© Restaurant Leméac
À la française !
Get a table at Leméac, which has been a highly acclaimed Montréal institution since 2001. Located in oh-so-chic Outremont, this Parisian-style brasserie offers retro decor and outstanding bistro cuisine. Our favourites include the poached eggs, blinis, smoked salmon and Spanish caviar and the French toast with chocolate cream and banana. Reservations are essential.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We also recommend: L’Express, Renoir, and Brasserie Le Pois Penché.
© Kevin Allwood
Classic Québec cuisine
As both a fine food shop and gourmet canteen, Cartet draws professionals who work in Old Montréal during the week and remains just as busy on weekends. Crowds gather at its long wooden tables to sample the varied menu. We love their healthy brunch, Township brunch and sweet brunch.
When: weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We also recommend: La Binerie, L’Avenue, Restaurant Well, Janine & Régine, le vieux vélo, Fabergé, Le Passé Composé, Olive + Gourmando, Dépanneur le Pick-Up and L’Entre-Pots.
© yasmeen.ghanavi - Yasmeen Ghanavi - Alliance
New Québec cuisine
On the Plateau, stop in at La Fabrique, a bistro that serves beautifully arranged dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The menu changes often, depending on what's available, so we recommend trying the weekly special. One of our past favourites was naan bread with mozzarella cheese, tomato-eggplant cream, old-fashioned mustard, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños and 63° eggs. There's no stopping the creativity of Québec's young chefs! As an added bonus, they always have vegetarian and gluten-free options and their outdoor patio is very inviting!
When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
We also recommend: Lawrence / Larrys, Le Sparrow, Le Rosélys, Restaurant Mélisse, Le Elsdale and Restaurant Hélicoptère.
© Alison Slattery - Two Food Photographers - Tourisme Montréal
A culinary world tour
Make Byblos your destination for traditional Middle Eastern cuisine served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. This institution on Laurier Street prepares fragrant, colourful dishes and what is without a doubt one of the best brunches in town! You'll love the feta omelette, the eggplant, walnut and mint yogurt to heap onto Iranian bread, or the spinach, fresh cheese and shallot rolls. The flavours are positively heavenly.
When: Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We also recommend: Burgundy Lion (English), Mesón (Spanish), Arthur’s Nosh Bar (Jewish), Bloomfield (Mediteranean) and Restaurant ChinaTown Kim Fung (Cantonese).
© Susan Moss
Fancy some scones or muffins?
Care to glide elegantly into a 1920s Victorian living room? Cardinal is a treat for the eyes and palate. Located in the Mile End, this two-storey tea room features a massive crystal chandelier and a superb tea collection that includes black, green, white and Oolong. Of course, there are traditional English treats on the menu too. "Tea for Two" includes two half-sandwiches, two mini scones, two mini quiches, two mini tomato pies, dessert and 15 grams of loose tea.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
We also recommend: This sophisticated selection of Montréal tea rooms.
© Alison Slattery - Two Food Photographers
Where it's all about the bread
Sleek and bright, with a slightly industrial feel: this Villeray bakery is where some of Montréal's best baguettes are kneaded and baked every day. Fanfare also serves generous and creative brunches on their outdoor patio, which changes with the seasons. If you love bread, don't miss this place!
When: every day from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
We also recommend: La Bête à pain and De Froment et de Sève.
© Two Food Photographers
Animal and planet-friendly options
Most Montréal brunch menus now feature vegetarian options, but it can still be hard to find strictly vegan dishes. Fortunately, the quaintly decorated Bistro Tendresse serves great vegan brunches. Try their tasty pancakes, breakfast tacos or breakfast sandwich.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We also recommend: Santa Barbara and Aux Vivres.
Laure Juilliard
Laure Juilliard has been writing for over 10 years. She specializes in lifestyle, tourism, travel and food, she writes for the media as well as for different companies, agencies, freelancers or associations. Always in search of innovative concepts and top places to be at, she is also constantly preparing her next trip.
