Brunch in Montréal: More than just a tradition
Brunch is to Montréal what the baguette is to Paris. When you think of one, you necessarily associate it with the other. Not convinced? Head to any city restaurant mid-morning to mid-afternoon on the weekend and listen for the din of happy diners. The proof is in the pudding.
Brunch à la Montréal
Intoxicating smells, bursts of laughter, clinking dishes and the sounds of waiters warning “hot plate coming through”—or chaud, chaud, chaud in local parlance—all this and more is what brings Montréalers out for brunch with friends, family or lovers, anywhere from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends, and even on weekdays. Far from being a simple continental breakfast enjoyed over the noon hour, brunch in Montréal is a gastronomic experience unto itself. It’s a serious affair that’s squarely focused on good food and good company.
No matter where you’re from or how old you are, this ritual belongs on any foodie’s bucket list. On any given weekend, local restaurants fill up fast and dedicated brunch enthusiasts line up, sometimes over an hour, just to get a table at the city’s most popular establishments. The cherry on the top? Engaging in lively conversation with locals as you wait in line. Montréalers tend to be in a good mood as they anticipate one of their favourite moments of the weekend. All in all, it’s a festive and delicious experience that reflects the city’s personality.
Brunch spots listed by style
Montréal is home to restaurants from around the world, meaning you can go on a culinary tour of the planet while you’re here. From authentic Quebecois baked beans to patatas bravas, flavourful omelettes to dim sum or borani, an explosion of flavour awaits!
Popular Québec: Janine Café, Régine Café, Le Vieux Vélo, Caribou Gourmand, Le Cartet, Le Toasteur Villeray and L’Avenue
Typical Québec: La Binerie Mont-Royal, Dame Tartine, Quoi de N'Oeuf and Maamm Bolduc
French: Brasserie 701, Restaurant Leméac, Henri Brasserie Française, Restaurant Gault, Brasserie Le Pois Penché, Restaurant Holder, Brasserie Bernard and Renoir
Spanish: Mesón and Restaurant Bar Vivar
Turkish: Mirazu
English: Pub Bishop & Bagg, Larrys, Bar George, Wolf & Workman Freehouse, Pub Burgundy Lion, Paparmane and the Cardinal Tea Room
Middle Eastern: Shay, Bar Le Sparrow, Restaurant Bloomfield, Café chez Téta, Rumi, Darna Bistroquet and Babacool
Iranian: Byblos Le Petit Café
Jewish: Arthurs Nosh Bar and Bagel etc
Chinese: Restaurant ChinaTown Kim Fung and Ruby Rouge
Vietnamese : Le Red Tiger x Le Passé composé (Technopôle Angus district)
Italian: Fiorellino (Laurier), Café Miracolo and Le Marché Italien Le Richmond
Japanese: NOREN and Café Ohayo
Salvadorian: Restaurant La Carreta and Restaurant El Chalateco
Mexican: La Tamalera
Latin America: Piel Canela
Indian: India Rosa
New York: maman
Seafood: Pincette – Lobster Bar
Vegan: Tendresse, LOV, Hello 123, Café des Habitudes and Aux Vivres
Creative: Darling, Le Butterblume, Café Bloom, Tiramisu, Restaurant Mélisse, Bistrot La Fabrique, Café Parvis, Café Monk, Barley, Le P'tit Rustik and Billy j’ai faim
Brunch spots listed by ambience
Chic: Maison Boulud, Marcus, Café Holt, Dandy, Café Bazin, Côté Cuisine | James Perse and Perles et Paddock
Family: Café Sfouf, Shack Attakk, Patati Patata (Jean-Talon Market) and Universel Déjeuners et Grillades
Diner: Greenspot, Millmans, Nouveau Système, Beautys Luncheonette, NDG Luncheonette and Foiegwa
Rooftop: Terrasse William Gray, Terrasse Belvu, Terrasse Nelligan, Perché and Terrasse Ciel Rose
On the water: Signature Brunch Cruise in Montréal
Brunch spots listed by specialty
Whether you’re looking for classic brekkie (two eggs, bacon, potatoes and fruit) or sophisticated creativity, this list has something for everyone, including conservative eaters, refined foodies, adventurous palates and those with hearty appetites. Dig in!
Fried chicken & waffles: Le Bird Bar
Poutine: Le Fabergé or L’Gros Luxe
Amazing avocado toast: L'Entre-Pots
Decadent eggs benedict: Le Passé Composé
A generous and unique breakfast sandwich: Olive + Gourmando et Dépanneur le Pick-Up
A decadent breakfast sandwich: Hélico Café and Café September
A toasty golden croque-monsieur: Restaurant Antipode
Brunch to enjoy in your room
Does your appetite outweigh your social skills in the morning? Feel free to make your own brunch by picking up goods from Montréal’s best bakeries and pastry shops. You won’t go hungry here!
Laure Juilliard
Originally from Paris, Laure Juilliard made Montréal her home over 15 years ago and has never looked back. Won over by her new city's unique energy, cultural vibrancy and gastronomic effervescence, she loves exploring all the coolest spots. A writer and blogger specialising in lifestyle, culture, travel and gastronomy, she has lent her pen to Tourisme Montréal for more than 10 years, in addition to magazines such as ELLE Québec and Clin d'œil, as well as a variety of well-known companies and agencies. Always on the lookout for innovative concepts and the best addresses wherever she is in the world, she is also always planning her next trip.