The 31 best French restaurants in Montreal for expertly executed elegance
In Montreal, there are so many incredible places to dine out at night. It can be hard to narrow down your options, especially when it comes to dining out.
As someone who lived in France, I know about the best places to eat in Montreal. If you’re traveling to Montreal, you’ll want to read my comprehensive list of the best French restaurants in Montreal.
These 31 restaurants offer everything from authentic French cuisine to comfort food and tapas, to give you a taste of Montreal’s diverse restaurant scene.
Where to find the best French restaurants in Montreal
1. L’Express
L’Express is a well-known French restaurant in Montreal. You can tell it’s a classy establishment just by looking through the window from outside:
The gleaming black and white tile floors and bright lighting, along with the crisp white tablecloths and cornichon jars aplenty, all speak to the menu’s focus on foie gras and other classics like quiche and confit.
In truth, the foods served here haven’t altered much in 30 years, not because the chefs lack imagination, but rather because they knew what they were doing from the start.
2. La Chronique
There are just a few minor departures from the standard French restaurant model in this establishment’s devotion to luxury and service:
After being seated, the dedicated sommelier and waitstaff team reaffirm their true-blue French ancestry amid the Nordic-austerity décor.
Small, intentional diversions from the most common ingredients are found on the menu, yet the meals are rooted in French tradition and executed with a French flair.
3. Leméac
Traditional French bistro fare including handmade boudin and cabillaud, as well as onglet steak frites and a variety of Quebec cheeses are served at this majestic restaurant on Laurier Avenue, which was recently renovated.
The late-night crowd will appreciate Leméac’s affordable table d’hôte meals, which are served weekly from 10pm till closure.
4. Maison Boulud
High-end French food is connected with the Ritz-Carlton brand. In the early 20th century, hotelier César Ritz collaborated with Auguste Escoffier, a pioneer of contemporary French cuisine, to create the Ritz-Carlton.
The Maison Boulud restaurant in Montreal, Canada, is a faithful follower of the hotel company’s commitment to great French food.
In the opulent surroundings of the stately Sherbrooke Street hotel, it serves classic French breakfast, lunch, and supper.
5. Le Boulevardier
Le Boulevardier, located on the second floor of the Hotel St-Germain in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, pays homage to Auguste Escoffier, considered the father of modern French cuisine.
Executive chef David Pellizzari (formerly of Lili.Co, which is sadly no longer in business) has recreated a classic Parisian brasserie experience.
The restaurant’s name conjures the swanky Golden Age that’s one part 1920s and one part 1960s, all with a gutsy cuisine containing classic revivals best highlighted by their centerpiece creation: R
abbit à la royale en croûte with boudin noir, foie gras, camelina, and truffle oil..
6. Tandem
Pascal Turgeon and Ericka Soleilhac, the co-owners of Tandem, a French cafe in the Villeray neighborhood of Montreal, have teamed together to create one of the greatest BYOBs in the city.
In terms of food, the menu is bold and sophisticated enough to compete with even the most prominent restaurants in town, yet the BYOW option keeps things affordable, even for a casual weekday supper.
7. L’Atelier Joël Robuchon Montréal
L’Atelier Jol Robuchon, a concept restaurant initially created by Jol Robuchon, is housed in the old French pavilion at Expo ’67, which is now a casino in Montreal.
Robuchon died in 2018, yet the restaurant has continued to rise in popularity. L’Atelier Jol Robuchon’s standard of accomplished finesse is hard to surpass for a special occasion.
As one of the most costly at $200, the locals may complain, but even they must acknowledge that yes, the cuisine was excellent.
8. Restaurant Jérôme Ferrer – Europea
The lavish grandeur often associated with French cuisine is taken to a whole new level at this establishment: Chef Jérôme Ferrer uses only the finest (and most costly) ingredients in his dishes, a far cry from the more informal, proletariat bistro style.
Instead, he creates surprise new dishes that are firmly rooted in classic French techniques.
Many consider the restaurant to be one of France’s finest dining establishments, and many consider it a model of what a French restaurant should be like.
9. Café Cherrier
The Plateau district of Montreal is well-known for its consistent, unadorned handling of traditional French foods, which is helped in part by establishments like L’Express and Café Cherrier.
Tarte tatin, onion soup, steak tartare, and foie de veau are all examples of this type of cuisine.
A dinner at the café’s tranquil espresso-hued classic dining room or gorgeous wrap-around terrace is almost always a good bet, despite the city’s abundance of trendsetting avant-garde restaurants.
10. Chez Lévêque
Chez Lévêque pays homage to the real Parisian brasserie in a playful way while also making fun of the province of Quebec’s unique heritage.
Foreshadowed by (we’re not making this up) Catholic priests running amok in the eatery.
Despite the lighthearted decor, the kitchen is dead serious about serving you plain traditional French cuisine made with fresh, uncomplicated ingredients. That’s a meal that’s sure to please.
11. Le Valois
Le Valois, Hochelaga’s art deco tribute to the French cafe, is revered by the city’s gastronomic elite.
Cherry wood and stained-glass decor, a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the Place Simon-Valois neighborhood hub, an extensive wine list, and classic bistro dishes like as tartare, steak-frites, and crème brûlée are just a few of the restaurant’s trademarks.
12. Café du Nouveau Monde
The Café du Nouveau Monde is a French restaurant located in the heart of Montreal’s Quartier des Spectacles, the city’s arts and culture district.
The Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, a theatrical company formed in 1951, has played a significant role in shaping the cultural environment of the area.
Additionally, the restaurant has gained a devoted following among the business lunch crowd, and its streetside patio is a great site for a 5 à 7 in the summertime.
13. Restaurant Bonaparte
When it comes to authentic French cuisine, this Old Montreal restaurant’s moniker should say it all.
Small romantic alcoves, royal accents and an unwavering commitment to a slower, more contemplative and comfortable classical style have made the business a favorite among local gourmands.
You can count on us to give every dish on our menu the sabre rattle it deserves.
14. Marché de la Villette
Even though Le Marché de la Villette was precisely rebuilt in Old Montreal, it’s easy to envision the café in Paris’ Latin Quarter as a typical Parisian corner cafe.
Even if this isn’t true, it’s hard to blame someone for thinking it is: The illusion is nearly flawless, from the cobblestone entry to the tiny yet friendly interior with hanging cured meats, assorted bric-a-brac, and blackboard menus.
You may have an authentic French lunch without ever leaving the island with this simple method.
15. Plein Sud
Nice and Corsica flavors and ambiance come together at this modest Mont Royal Avenue hideaway, which offers a refreshing diversion from the ubiquitous yet reliable Parisian brasserie style.
To wash down the healthy and flavorful tapas, the restaurant has an ever-changing selection of wines. Yes, santté is a good thing.
16. Le Pégase
Le Pegase, tucked away on a quiet Plateau side street, is a basic French eatery known for its friendly, knowledgeable service and hearty takes on classic meals.
It’s also one of the few restaurants that allows customers to bring their own wine from local SAQs, making it a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Fortunately, a helpful right-hand column on their website offers a few choices.
17. Accords Bistro
They’ve made a strong effort to update their kitchen in light of current trends in the food industry, promoting both vegetarian and gluten-free alternatives while still preserving the classic flavors and methods of French cuisine.
Additionally, the restaurant’s expansive outdoor patio and central position in the Quartier des Spectacles make it an ideal starting point for foodies of all experience levels.
18. Le Pois Penché
There is no doubt in our minds that this eatery has been ignored far too frequently. Our initial impressions were that this Parisian brasserie was a tourist trap because of its prominent position, amusing name, and authentic-to-the-bone décor.
However, everyone makes blunders from time to time. Because to owner and sommelier Imad Nabwani’s efforts, it’s worth going back for both a late-night prix-fixe dinner and an express lunch, which will include house pastas and smooth tartares.
19. Les Deux Gamins
Prince Arthur Street is a pedestrian-only thoroughfare that extends from the quaint Saint-Louis Square Park to Saint-Laurent Boulevard. A modest cafe tucked in between its neighbors serves seasonal dishes.
There are a few cafe tables and rattan chairs on the terrasse (that’s “patio” to you anglophone folks out there) only a few meters from an appealing street center water fountain.
For the taste, there’s nothing like poached fish or confit fowl, which are as traditional as they are expertly prepared. To get a true sense of the kitchen’s capabilities, focus on what’s fresh and in-season.
20. Restaurant de L’ITHQ
One of L’ITHQ’s most popular restaurants is located on the ground floor of the prestigious Quebec school of higher learning, which teaches the next generation of hospitality workers in the tourist, hotel and restaurant industries.
All of the restaurant’s employees are rising college seniors who work under the watchful eye of chef Jonathan Lapierre-Réhayem.
There is a continual rotation of chefs at this establishment, which means the menus are always new because of the deep rooted passion for classic French cuisine among current and future generations of industry workers.
21. Au Petit Extra
Au Petit Extra’s charming old-world art deco dining area is buzzing with regulars from all walks of life.
Because of the restaurant’s lack of pretense, an accessible wine selection, a dynamic atmosphere that effortlessly balances sophisticated and informal.
And of course, its inexpensive yet ever-evolving cuisine of comforting classic foods from chef Louis-Philippe Daoust, these customers come time and time again.
22. L’Entrecôte Saint-Jean
That undeniable French cafe classic of steak frites is L’Entrecôte Saint-unapologetically Jean’s sacred shrine. They are so devoted to their cause that it is the only item on the menu.
In this case, they’re right: L’Entrecôte Saint-Jean proves that a restaurant can be successful with only one entrée.
This steakhouse’s expertly cooked ribeye steaks, home fries, addicting house sauce, and legendary chocolate-covered profiteroles will win you over in the end. Wednesdays are all-you-can-eat mussels and fries day for gluttons.
23. Les Enfants Terribles
A tribute to both the strength of the Les Enfants Terribles idea and Montreal’s almost infinite capacity for French restaurants, a tiny local chain of French restaurants has five unique sites.
To get the best perspective of the city and surrounds, go to their position on the upper floors of Place Ville Marie, where the menus are the same and the food is constantly good.
If you’re apprehensive of heights, there are alternative places to visit.
24. Le P’tit Plateau
Address: 330 Rue Marie-Anne, Montréal, QC H2W 1B1, Canada
Phone: (514) 282-6342
Website: Visit Website
Tucked away on a Plateau side street, this local cafe serves robust fare like duck confit, lamb shanks, and grilled venison from the southwestern region of France. It’s BYOB as well. Tim Forster, author
25. Le Margaux
Address: 5058 Av du Parc, Montréal, QC H2V 4G1, Canada
Phone: (514) 448-1598
Website: Visit Website
When it comes to classic French fare, Mile End BYOB’s chef-owner Jérôme Chatenet is the man to see. He’s an expert with foie gras and many other delicacies found only in France. Tim Forster, author
26. La Maison du Magret
Address: 102 Rue Saint-Antoine O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1J6, Canada
Phone: (514) 282-0008
Website: Visit Website
You can get your duck fix at La Maison du Magret: gizzard salad, foie gras torchon, confit, burgers, and ravioli are all on the menu. Fortunately, there are no ducks involved in the sweets, such as Basque cake and crème brûlée.
27. Bonaparte
Address: 443 Rue Saint-François-Xavier, Montréal, QC H2Y 2T1, Canada
Phone: (514) 844-4368
Website: Visit Website
When Lesley Chesterman published a review for Bonaparte’s 26th year of service, she praised its “.
I like the fact that every bite was excellent and every plate was soigné,” “showing that underlying all the elegance, Bonaparte is a well-oiled machine.”
One of the most renowned restaurants in Montreal’s Old Town, Bonaparte is known for its exquisite cuisine, from Provençal tartlets to French onion soup and mushroom fricassée.
28. Monarque
Address: 406 Rue Saint-Jacques, Montréal, QC H2Y 1S1, Canada
Phone: (514) 875-3896
Website: Visit Website
Located in Old Montreal, Monarque is the brainchild of Richard and Jérémie Bastien, a father and son duo who also own Leméac, a renowned French restaurant in the city.
The brasserie-style eatery is located in the front of the restaurant, where you’ll find classics like steak, tuna niçoise, and bouillabaisse on the menu.
Dining room prices are higher, but you’ll be treated to an extensive menu of mouth-watering cuts of meat and fish.
Some dishes, like the veal sweetbreads, are given an international touch with the addition of spices such as dukkah, but the overall flavor is strongly French.
29. Holder
Address: 407 Rue McGill #100a, Montréal, QC H2Y 2G3, Canada
Phone: (514) 849-0333
Website: Visit Website
For years, Holder, the lively restaurant run by chef Simon Laplante, has been a local favorite for its relaxed atmosphere and French influences.
With meals like braised cow cheeks au bourguignon and fish soup with rouille and gruyere on the menu, this restaurant should be on everyone’s must-eat list.
30. Brasserie Le Pois Penché
Address: 1230 de Maisonneuve Blvd. West
Website: Visit Website
While Le Pois Penché is famed for its magnificent seafood platters, the brasserie keeps faithful to French tradition while occasionally revamping traditional dishes with a contemporary touch.
Enveloped in its comfortable design and welcoming environment, it’s easy to think you’re in the City of Light.
31. Chez Delmo
Address: 275 Notre-Dame Street West
Website: Visit Website
Chez Delmo is one of the only restaurants in Montréal to provide Dover sole meunière à la minute, along with white tablecloths, fresh fish, and polite, knowledgeable service.
There are also lobster thermidor and escargots with garlic butter for gourmets to enjoy.
Conclusion
So, we found the best French restaurants in Montreal, but you’ve got to eat them. So, to make sure you don’t regret it, we prepared this guide.
You’ll find great restaurants where you can enjoy amazing food and a memorable meal. This is the ultimate guide to the best French restaurants in Montreal.
You’ll find great restaurants, where you can enjoy amazing food and a memorable meal.
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