Jongwook Lee & WonGoo Joun’s Favourite Restaurants in Montreal

These Montreal restaurants are where co-chefs of the modern Korean restaurant 9 Tail Fox, Jongwook Lee and WonGoo Joun, recommend going out to eat.

Jongwook Lee & WonGoo Joun’s Favourite Restaurants in Montreal
The Main

The Main

July 12, 2024

Jongwook Lee and WonGoo Joun, two Seoul natives, have changed what Montreal knows about Korean cuisine with their restaurant 9 Tail Fox and its take on the cuisine through a tapas-style approach, blending heritage with techniques honed in the city’s finest kitchens.

The paths of Lee and Joun first crossed at Big in Japan, setting the stage for a partnership that’s flourished over time. While Joun's been led through spots like Pullman, Maison Boulud, and Pastel to master French cuisine, Lee sharpened his skills as a sous-chef at Cadet. The pandemic reunited them at Bar Otto, where 9 Tail Fox took shape through a series of experimental pop-up dinners.

Their shared vision’s materialized into a place creating seasonally dynamic menu that have expanded Montrealers' perceptions of Korean cuisine, drawing on their deep-rooted knowledge of Korean flavors and infusing them with techniques from Italian and French gastronomy.

Combining spins on traditional dishes, introductions to lesser-known Korean specialties, and Korean interpretations of beloved European bistro fare, their 40-seat Saint-Henri spot 9 Tail Fox invites guests to savor meticulous, soulful creations.

Here are their favourite restaurants in Montreal right now.

Montréal Plaza
$$$
Restaurant
French
Rosemont
Beaubien

Known for their level of creativity that hinges on the unhinged, this French restaurant’s stupefying theatrics are well-known both in the dining room and on its plates.

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6230 Rue St-Hubert

Opening hours
Restaurant Dobe & Andy
$
Restaurant
Chinese
Chinatown
Place-d'Armes

Dobe & Andy, a Cantonese BBQ joint, delights with its straightforward yet delicious fare inspired by Hong Kong’s vibrant food scene. Since its opening in March 2019 by Edmund, Eric and Edward Ku with Webster Galman, this spot has charmed diners with its commitment to authentic, well-crafted meals at pocket-friendly prices. The menu, ranging from $7 to $17, features staples like succulent crispy pork roast and a uniquely savory curry braised beef.

The 90-seat venue emphasizes a communal approach, reflecting a deeply ingrained family ethos in every dish served. Nestled in the heart of Montreal's Chinatown on Saint-Urbain Street, whether it’s for takeout or delivery, Dobe & Andy offers a taste of dedication wrapped in the warmth of a family-operated gem.

Opening hours
Le Majestique Montréal
$$
Bar
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Saint-Laurent

Le Majestique’s a lively bar first established in 2014, and it’s been boasting a dynamic atmosphere and top-notch cuisine ever since. Decorated by Thomas Csano with a blend of kitsch and curios, Majestique's ambiance invites patrons to indulge in delectable small plates highlighting seafood and seasonal vegetables. Signature dishes like the 12-inch Gaspor pork hot dog are crowd-pleasers and easy date night winners, as is the stellar oyster service. Beyond that, the bar's extensive drink options feature natural wines, microbrews, and classic cocktails, all up for grabs until the late hours.

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4105 Boul. Saint-Laurent

Opening hours
Pony BBQ
Restaurant
Korean
Downtown
Guy-Concordia

This Korean BBQ project from the minds behind spots like Otto Yakitori and Bar Otto is a wildly decorated place that evokes the side streets of Seoul. Atop their swish circular and subway-tiled booth tables, you can cook up stuff like 48-hour marinated short ribs, fatty pork belly, king oyster shrooms, and all the other fixings. There are standalone dishes as well like bibimbap, steamed egg gyeranjjim, and rabokki, a type of tteokbokki with added ramyeon noodles.

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1608 Rue Sainte-Catherine

Opening hours
Restaurant Mon Nan
$$
Restaurant
Chinese
Chinatown
Place-d'Armes

Mon Nan, a staple of Montreal’s Chinatown since 1982, offers an authentic Cantonese dining experience that draws both late-night revelers and daytime enthusiasts. Situated by the east gate of Chinatown, this restaurant’s purple neon lights set the tone for an on-point atmosphere. Owned by the Lee family, Mon Nan has remained true to its roots while evolving under the guidance of current owner Joe Lee. The menu, filled with family recipes, features standout dishes like salt and pepper shrimp, Peking duck with homemade pancakes, and perfectly steamed Dungeness crab. It’s a must-visit for both Cantonese classics and a lively dining experience.

Opening hours
Le Darling
$$

This spot in Little Portugal captivates with greenery, leather accents, and steampunk-inspired, art deco charm. A premier Instagram hotspot, by day it's a café serving up Pilot Coffee Roasters' brews and delectable pastries, while it transforms it into a bustling bar by night. The brainchild of the Holder brothers, it occupies the former Les Bobards space with ever-changing menus that showcase seasonal dishes. Seamlessly transitioning from workday haven to vibrant evening haunt, it’s easily earned a spot among Montreal's best cafes.

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4328 Boul. Saint-Laurent

Opening hours
L'Express
$$$
Restaurant
French
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Sherbrooke

A Montreal institution since 1980 on rue Saint-Denis, L'Express continues to uphold its reputation for timeless French cuisine and conviviality. Founded by François Tremblay, Colette Brossoit, and Pierre Villeneuve, the restaurant caters to everyone with a welcoming atmosphere that remains to this day. With a menu largely unchanged over the years, L'Express offers classic dishes like sorrel soup, marrow, and veal liver, prepared with an unwavering consistency and attention to detail. Designed by renowned architect Luc Laporte, the elegant decor exudes a timeless charm, attracting a diverse clientele served by a stable team of long-serving staff.

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3927 R. Saint-Denis

Opening hours

HENI

HENI
SWANA
Southwest Asian
North African
Restaurant
Middle Eastern
Little Burgundy
Lionel-Groulx

Heni, a Little Burgundy restaurant focused on the SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) region of the world—a decolonial term for what’s commonly referred to as the Middle East—is a place of many new pathways for Montreal. Its kitchen is producing new kinds of flavours that blend its regional focus with Quebecois ingredients—think marinated olives with sea buckthorn berry instead of orange zest, kibbeh can be made with PEI beef or duck hearts, fatteh and couscous with wild mushrooms, lobster tails spiced with ras-el-hanout on a bed of corn, ice cream sandwiches of sfouf and wild blueberries that are dipped in dark chocolate—as well as wines taken from its in-house wine importation agency Sienna which highlights new-generation winemakers from Lebanon. It’ll have even more aces up its sleeves once the whole operation is fully up and running—stay tuned and subscribed to us for when the full story about this place goes out.

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2621 R. Notre Dame O

Opening hours

Pichai

Pichai
Restaurant
Thai
La Petite-Patrie
Beaubien

A local forerunner for Thai food augmented by pure creativity and Canadian products, this is where chef Jesse Mulder has taken his reputation for dizzyingly good eating to new heights.

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5985 Rue St-Hubert

Opening hours
Tuck Shop
$$$
Restaurant
Canadian
Saint-Henri
Place-Saint-Henri

Its rotating menus of upscale, seasonal fare will keep you guessing, but the buzzy ambiance and service at this Saint-Henri eatery will make you feel like you’re immediately at home.

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4662 R. Notre Dame O

Opening hours
Terrasse St-Ambroise
$
Bar
Saint-Henri
Place-Saint-Henri

Perched on the banks of the Lachine Canal, Terrasse St-Ambroise showcases McAuslan Brewery’s finest creations. This laid-back beer garden is a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking a refreshing break; the ambiance is relaxed, and the laid-back vibe is enhanced by views of the canal and the Canada Malting factory. Complemented by classic bar food and wood-fired pizza available from Thursday to Sunday, Terrasse St-Ambroise is a perfect summer retreat for beer enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Opening hours
Beauty's Restaurant
$$
Restaurant
Breakfast and Brunch
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
Mont-Royal

Since 1942, Beauty’s Luncheonette has been a staple of Montreal’s breakfast scene. Situated at Mont-Royal and St-Urbain, this retro-style diner offers a nostalgic journey back to the 1950s. Founded by Freda and Hymie Sckolnick and now run by their family, Beauty’s is celebrated for its unchanged menu, featuring hearty breakfasts, bagels, smoked salmon, and classic milkshakes. The 70-seat venue often has patrons waiting for a table, underscoring its lasting popularity. With its vintage decor, friendly service, and comforting homemade dishes, Beauty’s continues to be a cherished part of Montreal’s culinary landscape.

Opening hours
Stem Bar
Bar
Little Burgundy
Lionel-Groulx

Opened in January 2020 on Notre-Dame Boulevard West, Stem Bar is a stylish, modern venue created by the owners of September Surf Café. Designed by Ravi Handa, the decor blends sobriety with vintage touches, offering a relaxed ambiance. The space seats 57, with a dedicated bar area for those waiting for a table. Its chef’s seasonal menu focuses on fresh, shareable plates, providing a delightful culinary experience. The drink menu, regularly updated, features small independent wine producers and local breweries. Stem Bar is a charming place to unwind and enjoy exceptional food and drink in Little Burgundy.

Opening hours
Marché Atwater

Atwater Market, a cornerstone of Montreal’s Southwest borough, is renowned for its Art Deco architecture and rich history dating back to 1933. Open year-round, the market flourishes in the warmer months, with stands overflowing with flowers, herbs, and fresh vegetables. Visitors can explore butcher shops, cheesemongers, and horticultural vendors offering local and hard-to-find gourmet products. Its seasonal restaurants feature an array of options, from Vietnamese to Southern barbecue. The market, accessible by bus or Metro, also offers ample parking. Atwater Market is the perfect destination for discovering high-quality, seasonal produce and enjoying a picturesque picnic by the canal.

Opening hours
Bar OTTO

Bar Otto, a chic addition to Notre-Dame Street West, offers a blend of conviviality and elegance in Japanese dining. A project by Hanhak Kim, this venture builds on the success of Otto Yakitori and Bistro Otto (now known as Kitano Shokudo). The menu features grilled skewers, ramen, mazemen, and exceptional sashimi. Bar Otto’s curated drink menu highlights natural and biodynamic wines alongside a fine selection of sakes. Designed by Israël Noël, the decor merges traditional Japanese elements with modern aesthetics, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

Opening hours
Greenspot Restaurant - Smoked Meat - Breakfast - Burgers
$

Since 1947, Restaurant Greenspot has been a beloved institution in St-Henri, offering comforting Quebec diner food in a charming retro atmosphere. Originally located at the corner of Greene and Notre-Dame Ouest, it moved across the street in 1989, bringing its original 1947 decor along. Owned by Jon Pavlakos, Nick Ioannidis, Louis Stavropoulos, and Stellios Kiliaris, Greenspot is known for its extensive menu featuring over 30 variations of poutine, classic breakfasts, pizzas, and smoked meat. Chef Denis Vavougios, a kitchen legend, ensures that every dish maintains its traditional quality. With fresh, homemade ingredients and a welcoming vibe, Greenspot remains a cherished Montreal landmark.

Opening hours

Park

Park
$$$$

Established in 2011 in Westmount, Park Restaurant showcases chef Antonio Park’s unique culinary vision. Combining Japanese techniques with Korean and South American influences, Park offers a menu rich in flavor and creativity. The restaurant's elegant yet unpretentious design, featuring abundant wood and custom tables, creates a welcoming atmosphere. Renowned for its fresh, high-quality fish, the menu includes sushi, sashimi, and daily tasting options. The wine list, curated by knowledgeable friends and a sommelier, features biodynamic and natural selections, while the cocktails draw inspiration from the restaurant’s rooftop garden. Park Restaurant continues to impress with its innovative approach and exceptional cuisine.

Opening hours
Le Kioko

Le Kioko, located in the vibrant Saint-Henri district, offers a fusion of Japanese cuisine with a focus on fresh sushi, poke bowls, and tartares. Easily recognizable by its eye-catching neon sign, Le Kioko invites you to enjoy its culinary creations in a soothing atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on using high-quality ingredients to craft innovative and colorful dishes. From unique sushi rolls to Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls with a Japanese twist, Le Kioko ensures a memorable dining experience with an emphasis on nutrition, sustainability, and minimal food waste.

Opening hours
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