How We Work
Behind the scenes of Top of Montreal
Our Mission
At Top of Montreal, we believe that finding a great meal shouldn't feel like a research project. Our goal is simple: cut through the noise of thousands of conflicting reviews to find the one thing you actually need to order.
From the legendary bagel shops of the Plateau to the sophisticated bistros of Old Montreal, we cut through the tourist traps to find the restaurants that Montrealers actually love. Whether it's the perfect poutine in Verdun or a hidden BYOB in Mile End, we surface what matters.
The Problem with "The Crowd"
Most review sites are built on random opinions. A restaurant might have 4 stars, but is it because of the service, the decor, or the food? It's hard to tell. And with hundreds of reviews per restaurant, who has time to read them all?
We do.
Our Curation Process
We do the digging so you don't have to. Here's how we find the restaurants worth your time:
đź“Š Review Synthesis
We analyze thousands of local reviews and community feedback to identify patterns that matter—not just star ratings, but what people actually say about the food.
🍽️ Signature Dish Identification
We look for the "consensus favorites"—the dishes that locals and regulars mention over and over again. These are the items you need to order.
đź’ˇ Insider Knowledge
We surface the small details that get buried in long review threads: the best time to visit, the secret patio, the off-menu item the regulars know about.
Transparency Matters
We're a data-driven guide. We aggregate ratings, reviews, and photos from major platforms including Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor, then cross-reference them with local food blogs, social media, and on-the-ground reporting to build a complete picture of the Montreal dining scene. Our editorial team personally reviews and curates every listing — no algorithms decide what makes the cut.
What We Don't Do
No pay-to-play. Restaurants can't buy better placement or ratings. Our recommendations are based solely on community feedback and editorial judgment.
No sponsored content disguised as reviews. If we partner with a restaurant, we'll tell you. But our "Signature Dishes" and "Insider Tips" are never for sale.
— The Top of Montreal Editorial Team