A version of this article was first written for Tourisme Montréal
New Montreal restaurants keep popping up on a weekly basis and my list of establishments to try keeps getting longer. These are the newest ones I’ve added. Leave me a comment and let me know which ones you’re most looking forward to trying soon.
Jiao
Jiao is surely Montreal’s most beautiful dim sum bar with a breathtaking décor that includes a Manga mural and oversized light fixtures. Open until 3AM every day, it’s the perfect spot to grab a drink and a snack after work or to linger until last call. The menu includes dim sum classics as well as revisited dishes by talented chef Phong Thach of Red Tiger fame.
Moccione
A very exciting addition to the Villeray neighbourhood dining scene–my neighbourhood!–comes from two former Toqué! kitchen staff members. Chef Luca Cianciulli is at the helm at Moccione, an Italian restaurant aiming at shining the spotlight on local produce and beverages.
Fiorellino
The beloved downtown pizza and pasta place now counts a second location on the west side of Laurier Avenue. The large restaurant is on two floors and is open for lunch and dinner. The Fiorellino menu includes classic pizze and pasta dishes as well as antipasti and secondi.
Hanzo
This new Old Montreal izakaya draws its décor inspiration from Kill Bill (how cool is that?) and prides itself on catering to a more mature crowd (hands up if that’s you!). Hanzo’s menu includes classic izakaya dishes such as gyoza, yakitori and ramen as well as interesting cocktails.
Clairon
The Clairon dishes look so great, like the perfect fusion of comfort food with an elegant touch. Hidden behind an inconspicuous white brick façade is Clairon, the Plateau’s latest restaurant with a focus on regional and seasonal produce where every product on the plate or in the glass is carefully selected and transformed with great talent.
India Rosa
I tasted some of India Rosa‘s bites at the MTLàTABLE launch and fell in love with their flavours. The trendy and chic Indian restaurant is the perfect spot to indulge in one of its creative cocktails and scrumptious bites after work or to dive into an elaborate dinner in a funky and fun ambiance.
Pikeos
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love Peruvian food so the addition of Pikeos to the Montreal dining scene is very exciting to me! Classic Peruvian dishes and cocktails are on the menu such as lomo saltado, causas and pisco sours.
Monarque
The Montreal food scene waited with baited breath for this Old Montreal restaurant for years. Monarque is finally here! This oversized project is the chef d’oeuvre of the Leméac family, a classic I always enjoy going back to. The cuisine is French with a twist, the décor is grandiose and the service impeccable.
Henri Brasserie Française
Named after Henri Birks and located inside the new Birks Hotel, Henri Brasserie Française is a magnificent new brasserie with the same opulence as the Birks institution and a menu steeped in French brasserie.
The gorgeous space of Bar-St-Denis {photo © Alison Slattery for Tastet}
Bar-St-Denis
Another restaurant that’s just opened in my neighbourhood is Bar-St-Denis from former Au Pied de cochon staff members. The space looks stunning from what I can guess by peaking through the window and the menu is elevated bar food with a Lebanese twist. What more can I ask for?
For more of my Montreal restaurant suggestions, click here.
