Montreal's romantic dining scene thrives on intimate spaces tucked into cobblestone streets and candlelit corners across the city. From Old Montreal's historic charm to the Plateau's cozy bistros, couples find endless options for memorable evenings.
We've curated these romantic havens based on ambiance, culinary excellence, and that intangible spark that turns dinner into something special. These spots span from Mile End's artistic enclaves to suburban gems in Blainville and Dorval.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Chez Antonio — Suburban Italian Romance
- Osteria Pollino — Intimate Italian Excellence
- Bei — Mediterranean Date Spot
- La Panzeria — Cozy Panzeria Charm
- Kes-Kes — Algerian Evening Magic
- Kouzina — Airport District Surprise
- Nama Omakase — Omakase for Two
- Bistro Isakaya — Japanese Date Night
- Piazza Salumi — Market Romance
- Kyodai Izakaya — Izakaya Intimacy
1. Chez Antonio
✨ Best for: Suburban Italian Romance
📍 Blainville · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Chez Antonio transforms a simple Blainville boulevard location into something unexpectedly romantic with dim lighting and classic Italian warmth. The mushroom soup arrives rich and earthy, while their signature steak hamburger elevates casual dining with quality beef and house-made touches. Couples appreciate the unhurried pace and generous portions of crispy fries that encourage lingering conversations over shared plates.
Must-Order:
Mushroom SoupSteak HamburgerFries
Insider Tip: Free street parking on the boulevard makes this spot accessible for couples driving in from the city.
2. Osteria Pollino
✨ Best for: Intimate Italian Excellence
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Osteria Pollino embodies the essence of intimate Italian dining with its carefully crafted house specialties that change based on seasonal ingredients. The chef's personal recommendations create a sense of exclusivity that couples adore, while the restaurant's commitment to authentic preparations makes every dish feel like a personal gift. The intimate setting encourages quiet conversation and lingering over wine.
Must-Order:
House SpecialtyChef's RecommendationSeasonal Special
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours to secure the most intimate seating.
3. Bei
✨ Best for: Mediterranean Date Spot
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Bei brings Mediterranean romance to Montreal with its expertly spiced beef and chicken shawarma that fills the dining room with aromatic herbs and spices. The fresh tabbouleh salad provides a bright counterpoint to rich dishes, while creamy hummus invites couples to share and connect over the communal nature of Mediterranean dining. The cozy atmosphere makes every table feel private and special.
Must-Order:
Beef ShawarmaChicken ShawarmaTabbouleh Salad
Insider Tip: Arrive early for lunch to claim a prime spot in the cozy dining room before the rush begins.
4. La Panzeria
✨ Best for: Cozy Panzeria Charm
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
La Panzeria creates romantic magic through its focus on handcrafted Italian comfort food, starting with focaccia topped with delicate mortadella that melts on the tongue. The spaghetti all'assas showcases the kitchen's commitment to authentic techniques and bold flavors that transport diners straight to Italy. The intimate space fills quickly because locals know this is where real Italian romance happens.
Must-Order:
Focaccia with MortadellaSpaghetti all' assasHouse Wine
Insider Tip: Get there early to secure a table, as this cozy spot fills up quickly during peak romantic dining hours.
5. Kes-Kes
✨ Best for: Algerian Evening Magic
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Kes-Kes offers an enchanting journey through Algerian cuisine with aromatic couscous dishes that steam with exotic spices and slow-cooked tagines that reward patient diners with tender, complex flavors. The Algerian pastries provide a sweet finale that couples share while savoring mint tea. This intimate space creates an atmosphere of discovery and adventure perfect for romantic exploration.
Must-Order:
CouscousTagineAlgerian Pastries
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a table in this intimate space that fills up fast during dinner service.
6. Kouzina
✨ Best for: Airport District Surprise
📍 Dorval · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Kouzina surprises couples seeking romance in unexpected places, serving beautifully prepared gyros and souvlaki that showcase the Mediterranean's lighter, brighter flavors. The creamy tzatziki and perfectly spiced hummus create opportunities for intimate sharing, while the Dorval location offers a quieter alternative to downtown crowds. The authentic preparations make every bite feel like a Greek island escape.
Must-Order:
GyrosSouvlakiTzatziki
Insider Tip: Located in Dorval Gardens food court, it's perfect for couples staying at nearby airport hotels.
7. Nama Omakase
✨ Best for: Omakase for Two
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Nama Omakase elevates date nights into theatrical experiences where couples surrender control to the chef's artistry, watching sushi and sashimi creations unfold like edible poetry. Each piece of the omakase sequence builds anticipation and creates shared moments of discovery that bond couples through culinary adventure. The intimate counter seating fosters connection while showcasing the chef's precise technique.
Must-Order:
OmakaseSushi SelectionSashimi Platter
Insider Tip: Reservations are essential for this intimate dining room – arrive on time to fully enjoy the curated experience.
8. Bistro Isakaya
✨ Best for: Japanese Date Night
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Bistro Isakaya captures the essence of Japanese date night culture with its selection of izakaya small plates perfect for intimate sharing and exploration. The delicate tempura arrives light and crispy while fresh sushi showcases the kitchen's attention to quality and presentation. The cozy dining room encourages couples to settle in for the evening with sake and meaningful conversation.
Must-Order:
TempuraSushiIzakaya Small Plates
Insider Tip: Book ahead and arrive early for the coziest tables in this intimate dining room popular with locals.
9. Piazza Salumi
✨ Best for: Market Romance
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Piazza Salumi transforms market dining into romantic experiences through its selection of Fumagalli cold cuts and artisanal cheeses that create perfect wine-pairing opportunities. The freshly baked breads provide a foundation for couples to build their own tasting plates while discovering new flavor combinations together. The market setting adds energy while maintaining intimate table conversations.
Must-Order:
Fumagalli Cold CutsArtisanal CheesesFreshly Baked Breads
Insider Tip: Beat the lunch rush by arriving early to enjoy the market's cozy seating area.
10. Kyodai Izakaya
✨ Best for: Izakaya Intimacy
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.9 · $
Kyodai Izakaya brings couples together over the interactive experience of yakitori skewers grilled to perfection and the comforting warmth of chawanmushi that melts on the tongue. The playful okonomiyaki and takoyaki encourage sharing and laughter while the intimate counter seating creates a sense of exclusivity. The restaurant's authentic Japanese atmosphere transports couples far from Montreal's winter streets.
Must-Order:
Yakitori SkewersChawanmushiOkonomiyaki
Insider Tip: Snag a seat at the intimate counter early to watch the chefs work their magic.
Tips for Finding Great Romantic Dining in Montreal
Book Early: Montreal's most romantic spots have limited seating and fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Make reservations at least a week in advance for prime time slots.
Explore Neighborhoods: Don't limit yourself to Old Montreal – romantic gems hide in Plateau, Mile End, and even suburban areas like Blainville and Dorval.
Share Plates: Mediterranean and Japanese restaurants excel at shareable dishes that create intimate dining experiences and encourage conversation.
Off-Peak Romance: Consider lunch dates or early dinners to secure better seating and more attentive service at popular romantic restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We curated these romantic restaurants by analyzing local dining patterns, intimate seating arrangements, and menu styles that encourage sharing and lingering. Our selections prioritize atmosphere, service quality, and that special ambiance that transforms dinner into romance.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
