Brunch in Montréal: More than just a tradition

Intoxicating smells, bursts of laughter, clinking dishes and the sounds of waiters warning “hot plate coming through”—or chaud, chaud, chaud in local parlance—all this and more is what brings Montréalers out for brunch with friends, family or lovers, anywhere from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends, and even on weekdays. Far from being a simple continental breakfast enjoyed over the noon hour, brunch in Montréal is a gastronomic experience unto itself. It’s a serious affair that’s squarely focused on good food and good company.

No matter where you’re from or how old you are, this ritual belongs on any foodie’s bucket list. On any given weekend, local restaurants fill up fast and dedicated brunch enthusiasts line up, sometimes over an hour, just to get a table at the city’s most popular establishments. The cherry on the top? Engaging in lively conversation with locals as you wait in line. Montréalers tend to be in a good mood as they anticipate one of their favourite moments of the weekend. All in all, it’s a festive and delicious experience that reflects the city’s personality.

Montréal is home to restaurants from around the world, meaning you can go on a culinary tour of the planet while you’re here. From authentic Quebecois baked beans to patatas bravas, flavourful omelettes to dim sum or borani, an explosion of flavour awaits!

Popular Québec: Janine Café, Régine Café, Le Vieux Vélo, Caribou Gourmand, Le Cartet, Le Toasteur Villeray and L’Avenue

Typical Québec: La Binerie Mont-Royal, Dame Tartine, Quoi de N'Oeuf and Maamm Bolduc

French: Brasserie 701, Restaurant Leméac, Henri Brasserie Française, Restaurant Gault, Brasserie Le Pois Penché, Restaurant Holder, Brasserie Bernard and Renoir

Spanish: Mesón and Restaurant Bar Vivar

Turkish: Mirazu

English: Pub Bishop & Bagg, Larrys, Bar George, Wolf & Workman Freehouse, Pub Burgundy Lion, Paparmane and the Cardinal Tea Room 

Middle Eastern: Shay, Bar Le Sparrow, Restaurant Bloomfield, Café chez Téta, Rumi, Darna Bistroquet and Babacool

Iranian: Byblos Le Petit Café

Jewish: Arthurs Nosh Bar and Bagel etc

Chinese: Restaurant ChinaTown Kim Fung and Ruby Rouge

Vietnamese : Le Red Tiger x Le Passé composé (Technopôle Angus district) 

Italian: Fiorellino (Laurier), Café Miracolo and Le Marché Italien Le Richmond

Japanese: NOREN and Café Ohayo

Filipino: Junior and Buboy

Salvadorian: Restaurant La Carreta and Restaurant El Chalateco

Mexican: La Tamalera

Latin America: Piel Canela

Indian: India Rosa

New York: maman

Seafood: Pincette – Lobster Bar

Vegan: Tendresse, LOV, Hello 123, Café des Habitudes and Aux Vivres 

Creative: Darling, Le Butterblume, Café Bloom, Tiramisu, Restaurant Mélisse, Bistrot La Fabrique, Café Parvis, Café Monk, Barley, Le P'tit Rustik and Billy j’ai faim

Chic: Maison Boulud, Marcus, Café Holt, Dandy, Café Bazin, and Côté Cuisine | James Perse

Family: Café Sfouf, Shack Attakk, Patati Patata (Jean-Talon Market) and Universel Déjeuners et Grillades

Diner: Greenspot, Millmans, Nouveau Système, Beautys Luncheonette, NDG Luncheonette and Foiegwa

Rooftop: Terrasse William Gray, Terrasse Belvu, Terrasse Nelligan, Perché and Terrasse Ciel Rose

On the water: Signature Brunch Cruise in Montréal 

Whether you’re looking for classic brekkie (two eggs, bacon, potatoes and fruit) or sophisticated creativity, this list has something for everyone, including conservative eaters, refined foodies, adventurous palates and those with hearty appetites. Dig in!

Fried chicken & waffles: Le Bird Bar

Poutine: Le Fabergé or L’Gros Luxe

Amazing avocado toast: L'Entre-Pots

Decadent eggs benedict: Le Passé Composé

A generous and unique breakfast sandwich: Olive + Gourmando et Dépanneur le Pick-Up

A decadent breakfast sandwich: Hélico Café and Café September

A toasty golden croque-monsieur: Restaurant Antipode

Does your appetite outweigh your social skills in the morning? Feel free to make your own brunch by picking up goods from Montréal’s best bakeries and pastry shops. You won’t go hungry here!