Best French Restaurants in Greater Montreal – 2026 Guide

Greater Montreal's French dining scene runs deeper than anywhere outside France itself. From Laval's hidden fine-dining temples to the Plateau's bustling bistros, authentic French flavors thrive across the region.

We've curated these ten standouts based on ratings, consistency, and local buzz. These spots range from intimate neighborhood gems to theatrical tableside experiences that capture Montreal's unique French-Canadian dining culture.

📍 All 10 Locations

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1. Le Mitoyen

✨ Best for: Laval's Fine-Dining Secret

📍 Laval · ⭐ 4.9 · $$$$

This Laval institution delivers old-school French elegance with dishes that would impress in Lyon. The foie gras arrives silky and rich, while the coq au vin showcases perfectly braised chicken in deep burgundy sauce. Executive types and anniversary couples fill the intimate dining room, savoring every bite of the classic beef bourguignon. The crème brûlée provides a flawless finale with its crackling sugar crust and vanilla-bean custard beneath.

Must-Order:

Foie GrasCoq au VinCrème Brûlée

Insider Tip: Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends, as this intimate restaurant fills up quickly.

View Le Mitoyen →

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2. Surcouf

✨ Best for: West Island French Charm

📍 Sainte-Anne-De-Bellevue · ⭐ 4.9 · $

Tucked in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, this unassuming spot serves authentic French comfort at prices that won't break the bank. The coq au vin here is rustic perfection – tender chicken swimming in wine-dark sauce with pearl onions and mushrooms. Sweet-toothed diners rave about the tarte tatin, its caramelized apples nestled in buttery pastry. Local families and McGill professors make this their regular French fix.

Must-Order:

Coq au VinTarte TatinCrêpes

Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure one of the limited parking spots behind the restaurant.

View Surcouf →

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3. Buvette Nicole

✨ Best for: Plateau Bistro Perfection

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.9 · $

This Plateau hotspot buzzes with energy from morning until night, serving elevated bistro fare that keeps regulars coming back. The duck breast arrives perfectly pink, fanned over seasonal vegetables, while the house-made gnocchi pillows melt in your mouth. The charcuterie board showcases Quebec's finest cured meats alongside imported French cheeses. Young professionals and food bloggers pack the narrow space, creating an infectious dining energy.

Must-Order:

Duck BreastGnocchiCharcuterie

Insider Tip: Arrive early for brunch to secure a table and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

View Buvette Nicole →

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4. Le Continental

✨ Best for: Tableside Theater Downtown

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.7 · $$$$

Step into this downtown institution for French fine dining with serious theatrical flair. The shrimp flambé performance alone is worth the visit – prawns dancing in cognac flames tableside. Their steak au poivre delivers peppercorn heat balanced by rich cream sauce, while the duck à l'orange showcases classic technique. Business dinners and special occasions dominate the clientele at this expense-account favorite.

Must-Order:

Shrimp FlambéSteak au PoivreDuck à l'Orange

Insider Tip: Arrive early or make a reservation to secure a table, as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

View Le Continental →

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5. Resto la Menthe Poivrée

✨ Best for: Neighborhood French Comfort

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $$

This understated spot focuses on French fundamentals executed with precision and care. The chef's recommendations change seasonally, showcasing local ingredients through a distinctly French lens. House specialties lean toward traditional preparations that let quality ingredients shine. Neighborhood regulars appreciate the consistent execution and reasonable pricing that makes French dining accessible for weeknight dinners.

Must-Order:

House SpecialtyChef's RecommendationSeasonal Special

Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours.

View Resto la Menthe Poivrée →

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6. Le Club Chasse et Pêche

✨ Best for: Old Montreal Sophistication

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $$$$

Hidden in Old Montreal's stone-walled basement, this restaurant feels like a Parisian cave à vin transported across the Atlantic. The beef tartare gets hand-chopped to order, crowned with a perfect quail egg, while the foie gras terrine melts like butter on warm brioche. The roasted Cornish hen showcases herb-scented perfection. Date nights and business entertaining fill the moody, candlelit space.

Must-Order:

Beef TartareFoie Gras TerrineRoasted Cornish Hen

Insider Tip: For the best experience, make a reservation and arrive early to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in the cozy lounge area.

View Le Club Chasse et Pêche →

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7. Pégase

✨ Best for: Classic Bistro Excellence

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $$$

This bistro nails the classic French brasserie experience with dishes that transport you straight to Paris. The beef bourguignon slow-cooks to fork-tender perfection in rich red wine sauce, while the sole meunière showcases delicate fish in brown butter with capers. The crème brûlée provides textbook execution with its torched sugar crown. Francophone families and romantic couples create a distinctly Montreal ambiance.

Must-Order:

Beef BourguignonSole MeunièreCrème Brûlée

Insider Tip: The restaurant offers a small parking sticker that allows you to park in front of the bistro, making it easy to access.

View Pégase →

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8. Le P’tit Plateau

✨ Best for: BYOB Plateau Favorite

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $$$

Bring your own bottle to this cozy Plateau gem where French technique meets Quebec ingredients at surprisingly gentle prices. The duck confit falls off the bone, its crispy skin giving way to impossibly tender meat, while the beef bourguignon bubbles with wine-dark richness. The foie gras preparation changes seasonally but never disappoints. Young couples and food-savvy locals pack the intimate space nightly.

Must-Order:

Duck ConfitBeef BourguignonFoie Gras

Insider Tip: Le P'tit Plateau is a BYOB restaurant, so be sure to stop by a nearby wine shop before your visit.

View Le P’tit Plateau →

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9. O’Thym

✨ Best for: Romantic French Hideaway

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $$$

This romantic hideaway excels at refined French cooking in an intimate setting perfect for special occasions. The roasted duck breast arrives sliced to reveal a perfect rosy interior, while seared scallops caramelize beautifully over seasonal accompaniments. The beef bourguignon showcases hours of careful braising in burgundy wine. The charming patio offers neighborhood views that enhance the dining experience.

Must-Order:

Roasted Duck BreastSeared ScallopsBeef Bourguignon

Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a table on the charming outdoor patio, which offers a picturesque view of the surrounding neighborhood.

View O’Thym →

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10. Île Flottante

✨ Best for: Intimate Chef's Vision

📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $$$

The chef's vision shines through seasonal menus that highlight French technique applied to local ingredients. House specialties evolve with the seasons, ensuring regular diners always discover something new. The chef's recommendations typically showcase the kitchen's technical prowess while maintaining approachable flavors. This intimate space attracts serious food lovers who appreciate culinary craftsmanship over flashy presentations.

Must-Order:

House SpecialtyChef's RecommendationSeasonal Tasting

Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours.

View Île Flottante →

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Tips for Finding Great French Food in Greater Montreal

Look Beyond Downtown: Some of Montreal's best French restaurants hide in Laval and the West Island. These suburban spots often offer better value and more intimate experiences than their downtown counterparts.

BYOB Saves Money: Many French bistros allow you to bring your own wine, dramatically reducing your bill. Stop at an SAQ before dinner to pair your meal perfectly.

Embrace the Classics: Montreal's French restaurants excel at traditional dishes like coq au vin and beef bourguignon. Don't chase trendy items when the classics are executed so well here.

Reserve Early: The best French spots in Montreal are small and fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Book at least a week ahead for prime dining times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How We Picked These Spots

We selected these restaurants by analyzing ratings across multiple review platforms, local dining forums, and consistent performance over time. Our focus was on authentic French technique, ingredient quality, and the overall dining experience that keeps locals returning.

Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.

Last updated: February 2026