Montréal’s best hidden patios and urban oasis spots for summer

Where to find the best hidden patios in Old Montréal and in the Old Port?

Le Marché des Éclusiers

For a happy hour by the water in a magnificent setting, head to the Marché des Éclusiers, which houses a seasonal restaurant, a coffee bar and a bar that showcases local crafts and tasty foods. A delightfully picturesque spot on the canal.

400 de la Commune Street West
 Website

Jardin Nelson

Located right off Place Jacques Cartier in the heart of Old Montréal, Jardin Nelson has a hidden courtyard where colourful flowers and shrubs are set against the building's historic architecture. Complete with singing birds, it's a little corner of paradise!

407 Place Jacques-Cartier
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Restaurant La Traversée

Located aboard the Bota Bota floating spa, this gorgeous, water-level patio gives you amazing views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Montréal’s picturesque greystones. Enjoy a sublime Québec terroir-inspired menu featuring fresh local products.  

Between McGill/de la Commune Street West 

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Wolf & Workman

This Burgundy Lion offshoot treats you to excellent products from the distilling industry and delicious locavore cuisine on its verdant and colourful patio.

139 Saint-Paul Street West
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Le Polisson

With a menu is inspired by the bounty of the sea, Le Polisson shines the spotlight on local products best savoured on its pretty stone-paved patio in the back.

171 Saint-Paul Street West 

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Cour Arrière

This new oasis tucked away in the Hôtel Saint-Sulpice recalls the splendor of Arizona's desert landscapes. Discover smoked and charcoal-cooked products, fermentations, seafood and other amazing ingredients.

414 Saint-Sulpice Street

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Where to find cozy, chill patios downtown? 

Jatoba

Open year-long, the inner garden of Jatoba is a wonder to behold. Boho-chic, elegant and lush with greenery, it’s one of the most beautiful terrasses to enjoy gourmet Japanese cuisine in the city.

1184 Place Philips
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Papito

The popular little brother of Furco and Café Parvis is offering a new, friendly formula of dishes to share - snackettes, meats, vegetables - on its hidden terrace, which for now at least, is still a well-kept secret!

1425 Saint-Alexandre Street

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RoseOrange

Montréal’s highest terrace can be found atop PVM. It's the ideal spot in which to sit back, relax and take in a magnificent sunset in a designer setting designed by A5 Hospitality and Sid Lee Architecture.

1 Place Ville Marie, level 44
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Escondite

We love the upbeat yet off-the-beaten-path terrasse at Mexican restaurant Escondite. Go to this little pop of colour in downtown Montréal to enjoy the cocktails, ceviche, tacos and chill vibe.

1206 Union Avenue
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Nacarat

The patio of the chic cocktail bar Nacarat, located on the third floor of the Fairmont le Reine Elizabeth hotel, is an excellent spot for sipping drinks and soaking up downtown Montréal’s breathtaking cityscape, including The Ring.

900 René-Lévesque Boulevard West
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Renoir

Enjoy exquisite French cuisine in a secret inner courtyard dotted with pretty parasols, plants, patio lights and breezy, laid-back spaces.

1155 Sherbrooke Street West
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La Maison Boulud

The restaurant at Montréal's sublime Ritz-Carlton Hotel is home to one of the most beautiful hidden garden patios in town. It's an island of serenity in a bustling metropolis.

1228 Sherbrooke Street West
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Marcus

Nestled within the Four Seasons Montréal Hotel, this superb gourmet restaurant by chef Jason Morris offers upscale cuisine on an intimate, leafy, designer terrace, with the added bonus of overlooking the popular Leonard Cohen mural. A cocoon of luxury away from the hustle and bustle of the city a few floors below.

1440 de la Montagne Street
 Website

Cafe Il Cortile

Tucked between two buildings that offer a relaxing respite from cacophony of the city centre, the patio of this Italian restaurant features a stone-paved inner courtyard with hanging plants and flowers. Not only does it have oodles of European charm, but it’s one of Montréal’s hidden star hangouts.

1442 Sherbrooke Street West
 Website

Biiru

The 40-seat patio of this excellent izakaya springs to life come warmer weather. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Sainte-Catherine Street, it’s one of downtown Montréal’s best-kept secrets. 

1433 City Councillors Street
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Poincaré Chinatown

This rooftop patio, one of Chinatown’s untapped treasures, offers amazing views of the neighbourhood and downtown. Choose from a menu that offers a curated selection of beers, wines, cocktails and lacto-fermented nibbles.

1071 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, 2^nd floor

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Terrasse Alizé

Perched on the 9th floor of the Humaniti hotel, Terrasse Alizé offers local cuisine alongside refreshing cocktails with a unique panorama of the cityscape. 

340 de la Gauchetière Street West
  Website

Terrasse Carla

Located on the 6th floor of Chinatown’s Hampton Inn, this 7,000-foot terrasse is the brainchild of the team behind Le Blossom, Le Red Tiger and Tiramisu, immersing guests in a tropical décor with arresting city views. The menu features French- and Vietnamese-inspired dishes and a spectacular list of cocktails.  

985 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
 Website

Bivouac

A recent addition to the Quartier des spectacles, this restaurant in the DoubleTree by Hilton Montréal is worth the detour. Its lofty, panoramic and sublimely chic patio (designed by Zébulon Perron) offers you spectacular city views in a very cozy setting.

1255 Jeanne-Mance Street
 Website

Muze Lounge & Terrasse

Perched atop the Honeyrose Hotel in an exotically lush, jungle-like setting, you can enjoy an urban view of the Quartier des spectacles with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. 

355 de Maisonneuve Boulevard West, 5th floor 

Website 

Pavillon Social Club at the SAT 

When it comes to a rooftop patio, this is one of our favs. This large, spacious and lively terrace – think urban jungle atop the Quartier des spectacles - invites you to drink in Montréal’s summer vibe thanks to a selection of beers, wines and cocktails accompanied by a small, but mighty menu created by Ched Catherine Lépine-Lafrance. 

SAT rooftop,3^rd floor, 1201 Saint-Laurent Boulevard 

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Grenade (in the Village)

This Asian bar and terrasse is one of the Village’s best-kept secrets.  Grab a seat in the luxurious patio—which even has a small pond—and order one of their inventive Asian cocktails.

1603 Ontario Street East

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Hidden patios in the Quartiers du canal: Griffintown, Little Burgundy and Saint-Henri, with a nod to Verdun

Bazart

Inspired by the beach restaurants of Mykonos, Ibiza and Tulum, the Bazart restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with grilled meats and small mezzes made from fresh, local ingredients. All this in a bohemian-chic courtyard worthy of a lush city garden. You won’t want to miss it!

950 Ottawa Street
 Website

Le Richmond

With its industrial-chic loft feel, the indoor terrasse of the Richmond is the ultimate place to savour upscale Italian cuisine.

377 Richmond Street
 Website

Candide

Tucked away in an old presbytery in the middle of an off-the-beaten-path street, Le Candide dazzles with a prix-fixe, four-course menu that showcases local and seasonal products. Savour it on their secret terrasse, far away from the world.

551 Saint-Martin Street
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Le Vin Papillon

Le Vin Papillon is another must, where vegetables grow and organic and natural wines flow. The restaurant’s secluded terrasse in the back is Little Burgundy’s hottest ticket. 

2519 Notre-Dame Street West

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Joe Beef

Behind this iconic Little Burgundy institution lies a lush, garden-like courtyard. Guests settle in among a thriving urban vegetable garden to enjoy exceptional cuts of meat and fresh seafood, all in a peaceful, tucked-away setting far from the city’s bustle.

2491 Notre-Dame Street West 

Website

Liverpool House 

Right next door to Joe Beef, this sought-after spot also hides a discreet courtyard with an easy, welcoming vibe. It’s the perfect place to settle in with a platter of ultra-fresh oysters, share the house’s legendary lobster spaghetti, and let the afternoon drift by over a thoughtfully chosen natural wine.

2501 Notre-Dame Street West

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Mignon

This retro-looking neighborhood bistro in trendy Little Burgundy specializes in steak and French fries, and boasts top-quality ethically-raised Angus beef. Simply take a seat on their lovely, leafy terrace hidden at the back of the restaurant, and you're good to go!

2523 Notre-Dame Street West
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Riverside and the Café Malté

Riverside pops up like an unexpected surprise on a large industrial plot facing the Lachine Canal. It boasts a massive green patio with picnic tables and a sizzling atmosphere. Discover Café Malté and its unique construction built using recycled pieces of grain silos. They serve fresh cold brew and soft-serve ice cream. Be sure to bring the kids—and even your dog! 

5020 Saint-Ambroise Street
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Le Club Social P.S.

This excellent little café and its pretty patio are tucked away behind the restaurant Elena, a typical Italian neighbourhood restaurant. Its sunny space is perfect for enjoying small plates and sipping drinkies.

5090A Notre-Dame Street West

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Messorem

At the junction of several southwestern neighbourhoods is where you will find this industrial microbrewery run by three music enthusiasts that offers excellent beers brewed on site and an unpretentious menu on a large outdoor terrace. A hidden gem of a patio that welcomes children and dogs with open arms.

2233 Pitt Street
 Website

Terrasse St-Ambroise

A well-known spot along the Lachine Canal, this terrace still feels like a hidden gem thanks to its location tucked just behind the microbrewery. It opens onto a large, leafy space filled with shade trees and bright red umbrellas, where house-brewed beers flow easily and the atmosphere feels like a laid-back Montréal picnic.

5080 Saint-Ambroise Street

Website

Verdun Beach

Behind this lovely little buvette on Wellington Street lies a beautiful covered patio, ideal to enjoy some shade on a hot summer’s day. 

4816 Wellington Street 

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The best hidden patios in Plateau-Mont-Royal and in Mile End

Oncle Lee

This delicious restaurant on Laurier Avenue West offers succulent, modern Chinese cuisine in the heart of a cozy, paved, lush backyard decorated with festive red lanterns. A feast as much for the eyes as the palate!

222 Laurier Avenue West 

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Café In Gamba Saint-Viateur

Enjoy an excellent coffee or matcha latté with a sweet treat on this stylishly peaceful patio in Mile End.

71 St-Viateur Street East

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Khyber Pass

This Afghan restaurant lets you bring your own wine and dine on their hidden terrace, which is decorated with pretty plants and colourful murals. It's like entering a whole other world!

506 Duluth Avenue
 Website

Bistro Auprès de ma blonde

This Plateau institution has been serving patrons since the 1980s. Sit back and relax on its verdant, tucked-away terrasse out back as you savour tasty dishes and home-made sangria.

3845 Saint-Denis Street
 Website

Les Rites Berbères

This glorious green terrasse offers cool reprieve when the temperature rises. They serve incredible couscous and other Berber specialities.

4697 de Bullion Street
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Plan B

Plans for a relaxing evening are rock solid with this bar, just off the busy sidewalks of Mont-Royal Avenue. Its lush little terrasse in the back offers a cool little hideaway to sit and sip a cocktail.

327 Mont-Royal Avenue East
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Casa Del Popolo

Tucked away in a back courtyard, this little patio offers patrons a breath of fresh air in between the indie music sets hosted by the house.

4873 Saint-Laurent Boulevard
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Café Santropol

The garden patio at this café is a hidden oasis in the Plateau-Mont-Royal area. There's even a burbling fountain in the middle!

3990 Saint-Urbain Street
 Website

Bāgā 

This charming, tucked-away terrace -  framed by flowers and lush greenery on one of the Plateau’s prettiest streets - is the kind of place that instantly slows things down. It’s made for settling into a simple, locally inspired menu featuring a great smash burger, house-cut fries and a tight selection of well-chosen drinks.

511 Duluth Avenue East
 Website

Rhumerie Barraca

Feel like a tropical getaway? Head straight to this tiki-bar’s hidden terrasse on Mont-Royal Avenue. Rum, tequila, mojitos and sangria are paired with tacos and other exotic tapas, plus sunshiney rays, all on the menu.

1134 Mont-Royal Avenue
 Website

Azalea

This bar and wine shop offers tasty Persian-inspired mezze accompanied by natural, organic or totally eclectic wines. Here, you can drink well and eat well surrounded by a hidden garden, well away from the noise.

4306 Saint-Denis Street

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Osmo x Marusan

Nothing says summer than eating at a picnic table! This tucked away patio feels like someone’s backyard – picnic tables and all! Enjoy excellent coffee along with delicious Japanese sandwiches (sando) and curry. The Tamago Sando (egg sandwich) and the subtly spiced chicken curry are particular standouts. A fantastic spot!

51 Sherbrooke Street West 

Website

Hidden patios in Mile-Ex, Little Italy and Petite-Patrie

Taverne Atlantic

On the corner of Parc Avenue and Beaubien Street is where you’ll find a bar with a superb Art Deco decor hiding a rooftop terrace. Popular with Montreal's “in” crowd, it offers memorable moments and an industrial view of the city. See you there!

6512 Parc Avenue
 Website

Anemone

This lovely addition to the Montréal foodie scene offers vibrant cuisine in a category all its own, featuring local products and dishes imagined by Mike Madokoro and Minh Phat Tu. The terrace hidden behind a sliding garage door is as fabulous as the menu.

271 Saint-Zotique Street West

Website

Bar Wills

In a typical Mile-Ex industrial vibe, come and sample beer from the Wills microbrewery on a trendy terrace, absolutely perfect for a "golden hour" drink to wind down from your day. Block parties and pop-up events are also organized throughout the summer.

6729 Esplanade Avenue

Website

Vices & Versa

Pull up a seat under the leafy canopy of this upbeat and always-hopping Little Italy microbrewery.

6631 Saint-Laurent Boulevard

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Pumpui

Go here for some of the best curry in town. Get cozy on the fuss-free little patio in the back and discover delights like “Gaeng Kaek” or “Gaeng Kiew Wan Luk Shin Plaa” as you introduce your palate to a world of flavours.

83 Saint Zotique Street West

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Iconoglace

This beloved ice cream shop in the Petite-Patrie neighbourhood offers a decadent menu of frozen treats in all shapes and colours! Soft-serve unicorn or hobbit poop, blizzards or naked on the beach slush are just a few of the many creative – and tantalizing – choices on the menu. Order your ice cream masterpiece and enjoy it on the terrasse at the back overlooking a pretty Montréal alley. 

1320 Bélanger Street
 Website

Bar le Vestiaire

This popular bar in Plaza St-Hubert is the place to share a plate of nachos or devour a scrumptious burger, washed down with one of the many local or international beers available on tap or by the bottle. The terrasse tucked away out back is a wonderfully calm spot to stop and sit a spell.  

6634 St-Hubert Street
 Website

Marci

Enjoy delicious pizzas, seasonal vegetable dishes and refreshing natural wines on an intimate shaded rooftop patio atop this trendy new Plaza haunt.  

6600 Saint-Hubert Street

Website

Bar Wills

In a typical Mile-Ex industrial vibe, come and sample beer from the Wills microbrewery on a trendy terrace, absolutely perfect for a "golden hour" drink to wind down from your day. Block parties and pop-up events are also organized throughout the summer.

6729 Esplanade Avenue

Website

Snowbird Tiki Bar

Slip away into a small, intimate setting on this hidden terrace with a distinctly tropical vibe. Expect fruit-forward cocktails served in sculptural, playful glassware featuring carved “Inca” motifs and pineapples.

6388 St-Hubert Street
 Website

Montréal’s hidden patios are proof that the city knows how to keep a few secrets. This summer, step off the main streets, slip through unmarked doors, and discover a more intimate side of the city, where glasses clink a little softer and memories are made away from the crowds. Enjoy!

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