The TOP 10 Modern Restaurants in Montreal

What is it? Bar George is a restaurant housed within Le Mount Stephen at 1440 Rue Drummond. It sits an eight-minute walk from the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and is less than a ten-minute stroll from the shops of Sainte-Catherine Street.

Why we love it: While many dining rooms in Montreal lean into minimalist trends, Bar George leverages the inherent luxury of the Le Mount Stephen architecture to provide a more theatrical backdrop for its modern, French-influenced international menu. With over 4,000 guests weighing in to yield a 4.73 rating, the restaurant manages the rare feat of pairing a high-traffic, accessible location with a consistent standard of service.

Good to Know: The dress code here is smart and elegant, so trade your sneakers for something more polished before heading to the terrace.

What is it? Atwater Cocktail Club sits at 512 Atwater Ave, a ten-minute walk from the Atwater Market. It holds honors as a North America's 50 Best Bars venue and is home to the winner of the Canada's 100 Best bartender of the year award.

Why we love it: The venue pairs international, modern cuisine with a level of craft that justifies the attention of international award bodies. While many Montreal venues lean into casual transit, this space prioritizes a romantic, luxury aesthetic that earns its high rating from nearly 2,000 visitors.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Atwater Cocktail Club is strictly observed, so expect a more polished crowd than at the nearby Lachine Canal National Historic Site.

What is it? Il Pagliaccio sits at 365 Avenue Laurier Ouest in Montreal. This Michelin-starred restaurant specializes in creative, modern Italian fine dining. It is a twenty-five-minute walk from the Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal and roughly a thirty-minute walk from the expansive grounds of Parc du Mont-Royal.

Why we love it? The restaurant offers a rare level of precision on a street better known for high-end retail than for its heavy-hitting culinary credentials. With a guest rating of 4.83, the kitchen balances high-concept creative techniques with traditional Italian roots, justifying a price point that sits well above the neighborhood average. It is a destination built for those who prefer the quiet intimacy of fine dining over the city's louder, more casual establishments.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Il Pagliaccio is strictly observed, so expect a formal atmosphere when dining just 100 meters away from the boutiques of Avenue Laurier Ouest.

What is it? Les Enfants Terribles sits at 3 Pl. Ville-Marie, a three-minute walk from the Eaton Centre Montréal. The restaurant serves a modern, creative take on French cuisine within a high-end, luxury space that offers expansive views of the city.

Why we love it: It manages the rare feat of pairing a refined, smart-and-elegant dress code with a commanding vantage point over the urban grid. With over 6,000 reviews maintaining a 4.50 rating, the kitchen consistently delivers a level of scale and polish that makes it a reliable standout near the Place des Arts.

Good to Know: The terrace at Les Enfants Terribles provides the clearest perspective of the skyline during the warmer months, making it the most coveted seating in the house for a modern French dinner.

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

Why we love it? Toqué! prioritizes a farm-to-table philosophy within a formal setting that distinguishes it from the casual bistros scattered throughout the nearby Quartier des Spectacles. Its consistent performance, reflected in a high guest rating of 4.73 from 1432 reviews, rewards those seeking a refined creative French menu rather than a standard downtown meal.

Good to Know: Toqué! holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award, so defer to the sommelier for a pairing to match the complexities of their French farm-to-table menu.

What is it? Foxy is a restaurant at 1638 R. Notre Dame O, located roughly a 45-minute walk from the Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal. It holds a spot on the 2024 Canada's 100 Best list at number 82.

Why we love it? Foxy distinguishes itself by marrying the precision of French technique with a contemporary, modern sensibility, a combination that earns it a 4.71 rating from 854 reviews. It is an expensive evening out, but the fine dining polish justifies the price tier in a city where casual dining often takes precedence.

Good to Know: Foxy pairs its French-influenced menu with a full bar service, so opt for a wine flight on the terrace to make the most of the contemporary atmosphere.

What is it? Mastard is a modern French restaurant located at 1879 Rue Bélanger. It sits a 15-minute walk from the Jean-Talon Market and holds a spot on the 2024 Canada's 100 Best list at number 72.

Why we love it: This venue distinguishes itself by applying creative techniques to the French tradition, justifying its premium price point. With a guest rating of 4.89 from 653 reviews, it maintains a level of precision that makes the trek to this stretch of Rue Bélanger worthwhile.

Good to Know: The dining room at Mastard demands a smart and elegant dress code, matching the creative, high-end French menu.

What is it? Le Mousso is a fine dining restaurant on Ontario St E. It holds a Michelin star and ranks no. 15 on La Liste and no. 97 on Canada's 100 Best. The location is a fifteen-minute walk from Vieux-Montréal.

Why we love it: This is a high-stakes, creative French kitchen that demands a full evening. Its position as a top-tier destination keeps the room focused, making it a rare find for those who prefer their luxury with a side of modern intensity rather than traditional white-tablecloth stuffiness.

Good to Know: The kitchen treats French technique as a canvas for creative experimentation, so Le Mousso requires a smart and elegant dress code to match the precision of the plate.

What is it? Le Serpent sits at 257 Rue Prince, a ten-minute walk from the Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal. This fine dining destination blends French and contemporary techniques within a space that prioritizes an elegant, high-end atmosphere.

Why we love it: The restaurant commands a following, evidenced by its 4.69 rating across over 1,200 reviews, because it manages to feel both expansive and intimate. While the price point reflects a serious commitment to luxury, the room delivers a consistently sharp, modern take on French cuisine that avoids the stuffiness often found in similar establishments.

Good to Know: The dress code at Le Serpent leans smart and elegant, so choose an outfit that fits the polished, industrial-chic backdrop before you head to the terrace.

What is it? Marcus Restaurant sits at 1440 Rue de la Montagne, a seven-minute walk from Saint Catherine Street. It is a fine dining destination that specializes in a fusion of French, seafood, and contemporary influences.

Why we love it: While many restaurants in this price bracket rely on formality, Marcus Restaurant balances its high-end expectations with a genuinely accessible atmosphere. Its proximity to the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal—roughly a fifteen-minute stroll—makes it an ideal post-gallery dinner spot for those who appreciate consistent execution over gimmicks.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Marcus Restaurant is best interpreted as "modern Montreal"—think tailored separates that transition easily from a day at Place Ville Marie to an evening on the terrace.