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The Old Town of Montreal is one of the most vibrant parts of the city, with an impressive history, fascinating boutiques and wonderful art galleries, all within a very idyllic and picturesque setting. It draws a very diverse and international crowd and the restaurants here work to both welcome and impress all who dine within. Every place has something special to offer in this district. Here we explore the 10 restaurants that go the extra mile.

Old Montreal

Les Filles Du Roy

Restaurant, Canadian, French

Les Filles du Roy
© Rob Ireton/Flickr
Built in 1725 under the French regime, Les Filles du Roy is the oldest private house in the city. The distinctive red façade coaxes customers in from the cobbled streets of Old Montreal and once inside, it is impossible not to be struck by the mysterious and whimsical atmosphere created by the beamed ceilings, stone walls and wood panelling. Apart from the sensational surroundings, the food here is also spectacular, with the chef creating wonderful new flavours by mixing local and traditional Quebec produce with a French style. There is a wide range of fabulous French and Quebec wines, as well as an extensive menu of cocktails to be enjoyed in the summer on the Terrace, accompanied by their many beautiful, exotic birds.

Barroco

Restaurant, French, Canadian

This romantic restaurant, located in the heart of a thriving neighbourhood worth exploring, has all the quaint and rustic charm you could ever ask for, serving up beautifully braised short ribs, their famous speciality and the talk of the town. Barroco is also famous for its inviting atmosphere and delectable designer cocktails, which they mix for each individual guest, fusing classic combinations and inventing original compositions. Visitors should definitely not miss out on the chance to order a selection of the small plates, which have samples of unusual dishes such as crab lava chocolate cake. All the ingredients are fresh that day and prepared to perfection.

Maison Cristian Faure

Christian Faure was awarded the title of Best Pastry Chef of the World by The American Academy for Hospitality Sciences, for the stunning contributions he has made to the world of pasty. In 2013, Maison Christian Faure opened its doors to treat guests to the most incredible desserts and pastries. Eating here is a treat and the quality and experience is incomparable to anywhere else. Maison Christian Faure may be famous for pastry but there’s so much more to this beautiful establishment, an incredible snack menu, serving everything from a classic club sandwich to great gazpacho and a delightful deli counter with a range of fresh local meats and cheeses.

Jardin Nelson

Bistro, Restaurant, Canadian

Jardin Nelson
© geoff dude/Flickr
If you love fine food, lively jazz, great wine and a magical setting, then you definitely should not miss Jardin Nelson. Covered by canopies, to protect guests from the occasional but unpredictable showers, the beautiful, old fashioned courtyard is a real sight to behold, with flowers and ivy twirling their way up the walls and colourful lights illuminating the rustic stone walls. Guests can enjoy shows from many emotional and inspirational jazz musicians while they enjoy dishes from the bistro-style menu. The food is top class and Jardin Nelson also offers a wide range of local craft beers with friendly service.

Verses Restaurant

Restaurant, Canadian, French

Verses Restaurant
© Ames Lai/Flickr
The stunning, contemporary Verses Restaurant offers fine French style cuisine for a high-end lunch and dinner, as well as a range of canapés and cocktails served in the temporal atrium. Sylvain Levaillant, the renowned chef of this restaurant challenges each guest to rethink the familiar. His passion revolves around the purity of the ingredients he uses, drawing inspiration from French, Oriental and of course Canadian cuisine. Every aspect of each dish served has been considered in depth and executed with such incredible precision and the result is undeniable creativity. The menu is short but there are several daily specials, all promising to impress.

Stash Café

Cafe, Restaurant, European, Canadian, Polish

Stash Cafe
© jennifer yin/Flickr
Furnished with warm wooden furniture and decked with delicate paper lanterns, Stash Café is a delightfully cozy niche within the culinary hub of Old Montreal. This restaurant serves up an array of traditional Polish meals, all home-made and with ingredients of the highest quality. The potions are hearty and the food is full of flavour. The wait staff are incredibly welcoming and the service here is rather innovative, as guests have the unique opportunity to mix dishes and order a range. Stash Café comes highly recommended as a brunch spot and a place to while away a relaxed summer evening. Every order, from the beetroot soup to the impressive Polish tapas, proves to be extremely popular among regulars and newcomers alike.

Suite 701

Restaurant, French, Canadian, European

Suite 701
© Aristocrat/Flickr
A very relaxed and chic atmosphere fills Suite 701. The portions are generous and the meals are a healthy and modern take on classic Quebec and French dishes. An unique vibe is created by the definite balance between the smart and professional décor of the establishment and the urban feel that emanates from the inventive menu. The finest ingredients are locally sourced and specially selected for Suite 701 and, the adventurous flavour combinations are a success every time. The staff are friendly and attentive and most double as bartenders, mixing miraculous cocktails to order.

Gibby’s Steakhouse

Restaurant, Steakhouse, Seafood, Canadian

Gibbys Steakhouse
© Geoff Livingston/Flickr
Gibby’s Steakhouse is a true Montreal institution. Despite being certainly antique, it is not in the least bit obsolete. A generous meal is served to every guest with their choice of meat, ranging from succulent steak to fine black cod along with great helpings of salad, a choice of starch and excellent sauce. There is a great array of vintage wines and beers and the wooden interior is cosy and inclusive. This is a place where you can enjoy good food and feel warm in the company of good friends whilst being a part of a wider historical context.

Crème De La Crème

Cafe, Canadian, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food

The quaint charm of Crème de la Crème is enticing and there is an unmistakably calming atmosphere within, especially when you’ve just escaped that busy street outside. A light lunch is definitely on the cards here, with fresh bread baked in house and many creative and classic soups and sandwiches made from the deliciously light and crispy baguettes. A wide variety of beers and cocktails are available as well as hot beverages and lighter snacks.

Bella Vita

Offering an authentic Mediterranean feel, all the way in Montreal, Bella Vita serves up real Italian-style pizza as well as several smaller dishes such as fried calamari and courgettes and, of course, amazing home-made pasta. The décor is as light as their crispy pizza crusts and you really do get the sense of sitting in a cute coastal café in Italy despite all the activity in Old Town. This place is simple but effective and the prices are extremely reasonable, especially for the best pizza in town.
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