Exclusive | Montreal Where to Eat Part Two

In The Plateau area, main drag St. Denis is lined with exciting restaurants, cafes and funky stores. L'Express (3927 rue Saint-Denis, The Plateau; 514-845-5333; C$19-22) is a stylish, fun and noisy bistro with an authentic Parisian atmosphere. Reservations essential. Chu Chai (4088 rue Saint-Denis, The Plateau; 514-843-4194; C$10-16) is a vegetarian only, Thai restaurant known for inventive deployment of tofu and other soy products to replicate the texture and taste of meat. Next door, its sister restaurant Chuch (4094 rue Saint-Denis, The Plateau) offers vegetarian takeout, perfect for lunch. L'Avenue (922 avenue Mont Royal Est, The Plateau; 514-523-8780; C$8-15) is a hip place for brunch and a good place to ogle beautiful people who are there to see and be seen. L'Anecdote (801 Rachel Est, The Plateau; 514-526-7967; C$6-12) is a great place for brunch or burgers. Apr?s le Jour (901 rue Rachel Est, The Plateau; 514-527-4141; C$13-23) is a gay-popular Italian eatery, with an emphasis on seafood.

In the trendy Pl?teau neighborhood, weekend brunches are when everyone turns out in droves; two of the more popular spots are Dans La Bouche (2000 avenue du Mont-Royal Est; 514-526-1404; tapas C$6-19, fixed price menus C$49), which draws an eclectic crowd of all ages to its leather and brick space, and Restaurant L'Avenue (see above). Get there early, or expect to wait!

Beauty's (93 rue Mont-Royal Ouest; 514-849-8883; C$5-12) is a brunch favorite -- egg dishes and freshly squeezed juices in a 1950s-style diner. Vegetarians don't despair; we haven't forgotten you. Le Commensal (1720 rue Saint-Denis; 514/845-2627; C$5-12) is a very popular and inexpensive veggie hangout, with a hot or cold buffet.

Lesbian-owned La Paryse (302 rue Ontario Est, Latin Quarter; 514-842-2040; C$7-10) serves the best homemade hamburgers and fries in town to a mixed crowd in a fun 1950s-style diner. The best views are from the smokers' section.

Along fashionable Saint-Laurent, there are several noteworthy dining establishments. Restaurant Globe (3455 boulevard Saint-Laurent, Latin Quarter/The Plateau; 514-284-3823; C$27-49) offers excellent organic food in an upbeat trendy American-bistro atmosphere where the music gets loud after 10:30 p.m. Buona Notte (3518 boulevard Saint-Laurent, Latin Quarter/The Plateau; 514-848-0644; C$16-44) is one of the trendiest restaurants along Saint-Laurent, popular with celebrities who enjoy the excellent Italian cuisine and owned by the same people as the Restaurant Globe (see above). DJs spin records on the weekends, creating a buzzy bar scene. Buona Notte's carpaccios and antipasto dishes are excellent. Primadonna (3479 boulevard Saint-Laurent, Latin Quarter/The Plateau; 514-282-6644; C$19-38) successfully combines a recommended Italian restaurant with a sushi bar. The wine selection is extensive.

Award-winning chef Normand Laprise's Toqu? (900 place Jean-Paul-Riopelle; 514/499-2084, International Quarter; C$32-45) is arguably the best restaurant in Montr?al. The international cuisine is excellent and expensive. The menu changes weekly (sometimes daily) to accommodate the freshest ingredients.

Gay-friendly Pierre du Calvet (405 rue Bonsecours, Old Montreal; 514/282-1725; C$28-42) is a five-star French restaurant in a historic house in Vieux Montr?al, highly recommended by locals for its cuisine and atmosphere. Try the rack of lamb (locally grown and delicieux!). For dessert, order a sabayon, an ice-cream-based dessert with port sauce and cantaloupe. Le Bonaparte (447 rue Saint-Francois-Xavier, Old Montreal; 514/844-4368; C$15-25) is another good French restaurant in Vieux Montr?al. Request a balcony table.

Impeccable service and a choice of excellent French a la carte and table d'hote menus star at Beaver Hall (1073 Cote du Beaverhall, City Center/International Quarter; 514-866-1331, fax 514-866-3496; C$12-20), the latest destination dining room from French-born chef, Jerome Ferrer. It's less than ten minutes walk from Basilica Notre Dame. Upstairs in the new building at the Museum of Beaux-Arts, Le Caf? des Beaux-Arts (1384 Sherbrooke St Ouest, Museum Quarter; 514-843-3233; C$16-20) is a refreshing space with a vibrant color scheme of ochre and sienna to match its bold menu. Oyster mushroom risotto, duck confit, seared scallops and Grand Marnier sabayon are highlights. Service is attentive and friendly.

Part One | Part Two

Related Articles:
Montreal: Introduction
Montreal: Where to Stay
Montreal: Where to Play/Meet
Montreal: What to See & Do
Montreal: Where to Shop
Montreal: Resources