Montreal is celebrated for its romantic hotels, vibrant arts, and summer jazz. And this sophisticated, bilingual French-Canadian metropolis flaunts headline-worthy dining, too. Montreal bursts with all manner of restaurants: funky ethnic dives (many of which are BYOB), bistros that celebrate Quebecois cuisine, and swank spots with the ultimate in food, service and atmosphere. These are among Montreal's most dazzling, deluxe restaurants plus one chow-down institution.
The hushed, plush Beaver Club, in the refined Fairmont Queen Elizabeth hotel, is a Montreal restaurant that has meant genteel tradition, service, and romance to generations of locals and visitors. The nearest couple is seated so far away you'll barely hear the squeals when he pops the question. Beaver Club dinners unfurl with Champagne service. Then diners tuck into the chef's several-course extravaganzas, with dishes such as lobster carpaccio with Asian spices and buttery Chateaubriand steak with sinful Bearnaise sauce. The seafood is like sugar, but you will still have a sweet spot for dessert or an appetite for the lavish cheese selection. Dress for a deluxe evening.More »Set on the "The Main," busy Blvd. St. Laurent, Schwartz's is Montreal's legendary Jewish deli. There's often a wait for seats in the cafeteria-style dining room, where service is equal parts brisk and tender. Speaking of tender, Schwartz's marquee sliced meat equals any corned beef or pastrami in New York, Miami or LA. Just don't ask which it is: it's Montreal smoked meat. Romantics buy a pound with rye bread at the restaurant, then go and savor sandwiches in their hotel room or an Outremont Park picnic.More »
