© Alison Slattery
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 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. Montrealers 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.
© Susan Moss
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, flavourful omelettes to dim sum or borani, an explosion of flavour awaits!
Typical Québec: La Binerie Mont-Royal, Dame Tartine and Maamm Bolduc
Popular Québec: Régine Café, Janine Café, Le Vieux Vélo, Caribou Gourmand, Le Cartet, Le Toasteur Villeray and L’Avenue
French: Brasserie 701, Restaurant Leméac, Henri Brasserie Française, Restaurant Gault, Brasserie Le Pois Penché, Restaurant Holder, Brasserie Bernard and Renoir
Spanish: Mesón
Turkish: Mirazu
English: Pub Bishop & Bagg, Larrys, Bar George, Wolf & Workman Freehouse, Pub Burgundy Lion and the Cardinal Tea Room
Middle Eastern: Bar Le Sparrow, Restaurant Bloomfield, Café chez Téta, Rumi and Babacool
Iranian: Byblos Le Petit Café
Jewish: Arthurs Nosh Bar and Bagel etc
Chinese: Restaurant ChinaTown Kim Fung and Ruby Rouge
© Fiorellino Snack Bar - Ristorante - Outremont
© Maison Boulud
© Kayla Roy
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: 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
© Eva Blue
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
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.
