Dining in Montreal
Meandering through Montreal and hoping to find a good place to eat is sort of like hanging out with this guy named Charlie and his Oompa Loompa friends, wondering if they might be able to suggest a decent chocolatier. In other words, the good eats harvest is very plentiful there.
If money is not an object, then one certainly would want to begin with Toqué at Jean-Paul Riopelle and Saint-Antoine. The French cuisine menu is upscale, the ambiance elegant. Toque’s exquisite décor and food presentation leave no impressive stone unturned and they still don't disappoint on taste unlike some smoke and mirror establishments. They say that the foie gras appetizer there is not to be missed.
For local fine dining a’la surf and turf, try La Queue de Cheval Steakhouse & Bar on Rene Leveque Ouest near the Windsor Train Station. La Queue is known for its fresh seafood and dry-aged prime beef, but also happens to feature one of the best wine cellars and cigar lounges in town.
Travel down to Quebec City and one of the Montreal area hot spots, to have some fun in a more casual environment at Versa, the area’s only oyster bar. You’ll also find contemporary American, French and fusion style food here, along with some of the best mojitos around.
In the mood for Mediterranean or Italian style food? Try DNA at St. Pierre and McGill in Old Montreal. The atmosphere is warm. The food is deliciously inventive and moderately priced. Locals and tourists alike rave about the service. You may even catch some live jazz if you show up on a Friday night.
Montreal offers plenty of trendy dining options with unique twists on cuisine and a variety of menu offerings that seemingly try to “one-up” each other on the extravagant. Sometimes, however, you just may want to roll up your sleeves, kick up your heels, tuck in your napkin and dive into some scrumptious comfort food. If that’s the case, then BBQ in Old Montreal is the place for you. Order a plate of their baby back ribs or a rib burger for lunch or try some fried Cornish hen for dinner. Wash it all down with your favorite beer or cocktail from the bar, then sit back, relax and enjoy the laid back atmosphere.