Brunch your way around the world in Montréal

Get a table at Leméac, which has been a hugely popular Montréal institution since 2001. Located in oh-so-chic Outremont, this Parisian-style brasserie offers retro decor and outstanding bistro cuisine. Our favourites include the poached eggs, smoked salmon and Spanish caviar on blinis, and the French toast with caramelized bananas and chocolate sauce. Reservations are a must.

When: Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also recommended: Brasserie Bernard , Renoir, Café Constance signé BAZIN, and Brasserie Le Pois Penché

Both a fine food shop and gourmet canteen, Cartet draws professionals who work in Old Montréal during the week and remains just as busy on weekends. Crowds gather at its wooden tables to sample the varied menu. We love their New York pancakes, Santé brunch, Canton brunch and Lac Brome brunch.When: Weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Also recommended: Antipode, Caribou Gourmand, La Binerie, L’Avenue,  Janine & Régine Café, Le Vieux Vélo, Fabergé, Bistro Le Passé Composé, Olive + Gourmando, Dépanneur le Pick-Up, La Part des Anges and L’Entre-Pots.

On the Plateau, stop in at La Fabrique, a bistro that serves beautifully plated dishes made with seasonal ingredients. The menu changes often, depending on what's available, so we recommend trying the ever-original weekly specials. an added bonus, they always have vegetarian and gluten-free options and their outdoor patio is very inviting.

When: Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Also recommended: Larrys, Le Sparrow,  Restaurant Mélisse, Billy, J’ai faim!, Le Butterblume and Le Elsdale.

Ibéricos restaurant brings vibrant energy to the Plateau with a creative brunch inspired by the sunny vibes of Madrid and Barcelona, with subtle nods to South America. Under the direction of Chef Haissam Souki Tamayo, each dish stands out for its originality — like the delicious Schnitzel Ibéricos, one of the house specialties: a breaded veal cutlet stuffed with Iberian ham béchamel, served with a crisp, fresh, and fragrant salad. Gofre verde, arepas benedictinas, huevos rotos, tortilla española, churros, and mouthwatering tapas round out the menu, delighting guests of all ages.

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also recommended: Mesón and Bar Vivar.

Make Byblos your destination for traditional Middle Eastern cuisine served in a warm and inviting atmosphere. This Laurier Street institution prepares fragrant, colourful dishes and what is without a doubt one of the best brunches in town! You'll love the feta omelette, the eggplant, walnut and mint yogurt to heap onto Iranian bread, or the spinach, fresh cheese and shallot rolls. The flavours are positively heavenly.

When: Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also recommended: ), Burgundy Lion (English), Arthur’s Nosh Bar (Jewish), Bloomfield (Mediteranean) and Restaurant ChinaTown Kim Fung (Cantonese) and brunch cruises along the Saint-Lawrence River with Croisières AML.

Care to glide elegantly into a 1920s Victorian living room? Cardinal is a treat for the eyes and palate. Located in the Mile End, this two-storey tea room features a massive crystal chandelier and a superb collection of black, green, white and oolong teas. Of course, there are traditional English treats on the menu too. "Tea for Two" includes two half-sandwiches, olive and goat cheese muffins, a curried deviled egg, a square of chocolate, macarons and mini scones with Devon cream and jam as well as one big or two small pots of tea. 

When: Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

We also recommend: Le Rosélys, Café La Brume and this curated selection of adorable  Montréal tea rooms.

This sleek, bright and industrial-chic Villeray bakery is where some of Montréal's best baguettes are kneaded and baked every day. Fanfare also serves generous and creative brunches on their outdoor patio, which changes with the seasons. 

When: Every day from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Also recommended: La Bête à pain and Sweet Lee’s. 

Most Montréal brunch menus now feature some vegan and vegetarian options, but it can still be hard to find strictly vegan dishes. Fortunately, the wonderfully botanical Archway bistro in Verdun serves up creative vegan fare with a side of chic ambiance.    Try their brunch classics – pancakes, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, shakshuka and even bagels – all 100% vegan. 

When: Every day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also recommended: Café des habitudes, Tula, Lola Rosa, Sham Vegan, Aux Vivre and  LOV

Original article in French by Laure Juilliard, adapted into English by Dawn Bessey-Gans.