Best Seafood Restaurants in Montreal, Canada: Top 10

Best Seafood Restaurants in Montreal, Canada

Montreal's seafood scene runs deeper than a handful of restaurants with a good fish special. In the 2026 Best of MTL rankings, Garde Manger took the top spot for seafood citywide, followed by Milos, Lucille's, Mr. Cajun, and Vargas rounding out the top five. This guide draws on that recognition alongside current 2026 reviews and reputations to build a list genuinely focused on restaurants where seafood is the point, not restaurants that simply happen to serve fish.

Garde Manger sits at the top, an Old Montreal favorite built around lobster, oysters, and contemporary Canadian seafood technique, officially voted the city's best seafood restaurant in 2026. Estiatorio Milos follows as Montreal's clear reference point for whole Mediterranean fish, sold by weight and grilled with striking simplicity, and Le Filet rounds out the top three with a French-Japanese approach to seafood in the Plateau.

This guide ranks the ten best seafood restaurants in Montreal based on quality, specialty, reputation, atmosphere, and value, covering everything from luxury Mediterranean fish to an accessible neighborhood lobster bar.

Quick Comparison

USD figures are approximate conversions and will shift with the exchange rate. Prices vary considerably depending on the fish chosen, weight-based pricing, oysters, wine, tasting menus, and supplements, so treat these as general indicative ranges per person.

Full Reviews

1. Garde Manger

Location: Rue Saint-François-Xavier, Old Montreal | Style: Contemporary seafood, Canadian cuisine | Price: CAD $100–200+ / USD $70–145+

For a list dedicated to Montreal's seafood restaurants, Garde Manger is probably the most complete choice. It was voted #1 Best Seafood in Montreal in the 2026 Best of MTL rankings, ahead of Milos, and it also appears in the Michelin selection as a recognized seafood restaurant.

The kitchen revolves heavily around lobster, crab, oysters, shellfish, fresh fish, raw preparations, and seasonal dishes; the menu changes, so it's best not to fix on a single dish as a permanent fixture. It pairs particularly well with Champagne, mineral-driven whites, Chardonnay, Quebec wines, or cocktails. Sitting in the heart of Old Montreal, it's ideal for combining dinner with a walk through the historic district and cocktails afterward. For a first visit, ordering several dishes to share works better than focusing on a single course.

Verdict: The best overall seafood restaurant in Montreal, and the city's officially recognized top choice for 2026.

2. Estiatorio Milos

Location: Avenue du Parc, Mile End / Parc-Extension | Style: Greek, Mediterranean | Price: CAD $150–300+ / USD $110–215+

Milos is probably the most important name in Montreal when it comes to high-end Mediterranean fish. The concept was built around presenting the best available fish in the simplest possible way, with Canada's 100 Best describing the restaurant as specializing in fresh fish displayed on ice and sold by weight.

Whole fish is the star here, with varieties historically associated with the menu including John Dory, snapper, swordfish, sea bass, and porgy, alongside lobster, shrimp, and calamari, most often grilled whole with olive oil, lemon, and oregano. Sides worth considering include Greek salad, zucchini ribbons, tzatziki, grilled vegetables, and mushrooms. This is one of the most expensive restaurants on this list, since pricing depends on the fish's availability and is often sold by weight; always confirm the per-weight price before committing, particularly with larger or premium specimens. It's a strong pick for business dinners, couples, celebrations, and Mediterranean seafood lovers with a flexible budget.

Verdict: The city's clearest destination for whole Mediterranean fish prepared with real technique and simplicity.

3. Le Filet

Location: Avenue du Mont-Royal Ouest, Plateau-Mont-Royal | Style: Contemporary seafood, French, Japanese | Price: CAD $100–200+ / USD $70–145+

Le Filet is an excellent choice for gastronomic seafood without the formality of a large luxury restaurant. Tripadvisor ranks it among Montreal's most well-regarded seafood restaurants, with a rating around 4.7 out of 5.

The menu leans heavily on fish, shellfish, mollusks, raw preparations, Japanese influences, and French technique; Canada's 100 Best has historically highlighted dishes like raw scallop with avocado, orange, and beet, and grilled octopus with Israeli couscous. It's worth noting this isn't exclusively seafood: foie gras, duck, pork, and game also appear on the menu, though fish remains the heart of the experience. The atmosphere is livelier and more contemporary than Milos, making it a good fit for dinner, wine, and the Plateau's nightlife. For two people, ordering several small plates to share is the way to sample more of the kitchen's range.

Verdict: The best combination of fish, French technique, and Japanese influence on this list.

4. Chez Delmo

Location: Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Old Montreal | Style: French, seafood | Price: CAD $100–200+ / USD $70–145+

Chez Delmo is one of the most interesting choices for classic French-style seafood. Tripadvisor lists it among Montreal's top seafood restaurants.

The menu focuses on fresh fish, oysters, shellfish, mollusks, and French preparations. Its Old Montreal location is a major advantage, especially convenient for tourists exploring the historic district. The atmosphere is more classic and refined than Garde Manger, making it a strong choice for a traditional, sophisticated seafood dinner without the more experimental character of some of the city's contemporary restaurants.

Verdict: The best pick for a classic, elegant French seafood dinner in the heart of Old Montreal.

5. Pincette — Bar à Homard

Location: Rue Saint-Paul Est, Old Montreal | Style: Lobster bar, seafood | Price: CAD $60–120+ / USD $43–86+

If lobster and shellfish are the priority, Pincette is one of the most direct choices in the city. Tripadvisor ranked it the #1 seafood restaurant in Montreal in its 2026 rankings, with a rating around 4.7 out of 5 and more than 900 reviews.

The focus is lobster, lobster rolls, shellfish, seafood platters, mollusks, and fish. Compared to Milos, it's generally far more accessible on price, and its Old Montreal location makes it a natural stop on a day of sightseeing: Notre-Dame, the Old Port, Rue Saint-Paul, then Pincette. It's a strong choice for anyone who wants a proper seafood dinner without taking on a full fine-dining budget.

Verdict: The best accessible lobster experience in the city, and a natural fit for a day exploring Old Montreal.

6. Ferreira Café

Location: Rue Peel, Downtown / Golden Square Mile | Style: Portuguese, Mediterranean | Price: CAD $100–200+ / USD $70–145+

Ferreira Café is one of the best options for fish and seafood in Portuguese style. It didn't crack the Top 5 seafood spots in the 2026 Best of MTL rankings, but it remains one of Montreal's historic destinations for Mediterranean and Portuguese gastronomy, and Tripadvisor keeps it among the city's most considered seafood restaurants.

Look for grilled fish, octopus, shrimp, lobster, shellfish, bacalhau, and other Portuguese seafood dishes. The wine list is a genuine draw, with Portuguese options like Vinho Verde, Alvarinho, Douro reds, and Portuguese whites worth exploring. The location is convenient for anyone staying Downtown, in the Golden Square Mile, or shopping nearby.

Verdict: The best choice for Portuguese-style seafood combined with an excellent Portuguese wine list.

7. Joe Beef

Location: Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Little Burgundy / Saint-Henri | Style: French, Quebec, seafood and meat | Price: CAD $100–200+ / USD $70–145+

Joe Beef isn't an exclusively seafood restaurant, but it belongs on any serious Montreal seafood list. At its core, it's a great Quebec gastro-bistro with a strong seafood component; in 2026 it ranks #51 on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants.

A dish worth knowing is the lobster spaghetti with fumet, lardons, and brandy cream, a perfect example of the Joe Beef style: seafood, richness, French cooking, and generous portions. The kitchen also carries a genuine oyster bar spirit, with oysters, fish, shellfish, meat, and foie gras all in the mix. If pure seafood specialization is the priority, Milos or Garde Manger are more focused choices; if the goal is one of Montreal's most characterful overall dining experiences with a strong seafood thread running through it, Joe Beef climbs the list considerably.

Verdict: The best pick for a quintessential Montreal dining experience with a genuinely strong seafood component.

8. Le Club Chasse et Pêche

Location: Rue Saint-Claude, Old Montreal | Style: Fine French cuisine, Quebec | Price: CAD $120–250+ / USD $86–180+

A name that fits Montreal's gastronomic scene perfectly: Le Club Chasse et Pêche, or "The Hunting and Fishing Club." This is a fine dining restaurant where fish and game are both treated with serious French technique.

The menu can include fish, shellfish, meat, game, seasonal products, French sauces, and sophisticated desserts. It's not a pure seafood restaurant, but it offers a superior overall gastronomic experience compared to many specialized seafood spots. Its Old Montreal location makes it easy to combine with the rest of the historic district, and it's especially well suited to anniversaries, romantic dinners, and gourmet travelers looking for a special occasion.

Verdict: The best choice for high-end French cuisine that treats fish and game with equal seriousness.

9. Porto Mar

Location: Place d'Youville, Old Montreal | Style: Portuguese, seafood | Price: CAD $50–100+ / USD $36–72+

Porto Mar is a more relaxed and generally more accessible choice. The focus includes fish, shrimp, calamari, mollusks, Portuguese dishes, and grilled seafood.

It's a good option for anyone who wants to eat seafood in Montreal without stepping into luxury pricing, and its location near Place d'Youville, Old Montreal, and the Old Port makes it a natural fit for a casual lunch or dinner during a day of sightseeing.

Verdict: A solid, budget-friendly Portuguese seafood option in the heart of Old Montreal.

10. La Sirène de la Mer

Location: Avenue Dresden, Mont-Royal / Côte-des-Neiges area | Style: Mediterranean, Lebanese, seafood | Price: CAD $50–100+ / USD $36–72+

La Sirène de la Mer is the most distinctive pick on this list for anyone wanting Mediterranean seafood with Lebanese influences. GAYOT includes it in its 2026 selection of the Montreal area's best seafood restaurants, describing it as an address for fresh, relatively accessible fish prepared in Lebanese style.

Expect grilled fish, shrimp, calamari, shellfish, Mediterranean dishes, and Lebanese preparations. It's considerably more affordable than Milos or the city's fine dining seafood spots, making it a strong pick for anyone who wants fresh fish, Mediterranean flavors, and a lower price point all in one place.

Verdict: The most accessible Mediterranean seafood experience on this list, with a genuinely distinctive Lebanese angle.

Best by Specialty

Best by Budget

More Accessible

Porto Mar, La Sirène de la Mer, and Pincette offer the most approachable prices among the group.

Mid-to-Upper Range

Le Filet, Chez Delmo, Ferreira Café, and Joe Beef sit in the middle of the pack.

Luxury Seafood

Milos, Garde Manger, and Le Club Chasse et Pêche represent the top of the market, especially once wine and premium fish selections are added.

Best Areas for Seafood

Old Montreal

The most rewarding area for combining tourism, seafood, and atmosphere, home to Garde Manger, Chez Delmo, Pincette, Le Club Chasse et Pêche, and Porto Mar.

Plateau-Mont-Royal

Le Filet is the main reference point here, ideal for combining dinner with the neighborhood's nightlife.

Mile End / Parc

Home to Milos, the top choice for a high-end Mediterranean seafood dinner.

Downtown

Ferreira Café is a strong pick here, well suited to business dinners and shopping trips.

Little Burgundy / Saint-Henri

Home to Joe Beef, ideal for a more distinctive, characterful gastronomic dinner.

Explore Montreal Beyond Seafood

Visitors wanting a different perspective on the city should consider a 20 or 30-minute helicopter tour over Montreal, a memorable way to see the city and the St. Lawrence River from above before or after a seafood-focused evening in Old Montreal.

Pairing Seafood With the Rest of Your Trip

Old Montreal's concentration of seafood restaurants makes it easy to build a full day around the neighborhood: a morning walking the historic streets, lunch at Pincette or Porto Mar, and dinner at Garde Manger or Le Club Chasse et Pêche, all within a few blocks of each other. Visitors staying Downtown or in the Golden Square Mile can treat Ferreira Café as a natural dinner stop after a day of shopping or museum visits, without needing to travel into Old Montreal at all.

Milos, given its Mile End location and higher price point, works best as its own dedicated evening rather than an add-on to an Old Montreal day; the same is true of Le Filet in the Plateau, which pairs more naturally with an evening exploring that neighborhood's bars and nightlife than with daytime sightseeing elsewhere in the city.

Why Montreal's Seafood Scene Works

Montreal sits far from any ocean, yet its seafood scene punches well above what that geography might suggest. The city benefits from two things: proximity to the North Atlantic via Quebec's own coastline and the Maritime provinces, which supply much of the lobster, oysters, and shellfish found across this list, and a genuinely international population that has imported distinct culinary traditions rather than a single generic seafood style. That's why a single Top 10 can span Greek whole-fish tradition at Milos, Portuguese bacalhau at Ferreira Café and Porto Mar, and Lebanese-Mediterranean preparations at La Sirène de la Mer, all within the same relatively compact city.

This diversity also means the "best" restaurant genuinely depends on what a visitor is looking for more than in most food categories. A traveler chasing the single best piece of fish in the city wants Milos; a traveler wanting the most complete, well-rounded seafood dining experience wants Garde Manger; and a traveler who simply wants excellent, affordable lobster wants Pincette. Treating this list as a set of specialists rather than a strict ranking from best to worst is the more useful way to plan around it.

Honorable Mentions

The 2026 Best of MTL rankings placed Lucille's, Mr. Cajun, and Vargas among the city's top five seafood restaurants alongside Garde Manger and Milos. All three are genuinely worth knowing about for readers wanting a wider view of the scene, though this guide's Top 10 leans toward the restaurants offering the strongest combination of reputation, atmosphere, and overall tourism appeal for a first-time or short-stay visitor. Readers planning an extended stay or a repeat visit to Montreal may want to seek these three out as a natural next step once the main Top 10 has been covered.

Best for Couples

1. Garde Manger — elegant atmosphere paired with Old Montreal's historic streets.
2. Estiatorio Milos — more luxurious and dramatic.
3. Le Filet — more contemporary and lively.
4. Chez Delmo — more classic and romantic.
5. Le Club Chasse et Pêche — intimate and gastronomically ambitious.

Best for Families

Pincette, Porto Mar, and La Sirène de la Mer are generally simpler and more relaxed for an informal family dinner compared to the tasting-menu-driven, more formal restaurants on this list.

Best for Business Dinners

1. Estiatorio Milos — the top choice for a genuinely impressive business dinner.
2. Garde Manger — elegant and centrally located.
3. Ferreira Café — convenient for Downtown business travelers.

Le Club Chasse et Pêche is also well suited to a higher-formality business dinner given its serious, gastronomic tone.

What to Order and How to Budget for It

At Milos in particular, budgeting takes a bit more care than at the other restaurants on this list, since whole fish is typically priced by weight rather than as a fixed menu item. Always ask for the per-weight price before confirming your selection, especially for larger fish or premium species, since the final bill can climb well past the base range listed here. At Garde Manger and Chez Delmo, ordering several shared dishes, rather than one main course per person, is generally the better way to experience the kitchen's range, particularly for a first visit.

For a more budget-conscious seafood dinner, Pincette, Porto Mar, and La Sirène de la Mer all offer a genuine seafood experience without the weight-based pricing risk or fine-dining tasting-menu commitment found at the top of this list. Splitting a seafood tower or platter between two or more people, where available, is also generally the better value than ordering individual mains at any of the higher-end restaurants on this list.

Dietary Considerations

Shellfish allergies are worth flagging clearly at any of the raw bar or seafood tower experiences on this list, particularly Garde Manger and Joe Beef, both of which frequently combine multiple types of shellfish on shared platters rather than serving them separately. Milos and Le Filet both offer meat, poultry, or game options alongside their seafood-focused menus, making either workable for a mixed group where not everyone wants fish. Le Club Chasse et Pêche's dual focus on fish and game similarly gives it more built-in flexibility than a purely seafood-driven menu.

For gluten-free diners, the more Mediterranean-leaning restaurants, Milos and La Sirène de la Mer in particular, tend to offer the most naturally suitable options, since grilled whole fish and simply prepared seafood dominate both menus.

Insider Tips

• At Milos, always confirm the per-weight price of your fish before it's prepared, particularly for larger or premium species.
• Pincette and Porto Mar both sit within easy walking distance of Old Montreal's main sights, making either an easy lunch stop during a day of sightseeing.
• For a first visit to Garde Manger or Le Filet, order several smaller shared plates rather than a single main course to sample more of the kitchen's range.
• Ferreira Café's Portuguese wine list is worth exploring alongside the food; ask staff for a pairing recommendation rather than defaulting to a familiar bottle.
• Book ahead for Milos and Garde Manger on weekends, both of which are consistently busy given their current recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best seafood restaurant in Montreal?

Garde Manger holds the top spot, officially voted #1 Best Seafood in the 2026 Best of MTL rankings, edging out Milos for the citywide title.

Where can I find the best whole fish in Montreal?

Estiatorio Milos is the city's clear reference point for whole Mediterranean fish, sold by weight and grilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and oregano.

What is the best restaurant for lobster?

Pincette — Bar à Homard specializes specifically in lobster and shellfish at a more accessible price point than Garde Manger or Joe Beef.

Is there good Portuguese seafood in Montreal?

Yes, Ferreira Café and Porto Mar both specialize in Portuguese-style fish and seafood, with Ferreira also offering one of the city's strongest Portuguese wine lists.

What is the best seafood restaurant for a romantic dinner?

Garde Manger tops this category, with Chez Delmo and Le Club Chasse et Pêche as strong, more classic alternatives.

Is Joe Beef a good choice for seafood specifically?

It's not exclusively a seafood restaurant, but its lobster spaghetti and oyster bar offerings make it a strong choice for anyone wanting a broader Montreal dining experience with a real seafood component.

What is the most affordable seafood option in Montreal?

Porto Mar and La Sirène de la Mer both offer accessible seafood without luxury pricing.

Do I need a reservation for these restaurants?

Yes, especially for Milos and Garde Manger on weekends, both of which are consistently busy given their strong current reputations, so booking a few days ahead is the safer approach even for a casual dinner.

Final Verdict

Montreal's seafood scene offers genuine range, from Milos's Mediterranean whole-fish tradition to Garde Manger's contemporary Canadian seafood cooking and Pincette's accessible lobster bar format. Garde Manger takes the top spot as the city's officially recognized best seafood restaurant for 2026, Milos remains the definitive choice for Mediterranean fish, and Le Filet rounds out the top three with its distinctive French-Japanese approach. Together, these ten restaurants give visitors a genuinely complete picture of what Montreal's seafood scene has to offer, whether the goal is a luxury whole-fish dinner, a Portuguese seafood feast, or a casual, budget-friendly lobster roll.

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