The TOP 10 Romantic Restaurants in Montreal

What is it? Monarque is a fine dining restaurant at 406 Rue Saint-Jacques. It sits a five-minute walk from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and holds the no. 10 spot on Canada's 100 Best list.

Why we love it: While many restaurants in this district prioritize speed for the midday crowds, Monarque leans into a deliberate, classic French pace. Its high guest rating—derived from over two thousand reviews—reflects a consistency that makes it a reliable choice for a romantic evening compared to the more transient dining rooms found throughout Old Montreal.

Good to Know: The kitchen balances classic French technique with contemporary execution, so dress in smart and elegant attire to match the luxury of the dining room.

What is it? Perché sits at 153 Rue Saint-Amable, a six-minute walk from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. This fine dining destination balances Japanese techniques with high-end grills.

Why we love it: The restaurant provides a rare, elevated vantage point over the historic streets of Old Montreal, which sits less than a ten-minute walk away. Its combination of refined sushi and flame-kissed grills earns it a consistent 4.78 rating from over 2,300 guests, proving it captures the romantic, high-end atmosphere it promises.

Good to Know: Perché enforces a smart and elegant dress code, so save the casual wear for the nearby cobblestones of Place Jacques-Cartier.

What is it? L’Express sits on Saint-Denis, roughly a ten-minute walk from the Quartier des Spectacles and less than 15 minutes from the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal. It currently holds the no. 52 spot on Canada’s 100 Best list.

Why we love it: While Saint Catherine Street sits just a few blocks away, L’Express retains a traditional, luxury French focus that feels removed from the surrounding transit corridors. With a high volume of guests and a consistent 4.73 rating, the restaurant balances the rigors of fine dining with a romantic atmosphere that holds up to repeat visits.

Good to Know: The kitchen specializes in traditional French cuisine, so plan your order around the classic menu staples that keep the dining room busy on weeknights.

What is it? Atwater Cocktail Club is an international, modern restaurant located at 512 Atwater Ave. It sits a ten-minute walk from the Lachine Canal National Historic Site and holds the distinction of having the bartender of the year from Canada’s 100 Best, as well as a recognition from North America's 50 Best Bars.

Why we love it: This venue distinguishes itself by balancing a romantic atmosphere with the technical precision required to earn its recent industry accolades. While many spaces in the area lean toward the casual, Atwater Cocktail Club maintains a price point that reflects its focus on modern, international-leaning technique.

Good to Know: Given the strict smart and elegant dress code, Atwater Cocktail Club is best suited for those looking to leverage their most polished attire for a sophisticated evening.

What is it? Il Pagliaccio sits on Avenue Laurier Ouest, a short walk from the district’s high-end shopping boutiques. This Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in creative, modern Italian fine dining.

Why we love it? It stands apart from the nearby commercial stretch by offering a deeply romantic setting that prioritizes intimacy over foot traffic. With a 4.83 rating across 175 reviews, it justifies its higher price point through a rigorous, modern approach to Italian traditions that feels more like a private discovery than a neighborhood standard.

Good to Know: Given the strict smart and elegant dress code, Il Pagliaccio serves as a destination for formal celebrations rather than casual walks back from a morning at the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.

What is it? Mon Lapin is a restaurant on Rue Saint-Zotique Est. It is a fifteen-minute walk from Jean-Talon Market and holds a Michelin star, as well as the number 25 ranking on La Liste.

Why we love it? The restaurant balances a contemporary approach to French cooking with an atmosphere that earns it a 4.74 guest rating from over 1,200 diners. While many venues in this price bracket feel detached, Mon Lapin manages to feel both like a high-end destination and an intimate, romantic room.

Good to Know: The creative menu at Mon Lapin pairs best with the terrace when the weather allows for outdoor dining in a smart and elegant setting.

What is it? Terrasse Carla sits on the sixth floor at 985 Boul. Saint-Laurent. It is a three-minute walk from the Quartier des Spectacles and sits within a short stroll of the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal and Place des Arts.

Why we love it? The kitchen balances French and Vietnamese techniques, a specific seafood-forward fusion that feels distinct from the standard fare in this district. With 626 reviews contributing to a 4.77 rating, the restaurant draws a consistent, high-end crowd that demands a formal, smart and elegant aesthetic.

Good to Know: Terrasse Carla maintains a luxury price point, so save this for an evening when you intend to utilize the full terrace for a romantic view of the skyline.

What is it? Toqué! sits on Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, a three-minute walk from the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal. The restaurant holds the number 18 spot on Canada’s 100 Best list and earns four stars from Forbes Travel Guide.

Why we love it? It elevates the farm-to-table movement through a rigorous, high-end French lens that justifies its place among the city’s most expensive reservations. While other spots in the nearby Quartier des Spectacles cater to the pre-show rush, this room remains a destination for those who prefer the quiet, romantic pacing of fine dining over the neighborhood’s typical intensity.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s commitment to creative, seasonal sourcing means the menu shifts constantly, so ask your server how the wine pairing from the Wine Spectator award-winning cellar reflects the evening’s specific farm deliveries.

What is it? Foxy sits on Rue Notre-Dame Ouest and holds the number 82 spot on Canada’s 100 Best list. This contemporary restaurant combines French influences with modern techniques in a space that features a bar and a terrace.

Why we love it: While many spots in the city focus on volume, Foxy justifies its premium pricing through a consistent execution that keeps its rating high among hundreds of diners. It manages to balance the expectations of fine dining with a contemporary feel, making it a reliable pick for a dinner that demands more than the standard bistro experience.

Good to Know: The kitchen specializes in modern French preparations, so look for a pairing from the bar menu that favors crisp acidity to cut through their signature flame-kissed flavors.

What is it? Ermitage sits at 5024 Chem. de la Côte-des-Neiges, just over a fifteen-minute walk from Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal. This restaurant blends French, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisines in a setting built for fine dining.

Why we love it: The kitchen manages a difficult balancing act, layering Mediterranean influences into a formal French and Italian repertoire. With a guest rating of 4.90 from 777 reviews, the consistency draws diners who prioritize a polished, romantic atmosphere over the frantic pace of the city’s more casual bistros. It sits at a mid-range price point, offering a level of luxury that remains accessible for a Tuesday night dinner as much as an anniversary.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Ermitage warrants a blazer, particularly if you secure a table on the terrace during the warmer months.