

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My niece absolutely loved Vin Mon Lapin, and my meal at Cabaret L’Enfer was outstanding(probably the best in Montreal rn)

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Thank you so much.
Inclined to try Lemeac, Toque, and Juliette Plaza for lunches, in that case.

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Not sure where to put this, but this seems like as good a place as any.

I risked life and limb in a snowstorm tonight to eat somewhere exciting after my flight out of Montreal yesterday was cancelled. I chose Ratafia.

I made a “dessert” reservation (shorter time) and indicated I’d be happy to sit at the bar, as I was by myself. The place was about half full, so I made the decision to order from the savory menu as well, thinking they wouldn’t need my spot for another party.

This food was delicious. The interior is rather dark and I loathe flash photography in restaurants, so I decided to forego the shots of my dishes, but I had:

  1. Chicken liver panna cotta tartlet (blackcurrant, grated almond, flower petal.)

This was a cold dish. The almond was unexpected but surprisingly welcome, and I think I murmured approvals under my breath with every bite.

  1. Rapini - Grilled rapini on hibachi, white bean puree, agrodolce with blond grapes, sardines, garlic chips.

This needed a tiny touch of salt (I could tell they were surprised by my request) but again, the whole composition was just surprising and wonderful. I really, really wanted to order another savory plate, but there was no way I was leaving without dessert, and I didn’t want to feel uncomfortable. Was especially intrigued by “potato:” Green curry, candied potatoes, Quebec ginger, potato foam, Thai basil. Alas! Next time.

On to the sweets!

It was incredibly difficult to chose - I wanted them all. I finally settled on a dish called “Crunchy.” It was “Brick” pastry with hazelnut butter, creamy labneh, orange blossom ice cream and saffron, and olive oil “snow.”

I don’t know what brick pastry is - it was like compressed laminated dough, maybe? Regardless, it was one of the most interesting desserts I’ve had in many years.

Very nice service as well. I did order an N/A cocktail and was a teeny bit disappointed in it, but I tend not to hold that against bartenders. It’s a tough thing to really get right.

I would return to this place just to eat my way through the dessert menu. It took everything I had not to order several things from it, but I’m likely to be in Montreal again soon enough (for work) and I’ve got this place mentally bookmarked for future visits.

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