OLD MONTREAL / CHINATOWN
Mélisse
An escape to the Mediterranean. Chef Tom Allain (formerly of Nora Gray) took over this Old Port restaurant just before the pandemic. Under his management, the food is as bright and fresh as their sunkissed terrasse at the corner of William and Queen. Expect simple dishes like a halibut crudo with Fresno chillies and labneh, silky and vibrant spaghetti vongole, and clever refreshing desserts — buckwheat financier with berries and cream, anyone? (CS)
(719 William)
Place Carmin
A polished and refined neo-steakhouse from the Bouillon Bilk team. Inside a beautifully bricked heritage building deep in the Old-Port, Place Carmin is a French Brasserie with an altogether contemporary feel. The dark masculine and leather-clad dining rooms of Brasseries past are ditched to make room for Carrara marble, white oak, and cognac coloured upholstery. Classics like the shrimp cocktail are done justice (and subtly elevated) and the steaks are cooked to perfection. A refreshing take on a quintessential restaurant concept. (CS)
(740 William)
Fleurs et Cadeaux
This Chinatown eatery, which gets its name from the former gift shop that used to occupy the address, calls itself a snack bar and café with Japanese inspiration. Falling somewhere in between an izakaya and jazz bar Fleurs et Cadeaux manages to encapsulate the feeling of stumbling into a hidden gem while wandering the streets of Shinjuku. Expect dishes like an opulent Chirashi bowl and simple dishes like a Japanese curry made with Quebec mushrooms. While the food is excellent it’s the vibe that steals the show, thanks in no small part to an amazing nightly soundtrack and weekly guest DJ sets on weekends. (CS)
(1002 St-Urbain)