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LE FILET

If you’re looking to rub shoulder’s with the who’s who in Montreal, this is the spot to be seen doing it. Hugely popular and often busy (make sure to reserve ahead), Le Filet is is the cool addition to a family of well-established restaurants in the city (Chasse et Peche, Le Serpent, Il Miglio) and has landed itself high up on Canada’s Top 100 Restaurant’s list. Go for the extensive wine list, cool cocktails and impeccable fusion food. You can sample just about anything here from handmade cavatelli to Wagyu tataki with eggplant and miso. The menu is seafood forward but expect an ode to the meaty Quebec classics.

219, ave. Mont-Royal Ouest

Resos required

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JOE BEEF

Perhaps the most well known restaurant in the city, Joe Beef has become somewhat of a pilgrimage for foodies and even very famous Politicians. On the daily hand written chalk menu, expect a variety of dishes, mostly containing at least one decadent item such as smoked meat croquettes or spaghetti with lobster. The food here is simple, as is the setting, but it’s done very well in a way that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a friends house for dinner. The menu focuses on using local, seasonal ingredients, so don’t be surprised if you see some unique Quebec delicacies such as horse or Foie gras. If you can’t grab a reso here, try their other (also very successful) establishments Liverpool House or Vin Papillon (below).

2491 Notre-Dame St W

Resos taken, walk in’s also accepted

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Le Bremner

A trip to Montreal’s Old Port for dinner almost requires a stop at the buzz-worthy Bremner restaurant owned by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. Slightly more high end than his other establishment Garde Manger , Bremner serves up a serious variety of foods including a raw bar, fresh fish and some asian-fusion mains. It’s a bit of a potluck, but everything tastes exactly how it should. Securing a table here can be a bit tricky so be sure to book in advance.

361 St Paul Street East

Reservations Essential

 
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Le Vin Papillon

The latest addition to the Joe Beef Restaurant empire is a standout natural wine bar that happens to serve the most superb food. At first glance, the menu may seem almost entirely vegetable centric, however, reading the fine print you come to realize the classic Joe Beef touches of duck fat, butter and house-smoked bacon. The food here is excellent, as is the extensively curated wine list. A great spot to grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the kind of food you only wished you were able to recreate at home.

2519 Rue Notre Dame Ouest

No resos, first come first served!

 
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L’express

The quintessential French bistro outside of France, L’express has managed to capture what we believe to be that certain joie de vivre. Settle in for a long lazy weekend lunch at this Parisian inspired favourite on Montreal’s famed Rue St. Denis. They’ve got all the classic dishes such as oeufs mayonnaise, pot-au-feu, foie gras (a Quebecois speciality) and the most delicious onglet beurre echalote et frites ( that’s steak with shallot butter.. and lots of it). There is nothing we don’t love about this place, from it’s extensive wine list, butter laden dishes and classic decor this is a definite must on a weekend getaway in the city.

3927 Rue Saint Denis

Resos taken : Lunch and Dinner

Best Pastries: Patisserie Rhubarbe

Best Pizza/Wine: Elena

Best Pasta: Il Miglio

Best Wine/Food Bar: Le Vin Papillon

Best Wine Bar: Vin Mon Lapin or Le Pullman

Best Thai: Satay Brothers

Best All-Day: Larrys

Best Smoked Meat: Schwartz’s

Best Japanese: Noren

Best Lunch: McKiernan

Best Coffee Break: Olive and Gourmando

Best Bagels: St Viateur

Best Syrian: Damas

Best Healthy Salad Spot: Mandy’s

Best Indian Food: Bombay Mahal

Best Lebanese: Boustan

Best Splurge: Toque

Best Brunch: Lemeac

Best Sushi: Park

Best Israeli: Sumac