A version of this article was first written for Guestful.

It used to be said that we could only consume raw oysters during the months that end with “r”, so basically from September to December. These days are long gone now and you can now enjoy these tasty treats safely at any time of the year, although from what I understand, it is somewhat more sustainable to actually follow that rule. But what do I know, I’m not an oyster expert, except when it comes to slurping some down. I prefer mine with a squeeze of lemon and a few drops of Tabasco or some fresh horseradish if it’s available. Although some Montreal institutions have been serving them for years, oysters have become a regular fixture on more and more menus lately. Below is a list of some of my favourite Montreal restaurants to enjoy one – or 20 – of the freshest oysters in town. Slurp up!

1. Lucille’s Oyster Drive
Although it may seem like every other restaurant in town now offers oysters, Lucille’s was one of the first to do so a few years ago. They are also oyster wholesalers who distribute quite a few restaurants in town so you can expect their oysters to always be the best.

2. Chez Victoire
I love Chez Victoire’s… everything, actually! The charcuterie platter is one of the best in town, the ambiance is magnifique, chef Alexandre Gosselin’s French-inspired market cuisine is wonderful as is the great wine list put together by sommelière Sindie Goineau. They also happen to have beautiful fresh oyster with housemade condiments at all times.

3. Notkins Oyster Bar
One of the most anticipated restaurant openings in town this fall is Notkins Oyster Bar from Daniel Notkin, shucking master and genius founder of Montreal’s beloved Oysterfest. The sleek and massive downtown restaurant offers several kinds of oysters on the bed on a daily basis.

4. Le Bremner
This classic, critically acclaimed Old Montreal restaurant owned by tattooed celebrity chef Chuck Hughes and operated by talented chef Danny Smiles deals over-the-top food and cocktails to a loyal clientele. Their seafood and oyster platters are no exception.

5. Majestique
Open for a few months now, Majestique has quickly become a favourite among Montreal’s night owls for a late-night snack or a great dinner. Their oyster selection is fresh and a great way to kick off your meal or end your evening while nursing a glass of wine or a signature cocktail.

6.  Le North End
Cocktails, wine and oyster is what Le North End, a newcomer on the oyster scene, specializes in. The Rosemont neighbourhood bar with a nautical-themed design offers do-it-yourself Caesars and three different oyster choices available every night as well as 1$ oysters every Sunday.

7. Joe Beef
I wrote about the lighter side of Joe Beef last year and their seafood platter is definitely one way to experience that light side or to kick off any dinner at the iconic Montreal restaurant. Joe Beef  doesn’t do anything half way and that goes for their out-of-this world seafood platter, which includes the most pristine oysters. Joe Beef’s sibling restaurants Liverpool House and Le Vin Papillon are also great oyster spots.

8. Maestro S.V.P.
One of the original oyster restaurants in Montreal, Maestro has been serving the delectable bivalves for the past 25 years. The expert team will “guide you through a true oyster experience” by teaching you the basics while leading you through a show and taste discovery.

9. Pub Sir Joseph
Pub Sir Joseph is located on the Main in the Mile End and serves a fun, elevated pub menu with items such as tartares, burgers, ribs and charcuteries platters. They also always have great oysters on deck which are very often on special ($1 oysters anyone). Keep checking their social media for specials.

10. Restaurant GUS
GUS is a tiny steakhouse serving what I believe to be some of the best meat in Montreal. Chef David Ferguson’s cuisine is unique and hard to describe: French in essence with dabs of the Southwest in the form of various peppers and homemade hot sauces. Start with the fresh oysters and don’t skip ordering the Caesar salad made à la minute.

11. Lawrence
One of my favourite restaurants in town for any meal of the day (they open for dinner, weekend brunch and weekday lunch) is also a great place to fill up on oysters while admiring the beautiful crowd that tends to pack up this popular Mile End spot.

12. Comptoir Sainte Cécile
Ever since this comptoir gourmand opened a block away from my place, I find myself there often, for brunch, lunch, dinner or to pick up one of their ready-to-eat meals at home. They also just started their Thursday evenings Apéro on the terrasse, which are a lot of fun.

13. L’Orignal
L’Orignal is a charming Old Montreal restaurant located on a picturesque cobblestone street. It’s been around for a few years now and has been serving some of  Montreal’s best oysters since it opened. L’Orignal also specializes in a variety of game meat. Oysters are $12 for a dozen on Thursday nights, along with $6 wine by-the-glass specials.

14. Le Filet
Le Filet is part of the Chasse et Pêche family of restaurants and if there’s one thing that family does right is create restaurants where the food is phenomenal, the ambiance electric and the service irreproachable. As its name indicates, Le Filet (the net) specializes in fish and seafood. Whether you like raw or cooked oysters, Le Filet has some of the best in Montreal!

15. La boîte aux huîtres
Not essentially a restaurant but rather a stall at the Jean Talon Market, la Boîte aux huîtres provides a large variety of excellent fresh bivalves. It makes for a great snack or lunch while filling up on produce at the market. I always tend to stop by when shopping at the market. They also cater, which makes for excellent – not to mention delicious – dinner conversation.