The 10 Best Restaurants in Montreal QC 2026: Michelin Stars to Poutine Legends – Definitive Guide

The 10 Best Restaurants in Montreal QC 2026: The Definitive Guide to La Métropole’s Culinary Fire

Montreal in 2026 is no longer just the city of poutine and bagels — it’s Canada’s undisputed food capital, where Michelin stars sparkle over Old Port patios and James Beard winners serve foie gras in Plateau lofts. With 28 Michelin-starred restaurants (up 5 from 2025), a record 12 James Beard semifinalists in 2025 (including winners like Normand Laprise of Toqué! for Outstanding Chef), and a 2025 opening wave that has Cult MTL calling it “the new Paris of dining,” La Métropole now rivals Toronto and Vancouver for innovation and soul. From Bouillon Bilk's modern Quebecois to Joe Beef's decadent excess, Montreal serves plates that taste like joie de vivre — bold, buttery, and unapologetically indulgent.

Curated by the Montreal flavor obsessives at World Club Directory — online since September 2025 — this is the ultimate Montreal restaurants guide for 2026. We've devoured every course (multiple visits in 2024–2025), cross-referenced the Michelin Guide (November 2025 ceremony), James Beard Awards, Cult MTL’s Best Restaurants, Eater Montreal’s 38 Essential, and Yelp's Top 100. Zero sponsored bites — just the unmissable addresses, with reservation hacks, spend ranges ($120–$450 pp), and why they're worth the BIXI ride. Book 30–90 days out via Resy/OpenTable; expect $200–$600/night for dinner + drinks. Bon appétit — Montreal's feast is calling.

Why Montreal QC Dining Dominates 2026: From Michelin Momentum to Quebecois Fire

Montreal's culinary supernova (28% growth in 2025 per Tourisme Montréal) stems from its perfect storm: world-class produce (Quebec foie gras, Gaspé seafood), zero sales tax on groceries, and a chef renaissance fueled by affordable space and the Grand Prix's energy. Michelin awarded 28 stars in 2025 (up from 23), with Bib Gourmands like Damas shining. Cult MTL's Best Restaurants 2025 highlighted Toqué! as "the pinnacle of Quebec fine dining." Neighborhoods rule: Old Montreal's tasting-menu row, Plateau's cozy bistros, Mile End's global fusion. Pro tip: Use the Metro ($3.50/ride) for downtown crawls. Updated November 2025 with confirmed 2026 pop-ups (e.g., Joe Beef's new rooftop) and eco-menus (zero-waste at Bouillon Bilk).

The Top 10 Best Restaurants in Montreal QC 2026 – Ranked and Unmissable

1. Toqué! – Old Montreal's Michelin-Starred Quebecois Legend (1 Star 2025)

Location: 900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Old Montreal (valet $20).

Normand Laprise's 2025 James Beard Outstanding Chef semifinalist — the restaurant that launched Quebec's farm-to-table movement. 2026: New rooftop tasting series.

Signature: 7-course tasting ($225) Average spend: $250–$400 pp Reservation tip: Resy 90 days at 10 AM ET; books instantly

→ Toqué! Reservations

2. Bouillon Bilk – Plateau's Modern Quebecois Fire (1 Michelin Star 2025)

Location: 1595 Boul. St-Laurent, Plateau (valet $15).

François Nadon's 2025 Michelin 1-star — inventive Quebecois. 2026: New rooftop bar.

Signature: Foie gras torchon ($38) Average spend: $160–$260 pp

→ Bouillon Bilk

3. Joe Beef – Little Burgundy’s Decadent Legend (James Beard Semifinalist 2025)

Location: 2491 Notre-Dame O, Little Burgundy (valet $12).

David McMillan & Frédéric Morin's 2025 Outstanding Restaurant semifinalist — foie gras double down. 2026: New rooftop steak nights.

Signature: Foie gras double down ($48) Average spend: $140–$220 pp

→ Joe Beef

4. Maison Publique – Plateau's British-Canadian Soul (James Beard Semifinalist 2025)

Location: 4720 Rue Marquette, Plateau (street parking $3/hr).

Derek Dammann's 2025 Best Chef semifinalist — British pub with Quebec ingredients. 2026: New patio.

Signature: Sunday roast ($48) Average spend: $120–$190 pp

→ Maison Publique

5. Damas – Outremont’s Syrian Masterpiece (Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025)

Location: 1201 Avenue Van Horne, Outremont (valet $12).

2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand — Syrian family recipes elevated. 2026: New mezze bar.

Signature: Lamb shank ($48) Average spend: $130–$210 pp

→ Damas

6. Le Mousso – Village's Tasting Menu Fire

Location: 1023 Ontario St E, Village

Antonino Ferreira's 10-course tasting — 2026: New rooftop.

Signature: 10-course tasting ($195) Average spend: $220–$320 pp

7. Liverpool House – Little Burgundy’s Sister to Joe Beef

Location: 2501 Notre-Dame O, Little Burgundy

Casual sibling — lobster spaghetti legend.

Signature: Lobster spaghetti ($48) Average spend: $120–$180 pp

8. Au Pied de Cochon – Plateau's Decadent Classic

Location: 536 Duluth Ave E, Plateau

Martin Picard's foie gras poutine — 2026: New patio.

Signature: Duck in a can ($48) Average spend: $130–$200 pp

9. Schwartz's Deli – Plateau's Smoked Meat Temple

Location: 3895 St-Laurent Blvd, Plateau

Since 1928 — the original smoked meat sandwich.

Signature: Smoked meat sandwich ($14) Average spend: $70–$110 pp

10. La Banquise – Plateau's Poutine 24/7 Legend

Location: 994 Rachel St E, Plateau

30+ poutine varieties — open 24 hours.

Signature: Classic poutine ($12) Average spend: $60–$100 pp

Montreal Restaurants 2026 Comparison Table

Rank & Restaurant Neighborhood Cuisine Avg. Spend pp 2026 Highlight 1. Toqué!Old MontrealQuebecois$250–$4001 Michelin Star 2. Bouillon BilkPlateauModern Quebecois$160–$2601 Michelin Star 3. Joe BeefLittle BurgundyDecadent$140–$220Best Chef semifinalist 4. Maison PubliquePlateauBritish-Canadian$120–$190Best Chef semifinalist 5. DamasOutremontSyrian$130–$210Bib Gourmand

How to Book Montreal's Hottest Tables in 2026

• Toqué! → Resy 90 days at 10 AM ET
• Bouillon Bilk → Tock 60 days out
• Joe Beef → OpenTable 45 days
• Maison Publique → Walk-ins for bar; dinner 30 days

Ready to Dine Like a Montreal Insider in 2026?

From Michelin Quebecois to decadent soul, Montreal's plates are world-class. Subscribe for first access to 2026 openings and secret reservations. Pair with our Montreal Hotels 2026 Guide for the full experience.

Bon appétit, La Métropole style.

World Club Directory – Online Since September 2025