Have you ever had friends visit a city you live in, who are counting on your to recommend the best restaurants in the city? Well in Montreal, you are in luck because it is the city with one of the highest number of restaurants per Capita, not just in Canada but in North America!
Choosing which restaurant to go to can be hard. This is the list of some of the best restaurants in Montreal that you can take your out of town friends to, to show them a little bit of what the food scene in this city is all about.
Seasalt
If you love seafood as much as I do, this is the place to be. Located conveniently in the Old Port, this restaurant is definitely my go to when I am craving some seafood. You can enjoy oysters, calamari or crab cakes while sipping on some wine or a delicious caesar.
This restaurant has a great vibe with great music. In the summer, the outdoor seating area in the front is amazing and almost feels like you’re in Miami or Greece despite being on the side of a busy road.
Make sure you call to reserve in advance if you can.
Le Majestique
This restaurant quickly became one of my favorites, as one day I was searching for the best hot dogs in Montreal. I walked approximately 4 km just to get to this place and let me tell you I was not disappointed.
The hot dog is critically acclaimed, rightfully so!! But don’t worry, that’s not all they have. It’s a top place for oysters as well, if that’s what you like.
Foxy
This is a small restaurant on Notre-Dame street which also has a nice terrasse set up during the summer.
There is always a nice ambiance with great service and delicious and innovative food.
The menu does change once in a while, which is a nice feature as you can continue to go back to try new plates.
You will definitely impress your friends at this place but be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Rita
If you’re looking to impress your friends with excellent Italian food, you must take them to Rita in Verdun.
Although this area may not be a place you think of immediately when you want to take your friends out, they will understand once they have the food. When you visit their website – in the about section – you will see they say “C’est un peu l’Italie, c’est surtout Montréal” – “ it’s a little bit like Italy, but mostly Montreal” and I could not agree more.
You can immediately feel the Montreal restaurant scene when you step in but feel like you’re in Italy as you have some amazing food. The recipes are family recipes going back generations.
Joe Beef
This is a Montreal experience that should be on any foody’s list. A reservation can be hard to come by at Joe Beef so make sure you plan ahead if you are looking to eat here.
This restaurant has been named one of the best in Canada for many years and rightfully so. Many celebrities such as Joe Rogan, Barack Obama, Justin Trudeau, Jennifer Lawrence etc. have dined here and it was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorites.
Their go to dish is definitely the lobster spaghetti, which is not to be missed.
La Banquise
Well you can’t come to Montreal and not have a poutine. So, if you’re in search of a really good poutine experience, La Banquise is it.
They offer more than 30 types of poutine that you can try, all with different and unique toppings.
They are open 24/7 so you can visit this place as soon as your craving hits.
Do you have any other restaurants you would take your out of town friends to? Which ones are your favorite?
If you are looking for mor dining options, check out the list of the best restaurants you can find in Old Port of Montreal here.
