15 best new restaurants in Montreal

Young chef Andersen Lee, who won the prestigious 50 Best BBVA scholarship in 2019, has opened the chic Oncle Lee on Laurier Avenue. Partnered with renowned restaurateurs Mélanie Blanchette and François Nadon, Oncle Lee serves up a captivating twist on Chinese cuisine, featuring both classic dishes (wonton soup, garlic fried rice, seafood chow mein) and more unique options (soy mimosa eggs, steamed oysters with black beans, beef sirloin and bone marrow). Prepare for inspired Chinese cuisine that takes you on a journey.

Miracolo, meaning "Miracle" in Italian, is as captivating as it sounds. Alejandro Vega aims to dazzle the senses with masterfully crafted Italian dishes at this hotspot on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. The extensive menu spans six sections: "Appetizers," "Vegetables," "Pasta," "From the Sea," "Meat," and "Desserts," ensuring there's something for every palate (and ambition), including late night eats (the kitchen closes at 2 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays).

This little gem on the corner of Saint-Denis and Malines, just steps away from Sherbrooke metro, is firmly plant-forward. The transition from vegan sushi (formerly the takeout counter Sushi Momo) to vegan Thai cuisine was led by the ChuChaï family. These days, whether you visit Chai-Yo for lunch or dinner, you can spice up your day with Kao Kra Pao, a comforting bowl of green curry and coconut milk rice noodles with vegetables and tofu, a twist on Pad Thai, or a banh-mi (the last two options only available at lunch). Prices are reasonable, and there's a short but sweet cocktail and wine list.

Taking over the space formerly occupied by Diplomate, La Marelle is the brainchild of Brendan Lavery Breier, Chef Carlos Melgar, and Taylor D’Ottavi. With a menu focused on Japanese barbecued meats, patrons seated at the long bar can witness Chef Melgar's grilling and plating skills. The drink menu, curated by D’Ottavi, includes wines from small producers, steering clear of the "funky" trend.

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Known for the consistently outstanding dishes at Kitano Shokudo, Ohayo Café (located a stone's throw away from Kitano), is the perfect addition to the Japanese culinary scene on Mont-Royal. Serving coffee, tea, tamago spread, shrimp patty sandwiches (ebi burger), and various ramen options (including a vegan option), the 28 seat spot is run by Chef Hiroshi Kitano and Samath Mom.

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Ending the year on a high note, the Otto group (Otto Yakitori, Bar Otto) introduced Pony BBQ, a reinterpretation of Korean BBQ. The vibes are straight from the streets of Seoul, and the menu, overseen by Wongu Jeon and Jongwook Lee of 9 Tail Fox, features grilled specialties like Nagano pork cuts, marinated beef galbi, and all the sides.

Chef Joe Mercuri, a veteran known for his culinary prowess at Mediterraneo, Brontë, and Cube, has a few surprises up his sleeve with Mercuri 109, which opened in December. The restaurant reflects Mercuri's desire to use inventive Italian cuisine as a means to bring people together. Open for lunch on weekdays and evenings from Monday to Saturday.

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Formerly known as Le Flamant, Octo takes a new direction with chef David Hibon leading the way. Specializing in Asian street food (wait until you taste the unique take on dim sum), Octo offers a variety of reasonably priced dishes. Highlights include duck imperial rolls, lamb dumplings, okonomiyaki-inspired loaded fries, beef and squid chinatown noodles, and desserts like miso cheesecake and pork rice crispies.

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Plaza St-Hubert's newest hotspot, Marci sur la Plaza focuses on New York-style pizza complemented by a variety of dishes (bitter greens, Caesar salad, stuffed clams and breaded eggplant), a big selection of natural wines, and moderately priced negronis and martinis. Bonus? The partners behind Marci are passionate about music, so get ready to listen to Montreal's best DJs.

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Breathing new life into the space formerly home to Grumman78, Estelle is a joint venture by experienced restaurateurs Francis Rodrigue (Jellyfish), Massimo Caprio, Pino Forgione (Béatrice), and chef David Tarantini (Béatrice). The Italian-focused menu is divided into five sections: "Gli Antipasti," "Pasta" (featuring classics like melon & prosciutto salad and meatballs), "La Carne" including a Bistecca Fiorentina, "Pesce," and "Contorni" offering a variety of sides.

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Izakaya Regashi is a product of the culinary passion and legacy passed down by Tri Du (Tri Express) to his son Thierry-Tri Du-Boisclair. Tucked away near Atwater metro, the menu is a medly of dishes like beef carpaccio, yakitori, Japanese-style fried chicken, sashimi of aged fish, sweet potato gnocchi, and more. The wine and cocktail menu, curated by Anaïs Marchant and Kevin Long, is a dream for both wine enthusiasts and cocktail lovers.

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JunJun, the first modern Filipino restaurant in Montreal, is the brainchild of brothers Toddy and Jojo Flores. Known for their hotspots like Junior and Café GotSoul, JunJun offers innovative twists on traditional Filipino dishes influenced by their adopted city. Look out for Abodo duck breast, carpaccio-style Bulalo, and a unique Kinilaw with Quebec mackerel.

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Billed as an eclectic, unpretentious, and well-executed kitchen, Le Godot offers a diverse menu with flavours hailing from Peru, Asia, France and Quebec. Think dumplings, turkey wings stuffed with char siu pork, bone marrow beef tartare, sweet potato gnocchi, and curried mussels. Don't forget the thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail list.

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A taste of Spain just arrived in the Plateau. Bar Vivar, an authentic tapas bar reminiscent of Barcelona, is the spot for croquetas and a glass of vermouth; the perfect lunch (a slice of tortilla and Russian salad), or a lively and relaxed aperitif. The 30-person dining room is all huge windows, blue banquettes and bright red tiles. The owners aim to share their love for food with simple and affordable dishes, making it a must-visit spot for all Montrealers.

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"An oasis where one can indulge, feel comfortable and at home." These are the words used by owner-chef Robin Filteau-Boucher (Théophile, Gypsy) to describe Parapluie. Inside a charming dining room with around thirty seats that overlook an open kitchen, Chef Filteau-Boucher's goal is: "to be in contact with my clients and communicate my passion." Chef Filteau-Boucher executes his art eloquently while remaining true to his values, supporting local neighbours and small producers. Cue the bread from Boulangerie Louise, lettuce from Chez Nino, hand-cut fries (by himself, he insists), scallops from the Magdalen Islands (with a cauliflower option), lamb from Ferme Péchés Moutons with shiitake, beef tartare with Parisian mushrooms, Jerusalem artichoke chips and Louis d'Or cheese. Don't miss the Montreal-style confit trout in a buttermilk sauce at your new favourite neighbourhood spot.

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