New Montréal restaurants
The Montréal restaurant scene is in constant motion, with new places opening every week. Read this latest list and stay up to date with the city’s dynamic culinary scene.
Le Fou Fou
The elegant and beautifully designed Le Fou Fou weaves a rich tapestry of warm woods, intricate tile design and plush seatings. It’s a true culinary destination for food lovers looking to indulge in some of Montréal’s best, from delightful local cheeses to grilled steaks, fresh sushi or steaming bowls of ramen. Take a seat in one of the many stylish seating areas or on the heated, wrap-around terrasse overlooking an urban park and enjoy a meal from any of the restaurants thanks to the technological innovation of the Fou Fou app.
5050 Chemin de la Côte de Liesse
MAKAŌ
Old Montréal Makāo restaurant is at the crossroad between east and west. Makāo’s unique cuisine is the fusion of Asian flavours with modern western cooking in a beautiful décor with bold, tropical wallpaper, hanging plants and warm colours.
26 De la Gauchetière Street East
Palomino
The gang behind successful Knox Tavern in Pointe-Saint-Charles are also behind Palomino, a new, pizza-by-the-slice spot. The no-frills menu offers 5 flavours of pizza al taglio (including a sweet option), some dipping sauces, Italian beer and wine by the glass. Simple yet so tasty.
1214 Shearer
Nama Omakase
Nama Omakase offers a fine dining experience that brings together Japanese culinary tradition and French cooking techniques and artistry. Opt between the omakase experience where the chef creates a menu of his very best or choose à la carte among the starters, sushi and main specialties.
425 Avenue Viger Ouest, Suite RC0002
Fal & Fel
Outremont’s newest casual restaurant is Fal & Fel, a Lebanese spot serving the crispiest and freshest falafel as well as great sandwiches and all the traditional meats such as shish taouk and shawarma served in bowls with crisp veggies and moerish sauces. Everything here is homemade with love by the brother and sister team and owners.
1344 Van Horne Avenue
Pho Anh Vu
Popular Toronto Vietnamese restaurant Pho Anh Vu has opened its first location in Montréal. Enjoy all your favourite dishes from crispy crab rolls to fried chicken wings to steaming bowls of Bun Bo Hue 7 days a week.
2198 Sainte-Catherine Street West
Mama C
Old Montréal’s Hôtel Nelligan welcomes Mama C, a sleek, modern restaurant that pays homage to the sun-drenched Mediterranean cuisine of Greece. Quality meats and seafood dance with locally sourced produce to take diners on a culinary voyage. Tuck into a crispy Greek salad, share a spread of dips or enjoy the catch of the day.
100 Saint-Paul Street West
Balbastik
Balbastick and its Mauritanian owner specialize in North African sandwiches and drinks, all made from scratch. Try the delectable chicken or beef sandwiches in a crispy baguette bun and pair it with a fresh baobab or hibiscus juice. For dessert, try one of the homemade popsicles. Vegetarian options available.
209 Fairmount Avenue West
Polari
Behind an unpretentious garage door façade you’ll find Polari, Villeray’s newest natural wine bar. With only a couple of tables and a handful of bar seats, the cozy room is perfect for sipping on a great selection of wines from small producers paired with a short menu filled with top-quality products from excellent Québec artisans, such as bread from Hof Kelsten and charcuterie from Aliments Viens.
375A De Castelnau Street East
Buvette Nicole
New neighbourhood buvette Nicole is a French bistro that’s open 7 days a week for weekday lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Enjoy French classics such as tartare, filet mignon and escargots. All drinks are 50% off during their happy hour from 2pm to 6pm every day.
324 Saint-Paul Street West
Pavillon – Club Social
Nestled on the third floor of the Society for Arts and Technology, Pavillon is the SAT’s new restaurant and social club. The short menu offers simple fare, natural wines, beers and classic cocktails in a redesigned space that is both cozy and sleek. The rooftop terrasse, one of the best hidden gems in the downtown core, has been fitted with numerous plants that give it the feel of a lush tropical escape.
1201 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
Other notable openings:
Pub Arya, a “gastronomic” pub and oyster bar.
Chawa Sandwich, Moroccan street food.
Bernies Pizza Martini Bar, just like the name states, a pizza and martini bar in the West Island.
Perogie Lili, Ukranian-style perogies (varenyky) in Mile End.
Sushi Hin, sushi and Japanese specialties in Pointe-Claire.
CAFÉS & SWEET SPOTS
Noka
Noka is a refined vegan pastry shop where elegance and sustainability go hand in hand. Their dessert menu offers some classic French confections as well as more original creations featuring carefully selected quality ingredients. There are no shortcuts or artificial favours in any of the stunning desserts at Noka.
5333 Casgrain Avenue (local 718)
Spedzira
Neighbourhood coffee shop Spedzira specializes in Italian-style coffee and panini as well as fresh juices, much to the delight of the Hochelaga residents who now have this new café to hang out at.
3434 Ontario Street East
Fuwa Fuwa Pancakes
Japanese pancake chain Fuwa Fuwa has opened its first Montréal branch in the downtown core. The jiggly, fuwa (fluffy) confections come in over a dozen flavours including tiramisu, matcha, and blueberry. The croffle, another viral confection that consists of pressing a croissant with a waffle maker, is also available.
1440 Sainte-Catherine Street West
NEW LOCATIONS
Popular restaurant Bouillon Bilk has now reopened at 22 Sainte Catherine Street East after a fire forced them to close their previous location.
Original article in English by Mayssam Samaha, adapted into French by Francis Rose.
Mayssam Samaha
Mayssam Samaha is a food and travel writer and blogger and the founder behind the blog Will Travel for Food. She travels the world in search of the next culinary discovery. From Iceland to South Africa, she’s already visited over 36 countries and there’s nothing she enjoys more than wandering around a farmers’ market in a foreign city. She is also the founder of the SAISONS intimate dinner series highlighting Québec products and chefs.