Brunch in Montréal: More than just a tradition
This article was updated on May 8, 2019.
Brunch is to Montréal what the baguette is to Paris. When you think of one, you necessarily associate it with the other. Not convinced? Head to any city restaurant between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on a weekend and listen for the din of happy diners. The proof is in the pudding.
Brunch à la Montréal
Intoxicating smells, bursts of laughter, clinking dishes and the sounds of waiters warning “hot plate coming through”—or chaud, chaud, chaud in the local parlance—all this and more is what drives Montréalers out for brunch with their lovers, family or friends. They arrive anywhere from mid-morning through to mid-afternoon, and even indulge 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.
If you’re a foodie, you’ve got to try Montréal brunch. No matter where you’re from or how old you are, this ritual belongs on any epicurean’s bucket list. On any given weekend, local restaurants fill up fast and dedicated brunch enthusiasts line up outside the city’s most popular establishments. As the cherry on top, you can expect to have jovial conversation with locals standing in line. Montréalers tend to be in a good mood as they anticipate one of their favourite moments of the whole week. All in all, it’s a festive and delicious experience that reflects the city’s personality.
And, in case there was any doubt, any occasion is a good reason for going out to brunch.
Brunch spots listed by style
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, mixed omelettes, dim sum or borani, an explosion of flavour awaits you!
Typical Québec brunch: La Binerie Mont-Royal
Very popular Québec brunch: Régine Café, Janine Café or L’Avenue
French brunch: Restaurant Leméac
Spanish brunch: Mesón or IBERICOS Spanish tapas tavern
English brunch: Lawrence or Salon de thé Cardinal
Australian brunch: Café Melbourne or Café Névé
Iranian brunch: Byblos Le Petit Café
Syrian/Lebanese brunch: KazaMaza
Turkish brunch: Restaurant Su or Restaurant Mirazu
Hebrew brunch: Fletchers - Espace Culinaire, Beautys Luncheonette, Boulangerie Hof Kelsten or Arthurs Nosh Bar
Chinese brunch: Restaurant ChinaTown Kim Fung or Ruby Rouge
Korean brunch: Jiep Jiep
Italian brunch: Un Po Di Piu or Fiorellino Snack Bar - Ristorante
Japanese brunch: NOREN
Filipino brunch: Junior
Haitian brunch: Agrikol
Louisiana brunch: Dinette Triple Crown
Mexican brunch: Torteria Lupita or La Tamalera
Brunch spots listed by ambience
Sophisticated brunch buffet: Maison Boulud
Chic brunch: SSENSE Café, Colette Grand Café or Perles et Paddock
City views brunch: Les Enfants Terribles (Au Sommet Place Ville Marie)
Family brunch: Café Sfouf
Vegetarian-friendly brunch: Santa Barbara or Restaurant Bloomfield
Vegan brunch: Résonance! or Restaurant Radis
Diner brunch: Greenspot (3041 Notre-Dame Street West)
Brunch spots listed by specialty
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!
Poutine brunch: Le Fabergé or Restaurant Well
Amazing avocado toast: L'Entre-Pots
Incredible crepe brunch: Hopkins
Decadent eggs benedict brunch: Le Passé Composé
Pizza brunch: Elena
Hummus brunch: Birona Mediterranean tapas and hummus bar
Creative brunch: Comptoir Rhubarbe, Bistrot La Fabrique, Caribou gourmand, Lili.Co, Butterblume, Café Parvis or Bistro Rosie
Brunch to enjoy in your hotel room
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!
Laure Juilliard, blogger
Laure is a writer, community manager and the founder of the blog Une Parisienne à Montréal. She’s also an epicurean globetrotter who’s always on the hunt for innovative concepts and must-try restaurants. In 2016, she co-founded Slow Journeys, a webzine that focuses on ecotourism and design.