Where to enjoy natural wines in Montréal
This article was updated on September 10, 2019.
The natural wave hit Montréal a few years ago and the city has since become one of the best in the world to enjoy these funky wines. Several restaurants in town boast a great carte de vins nature that are fun to explore. Below are some of our favourites.
Pastaga and Cul-Sec, Cave & Cantine
Pastaga is one of the first restaurants in Montréal to popularize natural wines since its opening in 2011. The opening of its sister restaurant and wine shop, Cul-Sec, Cave & Cantine, located around the corner, has consolidated the natural wine love affair these two spots have going on.
Le Vin Papillon
Le Vin Papillon’s sommelier Vanya Filipovic’s passion for great wines and fantastic winemakers is evident in the care and research that goes in the creation of the restaurant’s outstanding wine menu.
Mon Lapin
In the same spirit as Vin Papillon, Mon Lapin is the canvas upon which sommelier and wine importer Vanya Filipovic paints in unbelievably flavourful strokes her vast knowledge and passion for natural wines.
Pullman and Moleskine Restaurant
As one of the best wine bars in Montreal, Pullman knows its way around natural wines and has transferred that passion to its new sister restaurant and pizzeria, Moleskine Restaurant.
Candide
Designed by wine director Emily Campeau, Candide’s list is one of the best in town and the perfect match to chef John Winter Russell’s uncompromising dedication to local and seasonal produce.
Loïc
Located at the far end of Saint-Henri, handsome Loïc is where connoisseurs gather to sip some outstanding drinkable wines and snack on seasonal dishes that are far beyond your average bar food.
Foodlab
Foodlab’s seasonally driven menu is very sought after by food lovers and the rooftop terrasse is one of the most beautiful in town. The wine list, composed of natural and biodynamic wines, is also a pleasure to explore.
Elena
Elena perfects the classic and effortless combination of pizza and wine. Easy drinkable wines from small, mostly Italian producers go hand in hand with the chic yet casual vibes and seasonal cuisine.
Lawrence and Larrys
Lawrence’s reputation as one of the best restaurants in Montréal has been set in stone since its opening day. The Mile End restaurant also boasts a great wine list with many natural wine options to pair with its nose to tail market cuisine. Around the corner you’ll find its younger sibling Larrys, open from early morning to late at night. It serves everything from breakfast sandwiches to delicious small plates to share and, most importantly, a great natural wine selection.
Restaurant Manitoba
Restaurant Manitoba’s slogan claims “a taste of nature in our glasses”, which is reflected in the carefully curated natural wine menu that beautifully pairs with the nature-inspired menu and “taste of the forest in our plates”.
Alma
With an emphasis on mostly Catalan, “hand-selected artisanal wines”, Alma is the perfect neighbourhood restaurant in which to enjoy some fantastic Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
Alep and Le Petit Alep
It’s rather surprising that these two unassuming neighbouring restaurants have one of the most sophisticated and elaborate wine cellars in town. Alep and its more casual bistro, Le Petit Alep, are best known for their outstanding Syrian cuisine, but their extensive wine list shouldn’t be overlooked.
Accords le Bistro
Located in the heart of Quartier des spectacles, Accords le Bistro is open from noon until late at night and serves a contemporary cuisine and an extensive natural wine menu. It’s the perfect stop for lunch, dinner or a glass of wine before or after a show.
There are many other Montréal restaurants with great selections of natural wines on their menus, including Henrietta, Grumman '78, Boxermans, Philémon Bar, Le Diplomate, Les Fillettes, Buvette Chez Simone, Chez Victoire and Les Cavistes Restaurant Wine Bar.
Mayssam Samaha, blogger
Mayssam Samaha is a food and travel writer and blogger and the founder behind the blog Will Travel for Food. She travels the world in search of the next culinary discovery. From Iceland to South Africa, she’s already visited over 30 countries and there’s nothing she enjoys more than wandering around a farmers’ market in a foreign city. She is also the founder of the SAISONS intimate dinner series highlighting Québec products and chefs.