MTLàTABLE: 10 must-try restaurants according to Le Cuisinomane
From October 30 to November 16, MTLàTABLE celebrates Montréal’s culinary scene by bringing together more than 150 restaurants across the city, each showcasing their creativity through fixed-price menus. To help you navigate this abundant offering, here are ten hand-picked spots that, in my opinion, truly deserve your attention.
Le Garden Room
Le Garden Room is a hidden Thai gem in downtown Montréal. The younger sibling of Pamika restaurant, led by chef Pamika Sukla, it blends tradition and modernity with dishes that are both authentic and bursting with flavour. Start gently with hand-wrapped shrimp in a delicate lace pastry, fried to a crispy-soft texture, then move on to the seafood kra pro, a tribute to the Issan region known for its fiery chilies. Enjoy complimentary Thai tea or opt for the milder but equally tasty green curry. The Garden Room is also known for its bold and original cocktail menu.
1445 Bishop Street
La Chronique
One of the most enticing offerings can be found at La Chronique, on Laurier Avenue West. Through a five-course menu, chefs Marc de Canck and Olivier de Montigny stay true to their style: haute cuisine that elevates premium ingredients with refined technique and a distinctly gastronomic vision. Think lobster, porcini, morels, Arctic char… All served with impeccable service and a wine list that showcases renowned estates and vintages.
104 Laurier Avenue West
Bottega
Approaching its 20th anniversary, this Italian spot shows no signs of slowing down. The Covone family celebrates Italian traditions away from the spotlight and Instagram clichés—here, the ingredients speak for themselves. Gnocchi that take you straight to heaven. Pizza cooked in seconds, perfectly blistered and modestly topped: San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella from Fromagerie Fuoco, olive oil… The hungriest diners will ask for extra anchovies. For starters, the bacio is a comforting kiss, hiding prosciutto cotto and melting mozzarella. And for dessert, the gelato is pure Florence. After this $50 feast, you’ll be saying grazie.
65 Saint-Zotique Street East
Les Street Monkeys
Les Street Monkeys instantly evoke bold, punchy, and transportive flavours. This restaurant offers heartfelt Cambodian cuisine crafted with local Québec ingredients—love it. For MTLàTABLE, the $50 three-course menu includes salmon crudo Teuk Trey, free-range chicken in Khmer curry, scallop fried rice with Koh Kong sauce… And to finish, a jasmine tea crème brûlée brings a gentle close to the journey.
3625 Wellington Street
Graziella
Enjoy the elegant modern Italian cuisine of chef Graziella Battista at a very reasonable price. Her four-course menu goes beyond the expected classics of this beloved cuisine. It showcases Italy’s diversity: striped bass ceviche with tomato gazpacho, celery root carpaccio enhanced with Pecorino Romano, pine nuts and lemon, Kamouraska lamb leg, cod with a vegetable stew—and, in true autumn spirit, squash gnocchi with sage butter for comfort.
116 McGill Street
Anemone
Anemone’s MTLàTABLE menu invites you to explore the creativity of Minh Phat and Mike Madokoro, a duo that elevates local ingredients with strong Asian influences and a modern approach. Sharing between two people, you’ll discover up to eight plates, mixing house favourites and seasonal creations: Arctic char, scallop or mushroom temaki, beef carpaccio, duck breast, and my personal favourite, the hand-pulled biáng biáng noodles made fresh daily. Their firm yet tender texture is perfect for soaking up a rich mushroom sauce with bok choy and hazelnuts. Pure joy!
271 Saint-Zotique Street West
Darna Bistroquet
Darna Bistroquet offers a comforting journey through modern Moroccan flavours, skillfully blending North African spices with local ingredients. In a warm, intimate dining room that feels like home, every meal begins with traditional ghraief bread topped with toasted cumin seeds, dipped in the dip of the day. From grilled dishes to tagines, vegetarian or not, you’ll discover the aromas of Berber spices, m’hammer, saffron, ginger, turmeric and cinnamon. For brunch, you can’t go wrong with the vibrant vegetable-packed shakshouka or the indulgent halloumi cheese tartine.
1106 Beaubien Street East
325 F : Cuisine de Madagascar
This year, I discovered Malagasy cuisine and was charmed by its African, Asian and Indian influences, expressed through a rich blend of spices and flavours. I can’t wait to dine at 325F: Cuisine de Madagascar. If your curiosity is piqued, bring your own wine and let chef Bryan Florencio Rajarison win you over with his bold and delicious cooking.
1902 Masson Street
Restaurant de l’ITHQ
Often under the radar, the ITHQ restaurant offers high-quality menus at affordable prices, created by graduating culinary students under the guidance of their instructors. For MTLàTABLE, chef Riccardo Bertolino—one of Québec’s most respected chefs—will oversee a promising five-course menu: almond-crusted wakame oysters, beef tartare with sun-dried tomatoes and shoestring potatoes, whelk-gnocchi duo, sautéed mushrooms, halibut in Basque sauce, veal cheek blanquette… Not to be missed!
3535 Saint-Denis Street
Ibéricos — Taverne à tapas espagnoles
Say pan con tomate, jamón ibérico, croquetas, tortilla, garlic shrimp, paella… I say yes, absolutely! Ibéricos, led by chef Haissam Souki, is my go-to for warm, flavourful Spanish cuisine that honours tradition. The socarrat—the crispy, savoury rice crust—is a must. As the cold sets in, a Spanish escape with hot churros and gooey Basque cake is doubly welcome. Don’t miss the $25 brunch, sangria included!
4475 Saint-Denis Street
Tommy Dion
Tommy is a journalist, food critic, and the founder of the blog and gourmet guide Le Cuisinomane, whose mission is to showcase Québec’s local products and gastronomy. With an in-depth knowledge of Montréal’s food scene, his expertise and professionalism make him a trusted source for all the best food spots and experiences in Montréal. In addition to tasting and writing about food, Tommy also creates content for brands, always related to food and gastronomy.