10 authentic French restaurants in Montréal
Tommy Dion
For many years, Montréal’s culinary scene was primarily defined by French cuisine. While its gourmet offering has since considerably expanded, the city is still a star destination for authentic French dining.
Here are 10 top Montréal restaurants where you can tuck into delicious fish soup with rouille, lobster bisque, beef tartare or the always delicious, can’t-miss steak frites.
L’Express
A veritable bastion of Saint-Denis Street, L’Express is a Montréal must if you’re seeking a Parisian-style bistro experience. Its timeless decor and mouth-watering menu instantly win over the hearts of diners young and old alike.
Chez Lévêque
A pioneer of Montréal’s French gourmet scene, Chez Lévêque features time-honoured recipes from across the Atlantic. Chicken liver mousse, homemade foie gras, Rossini-style filet mignon, blood sausage or sweetmeats are still proudly served by the Lévêque family.
Brasserie Le Pois Penché
While Le Pois Penché is renowned for its spectacular seafood platters, the brasserie stays true to French tradition while occasionally updating classic dishes with a modern twist. Enveloped in its cozy decor and warm ambiance, it’s easy to dream you’re in the City of Light.
Le Boulevardier
Le Boulevardier is downtown’s new French go-to. Chef David Pellizzari draws his inspiration from Auguste Escoffier, the “godfather” of modern French cuisine, with a menu that shines the spotlight on a few French dining classics. Extra touches include the bistro-chic decor, which amps up the already inspiring experience.
Restaurant Leméac
A mainstay of Montréal’s dining scene, Restaurant Leméac is always on point, from its upscale, timeless decor to its professional service and outstanding cuisine featuring delicious French classics. Fish soup, Panko crusted goat cheese, tartare, seared scallops or braised beef short rib, not to mention its desserts, make this a truly decadent bistro experience.
Henri Brasserie Française
Located in the magnificent building that houses the prestigious Maison Birks and Hôtel Birks, Henri Brasserie Française is the embodiment of chic French brasserie dining. Enjoy its sumptuous decor and a menu that pays stellar tribute to French culinary classics.
Chez Delmo
White tablecloths, fresh fish and professional and friendly service all await you at Chez Delmo, which is also one of the rare Montréal restaurants that offers Dover sole meunière à la minute. Gourmets can also enjoy lobster thermidor or escargots with garlic butter.
Café Cherrier
Café Cherrier welcomes patrons morning to night, seven days a week, in a decor pulled straight out of a French brasserie, offering a menu that has remained practically unchanged since 1983. Its famous “Rum steak-frites” — one of the best in the city — is a must, as are its blood sausage and apple, beef tartare and veal liver. Scrumptious!
Marché de la Villette
If you’re craving a croque-monsieur, a crêpe stuffed with ham and cheese, a cassoulet or a massive cheese charcuterie platter, head to Marché de la Villette, and delight in its warm and festive atmosphere.
La Société Montréal
You’ll swoon over the retro Roaring Twenties Paris-bistro decor at the bistro La Société Montréal, which is tucked inside the chic 5-star Loews Hôtel Vogue. The menu offers French classics such as escargots à la Bordelaise and bone marrow, rabbit with mustard sauce and bouillabaisse along with updated classics, including lobster rolls, salmon tartare with avocado purée or carpaccio with truffle oil.
Tommy Dion, editor, blogger and content creator
Tommy is the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brand, always related to food and gastronomy.