It’s finally gotten nice in Montreal! Summer seems to be here to stay this time around (fingers crossed!) and there’s nothing I like more than to hang out on a terrasse with a great drink and some delicious food. Below are some of my very favourite spots to eat and drink al fresco but I have many more suggestions on this Google map. Have a great summer!

Le Vin Papillon / Joe Beef

Dining in the exquisite back patios of either one of these two Montreal institutions is one of my favourite summer activities. These terrasses feel like secret gardens with only a few tables scattered among the vegetable patches and trout pond.

FoodLab

Hidden on the rooftop of Montreal’s Society of Technological Arts is the gorgeous FoodLab terrasse. Like an elevated oasis in the middle of the downtown core, this spot is one of the best kept secrets in town. The food is always superb and the ambiance dynamic and  where the food is always creative and impeccable.

Le Petit Alep

Right across the street from the Jean Talon market is one of my favourite restaurants in Montreal. Le Petit Alep (and next door Alep) is a Syrian restaurant serving traditional fare from Aleppo. The food here is fresh and the menu consists of mezes (small dishes to share) as well as main dishes including delectable kebabs. The ever busy Le Petit Alep is open for lunch and dinner and has a small street side terrasse in the front.

Restaurant Hà

Hà is one of my favourite Vietnamese restaurants in town. I love heading there for a light lunch or a more substantial dinner to be enjoyed indoors or on their cozy little terrasse with a view of the Mount Royal Park. The menu is inspired by traditional Vietnamese neighbourhood restaurants where the cuisine is simple yet full of flavour.

Dinette Triple Crown

Who doesn’t enjoy a picnic in the park on a beautiful summer day? Especially when your picnic basket can be put together by one of my favourite restaurants in Montreal and can include dishes like fried chicken, brisket sandwiches, the best collard greens and great corn bread. Dinette will pack it all up in a picnic basket along with table cloth and cutlery and you can enjoy it in the Little Italy park across the street.

Hoogan et Beaufort

Chef Marc-André Jetté’s food is elegant and precise. Most of the restaurant’s cooking is done on an open fire grill and the wine list is as impressive as the industrial decor. Hoogan et Beaufort is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and their sunny terrasse is always a great spot to enjoy the delicious food.

Restaurant Candide

How can a terrasse that’s not yet open be on my favourite terrasse list? For several reasons actually. Firstly, look at that sketch! Secondly, I am an unabashed fan of Candide‘s food, wine list and team and I am certain this terrasse can only double the enjoyment of dining there. And thirdly, the terrasse will be an extension of the presbytery the restaurant is located in and on a sunny back lane with no traffic surrounded by flowers, mature trees and the new Candide vegetable patch. Need I say more? It’s coming soon! Watch their social media channels for updates.

Dépanneur Le Pick-Up

One of my favourite low-key yet always delicious spots in town is this depanneur (convenience store) slash lunch counter. This hipster-hub serves one of the best pulled pork sandwiches in town but my favourite item on the menu is their grilled halloumi sandwich with mint, honey and a crunchy coleslaw. Try to get a seat on their eclectic terrasse in the back for the full Montreal summer experience.

Dominion Square Tavern

This is undeniably one of the best restaurants in Montreal and specifically in the downtown core. Their terrasse fits the image of the restaurant with its hint of vintage charm. Grab one of the delicious cocktails and don’t forget to end your meal with their awesome sticky toffee pudding.

Brasserie t! / Taverne F

These two coveted terrasses are neighbours and have the best views of many of Montreal’s summer festivals that take place at place des Festivals. Whether you’re in the mood for French food or Portuguese petiscos (tapas), these two spots are the best to satisfy your culinary cravings while watching a live show.

There are many more terrasses I like and highly recommend on my Google map here, so you can enjoy dining outdoors no matter which Montreal neighbourhood you find yourself in.