This list was update in April 2017.
A version of this article was first written for Tourisme Montréal.

Some people eat to live and some live to eat. This list is for the latter: those who are driven by the decadent pleasure of discovering new gourmand destinations and enjoying delectable gastronomic experiences.

For fine dining par excellence: Restaurant Toqué!
Chef Normand Laprise’s cuisine – the very one that started the Montréal food revolution – will leave you speechless and wanting more.

For a bit of romance: Chez L’Épicier
A fine dining establishment with a touch of whimsy, the charming Chez L’Épicier is located inside a beautiful old stone building in Old Montréal. The chocolate club sandwich for dessert is a must.

For those who want to see and be seen: Pastaga
Star chef Martin Juneau’s food draws admiring crowds in and the casual yet dazzling food keeps them coming back for more.

For the sweet tooth: Patrice Pâtissier
Dessert instead of dinner? Now that’s my kind of romantic meal, especially when the desserts are made by Patrice Demers, one of Montreal’s best pastry chefs.

For the art lovers: Le Mousso
Chef Antonin Mousseau-Rivard’s dishes look like delicious works of art, which is no surprise since he comes from a long lineage of artists. The cuisine, though very personal and original, is market inspired and seasonal.

For the trendy crowd: Hotel Herman – Unfortunately, Hotel Herman is now closed.
The northern Québec cuisine is even prettier than the branché crowd that frequents this much-applauded establishment.

For the foie gras enthusiasts: La Chronique
This is where you go for the best foie gras in Montréal, and keep returning for the flawless French-inspired menu.

For the star treatment: Restaurant Les 400 coups
Local ingredients shine in an ambiance worthy of an old Hollywood movie set.

For those who want to feel like a local: Bouillon Bilk
This restaurant is so inconspicuous, that it’s easy to miss, but it would be such a shame because the cuisine here is sophisticated yet unpretentious, set against a minimal décor that lets the dishes shine.

For a Michelin-star experience: Maison Boulud
Chef Daniel Boulud’s extensive expertise shines through his chef de cuisine Riccardo Bertolino, and the exquisite service that reigns within the sumptuous dining room.

For the quintessential Montreal night out: Joe Beef
You’ll be treated to the best Montréal has to offer, paired with a great glass of wine.

For the fish and seafood aficionados: Le Filet
The delicate ocean-based dishes have become the toast of the town. And speaking of toasts, do try the one with sea urchin and seaweed butter.

For those willing to travel for food: Restaurant Le St Urbain
One of the city’s best tables is located a tad out of the way but is very much worth the trip. You’ll enjoy the elegant food and excellent wine list.

For the lovers of regional Quebec food: Candide
Going to Candide is like heading to a secret location only you are privy to. Located inside a church’s presbytery, Candide’s cuisine is rigorously regional and seasonal and highlight’s Quebec’s best products and purveyors in a lovely way.

For those in search of exotic flavours: Estiatorio Milos
You’ll savour the vast array of delicate Mediterranean dishes, fresh seafood and scrumptious desserts in a décor reminiscent of a Greek holiday.

For the design lovers: Le Serpent
The industrial chic restaurant design will wow you just as much as the Italian-inspired menu.