Montreal is a city that effortlessly blends history, culture, and culinary excellence, making it a playground for food lovers, cocktail enthusiasts, and experience seekers alike. From vibrant neighborhoods bursting with cafés and fine dining to iconic parks as well as cultural landmarks, there’s an endless array of ways to explore the city. Whether you’re strolling through scenic green spaces, sampling local flavors at bustling markets, or enjoying expertly crafted drinks in historic settings, Montreal offers plenty of places that delight every sense. We highlight the top destinations to dine, drink, and immerse yourself so you can experience the best of the best.
Best Restaurants, Bars, and Experiences in Montreal
Top 5 Places to Dine
Ô Petit Paris (Le Plateau)
The Parisian charm of Ô Petit Paris in Plateau Mont-Royal stands out as one of Montreal’s top with its exceptional artisan breads and also beautifully crafted pastries. The bakery’s warm, welcoming atmosphere and consistently high-quality offerings make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re stopping in for flaky croissants or perfectly baked baguettes, Ô Petit Paris delivers a taste of France that feels both refined and comfortingly familiar.
Améa (Downtown)
A soulful blend of Mediterranean-Italian cuisine and upscale café vibes is all housed in the historic Maison Alcan. Led by the same team behind Ristorante Béatrice, Améa’s menu offers everything from Roman-style pizzas and vibrant salads to hearty tartares. Their pastry selection is equally compelling, with freshly baked croissants, zeppoles, bombolones, and cookies inspired by classic Italian recipes. Plus, everything is crafted with seasonal, high-quality ingredients.
Le Club Chasse et Pêche (Old Montreal)
Refined French-style cuisine meets a deeply atmospheric, intimate setting. Behind a discreet entrance in a historic stone building, the restaurant’s cavernous rooms, leather armchairs, and warm lighting create a cozy, upscale-club feel. Under the guidance of Chef Claude Pelletier and Olivier Larocque, the menu features surf-and-turf dishes as well as seasonal creations made with top-tier ingredients. Not to mention, their wine cellar curated by Canada’s Best Sommelier 2023, Joris Garcia, offers over 500 selections.
Le Poir Penche (Downtown)
Since 2007, Le Poir Penche has been serving French classics like steak-frites, duck confit, bouillabaisse, and generous seafood platters made with local ingredients. The restaurant’s chic yet relaxed vibe completes with a polished bar, a summer terrace, and even a private wine-cellar room. Head in for dinner to try standout dishes like whole grilled fish, truffled mashed potatoes, as well as a variety of seafood towers that elevate your dining experience.
Joe Beef (Little Burgundy)
Born from the vision of chefs David McMillan and Frédéric Morin, this restaurant pays homage to its namesake Charles “Joe Beef” McKiernan — a 19th-century tavern owner known for his generosity and larger-than-life persona. Inside, relax around cozy leather seating, vintage décor, and a menu scrawled on a chalkboard that changes daily depending on what is available. The cuisine is unapologetically rich with dishes like lobster spaghetti, roasted bone marrow, indulgent meats, and a raw bar.
Top 5 Places to Drink
Bar George (Downtown)
Historic grandeur, refined cocktails, and lively energy make Bar George a must. Housed in the restored Le Mount Stephen mansion of Sir George Stephen, the bar’s richly paneled wood interiors, stained-glass features, and fireplaces create a glamorous, old-world ambiance. The bartending team, led by mixologist Nader Chabaane, curates a cocktail menu that honors classic tipples while weaving in modern twists. It’s a place where both history and hearty drink culture meet.
Bar Dominion (Downtown)
Art Deco charm and stunning architectural details will take your breath away in Bar Dominion. Under the creative direction of mixologist Andrew Whibley, their refined menu consists of martinis and negronis to highballs and sours. The atmosphere feels both luxurious and inviting, making it the perfect place for a sophisticated after-work drink, a pre-show cocktail, or a late-night gathering.
Cafe Olimpico (Old Montreal)
Café Olimpico in Old Montreal is a beloved spot for those who want a true taste of Italian-style espresso culture. Founded in 1970 by Rocco Furfaro and still family-run today, it’s known for its no-fuss coffee bar, warm community vibe, and rich history. With its classic house espresso blend, traditional Italian pastries like cannoli and biscotti, and a welcoming atmosphere full of soccer memorabilia, it feels more like a home than a café.
Maison Boulud at the Ritz Carlton (Downtown)
Treat yourself to a luxurious evening at Maison Boulud at the Ritz‑Carlton thanks to its refined and thoughtfully curated beverage program. The bar features a well‑curated wine list with private imports and wines by the glass, giving you both depth and flexibility. Their cocktail offerings are elegant and surprising — perfect for a sophisticated 5 à 7 in the hotel’s glamorous Palm Court lounge.
Terrasse William Gray at Hotel William Gray (Old Montreal)
Terrasse William Gray easily ranks among the top places to drink in Montreal since it is erched on the 8th floor of the hotel. Its rooftop bar gives you sweeping views of Place Jacques‑Cartier, the St. Lawrence River, as well as the Montreal Ferris wheel. Not to mention, their drink menu is full of expertly crafted cocktails (both inventive and classic) alongside a curated wine list with private imports and premium vintages.
Must-Do Montreal Experiences
Parc du Mont Royal (Downtown & Le Plateau)
Take a walk through a peaceful, natural sanctuary right in the heart of the city, all while looking over stunning views with a rich history. Designed in 1876 by the same landscape architect behind New York’s Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted, the park stretches across 200 hectares of forests, trails, and green space. Plus, the Kondiaronk lookout and its majestic Beaux-Arts Chalet provide one of the best panoramas of downtown Montreal and the St. Lawrence River.
Parc Jean Drapeau (Íle Saint-Hélène)
This historic park offers over 25 km of multiuse trails for walking, biking, and winter sports. You can soak up nature or catch iconic skyline views along riverside walkways. Parc Jean‑Drapeau is also a beating heart of Montreal’s entertainment scene. It’s home to the Biosphère (the famous geodesic dome) that hosts major music festivals. Summer heat calls for a dip at Jean‑Doré Beach and the Olympic‑sized pool, while winter brings cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing.
Atwater Public Market (Little Burgundy)
Architectural charm, local food culture, and a community vibe combine in this preserved Art Deco building from 1933. Atwater Public Market market borders the Lachine Canal which makes it a scenic stop for foodies, cyclists, and picnickers alike. Inside, you’ll find top-quality local produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, meats, and more. Then, in warmer months, the outside features a rotating roster of food stalls offering everything from barbecue to Vietnamese fare.
Maison de Symphonique at Places des Arts (Downtown)
Home to the renowned Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal (OSM) and other ensembles, this theater’s 2,100‑seat “shoebox”-style design was created to deliver crystal‑clear, immersive sound. The hall also features the striking Grand Orgue Pierre‑Béique with 6,489 pipes — a stunning visual and sonic centerpiece. A concert here leaves you with memories you won’t soon forget.
Jardins Botanique Chinese Garden (Rosemont)
This beautiful garden is one of the city’s top experiences for its serene beauty and cultural depth. Created through a partnership with Shanghai’s Parks Department, the garden’s buildings were shipped in ship‑loads from China and constructed by around 50 Chinese artisans. It reflects traditional Chinese landscape art with a delicate balance of plants, water, stones, and architecture — all keyed to the concept of yin and yang.
Story and Photos by Sally Benner
Subscribe to TABLE Magazine’s print edition.
