Whether you’re planning to eat at an upscale eatery or looking for a more relaxed ambiance, “bring-your-own-booze” restaurants are popular in Montreal. Check for an Apportez votre vin sign outside of a restaurant before you head inside. Here is a list of some favorite spots if you’re interested in trying some of the city’s best BYOB restaurants, selected for their diversity of cuisine, styles, and atmospheres.
La Khaïma is a beautifully decorated restaurant located in Mile End and features a selection of Middle Eastern, Mauritanian, Moroccan, and Egyptian dishes, with vegetarian and halal options as well. Come for tajine and couscous, flavourful meals created with the Slow Food movement in mind, and don’t forget to try their range of desserts and teas.
Khyber Pass is Montreal’s first Afghan restaurant, located in the Plateau on the eclectic Rue Duluth. Traditional fare is on the menu at this ambient dining establishment, with an emphasis on lamb—stewed, spiced lamb, and manti (a kind of dumpling) in a rich garlic yogurt sauce.
Located in the Hochelaga district close to the Maisonneuve Market, the popular Bagatelle Bistro is an affordable BYOB restaurant that offers a range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes. There’s a patio during the summer months, and you can enjoy a hearty à la carte dinner crafted with local produce or opt for a boozy brunch.
Also found in Hochelaga-Maisonneuve, the design of Les Canailles follows the popular new open-kitchen concept, making it a unique and intimate dining experience. The creative chefs serve up French favorites such as foie gras du moment, oysters, risotto and bavette, and salmon and beef tartares.
The French BYOB called Tandem lies in Villeray, north of the Jean-Talon Market. Serving a range of fixed-price menus that varies with the seasons, the restaurant is operated by a young couple whose enthusiasm has made Tandem a popular must-try neighborhood spot that includes a small terrace during the summer. If you’re not sure what wine to bring, you can contact them for suggestions before you head over for dinner.
Long considered to be among the best pizza restaurants in Montreal, Pizzeria Napoletana has been around since 1948 and is currently operated by the third generation of the same family. Naturally located in Little Italy, it claims the status of being the first pizzeria in the city. Bring your own wine and enjoy the simple and authentic pizza and pasta dishes at this casual landmark in Montreal’s foodie history.
Yuukai is a relaxed and affordable BYOB that lies in Outremont and offers a range of Japanese fare that includes sushi, gyoza, and udon soup. Bring your own wine to this popular spot and enjoy thoughtfully created maki rolls, sashimi, and more.
The small French restaurant Monsieur B opened in the Plateau in 2009, at the off-the-beaten-track corner of Villeneuve and Gilford. The creative menu options inspired by traditional French dishes change with the seasons. Even though it’s open seven days a week, you should reserve a table in advance because it’s a small and intimate venue that fills quickly.
La Raclette is a Swiss restaurant tucked away in the Plateau, where it has been operating for three decades as a BYOB venue. Cheese fondue and raclette are the highlights of the menu, though there is a range of other hearty offerings available and all with creative presentations.
Le Quartier Général is another BYOB bistro located in the Plateau, and since opening in 2010, it has become an essential Montreal restaurant. Highly popular, you’ll find a reasonable table d’hôte menu that you can enjoy in the cozy, open-kitchen atmosphere.
Le P’tit Plateau is a quirky and cozy bistro with a menu that specializes in dishes inspired by the southwest of France. Delicious offerings include foie gras, duck confit, terrine, rillettes, Toulouse cassoulet, Boileau deer, and more, but there are also vegan and vegetarian options if required. If you want to know which wine to bring along with you to dinner, you can call the restaurant to inquire about the menu of the day.
