Among the featured restaurants is Montreal’s first Korean bistro in Saint-Henri and a chic industrial area on the Plateau that serves à la carte dishes to only a few dozen diners a night. For those looking to dine in the sky, here are some of the best new restaurants in Montreal:
9 Tail Fox
Where: 3401 Avenue Notre Dame West
Why go: Just steps from Atwater Market, 9 TailFox has created a shop that blends a chic bistro Montreal vibe with Korean cuisine. The restaurant is run by chefs Jongwook Lee and WonGoo Joun, who have sharpened their knives at notable city establishments like Big in Japan, Cadet, Maison Boulud, Pastel, and Pullman. However, their meals are less about the usual bibimbap and bulgogi, and more about innovation — think burrata, paired with tomato kimchi and sourdough bread ($16). There’s minbucha on the menu, fried shrimp bread with mango purée ($19) and bavette steak, complemented with perilla chimichurri ($34). The octopus prepared with gochujang romesco and Brussels sprouts is an instant favorite ($17). Pasta lovers will love the house-made calguksu fettuccine with mussels and zucchini ($19). And for the perfect closing note, there are desserts like matcha opera and pecan pie ($12 each). With elegant interiors of black chairs, wooden tables and hanging plants, dining here is a completely immersive experience.
More at 9tailfox.ca
Anemone
Where: 271 St. Zotic Street West
Reason to go: Reviews consistently highlight Anemone’s standout feature: the open kitchen concept. With culinary mastery on full display, it bridges the gap between chef and diner. Despite its high-level dining offerings, the restaurant remains unpretentious, with attentive and warm service. The wine list offers a selection of raw wines and the menu is an array of delicious combinations, including a selection of temakis – from Arctic Char to beef brisket paired with smoked oysters and mixed mushrooms. Dishes include grilled zucchini with tabbouleh and bacon ($17) and tagliatelle featuring lobster and dashi ($32). And for those with a sweet tooth, desserts like white chocolate with buttermilk and herbs ($15), or raspberries tantalizingly paired with red pepper and chicken skin ($16), seal the deal.
More at anemonemtl.com
Lanver nightclub
Where: 4094, rue Saint-Denis
Reason to go: Reviews rave about this restaurant, with many considering their meals there among the best they’ve ever had. The atmosphere is intimate and inviting, and the service is attentive without being intrusive. The highlight, of course, is the food. Everything, from the sauces to the presentation, is meticulously made. For those looking for recommendations on what to order, the menu begins with appetizer plates, a curated mix of grilled meats and accompanying sides. If seafood tickles your fancy, the capellaci with juicy lobster and corn are a must-try. Seafood lovers will also enjoy the striped seabass prepared with a hint of Quebec rose and saffron. Chef Massimo Piedimonte’s personal touch is evident, especially if you’re sitting at the bar, where you can watch him prepare the dishes. Most everything is made in house, right down to the butter. Just be prepared for small portion sizes, since it’s more about quality than quantity.
More at cabaretlenfer.com
Molière by Musso
Where: 1560 Rue Saint-Denis
Why to go: This Latin Quarter restaurant is quickly gaining a reputation as a destination for those seeking delicious, skillfully prepared French cuisine. From our consistently praised mashed potatoes to more complex dishes, each dish demonstrates a commitment to quality ingredients and authentic preparation. A creamy vichyssoise ($14) is a comforting starter, while seafood lovers can indulge in deluxe oysters Rockefeller served in six delicious pieces ($25). Meat lovers often opt for the beef tartare, with crispy fries ($32). On the sweeter side, options range from classic profiteroles ($16) to colorful millefeuilles garnished with fresh fruit ($16). But it’s not just the food that leaves an impression. The staff are known for their professionalism and warmth, ensuring every visitor feels welcome and well served. The interior design exudes refined charm, embodying the spirit of a traditional French bistro while adding a touch of modern flair.
More at lemoliere.com
Happiness of the occasion
Where: 4001 Avenue Notre Dame West
Why to go: Saint-Henri’s newest gem, Le Bonheur d’Occasion, transitions seamlessly from cozy café by day to lively restaurant by night. Located on a quieter side street, its expansive terrace offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, allowing patrons to indulge in the allure of al fresco dining without the usual traffic noise. When it comes to food, reviewers rave about the freshness and liveliness of the dishes. The shrimp gets special praise, and the steak, reminiscent of char siu, is a pleasant surprise. With an emphasis on local ingredients, the menu features generous portions designed for sharing, making it a group favorite. While some feel the portions may not satisfy a larger appetite, the dishes are meticulously prepared and resonate with flavour. For wine lovers, their curated and affordable selections, both by the bottle and by the glass, complement meals perfectly. As the evening wore on, they made room for desserts that had earned a reputation for being irresistible.
Happy Occasion Instagram
children
Where: 586, Rue Villeray
Why to go: This Villeray restaurant offers a blend of French culinary techniques with local ingredients and sustainability. Patrons praise the unparalleled service, citing the staff’s proactive approach and keen attention to detail. Interesting food combinations ensure that a meal here will surprise and delight, with each side dish prepared to perfection. Noteworthy dishes include veal with tuna and capers ($24), and gnocchi with burrata and pesto rosso ($44). Whether you’re in the mood for a menu tasting or prefer to order a la carte, you’re in for a treat. And for those who enjoy pairing their meal with a favorite bottle, you can BYOW and there is a convenient SAQ nearby.
More at lesmomesmtl.com
(tags for translation)Air Canada