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11 Themed Restaurants in Montreal You Have to Experience

Le Speakeasy, Montreal
Le Speakeasy, Montreal | © Patricia Brochu

Montreal is full of unique world-class restaurants, making the city a popular destination for foodies of all kinds. However, some places take it to the next level in terms of fun and unusual dining experiences. Here are some of the city’s themed restaurants that will take you beyond the ordinary evening out.

La Habanera

Restaurant, Cuban, Coffee, Dessert, Wine, Beer, Fast Food

La Habanera is a Cuban-themed café and bar located in downtown Montreal. With a range of cocktails and colorful décor that will leave you feeling as though you are on a beach, even during the city’s coldest months, La Habanera always offers a light-hearted good time—whether you come for a couple of drinks, some snacks, or a full meal.

Koa Lua

Restaurant, Canadian, Vegan, Vegetarian

Koa Lua is another restaurant with an atmosphere that feels like a vacation. This Hawaiian-themed hot spot serves a variety of delicious poke dishes in a setting that looks like a tropical beach cabin. It’s a great place to try when you want to change your regular lunch or dinner options in the city.

Kampai Garden

Restaurant, Japanese, Asian, Vegan, Vegetarian

Kampai is a large downtown venue that offers a Japanese beer garden theme. A popular spot, you might want to make reservations because there’s often a long line later into the evenings. It’s a great place to go for dinner, or even for a long night out as it turns into a bar/club after the dinner service is over.

The Lockhart

Cocktail Bar, Canadian, Vegetarian, Vegan, Street Food, Contemporary

The Lockhart is Montreal’s Harry Potter-themed bar. The company made a name for itself in Toronto, and within a year, they opened up shop in Montreal. On the menu, you’ll find various potions, elixirs, and butterbeer, plus there are even house-made chocolate frogs. Children can also visit for the non-alcoholic menu before 8 pm.

Jatoba

Restaurant, Japanese, Chinese, Seafood, Asian, Wine, Beer

Jatoba
Courtesy of Jatoba Restaurant

Located in the heart of Montreal’s business district, Jatoba has a great garden terrace where you can enjoy contemporary takes on traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes. They feature a large menu and friendly service.

Deville Dinerbar

Diner, Restaurant, Fast Food, American, Vegan, Vegetarian

Deville Dinerbar describes itself as “the lovechild of whimsical nostalgia with the spirit of the 21st century.” It has the feel of being a classy diner, complete with an array of menu items that include thick burgers, donut balls, and larger-than-life fishbowl drinks.

Jukebox Burgers & Bar Latier

Diner, Restaurant, Fast Food, American, Canadian, Vegetarian

Jukebox opened in 2010, but it feels as though it’s been around for generations. The well-stocked menu at Jukebox includes burgers that are made from meat ground in-house daily, freshly baked buns, hand-cut potatoes, and a variety of desserts, such as parfaits, sundaes, and the massive “Kitchen Sink” dessert.

L'Auberge Du Dragon Rouge

Restaurant, European, Canadian, Vegan, Vegetarian

L’Auberge du Dragon Rouge is a festive dining venue themed around the Medieval era, offering immersive historical animation along with an old-fashioned meal. It’s been around for 25 years and practically qualifies as a Montreal institution. It’s fun for the whole family.

Le Speakeasy

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Contemporary, Vegetarian, Wine, Beer

Cocktails at Le Speakeasy
© Courtesy of Invasion Cocktail/Le Speakeasy

Located downtown, Le Speakeasy is a hidden cocktail bar based on the theme of the Prohibition era. They capture the concept perfectly. Even their menus are hidden in hardback books on a secret page that only the guests know. With plenty of strong drinks, they also have a solid food menu with multi-serving offerings.

Le Balcon Cabaret Music Hall

Theater

Le Balcon combines good food with dinner theater (or souper-spectacle) for an unusual night out. On performance evenings, guests can select one of three tables d’hôte, prepared on-site and made with fresh ingredients—including braised meat and delicious fish. There are also vegetarian options featuring seasonal produce, with an emphasis on local products. The music begins after the meal, which creates an entertaining evening that can include dancing too.

Dans le Noir

Restaurant, Canadian, Vegan, Vegetarian

With the tagline of “Discover what is hidden in the dark,” Restaurant Dans le Noir is one of Montreal’s sought-after darkened dinner experiences. The intention of having guests dine in complete darkness is to isolate the senses, which is supposed to heighten the palate and taste buds. You’ll have to try it yourself to see if you like it, but the staff at Dans le Noir is warm and welcoming and will explain how the process works.

About the author

Emily is a writer currently based in Montreal, Canada. She works with a number of online and print publications, mainly pursuing stories about arts and culture, travel, nature, and local history.

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