© Restaurant Leméac
À la française !
Get a table at Leméac, which has been a hugely popular 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, smoked salmon and Spanish caviar on blinis, and the French toast with caramelized bananas and chocolate sauce. Reservations are a must.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also recommended: Brasserie Bernard , Renoir, Le Butterflyand Brasserie Le Pois Penché
© Kevin Allwood
Classic Québec cuisine
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 Santé brunch, Canton brunch and Lac Brome brunch.
When: Weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Also recommended: Antipode, La Binerie, L’Avenue, Janine & Régine, Le Vieux Vélo, Fabergé, Bistro Le Passé Composé (soon moving), Olive + Gourmando, Dépanneur le Pick-Up and L’Entre-Pots.
© Credit FR © Bistrot La Fabrique
New Québec cuisine
On the Plateau, stop in at La Fabrique, a bistro that serves beautifully plated dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The menu changes often, depending on what's available, so we recommend trying the ever-original weekly specials. 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.
Also recommended: Larrys, Le Sparrow, Le Rosélys, Restaurant Mélisse, Le Elsdale and Restaurant Hélicoptère.
© Alison Slattery
A culinary world tour
Make Byblos your destination for traditional Middle Eastern cuisine served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. This Laurier Street institution 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.
Also recommended: 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 collection of black, green, white and Oolong teas. Of course, there are traditional English treats on the menu too. "Tea for Two" includes two half-sandwiches, olive and goat cheese muffins, a curried deviled egg, a square of chocolate, macarons and mini scones with Devon cream and jam as well as one big or two small pots of tea.
When: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
We also recommend: Le Rosélys, Café La Brume and this sophisticated selection of Montréal tea rooms.
© Two Food Photographers
Where it's all about the bread
This sleek, bright and industrial-chic 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. A can’t-miss if you love bread!
When: Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Also recommended: La Bête à pain and De Froment et de Sève.
© Alison Slaterry
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 Tendresse serves great bistronomic vegan brunches. Try their tasty pancakes, breakfast tacos or breakfast sandwich.
When: Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also recommended: Aux Vivres, LOV and Hello 123.
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.
