Where to eat authentic French food in Montréal

Chez Lévêque

Located on upscale and attractive Laurier Street West, Chez Lévêque serves what is decidedly one of the best Parisian bistro fares in the city – at a price that won’t break the bank. The cuisine is simple and focuses on seasonal products, for the freshest dishes possible. Their summery terrace is a definitive crowd-pleaser, as are their lunch and late night 3-course set menus ($22 and $35, respectively). – 1030 Laurier Avenue West

Laloux

Come for the food, stay for the gorgeous décor. This white-tablecloth bistro is one of the chicest-looking spaces in the city, and as if that wasn’t enough, they also raise the bar further up by keeping their dishes delightfully exciting, and, most importantly, deliciously paired with French wines. – 250 Des Pins Avenue East

Le Valois

Located in up-and-coming HoMa, this colourful and hip Art Deco brasserie grills a mean back steak – and if their creamy beet and goat cheese croquette is on the menu, you’re in luck. They have an extensive wine list, too, which can be enjoyed with their $23 late night set menu. Bonus points for their covered terrace facing a quiet and leafy square. –25 Place Simon-Valois

La Maison du Magret

Foie gras aficionados, listen up. Housed in the vault of a former Old Montréal bank, this contemporary bistro almost exclusively serves duck, with a few exceptions. Torchon foie gras, magret, confit, terrines, you name it, it’s on the menu. New to duck? Order their mouth-watering tasting plate, which will have you become the world’s most enthusiastic duck amateur right after the first bite. – 102 Saint-Antoine Street West

Brasserie Le Pois penché

With a décor that would have diners believe they’ve crossed the pond and entered a chic Paris brasserie and an impressive wine cellar filled with over 150 privately-imported French wines,  it’s no wonder Le Pois Penché is one of most-loved downtown eateries. Don’t think twice about going, if only for their stunning oyster bar. – 1230 De Maisonneuve Boulevard West

Restaurant Plein Sud

This unpretentious and casual Plateau Mont-Royal eatery is famous for its wholesome service and outstanding dishes inspired by south-western French traditions. Staples like duck magret, Corsican sautéed veal and pissaladière are always available, and for that, our taste buds are thankful. – 222 Mont-Royal Avenue East

Restaurant Tandem

With charm and quality being the operative words of Tandem, it really is no wonder customers keep coming back. The bring-your-own-wine yet haute cuisine restaurant offers a new 3-course table d’hôte every season, as well as a colossal tasting menu with 5, 7 or even (gasp!) 9 courses. Perhaps Villeray’s best-hidden gem. – 586 Villeray Street

Café Le Petit Flore

Located on the increasingly trendy Promenade Fleury, this restaurant is very popular with the locals, which might explain why it is consistently full – a sure-fire sign of a tasty and well-priced French cuisine. Their bison tartare and braised lamb dishes are well worth the trek to northern Montréal. – 1145 Fleury Street East

Marie-Ève Vallières is a Montréal-based travel blogger, amateur photographer and translator.

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