Monarque Montreal

Monarque is on Rue Saint-Jacques, a five-minute walk from the Notre-Dame Basilica. It holds the number 10 spot on Canada’s 100 Best list. The dining room runs smart and elegant, serving a menu that balances classic French technique with contemporary execution.

While Old Montreal is often defined by tourist-heavy bistros that rely on their proximity to the cathedral, Monarque distinguishes itself by ignoring the neighborhood’s penchant for pastiche. It is a more rigorous kitchen than those lining the nearby squares, trading the typical rowdiness of the district for a precision that explains its ranking. You go here for the technical discipline, which remains rare in this corner of the city.