12 Places to eat in Montreal - A Guide to Moms’ Night Out
Back-to-back Montreal trips, who am I?
My husband and I recently celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. Two kids and many grey hairs later we decided it’s time to for a mini trip. Can you believe this is the first time in 5 years where we were able to have a night away together? I mean, throw two kids and a pandemic together, it has been almost impossible to get away. We finally sat down and decided it is time.
After asking, correction begging, my parents to watch our kids for a night, we decided to book a trip to Montreal. It was a no-brainer destination as it is a short drive from our hometown, Ottawa. The ancient buildings, beautiful architecture, and trendy vibe is a place where I can keep returning and have a totally different experience. Oh, and that’s exactly what I did! Once my husband and I returned from our incredible mini-cation, I headed back to the old city with some girl friends.
If you have been following along on my Instagram @unstoppable.mama, I shared many adorable spots we discovered along our trips. After receiving several requests to share more details, I decided it would be fun to do a round up of everywhere we visited. There are some true gems on this list. Some of these restaurants we researched ahead of time and were places I have been dying to go to for years, ahem Le Garde-Manger owned by famous chef Chuck Hughes. Other spots are ones we organically stumbled across ourselves, simply wandering the streets looking for something calling our names. That is what I love most about Montreal, we can wander aimlessly around the streets and are bound to stumble upon intriguing places to eat.
1 - Cafe Parvis @cafe_parvis
Cafe Parvis is an enchanting restaurant located in the heart of Montreal’s entertainment district, close to shopping on Rue Saint-Catherine. This urban oasis is filled with tons of greenery everywhere you look. Their patio I compare to eating in a little garden and inside is no different. It is truly a breathtaking space. With rustic walls and hanging vines, Cafe Parvis is a must see. Their brunch menu is filled with delicious items and fresh ingredients. Their selection of salads included one with honey roasted cauliflower, can you say yum! Along with a coffee and salad, we shared a decadent white pizza. The pizza selection at Cafe Parvis truly makes it hard to pick just one. If you are stopping in for a quick coffee or enjoying a meal, this makes for the perfect spot to enjoy a shopping break.
2 - Le Garde-Manger @gardemangermtl
It should be no surprise that this restaurant has been on my list to visit for quite some time. It is owned by famous chef, Chuck Hughes, and it undoubtedly lived up to its hype. We loved it so much during our first trip, I brought the girls back a few weeks later. If you asked me to describe the atmosphere in three words it would be: edgy, elevated, and cool.
It all starts off with a practically hidden entry. No flashy sign, no obvious door, a restaurant this good doesn’t need the attention. You almost feel as if you are a VIP walking in. It is as if you are in the know that this ultra high-end restaurant exists.
Inside there are two rooms, the front is more of a dining space and the back has a seafood bar where you can see the live action. When I went with my husband we chose to sit at the seafood bar and it did not disappoint. The bartenders and professional oyster shuckers were putting on a show, it made for an unforgettable experience. When I went back with the girls we got seated in a booth in the front dining area, a totally different experience than the first.
Both times we ordered off the regular menu where we enjoyed several appetizers followed by hearty mains. During both visits we got a bunch of oysters because, well, who doesn’t love oysters! From a flavourful burrata to a refreshing turbot curdo, Le Garde-Manger has an incredible selection on their menu. One of the most unique things is that they also offer a chef’s menu where your entire meal is a surprise. I promise, if I go back a third time I definitely will be attempting this. I saw some of the chef’s menu seafood platters being brought out and they looked impressive to say the least.
3 - SeaSalt @Seasaltmtl
As we were strolling Old Montreal, we wanted to stop somewhere that had an incredible patio and view of the water. If you are familiar wth Old Montreal, you know that the water views are breathtaking and those restaurants with a view are a hot commodity, especially during the summer months. SeaSalt has both a patio and a view. Their spacious terasse has a beautiful water views which makes it the perfect place to enjoy some beverages and seafood on a hot summer day. If you are craving fresh oysters, mussels, calamari, lobster risotto, and want a killer ocean view, this spot is for you.
SeaSalt offers hot and cold seafood options, with fish tacos, fried calamari, and a seafood spaghetti, being a few of their comforting dishes. Along with their incredible seafood items, SeaSalt Montreal also makes fun cocktails, which we definitely enjoyed. I would be curious to go back here in the winter as we definitely took advantage of the patio and view while we were there.
5 - Le Passé Compose @passecomposemtl
This brunch spot is one found amongst many top restaurant lists for Montreal. Don’t even try to go in without a reservation, they will likely be booked, especially if you are going during peak hours. Luckily you can easily make reservations online. I have been to this restaurant two times now and will happily return back as each time the meals exceeded our expectations. So long as you don’t have any dietary restrictions as many of their plates contain poppy seeds and dairy, which cannot be easily removed if you ask.
The first time I went here was a few years ago when we sat on their patio during the summer. With large picnic tables scattered around, this casual brunch spot offers some of the most elevated brunch items I’ve come accross. They most famously are known for their French Toast, however I dare you to try their Bagel du Passé Compose. This bagel features smoke salmon, fried avocado, and a creamy salad. It is beyond delicious and perfect for when you have a larger appetite, or consumed a few too many beverages the evening before. One thing I love about Le Passé Compose is that their portions are generous and you won’t be leaving hungry.
6 - Tommy Cafe @tommy.cafe
Enjoy brunch all day long at Tommy Cafe. With several locations accross Quebec and even one in Oakville, it is no surprise why their are multiple locations. If I could go back in time, university Sara would totally bring her laptop here and work for the day. Except when I went to university no one had laptops and I didn’t attend university in Montreal, but you get the point! With cool vibrant furniture and greenery surrounding the cafe, you almost feel as if you are in a jungle. It gives me relaxing yet funky vibes all at the same time.
7 - Bvrger @Bvrgermtl
Vegan lovers listen up. This vegan burger spot is a hidden gem of Old Montreal. Bvrger makes gourmet plant based meals and has won awards for their burgers and dairy free ice cream. Their dishes are works of art, looking just as beautiful as they taste. Wondering what vegan burgers are made of? We spoke to the waiter and they told us the main ingredient is mushrooms! These veggie burgers are packed with plant protein and do not contain GMO’s or cholesterol like beef burgers can. I promise you wont notice the difference. Whether you are vegan or just love a delicious meal, this spot is wonderful.
They also have an impressive plant display right when you walk in. Makes for the perfect photo op. When we visited their coffee machine was not set up yet, but once they get that up and running this spot will be a 10/10 for me.
8 - Bord’Elle @bordellemtl
Parents night out! My husband and I ended our evening with some drinks and a show at Bord’elle Montreal! This Supper-Club has a modern international cuisine and burlesque inspired entertainment. The performers are seriously talented and make for an unforgettable experience. The dancers hang from the ceiling and hype up the crowd with their captivating moves. The music is loud and only increases as the evening continues. You absolutely can go here for dinner and then stay for the entertainment and nightlife.
We saw two bachelorette parties while here which totally made sense as who wouldn’t want their bachelorette at this supper club. Since we went before the big crowd arrived we did not have a reservation, however if you are going with a large group it wouldn’t be a bad idea.
9 - El Pequeno Bar @ElPequenoBarMTL & The Cold Room @thecoldroommtl
Want to say you have been inside the smallest bar in Canada? Now you can! El Pequeno Bar is all charm and fancy cocktails. Their mixologists are impressive and the space makes you feel as if you transported elsewhere. This tiny bar opened in 2018 and is located in the center of Old Montreal. It has a 150 square foot interior with a 1920’s vibe. It is surrounded by windows which makes you feel as if you are in a tiny globe. I bet this spot looks magical during the winter.
When you visit, make sure to put your name on the list for their speakeasy, The Coldroom, right beside. No Reservations are needed here, simply ring the bell to uncover this hidden basement bar where you can enjoy more delicious drinks and sit for the evening. The underground feel is dark and edgy, it may have been one of my top bars to visit.
10 - 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters @49th
This coffee roaster is founded in BC and has a few locations in Vancouver. In 2021, they opened their Montreal location as the first location outside of BC. This cafe is open 7 days a week and is located in Old Montreal on 488 McGill Street. It is located in a charming old building with 100 year old bricks exposed. If you are familiar with Old Montreal, the history in the buildings is truly impeccable. 49th Parallel sustainably sources their coffee and have a mission to make coffee accessible to more people.
The best part of this Montreal location is that they teamed up with Lucky’s donut and offer a variety of donuts and have a brunch menu. If you aren’t in the Vancouver or Montreal area, you can sign up for one of their coffee subscriptions and get it shipped to your home.
11 - Terrasse William Gray @terrassewilliamgrey
This breathtaking rooftop view is one of the best in the city. With panoramic views of Old Montreal, Terrasse William Grey knocks it out of the park. You can see the St. Lawrence River and famous Ferris Wheel from here. They are located on the 8th floor of the William Grey hotel in the heart of Old Montreal. Exciting news is they have extended their terrasse season and pushed open their heated patio! If you plan on going late fall, be sure to give them a call to see if the rooftop is open as it is the perfect spot to have a drink during golden hour. Their Fall menu begins November 5th where they are featuring fall specific food and beverages. This makes me think we need to go back asap.
William Gray is a boutique style hotel, and while we didn’t stay at this hotel during our stays, it certainly will be a top contender for our next visit. The reviews are excellent and it is in a prime location. A little higher of a price, but for a special occasion it’s worth it.
12 - Nelli Bistro & Wine Bar / Terrasse Nelligan @Nelli.Montreal @Terrassenelligan
Ok ok, I am cheating with this recommendation because this is a spot I actually was unable to attend. We sadly ran out of time and I am even more disappointed to announce their Terrasse is officially closed for the season. Good news is their Bistro & Wine bar, Nelli, remains open! Nelli Montreal is a cafe during the day and transforms into a wine bar at night. It is surrounded by amazing architecture, ancient buildings, and an incredible view. It is a no brainer why I need to go here. When we visit Old Montreal next summer, Terrasse Nelligan will be top of our list to visit. They also can accommodate group events, so if you work in Montreal and need a spot to host your holiday party, definitely check them out.
So that is it friends! That’s my run down on where you must visit when you are in Montreal. I already am excited to plan my next trip to visit these places again, and see what other gems we stumble upon.
Now, when are you booking your trip?
