Montreal's seafood scene has evolved into something spectacular, with chefs sourcing everything from Gaspé lobster to Maritime scallops. The city's proximity to both Atlantic waters and the St. Lawrence has created a vibrant ocean-to-table culture.
We've analyzed hundreds of reviews and local feedback to find the spots that consistently deliver exceptional seafood. From Portuguese bacalhau specialists to Greek tavernas serving pristine branzino, these restaurants represent Montreal's finest aquatic offerings.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Cru — Upscale Raw Bar
- Le Canal — Neighborhood Seafood Haven
- Sailor’s — Fresh Catch Central
- Palomar — Modern Ocean Dining
- Restaurant Douro — Authentic Portuguese Flavors
- Faros — Greek Seafood Excellence
- Gus — Sophisticated Surf House
- Le Filet — Raw Bar Royalty
- Joséphine — French Maritime Magic
- Le Charleville — Suburban Seafood Surprise
1. Cru
✨ Best for: Upscale Raw Bar
📍 Saint-Lambert · ⭐ 4.8 · $$$
Cru elevates the raw bar concept with impeccable sourcing and knife work that rivals the city's top sushi counters. The open kitchen buzzes with precision as chefs shuck oysters and slice crudo with surgical focus. Saint-Lambert's dining elite pack this sleek spot for its rotating selection of East and West coast bivalves, each served with house-made mignonettes that change seasonally. The tasting menu format lets the kitchen show off with preparations that highlight rather than mask pristine seafood.
Must-Order:
Oyster SelectionSeasonal CrudoTasting Menu
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours as tables fill quickly with the Saint-Lambert dining crowd.
2. Le Canal
✨ Best for: Neighborhood Seafood Haven
📍 Pierrefonds · ⭐ 4.8 · $
Le Canal transforms a strip mall location in Pierrefonds into something unexpectedly wonderful, drawing seafood lovers across the city with consistently excellent preparations. Their grilled vegetables provide the perfect accompaniment to simply prepared fish that tastes like it was caught that morning. The shrimp dishes showcase proper technique – never overcooked, always seasoned just right. Regulars know to ask about the daily catch, which often features lesser-known species prepared with confidence and skill.
Must-Order:
Daily CatchGrilled VegetablesShrimp Cocktail
Insider Tip: Free street parking along Boulevard Saint-Jean makes this Pierrefonds location surprisingly accessible for a seafood destination.
3. Sailor’s
✨ Best for: Fresh Catch Central
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.8 · $
Sailor's operates like a neighborhood bistro that happens to specialize in exceptional seafood, with a kitchen that understands how to coax maximum flavor from bass, salmon, and sweet Gulf shrimp. The bass fish with shrimp has become legendary among local seafood enthusiasts for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Service feels personal and unhurried, letting diners focus on food that speaks to both comfort and sophistication. The salmon preparations rotate seasonally but always showcase the fish's natural richness.
Must-Order:
Bass with ShrimpSalmon SpecialSeafood Platter
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure a table as this popular spot fills up quickly, especially when word spreads about the daily specials.
4. Palomar
✨ Best for: Modern Ocean Dining
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.7 · $
Palomar brings a contemporary edge to seafood dining with a menu that changes based on what's swimming into Montreal's markets that day. The kitchen's approach favors clean preparations that let superior ingredients shine without unnecessary embellishment. Regulars trust the chef's recommendations completely, knowing that seasonal specialties often surpass the regular menu offerings. The dining room attracts food-focused professionals who appreciate both the quality and the reasonable pricing for this caliber of cooking.
Must-Order:
Chef's RecommendationDaily SpecialSeasonal Seafood
Insider Tip: Call ahead for reservations during peak dining hours since locals have discovered this affordable seafood gem.
5. Restaurant Douro
✨ Best for: Authentic Portuguese Flavors
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $$$
Restaurant Douro transports diners straight to Portugal's coast with authentic preparations that honor centuries of seafood tradition. Their Bacalhau à Brás represents the gold standard for salt cod dishes in Montreal, while the Arroz de Marisco delivers layers of oceanic flavor that build with each spoonful. The Caldo Verde provides a perfect start, and those Pastéis de Nata are worth saving room for regardless of how satisfied you feel. Portuguese families fill the tables alongside adventurous locals discovering these time-tested flavors.
Must-Order:
Bacalhau à BrásArroz de MariscoPastéis de Nata
Insider Tip: Make reservations well in advance and save room for those legendary Pastéis de Nata regardless of how full you feel.
6. Faros
✨ Best for: Greek Seafood Excellence
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $
Faros brings the Greek islands to Montreal with grilled octopus that achieves the perfect balance between tender and charred, alongside branzino preparations that showcase Mediterranean simplicity at its finest. The kitchen understands that great Greek seafood relies on olive oil, lemon, and impeccable timing rather than complicated techniques. While their lamb dishes draw plenty of attention, the seafood preparations represent the restaurant's true strength. The atmosphere feels authentically taverna-like without descending into theme restaurant territory.
Must-Order:
Grilled OctopusBranzinoGreek Salad
Insider Tip: Weekend reservations are essential as this Greek seafood spot draws crowds from across the city for their octopus.
7. Gus
✨ Best for: Sophisticated Surf House
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.5 · $$$
Gus operates as a sophisticated bistro where the surf and turf represents serious kitchen skills rather than steakhouse excess, combining premium seafood with perfectly executed classics like their renowned Caesar salad. The dining room attracts couples celebrating special occasions alongside business dinners that require both quality and reliability. Chef-driven preparations elevate familiar concepts into something memorable, with seasonal menu changes keeping regulars engaged. The wine list shows particular strength in whites that complement the seafood-forward menu.
Must-Order:
Surf and TurfCaesar SaladScallops
Insider Tip: Weekend reservations are highly recommended at this popular bistro, especially for prime dinner seating times.
8. Le Filet
✨ Best for: Raw Bar Royalty
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.4 · $$$
Le Filet has established itself as Montreal's premier destination for pristine oysters and expertly seared scallops that arrive at the table with restaurant-quality plating and flavors. Their seafood bouillabaisse represents a masterclass in French technique, building complex flavors through proper stock work and precise timing. The raw bar selections rotate based on seasonal availability, ensuring peak quality year-round. Food enthusiasts consider this essential dining for anyone serious about Montreal's seafood scene.
Must-Order:
OystersSeared ScallopsSeafood Bouillabaisse
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure the best tables and experience the relaxed ambiance before the evening dinner rush begins.
9. Joséphine
✨ Best for: French Maritime Magic
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.4 · $$
Joséphine delivers classic French brasserie seafood with moules frites that satisfy both purists and newcomers to the dish, plus grilled octopus that shows Mediterranean influence alongside their signature seafood bouillabaisse. The Rue Saint-Denis location provides perfect people-watching opportunities, especially from those coveted sidewalk tables. Kitchen consistency remains impressive even during busy weekend service when the dining room fills with both locals and visitors. The wine selection emphasizes French bottles that pair naturally with seafood-focused dining.
Must-Order:
Moules FritesGrilled OctopusSeafood Bouillabaisse
Insider Tip: Snag one of the outdoor tables early to enjoy the street life of Rue Saint-Denis while dining on exceptional seafood.
10. Le Charleville
✨ Best for: Suburban Seafood Surprise
📍 Vaudreuil-Dorion · ⭐ 4.4 · $$$
Le Charleville surprises visitors to Vaudreuil-Dorion with serious seafood preparations including a bouillabaisse that rivals downtown Montreal's finest versions, served in an intimate setting that feels more European village than suburban Quebec. Their Belgian influences appear in the Carbonnade Flamande, but the seafood preparations represent the kitchen's strongest suit. The patio setting provides a charming backdrop for leisurely meals that feel like mini-vacations from city dining. Local residents guard this spot carefully, knowing they've found something special.
Must-Order:
Seafood BouillabaisseDaily CatchSeasonal Special
Insider Tip: Arrive early to secure coveted patio seats and enjoy the European village atmosphere of this suburban location.
Tips for Finding Great Seafood in Greater Montreal
Check Daily Specials: The best seafood restaurants change their offerings based on fresh deliveries. Always ask about the catch of the day before ordering from the regular menu.
Timing Matters: Visit seafood restaurants early in the week when deliveries are freshest. Tuesday through Thursday often yield the best quality and selection.
Seasonal Awareness: Montreal's best seafood varies by season. Summer brings local St. Lawrence catches while winter features preserved specialties like Portuguese bacalhau.
Reservation Strategy: Top seafood spots fill quickly, especially on weekends. Book ahead or arrive right at opening to secure tables at the most popular establishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We analyzed ratings, consistency reports, and local dining feedback to identify Montreal's most reliable seafood destinations. Our selections prioritize restaurants that maintain high standards for ingredient sourcing and preparation techniques.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
