Chu Chai

What started as an adventure in eating vegan quickly ended in a love story - meaning me, falling in love, with Chu Chai. I cannot begin to describe how fabulous this restaurant is, and being an incredibly dedicated steak lover (though also a strong believer in responsible husbandry), it's really a reflection on the artistry that happens in Chu Chai's kitchen. And obviously I am not in the minority when it comes to this restaurant, as over the 10 years that I have been going, it has consistently been busy, and even expanded to their more low-key and less expensive neighbor, Chuch. I almost don't even want to get into a specific review of the dishes, because I just want to urge anyone who will listen to go! Their 'duck' (yes, I said Duck, and no, you read correctly before - VEGAN restaurant) is fantastic - succulent, rich, and entirely not made from meat. And their Beef curries? Same thing - everything is what it should be (though I would say the texture is slightly off but really, who cares? It tastes great, and looks JUST like the real thing). My favorite though? It's the crispy basil - an amazing technique I dream of mastering, in which they cook the basil in a sweet sauce and it comes out perfectly crisp but entirely green, and not covered in anything. Absolutely fabulous.

4088 Rue St. Denis, Montreal 514-843-4194 www.chuchai.com

Restaurant Toque

Consistently rated as one of Montreal's best restaurants, Toque is no disappointment. The food is amazing. A true testament to french cuisine, Toque puts together an excellent combination of flavors and artistry. Each dish is perfectly seasoned and served on your dish as though it were art. They offer both an A la Carte menu as well as a Tasting Menu - which is what I chose, and although it's been over a year since I've eaten there and the various dishes I had are starting to run into each other, I do remember thinking each item was better than the last. What's more, I enjoyed the size of each plate as it was just enough, and with 7 courses, I certainly didn't walk out hungry! Of course, no good food comes without a price - and Toque is definitely pricey. It was probably one of the most expensive restaurants I've been to in Montreal, but worth it...even if you go just once. Despite it's rather large size for a Montreal restaurant, I would recommend reservations. And although its decor is clean, modern and well done, I wouldn't say it's the most romantic of places, mostly because of the size. So whether it's for a special occasion, or 'just because you're worth it,' put Toque on your list of "must eats."


900 Place Jean-Paul Riopelle, 517-499-2084, http://www.restaurant-toque.com/

Le Paris Beurre

Petit. Paris. Parfait. Situated in the more 'french' Montreal neighborhood of Outremont, Le Paris Beurre is a delightful restaurant. More typical of a bistro style french restaurant, it serves a distinctly french cuisine in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. With a full wine menu and a constantly changing list of specials, enjoy a delicious AND reasonable lunch or dinner. I recommend the escargot and the duck - both delicious, and unlike a lot of places, the duck is actually cooked exactly as it should be. And in the summer months, enjoy dinner on the outdoor terrace. What I like about this restaurant is not just that it's good food - because let's face it, it's Montreal, there's good food everywhere - but that Paris Beurre is family owned and operated.

1226 Rue Van Horne, 514-271-7502, http://leparisbeurre.com

Buena Notte

Montreal is a sexy, trendy city, and despite the old world charm, there is definitely an edge to this uber chic city...and Buena Notte is just the place to go when you want to see and be seen. The good thing is that it's not just the atmosphere of the beautiful, model-esque Montrealers that frequent this St. Laurent hot-spot that you can enjoy, but also the food. The restaurant offers the typical range of fare found in Italian restaurants - pastas, pizzas, various antipasti and an assortment of main dishes...all delightful. The portions aren't huge, but instead a great size that fills you up without filling you up. What's more is you can order funky delicious cocktails, a glass of wine, beer - whatever, because they have a full bar. In the summer, you can enjoy the people watching inside & out sitting in their outside dining area, or simply by the open windows, and if you really want to enjoy yourself, go for a late dinner and watch the restaurant transform from a trendy restaurant to a full fledged lounge. So sit back, move to the beat of the music that's always bumping, and enjoy your dinner AND your eye candy! Oh, and if you don't believe me about the high brow crowd, just check out the wall of autographed plates...

3518 St. Laurent, (514) 848-0644, www.buenanotte.com

Restaurant Yoyo

Intimate and a bit of a hike if you're staying downtown, but definitely worth it. This restaurant offers everything a great restaurant should - excellent food, a warm and inviting atmosphere where you can delight in a good meal and a good conversation, and best of all, reasonable prices (relative to the quality of the meal). Though some might not love the idea of having to bring their own wine, this is an attribute of Montreal restaurants I adore. For one thing, it really saves you money, and for another, you can bring what you want, drink as much as you want, and take undrunk bottles with you! Their menu changes with the seasons, but is consistently good. Call ahead for reservations and expect to leave full!

4720 Rue Marquette, (514) 524-4187, www.restoyoyo.com

Au Pied de Cochon

This one I'm going to begin with a warning - this is definitely not for the light hearted, vegetarian,
calorie watcher, or anyone else who isn't sure if they like Fois Gras. Au Pied de Cochon is consistently on Montreal's top restaurant lists, and never receives poor reviews...for good reason. Their dinners are rich, heavy, and mmm...mmm good. As I said, if you don't eat meat, this wouldn't be my recommendation, since the entire menu is based around the type of meat you want, predominantly focused on Fois Gras and pork, though they do have Poultry, red meat, and a fish of the day. Pair your selection with one of their beers (literally - they have their own brew amongst their other selections), and dive into what will undoubtedly be one of your more memorable dining experiences! Things of note? The Fois Gras burger and Duck in a Can!

536 Duluth Est, (514) 281-1114, www.restaurantaupieddecochon.ca

Les Infideles

There is no better place to eat than Montreal. Really. There are amazing restaurants, bistros, sandwich shops, pastry shops, you name it! So let's start...fine dining.

Let's begin by one of my absolute favorite restaurants - Les Infideles. Tiny, delectable, decidedly Montreal. This bring your own wine restaurant offers a summer and winter menu of exquisite french cuisine with Quebecois flavors mixed in. It's intimate atmosphere is quite nice for a small group but can sometimes get rather crowded and noisy when it's packed. I recommend going with a few of your friends, maybe a max of 4 (6 people if you're pushing it), to better appreciate the petite dining room. A random thing I like? Their "water" menu - a cute detail for a restaurant that doesn't offer it's own alcohol, though they're happy to serve the bottle you bring with you. And just in case, call for reservations. I have been their many times over the years, and am never disappointed (well, almost never...they did stop serving their AMAZING trio of Fois Gras dish which I absolutely loved and actually have taken friends there just for this one dish!). My favorite? The Caribou (seasonal)...it is melt in your mouth delicious.

771 Rue Rachel Est (514) 528-8555 http://www.lesinfideles.ca/