Henri Brasserie Française + Lounge French elegance with the unique charm of a stunning space in the historic Birks building. Owned by the family behind Hôtels St-Martin, Henri is a refined yet approachable brasserie that quickly became a downtown favourite, thanks to a beautifully crafted menu served in a grand, high-ceilinged dining room with 19th-century French-inspired décor.

The menu celebrates classic French cuisine with a Quebecois twist, with signature dishes like the rich seafood soup, refined hamburgers, and perfectly cooked Arctic char. The wine list, curated by sommelier Colin Beaudoin-Lambert, features private imports and exceptional champagnes, while mixologist Eddy Germain serves up cocktails that balance tradition and creativity.

Cartier Arms at the Hyatt Centric Ville-Marie blends Quebecois and British culinary traditions in a space rooted in Old Montreal history. The Burgundy Lion Group, known for iconic pubs around town, brings a refined yet approachable dining experience to this finely designed space from the Gauley Brothers, with décor inspired by London clubs and Canadian railway hotels.

The menu offers a fresh take on English pub classics using high-quality local ingredients. Think crispy calamari, beef carpaccio, and a standout Beaurivage pork chop. For those looking to indulge, Sunday brunch is a must. The bar offers an extensive cocktail selection, as well as drawcards like Martini Wednesdays—a trio of martinis for $25. Paired with a carefully curated wine list, the drinks menu is as diverse as the dishes. Don’t skip on the rooftop terrasse, though.

Hôtel Le Germain’s in-house lounge Le Flâneur is a tribute to the art of slowing down. Designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron, the space blends retro elegance with modern touches, featuring exposed concrete, rich woods, and marble accents that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The bar’s menu is as sophisticated as its décor, with cocktails that offer fresh twists on classics. Signature drinks will reimagine classics like Boulevardiers and Negronis in ways that reflect the bar’s playful, yet refined approach. The champagne selection is equally impressive, with bubbles served in imported glassware for an extra touch of class. For those looking to snack, the bar can also ring the kitchen for fresh oysters, charcuterie, and bistro classics like escargots and tartare.

The Four Seasons Hotel Montreal’s in-house restaurant MARCUS fuses luxury with local flair on an expansive third floor designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron. This communal space welcomes both locals and guests, where the lounge, bar, restaurant, and terrasse offer distinct atmospheres, from an oceanic lounge to a forest-like bar. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Samuelsson with executive chef Jason Morris, the venue reflects Montreal's vibrant social scene. Morris, known for his precision and creativity, ensures each dish from the globally inspired menu complements the sophisticated, timeless setting, making MARCUS a culinary landmark in the city.

Set inside the Sheraton Hotel downtown, the long lounge of Stanley is set below its towering three floors of windows looking out onto René-Lévesque Boulevard Ouest. Operating at just about all hours of the day, it ain’t just for people staying at the hotel, and that’s a good thing: Their menu is uniquely set up with different single-person and sharing portion options with only slight bumps in price. Want that steak or tartare platter for three or four people? No problem. Wolf it down for yourself? That’s an option, too. Thanks to its chef Alexandre Martin, all of it is cooked with an absolute precision you love to see in a hotel setting.

Set within the sleek Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Bar Nacarat’s glamour is only really matched by its mixology, where a blend of Ziggy Stardust’s glam rock edge and 21st-century sophistication meets electric energy and some bold cocktails. Picture a vast, open bar where top-tier mixologists work carefully to craft experimental drinks with hand-carved ice.

While often scaled back to a chic rooftop terrasse in the summer, the essence of Nacarat remains intact with crowd-pleasing spritzes, refreshing sangrias, and frozen cocktails that pack in tropical flavours with a punch. Regular DJ sets add to the party atmosphere, but it’s the intimate service and creative drinks—like a smoky Negroni or the unexpected twists of their signature cocktails—which keep you coming back. It’s pure indulgence here.

Perched atop the Hampton Inn in Chinatown, Terrasse Carla has quickly become a go-to summer spot for its views of the city and atmosphere. Opened in 2022, its expansive 7,000 square foot rooftop designed by Camdi Design offers a chic yet laid-back vibe for a more jetsetter crowd, with seating for 250 and a mix of covered and open-air spaces.

The menu blends Vietnamese flavours with French culinary techniques, resulting in dishes like poutine with pho gravy, Matane shrimp banh mi, and coconut milk mussels. Behind the bar, cocktails often follow the same philosophy, incorporating Asian ingredients like butterfly pea flower and ginger kefir. Popular for 5 à 7s and weekend bashes, it’s a prime spot where Montrealers come to unwind, socialize, and enjoy the summer. Keyword here is ‘summer’: Terrasse Carla is closed during the winter months and reopens in the spring.

Located on the second floor of the Humaniti complex, Lounge h3 brings together a relaxed, jazz-infused atmosphere with a focus on high-quality Quebec ingredients. While the main restaurant showcases Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère’s refined dishes, the Lounge offers a more casual spot to unwind with cocktails crafted by the bar. The space is complemented by one of Montreal’s most impressive wine cellars, featuring everything from prestigious bottles to more accessible selections. In the warmer months, Terrasse Alizé on the 9th floor offers a quiet escape with panoramic views, adding another layer to the experience.

Hôtel Nelligan in Old Montreal boasts Terrasse Nelligan, a spot with sweeping views of the Saint Lawrence River and the iconic Notre-Dame Basilica. Known for brunches filled with mimosas and upscale dinners, its revamps over the years have made it a place that balances sophistication with a laid-back vibe.

With dishes like tartares, seafood rolls, and burgers, Terrasse Nelligan delivers a menu that’s as fresh as the setting. The drinks may not always be worth writing home about when it comes those looking for prime mixology talents, but it’s so damn hard to match the unbeatable view here. This rooftop really is one of the city’s top spots to unwind.

The HONEYROSE Hotel’s restaurant and bar is a sophisticated addition to downtown Montreal’s scene, bringing a touch of 1920s glamour to the Quartier des spectacles. Designed by Atelier Zébulon Perron, the brasserie’s Art Deco elegance—complete with terrazzo floors, leather banquettes, and lush greenery—sets the stage for a space that has elements of both nostalgia and modernity.

By day, the adjacent café serves breakfast and coffee, transforming into a laid-back wine bar by night. The menu’s refined take on classic French cuisine is complemented by a thoughtful selection of signature cocktails, draft beers, and a wine list that highlights both local and international labels.