Alexandre & fils

1454 rue Peel, Montréal, QC H3A 1S8 514-288-5105

Description: With more than two decades of experience behind it, this French brasserie is a Montréal favorite. Its relaxed but sophisticated ambience includes a central bar and a variety of decorative mirrors. The menu features traditional café fare, such as steak and frites, cassoulet, sausages and sauerkraut, and a selection of seafood dishes. When the weather's warm, the terrace invites guests outside to dine on wicker chairs and bask in the sunlight. In the evenings, the restaurant's second floor becomes a pub, serving draft and imported beers. Great for casual get-togethers.
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Au Pied de Cochon

536, ave Duluth est, Montréal, QC H2L 1A9 514-281-1114

Description: Much favored for its fantastic take on French/Québecois cuisine, Au Pied de Cochon has earned beaucoup praise for its chef-owner Martin Picard. If foie gras is your passion, this is the place to get it ­ as a topping for poutine, in a tart or terrine, on pizza, even in a burger. Bison, boudin and duck also play prominent roles on the menu. The dessert list is lengthy with something for every taste, from baked apple to dark chocolate pot de crème to rhubarb pudding to maple syrup pie. Lively, relaxed and very, very popular.
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Bilboquet

1311, ave Bernard Ouest, Montréal, QC H2V 1W1 514-276-0414

Description: When the line stretches down the block virtually year round, you know the place has something good to offer. In this case, it's ice cream. Made in-house, the ice cream varieties are often unusual, depending on what sorts of fruits are in season and what the staff feels like making. Smooth and dense, and packing a wallop of flavor, this is ice cream that deserves every accolade it gets. Favorites include King Kong (banana chocolate), litchee, pear and Caramelée (caramel, chocolate and pralines).
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Bonaparte

447, rue St-François Xavier, Auberge Bonaparte, Montréal, QC H2Y 2T1 514-844-4368

Description: Three different rooms touched with the décor of the Empire are infused with the charm of warm lighting and exposed brick. The finest epicurean delights of French cuisine are presented on white china set on snowy linens. Snuggle into an intimate banquette for a romantic dinner of tastings or the table d'hôte. The extensive wine list features a great selection of international labels. C'est magnifique!
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Chez la Mère Michel

1209 rue Guy, Montréal, QC H3H 2K5 514-934-0473

Description: This venerable restaurant has been an institution on Montréal's dining scene for more than a generation. Its recipe for success includes lovely furnishings in a restored townhouse, attentive and professional servers, and rich, full-bodied French cuisine. A favorite of couples and those celebrating special occasions, the restaurant plies diners with luscious dishes, including pan-fried Dover sole, succulent duck, salmon and a host of other entreés. Desserts are homemade and prepared in-house daily. A terrific wine list is available, as is a private room for more secluded dining.
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Crêpe Café

362, rue Notre Dame Est, Montréal, QC H2Y 1C7 514-759-6755

Description: Located in Old Montreal, quaint Crêpe Café is the perfect place for any meal, even a quick snack. On the menu are over two dozen different types of crêpes, from the famous Bonne Journée with sausage and eggs to the mozzarella and pesto crêpe. If you're looking for something more filling, sandwiches and salads are offered as well. Whether it's tourist season or not, take a seat as this is a great people watching spot.
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Decca77

1077, rue Drummond, Montréal, QC H3B 4X4 514-934-1077

Description: Among Decca 77's laurels is a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence, a nod earned by maintaining multiple wine cellars with an inventory of over 4000 bottles. Other unique assets include a cheese cellar and a stylish bar/lounge that's a hit with both the after-work crowd and the post-show contingent. The food is delightful, featuring fresh regional ingredients in modern French preparations. Things to try: pressed foie gras with melon, skatefish terrine, veal osso buco, and seared salmon with celeriac puree. À la carte and prix fixe options; dégustation' menu also available.
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Fous desserts

809, ave Laurier est, Montréal, QC H2J 1G2 514-273-9335

Description: Montréal has no shortage of patisseries, gelato makers and chocolatiers, but Fous Desserts is at or near the top of everyone's list of favorites. The variety alone is astounding and changes with the seasons. Some things to try: le Phenix (brownie base topped with Caribbean chocolate mousse-enveloped ganache), Manjari cocoa truffles, almond croissants, and brioche aux pralines roses. Oh my.
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Gibby's

298, place d'Youville, Montréal, QC H2Y 2B6 514-282-1837

Description: A Montréal institution, this steakhouse caters to the craving for beef served up with your choice of a selection of traditional French sauces. Fresh fish and seafood simply prepared also star on the menu. Housed in a 200-year old building, the entrance arch stands over what was once the left bank of the Little St. Pierre River. The décor is comfortably rustic with exposed stone walls, beamed ceilings and traditional Québécois pine armoires.
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Globe

3455 blvd Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2X 2T6 514-284-3823

Description: For the ultimate in people-watching and chic dining, Globe is the destination of choice. High ceilings and upholstered banquettes set the scene for a troupe of attractive servers delivering substantial portions of fantastic food to an appreciative clientele. The hip surroundings don't overshadow the cuisine by any means. Everything on the menu is carefully prepared using only the best ingredients. Try seared sirloin steak, local lamb stew, roast chicken, braised veal, or even duck, salmon or rabbit. Each is accompanied by vegetable side dishes and fragrant sauces for a complete culinary experience. Homemade desserts and a good wine list add to the appeal. At night, the place becomes a social and drinking environment where it's not unheard of to spot a celeb or two.
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L'Express

3927, Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4 514-845-5333

Description: This fabulous French bistro can be hard to ferret out, but locals provide good directions, and the end result is definitely worth the effort. The place is as devoted to its locals as they are to it, and a familiar ambience pervades the space. The cuisine is well crafted, based on rich flavors and simple ingredients. Steak tartare with pommes frites is a classic, and you'll also find calf's liver in tarragon sauce, salmon, well-filled ravioli, and duck foie gras. A good selection of wines, including a number of French vintages, complement the menu, and desserts add a sweet note of completion.
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La Brioche Lyonnaise

1593, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3K3 514-842-7017

Description: Linger and people-watch while enjoying a croissant and a cup of café au lait in any one of the seating areas of this charming dessert shop. Full meals are available, but many just enjoy favorites such as the Marie Clair pastries, delectable cakes, tarts or the caramel mousse with pears. Stone walls and lace curtains only add to the comfortable vibe that draws students, shoppers and theater-goers.
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La Colombe

554, ave Duluth est, Montréal, QC H2L 1A9 514-849-8844

Description: Since 1990, La Colombe has been serving up its own unique version of French fare, incorporating a touch of North Africa. The regular menu includes fine dishes like vol-au-vent d'escargots, foie gras with chutney, venison with blueberry sauce, and smoked salmon. The table d'hôte menu changes daily and includes a number of fresh seafood options, all perfectly cooked and beautifully presented, not to mention wonderfully flavorful. Plus, La Colombe has a BYO policy, which can make dining much more affordable.
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La Petite Marche

5035 rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2J 2L9 514-842-1994

Description: Come hungry and expect heaping plates of food to satisfy even the most gnawing of early morning pangs. However, if you are hankering for greasy, artery-clogging options look elsewhere, as the Petit Marche specializes in the fresh, the light and the tastefully prepared. Try poached eggs with fruit, roasted potatoes and tomatoes Provencal, or salmon rolled with a melange of cheeses and capers. For the ultimate value, bring a partner as the portions could easily accommodate two appetites.
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Laloux

250, des Pins ave est, Montréal, QC H2W 1P3 514-287-9127

Description: Despite some ups and downs over the past few years, Laloux has survived and is now helmed by wunderkind Danny St Pierre and pastry chef extraordinaire Patrice Demers, and the traditional French cuisine of yesterday has given way to a more modern approach. You might start with scallop carpaccio with lime and avocado vinaigrette, or boudin tart. Main courses range from saddle of rabbit with carrots and Savoy cabbage to roasted guinea-fowl with chanterelles and white asparagus. Desserts deserve just as much attention here. From light and fruity to dense and chocolaty, standouts have included pineapple sorbet with passion fruit foam, and chocolate pot-de-crème with caramel and Maldon salt.
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Le Locale

740 rue William, Montréal, QC H3C 1P1 514-397-7737

Description: Located in the heart of Old Montreal, Le Locale turns heads with its steel and orange color scheme, terrace dining and variety of bistro-style cuisine. An architectural piece of sheer brilliance, the building makes use of steel, concrete and brick in the large dining room. On a warm summer evening, try out the beautiful terrace seating, which is a perfect perch to people watch. An array of succulent meats and fish highlight the menu, including beef tartar and Atlantic halibut with grilled asparagus.
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Le Parchemin

1333, rue Université, Montréal, QC H3A 2A4 514-844-1619

Description: Housed in what was once the rectory of Christ Church Cathedral, this wonderful French restaurant boasts four rooms to accommodate up to 200 diners, which is good as it is quite popular. It serves terrific, well-prepared and judiciously-seasoned dishes throughout the day, but lunch has a particular appeal, thanks to the affordable midday specials. Candied duck or beef Wellington is especially good, as are the delectable desserts.
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Leméac

1045, ave Laurier ouest, Montréal, QC H2V 2L1 514-270-0999

Description: To make an impact in this city of bistros, a newcomer must make itself stand out in some novel way. Leméac does so subtly ­ traditional dishes are given slight modernizations, nothing too brash. Their wine list is exemplary, and the service is friendly and adept. So, what's good? Try escargot with portabella mushroom-tomato ragout and basil butter sauce; boudin with celery root purée; Cornish hen with black olive polenta fries; venison with walnut-porcini crust and liquorice sauce. Follow with a dreamy Manjari chocolate tart with ginger ice cream.
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Les Beaux Jeudis

1449 Crescent, Hôtel de la Montagne, Montréal, QC H3G 2B2 514-288-5656

Description: This elegant brasserie has charmed the city and its visitors for more than 30 years, surrounding them with lovely décor, friendly service and terrific French cuisine. It's connected to the hotel by means of a tunnel and also adjoins a dance club and bar. The French menu is gourmet without being pretentious. Among the offerings, you'll find simple, well-prepared dishes like citrus-tinged roast chicken, tangy veal chops, fresh crab cakes, and rich onion soup crusted with cheese. An extensive selection of wines provides an accompaniment to most any dish, and when the weather's warm, a terrace lures diners outside.
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Toqué!

900, Pl Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Montréal, QC H2Z 2B2 514-499-2084

Description: One of the city's most celebrated restaurants, Toqué! is roundly applauded for its wonderful cuisine, spectacular presentation and unpretentious appeal. The contemporary French-Canadian menu capitalizes on fresh local ingredients and masterfully combines herbs and seasonings. Absolutely delectable main courses include roasted duck magret, grilled venison, roasted saddle and leg of rabbit, and pan-seared sea bass. Other options include foie gras, scallops and veal, and there are nightly specials as well.
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