The 10 Best Brunch Spots In Old Montreal
As the oldest area of Quebec, Old Montreal was declared a historic district in 1964; there are now just a few remains left of New France. Steeped in history and culture, Old Montreal makes for a fascinating area to visit, but every visit ought to start with a brunch. Here, we list our favorite places to brunch in the historic area of Old Montreal.
Le Cartet
Restaurant, French
Le Cartet doubles as a fine food store with a great selection of chocolates, and the restaurant is most popular with young families and professionals because of its sophisticated feel. It’s open almost every day all day but we recommend you go for breakfast. Here, brunch lovers can be served eggs in a delightful old town house with communal tables. As it’s a French breakfast restaurant, the interior has a charming Parisian look to it.
Hambar
Restaurant, Canadian, Vegetarian, Gluten-free
Located inside a hotel, this French ham-bar is known for its specialty hams from all over the world and its own homemade charcuterie, which is charmingly presented on platters. With a menu featuring house-made pasta, fresh seafood, quality meats, and rib-eye steak, Hambar offers high-quality and delicious food. Open 365 days of the year, Hambar is dedicated to providing brunch lovers with fresh ingredients from local markets. If you’d like to stay for lunch or dinner, you can also enjoy their vintage wines.
Communion
Located on the street intersection of Rue de la Commune, Place Royale and Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Communion occupies a central position in Old Montreal. Their brunch is especially popular, served every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2.30pm by the deputy chef, Alexandre Leduc. Whether you choose to sit in the casual dining room or on the bustling patio, Communion is a great spot to enjoy some brunch.
Vallier
Bistro, French, Pub Grub, Canadian
Vallier stands out as a brunch spot with 1950s charm. They take great pride in their decor ; even their website is stylish and original. Vallier describe their food as ‘creatively prepared comfort food’ with ‘dishes reminiscent of French bistro style’. There is also a kids menu, the main dish being one egg served just how you like it, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit and multigrain bread.
Suite 701
Restaurant, French, Canadian, European
Suite 701 has an array of original and creative brunch dishes on offer. From pecan cinnamon rolls and bacon toile to macaroni and cheese pangritata, you’ll be spoilt for choice here. The Saturday brunches are much more laid-back than the Sunday brunches, which feature an in-house DJ. The space itself is an extravagant lounge space with a rooftop patio.
Holder
Restaurant, French
Holder is a typical French brasserie, serving great omelettes and classic brasserie dishes such as meat and fish tartares or steak with frites(French fries). The building was designed by the late Luc Laporte, one of Montreal’s most successful and celebrated architects. It features high ceilings, tall windows and walls jammed with bottles. This is the ideal brasserie to enjoy a brunch surrounded by picturesque interiors.
Eggspectation Complexe Desjardins
Restaurant, American, Canadian
Eggspectation restaurant serve deliciously cooked eggs, made to each individual’s preference, and serve an array of brunch dishes, from steak and pancakes to burgers. The first Eggspectation was founded in 1993 in downtown Montreal and they have now expanded to have eleven chains in Canada, five in the US, three in India and one in Dubai.
Olive et Gourmando
Cafe, Canadian, European, French, Vegetarian, Gluten-free
Olive et Gourmando are celebrated for their pastry counter and tasty sandwiches. Here you have the option of dining in or take-away so that you can enjoy your brunch in their establishment or whilst wandering round the city. The restaurant has become very popular so it is best to get there early to avoid queues.
Vieux-Port Steakhouse
Restaurant, American, Steakhouse
Vieux-Port Steakhouse is located on old St. Paul Street and is a cozy restaurant where you can enjoy an American breakfast or continental dishes. The menu has been composed by their executive chef, Sylvain Levaillant, and is French-inspired and market-fresh. Vieux-Port Steakhouse have an extensive wine list if you wish to treat yourself at brunch.
Maison Christian Faure
Maison Christian Faure is the best place to go if you’re hoping for a brunch filled with delicious pastries. Chef Christian Faure was schooled at Ecully Dardilly in Lyon, under the guidance of revered chefs, Joseph Aimar and Jacques Jourbet. Shortly after being named as the best apprentice, at the age of 18, chef Faure was appointed chef de posteat one of the world’s most famous pastry institutions, Dalloyau. His pastries are out of this world.