Montreal's breakfast and brunch scene has exploded into a proper obsession, with diners queuing around blocks for perfectly executed eggs Benedict and towering stacks of fluffy pancakes.
From Mile End's intimate cafés to NDG's hidden luncheonettes, these ten spots represent the cream of Greater Montreal's morning dining scene, chosen for their consistency and cult followings.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Restaurant Gault — Light-Filled Morning Elegance
- NDG Luncheonette — Hidden NDG Treasure
- Allô! Mon Coco — Suburban Brunch Paradise
- Sel, Poivre & Pommes — French-Inspired Morning Comfort
- Régine Café — Elevated Neighborhood Classic
- Dandy — Plateau Pancake Perfection
- L’Avenue – Mont-Royal Avenue E — Mont-Royal Institution
- Petinos la Prairie — South Shore Brunch Destination
- Le Passé Composé — Upscale Morning Indulgence
- L’Avenue — Laval's Brunch Answer
1. Restaurant Gault
✨ Best for: Light-Filled Morning Elegance
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Restaurant Gault transforms the morning meal into something approaching fine dining without the pretension. Their buttermilk pancakes arrive impossibly fluffy with a subtle tang that cuts through rich maple syrup, while the eggs Benedict features perfectly poached eggs atop house-made English muffins. The avocado toast here isn't Instagram bait—it's thick sourdough topped with creamy avocado, microgreens, and a sprinkle of everything seasoning. Young professionals and weekend warriors pack the sunlit dining room, creating a buzzy atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and approachable.
Must-Order:
Buttermilk PancakesEggs BenedictSmoked Salmon Bagel
Insider Tip: Arrive early on weekends to secure a table by the large windows and enjoy the natural light-filled dining room.
2. NDG Luncheonette
✨ Best for: Hidden NDG Treasure
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
NDG Luncheonette operates like Montreal's best-kept secret, tucked away where only locals seem to know about it. The burger here defies breakfast convention—a juicy patty topped with a fried egg and served alongside crispy hash browns that locals swear by. Their pancakes are old-school thick and come with real butter, not the whipped stuff. The omelets fold perfectly around generous fillings of cheese, mushrooms, or whatever the kitchen recommends. Expect a mix of longtime neighborhood residents and McGill students who've discovered this unassuming gem.
Must-Order:
Classic BurgerFluffy PancakesCheese Omelet
Insider Tip: Look for the unassuming storefront on the quiet side street and arrive early to snag one of the limited seats.
3. Allô! Mon Coco
✨ Best for: Suburban Brunch Paradise
📍 Blainville · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Allô! Mon Coco brings suburban comfort food to new heights in Blainville, where families and couples make weekend pilgrimages for serious brunch plates. The fluffy pancakes stack three-high and practically float off the plate, while the French toast borders on dessert territory with its custard-like center and caramelized exterior. Their hearty omelets arrive stuffed with fresh ingredients, and the savory crepes showcase a more refined approach to morning dining. The outdoor patio becomes prime real estate during warmer months.
Must-Order:
Fluffy PancakesDecadent French ToastSavory Crepes
Insider Tip: Arrive early on weekends to avoid the crowds and secure a table on the charming outdoor patio.
4. Sel, Poivre & Pommes
✨ Best for: French-Inspired Morning Comfort
📍 Saint-Eustache · ⭐ 4.9 · $
Sel, Poivre & Pommes elevates French café culture in Saint-Eustache with dishes that feel both familiar and refined. Their croque-monsieur arrives golden and bubbling, with quality ham and gruyère that melts into the perfect bite. The eggs Benedict here features Canadian bacon and hollandaise that's clearly made in-house, never from a packet. French toast gets the royal treatment with thick brioche slices and real vanilla, while pancakes maintain that perfect balance of lightness and substance. Expect a crowd of discerning suburbanites who know good food.
Must-Order:
Croque-MonsieurEggs BenedictFrench Toast
Insider Tip: Arrive early on weekends to avoid a wait, as this popular spot fills up quickly with discerning locals.
5. Régine Café
✨ Best for: Elevated Neighborhood Classic
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $$
Régine Café brings British pub breakfast vibes to Montreal with dishes that feel both hearty and refined. The Scotch eggs here are revelation—perfectly soft-boiled eggs wrapped in seasoned sausage meat and fried golden. Hash browns arrive crispy outside and fluffy inside, the way they should be but rarely are. The fluffy eggs demonstrate proper technique, scrambled low and slow until they're barely set. It's the kind of place where construction workers sit next to food bloggers, all united in their appreciation for well-executed comfort food.
Must-Order:
Scotch EggsHash BrownsFluffy Eggs
Insider Tip: Weekend waits are inevitable, so arrive early or be prepared to enjoy a coffee while you wait for a table.
6. Dandy
✨ Best for: Plateau Pancake Perfection
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $$
Dandy has mastered the art of weekend brunch in the Plateau, where ricotta pancakes have achieved near-legendary status among locals. These aren't your average flapjacks—they're light, tangy, and topped with seasonal fruit that changes based on what's best. The eggs Benedict comes with house-made hollandaise that's never broken, while French toast uses challah bread for extra richness. Avocado toast gets elevated with heirloom tomatoes and microgreens. The crowd skews young and stylish, creating that quintessential Plateau energy.
Must-Order:
Ricotta PancakesEggs BenedictFrench Toast
Insider Tip: Weekend lines form quickly, so arrive before 10am or be prepared to wait for these legendary ricotta pancakes.
7. L’Avenue – Mont-Royal Avenue E
✨ Best for: Mont-Royal Institution
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $$
L'Avenue on Mont-Royal has been a Montreal brunch institution for years, drawing everyone from hungover university students to well-dressed families for their legendary portions. The house specialty varies seasonally but always showcases local ingredients prepared with care and creativity. Chef recommendations here are worth following—the kitchen knows how to balance innovation with comfort. Service can be brusque during peak hours, but that's part of the authentic Montreal experience. The atmosphere buzzes with French and English conversations creating that perfect bilingual Montreal soundtrack.
Must-Order:
House SpecialtyChef's RecommendationSeasonal Features
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours, especially on weekends when the wait can exceed an hour.
View L’Avenue – Mont-Royal Avenue E →
8. Petinos la Prairie
✨ Best for: South Shore Brunch Destination
📍 La Prairie · ⭐ 4.4 · $
Petinos la Prairie proves that exceptional brunch exists beyond Montreal's city limits, drawing South Shore residents who refuse to settle for mediocre morning meals. Their fluffy omelets arrive perfectly cooked with generous fillings that don't overwhelm the eggs. French toast borders on decadent with thick slices and real maple syrup, while hearty scrambles combine eggs with fresh vegetables and cheese. The pancakes achieve that ideal texture—light but substantial. The outdoor patio offers a peaceful escape from the city's brunch chaos.
Must-Order:
Fluffy OmeletsDecadent French ToastPerfectly Cooked Pancakes
Insider Tip: The outdoor patio is prime real estate during warmer months, so arrive early to secure the best weekend seating.
9. Le Passé Composé
✨ Best for: Upscale Morning Indulgence
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.4 · $$$
Le Passé Composé operates at a different level entirely, where foie gras poached eggs represent the pinnacle of Montreal brunch luxury. This isn't your typical weekend hangover cure—it's a destination for food lovers who appreciate technique and premium ingredients. The grilled cheese transcends childhood memories with artisanal bread and carefully selected cheeses. Even their smoothies feel elevated, using seasonal fruit and interesting flavor combinations. The price point reflects the quality, attracting food industry professionals and serious gastronomes who understand what they're experiencing.
Must-Order:
Foie Gras Poached EggArtisanal Grilled CheeseSeasonal Smoothie
Insider Tip: Expect higher prices that reflect the premium ingredients, and make reservations for weekend dining.
10. L’Avenue
✨ Best for: Laval's Brunch Answer
Tripadvisor📍 Laval · ⭐ 4.3 · $
L'Avenue's Laval location brings the Montreal brunch institution to the suburbs, where families and brunch enthusiasts don't have to cross bridges for quality morning dining. The house specialties maintain the same standards as the original, with generous portions that have made L'Avenue famous. Chef recommendations showcase seasonal ingredients and creative preparations that go beyond typical breakfast fare. The suburban setting offers easier parking and a more relaxed pace than the bustling Montreal locations, making it perfect for leisurely weekend meals.
Must-Order:
House SpecialtyChef's RecommendationWeekend Features
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours to avoid the suburban weekend brunch rush.
Tips for Finding Great Breakfast & Brunch in Greater Montreal
Beat Weekend Crowds: Most popular brunch spots see their biggest crowds between 10am-1pm on weekends. Arrive by 9am or after 2pm for shorter waits.
Explore Beyond Downtown: Some of the best breakfast spots are in residential neighborhoods like NDG or suburbs like Blainville, offering better value and shorter lines.
Call Ahead: Many top brunch restaurants accept reservations for larger parties or peak times. A quick call can save you a lengthy weekend wait.
Check Seasonal Menus: Montreal's best breakfast spots often feature seasonal ingredients and rotating specials that showcase local producers and fresh ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We analyzed ratings data, local feedback, and consistency reports across Greater Montreal to identify these standout breakfast and brunch destinations. Our selections prioritize both food quality and authentic local following over tourist popularity.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
