The 15 best restaurants in Montreal for celebrating right now

Open flame cooking gives an inimitable flavor to every dish served at Maison Boulud. Credit: Maison Boulud
Sauce being drizzled onto a steak dish from Maison Boulud, one of the best restaurants for special occasions in Montreal.

As one of Canada’s most exciting cultural melting pots, Montreal is packed with celebration-worthy restaurants that serve food from around the world. From fine dining gems calling for a fancy meal out to romance-filled date night destinations, fun hotspots for celebrating a birthday and group-friendly dining, the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal await.

Ring in an anniversary at an intimate, dinner theater-esque omakase spot downtown. Toast a birthday at a plush Syrian restaurant in Outremont. And when the temperatures dip, opt for a cozy just-because celebration at an Old Montreal gem that evokes a rustic-chic wood cabin.

While Montreal’s dining rooms tend to skew small (often around 40 seats), many can accommodate groups, if you plan ahead—and there are a few larger restaurants, too. Book your next celebration at one of these 15 best special occasion restaurants in Montreal on OpenTable.

The best special occasion restaurants in Montreal to book right now – read on for a guide

For Parisian-style fine dining in Montreal – book Brasserie 701 in Old Montreal

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The beef tartare with egg yolk brings a taste of Paris to your lunch at Brasserie 701. Credit: Brasserie 701
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The cocktails at Brasserie 701 are the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Credit: Brasserie 701
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The dedicated pastry chef at Brasserie 701 creates sweet treats for your enjoyment. Credit: Brasserie 701
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Neoclassical architecture and décor in the Parisian brasserie style at Brasserie 701. Credit: Brasserie 701
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The dining room of Brasserie 701 showcases the best of Parisian glamour. Credit: Brasserie 701

Inspired by the great salons and brasseries of Paris, Brasserie 701 brings classic French dishes to the city. A chic venue with soaring neoclassical architecture, this is an ideal spot for a date night restaurant in Montreal. This all-day restaurant serves up breakfast, brunch and matinee menus in the mornings a lunchtime fixed-price menu, a decadent afternoon tea and an à la carte menu for lunch or dinner. Enjoy a taste of France at any time of day or night. Start your morning with an avocado and tomato tartine on country bread, or a smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese. Take in escargot in parsley sauce or beef tartare with maple syrup and egg yolk at lunch. Satisfy those afternoon cravings with a charcuterie platter of French and Quebec classics with duck and pork rillettes, or fill up at dinner with lobster in sabayon sauce or a rack of lamb with Provence herbs.

For one of the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal for birthday celebrations – visit Elena in Saint-Henri

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Hand-made pasta filled with fresh, local ingredients, a specialty at Elena. Credit: Elena
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Enjoy a casual yet romantic date on the sun-drenched terrace of Elena. Credit: Elena
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The naturally leavened, wood-fired pizzas steal the show at Elena. Credit: Elena
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Minimalist décor and a warm ambience await at Elena. Credit: Elena
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Warm and inviting with endless supplies of pizza and wine – catch up with friends at Elena. Credit: Elena

One of the best relaxed birthday party places in Montreal, Elena delivers pizza, coffee and wine, all the time. Modern and minimalist yet with a warm and inviting ambience, with floor-to-ceiling windows for views across the city. The spacious dining area has plenty of room for larger groups, and the menu is fun and flavorful. The pizzas are the highlight of the show at Elena. Naturally leavened and cooked in a wood-fired oven for the unparalleled smoky taste, with toppings such as mushroom and taleggio or mozzarella with spicy salami and pepperoni. Add some antipasti for the table to start, or choose from several hand-made pasta dishes. The natural wine list complements each choice, with a selection of classic Italian desserts to finish.

For one of the best date night restaurants in Montreal – visit Kitano Shokudo in Plateau Mont-Royal

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Hand-made sushi rolls and more, with authentic Japanese recipes at Kitano Shokudo. Credit: Kitano Shokudo
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Warming bowls of lunchtime noodles with all sorts of toppings await at Kitano Shokudo. Credit: Kitano Shokudo
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Try a sake pairing with your Japanese meal at Kitano Shokudo. Credit: Kitano Shokudo
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The spicy green noodles with peanuts, crispy shallot and cilantro are a lunchtime must-try at Kitano Shokudo. Credit: Kitano Shokudo

Japan is renowned for its hospitality, offering top-notch, discreet service wherever you go. Kitano Shokudo combines this with excellent hand-made food, taking precise Japanese techniques and adding innovative twists with influences from Italy and France. A combination of local ingredients and authentic Japanese imports of the highest quality complete the picture. The lunch menu focuses on noodles, with choices such as chicken and pork ramen broth, duck confit with onions, and sauteed mushroom with egg yolk, alongside sushi platters, soups and salads. For dinner, try wild boar mapo-tofu with fermented beans, or canard mazeman duck with nori and onsen tamago, with a glass of sake on the side. 

For a seafood feast with friends at one of the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal – visit Garde Manger in Old Montreal

A platter with ice in its base and oysters stacked on it, razor clams, and half a lobster at Garde Manger, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Montreal
A selection of oysters, lobster, and razor clams from Garde Manger’s seafood bar. Credit: Garde Manger
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Be wowed by the theatrical nature of the open kitchen at Garde Manger and watch the professionals at work. Credit: Garde Manger
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The rustic vibe at Garde Manger belies the elegant interiors and luxurious menus. Credit: Garde Manger
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Seafood takes centre stage at Garde Manger with the freshest catch of the day. Credit: Garde Manger

Garde Manger may be led by famed Canadian chef Chuck Hughes, but it’s not coasting on name recognition. The classy but cool special-occasion spot is perpetually packed and all about celebrating with large platters of local seafood, plus French-accented dishes like beef croquettes with smoked tomato and swordfish with mirepoix brunoise. The chef menus are the best way to experience this impressive culinary venue, with a choice of four to seven courses for the table. If you’re drinking, don’t miss a glass or two from the deep and impressive wine list. Note that due to the restaurant’s alcohol permit, diners under 18 can’t be accommodated.

For a special occasion around flavourful Greek fare – head to Estiatorio Milos in Mile End

Restaurateur Costas Spiliadis has turned Estiatorio Milos into an international fine-dining empire, but it all started in Montreal’s Mile End, a historic hub for the city’s Greek community. Expect a celebration feast that takes cues from the Aegean. Seafood is the main focus, with  Mediterranean imports like octopus grilled to perfection, scallop carpaccio poached in sake, and whole Japanese fried sea bream with peanut aioli and burnt kimchi. Be sure to dress up for your big night out—Estiatorio Milos’s sleek black-and-white dining room is a see-and-be-seen hotspot, and for good reason, considering the world-class food and wine.

For a memorable festive evening at one of the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal – book Jellyfish Restaurant in Old Montreal

A dining room with wooden floors and high ceilings, and a bar on the left side with green leather stools at Jellyfish Restaurant, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Montreal
The industrial-chic dining room at Jellyfish Restaurant is an ideal backdrop for chic birthday and anniversary celebrations. Credit: Jellyfish Restaurant

For a special occasion destination that’s more upbeat than buttoned-up, consider Jellyfish, a trendy Old Montreal restaurant. As the place’s name suggests, there’s plenty of jellyfish on the menu, appearing in raw forms via crudo and tartare, and in juicy grilled versions, plus Korean-inspired dishes like kimchi veal short ribs. The interiors are just as modern as the menu, all industrial-chic concrete walls and wooden accents. A strong wine list, filled with seafood-friendly whites and full-bodied reds for steaks, rounds out your celebratory feast at this effortlessly elegant restaurant.

For a Levantine dinner party – visit Damas in Outremont

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Explore the flavors of Syria with a tasting menu from Damas. Credit: Damas
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Try something from the grill at Damas, such as the Northern Gold AAA beef tenderloin. Credit: Damas
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Prepare for an enchanting evening in the red velvet damask dining room at Damas. Credit: Damas
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The cured beef filet mignon at Damas is just one of the Syrian-inspired treats in store. Credit: Damas

Damas is easily one of Montreal’s most acclaimed dining destinations and a go-to for a sophisticated Levantine dinner party. Take a seat in the red velvet dining room (or on the leafy side-street terrasse in warmer months) to kick off your special night. This enchanting space is a carefully designed microcosm of Syrian hospitality, featuring warm woods, rich velours and multicoloured lighting for a touch of magic. The shareable tasting menu is worthy of many festivities and features Syrian classics like fattoush salad, Kataifi rolled wild shrimp with tahini sauce, and cheese borek with a tomato and quince jam. Don’t skip the cocktails, which highlight Middle Eastern flavours, including apricot and pomegranate. There’s an extensive wine list for toasting, too.

For a celebratory tasting menu – try Île Flottante in Mile End

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Creatively presented and crafted from the best and freshest produce of the day, each dish at Île Flottante is a work of art. Credit: Île Flottante
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Book your next date night at Île Flottante, with intimate tables for two and a showcase of the region’s best produce. Credit: Île Flottante
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The first bite is most definitely with the eyes at Île Flottante – and it’s delicious. Credit: Île Flottante
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Every care is taken over each individual dish at Île Flottante to impress and delight. Credit: Île Flottante

Executive chef Sean Murray Smith is known for a hyper-creative approach to vegetables, which is why produce gets main character status at his sleek restaurant, best for an intimate occasion. Though it’s not a strictly vegetarian spot, plant-based recipes appear in imaginative and lesser-seen forms at Île Flottante, such as tuiles and granitas. Creative cocktails and extra-friendly service make a celebration here especially memorable. Book the degustation menu to sample the best dishes of the day, ideal for a special occasion in Montreal.

For the best of Québec fine dining at one of the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal – head to Restaurant Toqué! in the Quartier International

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Formal fine dining with an elegant flair, Restaurant Toque! is for the most special of occasions. Credit: Restaurant Toque
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Celebrate special occasions at Restaurant Toque!, with elegantly appointed tables for large groups. Credit: Restaurant Toque
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The impressive wine cellar at Restaurant Toque! means always finding that perfect pairing. Credit: Restaurant Toque
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The stunningly artistic presentation is second only to the exquisite flavors at Restaurant Toque! Credit: Restaurant Toque

Dress to the nines for your special night here—Restaurant Toque! is a formal white-tablecloth place that was made for the splashiest occasions. Its seven-course tasting menu is an ode to French techniques and Quebecoise produce and sets the stage for an epic anniversary or proposal. Add classic or premium wine pairings from the impressive international cellar to complement each course. The menu changes regularly, but sample dishes include foie gras terrine with confit beet, duck magret with roasted garlic puree in a seared vermouth sauce, and cavatelli with roasted rabbit and a pumpkin seed praline. Round out your chic celebration with plates of Quebec cheese with all the bells and whistles, or an indulgent dark chocolate ganache with bourbon crème anglaise.

For a rustic celebration – visit Le Club Chasse et Peche in Old Montreal

Tables set with tablecloths, wine glasses, and cutlery in front of a grey wall with art hanging on it at Le Club Chasse et Peche, one of the best special occasions restaurants in Montreal
The cabin-inspired vibes at Le Club Chasse et Peche fuel a rustic-chic celebration Credit: Nicolas Ruel, Le Club Chasse et Peche

If your idea of a celebration includes glamping in the Canadian woods, this Old Montreal restaurant is your spot. The food at Le Club Chasse et Peche matches the cabin-chic vibe (after all, the restaurant’s name means “The Hunting and Fishing Club” in French). It’s a meaty affair featuring sweetbreads and guinea hen agnolotti with a cider sauce. The hearty but polished plates make Le Club Chasse et Peche an especially ideal special-occasion backdrop during Montreal’s notoriously cold winters.

For one of the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal for an omakase experience – book a table at Okeya Kyujiro in Downtown

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The theatrical open kitchen and intimate chef’s table experience make dining at Okeya Kyujiro a memorable experience. Credit: Okeya Kyujiro

This ode to omakase is most definitely a splurge, but that’s exactly what special occasions were made for. Chef Takuya Matsuda and his team promise a captivating and celebratory experience that’s dinner and a show. Mark just about any occasion over 15 to 20 umami-rich courses with a spotlight on imported Japanese seafood and Tokyo-style sushi. Dessert and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony also form part of the experience. At Okeya Kyujiro, service typically starts at one of two fixed times each evening and the minimalist dining room seats just about a dozen, so reservations are a must. A real gem offering something special as one of the best private party restaurants in Montreal.

For a special occasion at the Ritz-Carlton hotel – visit Maison Boulud in Downtown

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Try the eight-course degustation menu from Maison Boulud for the chef’s favorites. Credit: Maison Boulud
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Confit duck on creamy mashed potato in jus – just one of the seasonally changing highlights of the menu at Maison Boulud. Credit: Maison Boulud
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Spectacular beef wellington in the French style from Maison Boulud. Credit: Maison Boulud
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The tasting menu at Maison Boulud starts with oysters and caviar and takes you through eight courses to reach dessert. Credit: Maison Boulud
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The spacious Art Deco main dining room at Maison Boulud makes it an ideal choice for special occasions. Credit: Maison Boulud
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Take a seat in the cozy conservatory or book the entire spot for a special occasion at Maison Boulud. Credit: Maison Boulud

Spoil yourself and your loved ones with a special occasion meal at superstar chef Daniel Boulud’s Montreal outpost, Maison Boulud. The Art Deco-accented dining room in the Ritz-Carlton hotel has ample space, making it a solid bet for larger celebrations such as wedding receptions in Montreal. Executive chef Romain Cagnat combines North American and French influences for a classic yet surprising menu filled with scene-stealers like foie gras terrine with Grand Marnier, scallop sashimi with beet and blood orange, and Guinea fowl supreme with Iberian bacon and wild mushrooms. You can also opt for the eight-course tasting menu, or celebrate with a distinguished weekend brunch instead—one of Montreal’s best.

For one of the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal for intimate date nights – book Barcola Bistro in Mile End

Barcola Bistro screams casual neighbourhood haunt. But chef Fabrizio Caprioli’s top-notch takes on northeastern Italian fare make it a no-brainer for birthdays, anniversaries, and more. Dishes like bruschetta with stracciatella and tomato, and rigatoni with Tuscan cabbage allow ingredients to shine. And a short set menu means that Caprioli is most definitely about quality over quantity. For a more casual celebration, stop by on a Wednesday for special aperitivo night.

For celebratory seafood platters – try Helena in Old Montreal

This Old Montreal fine-dining staple is a love letter to chef Helena Loureiro’s homeland, Portugal—with the occasional detour to Quebec. Classic seafood and meat dishes are the way to celebrate here, including bacalhau (salt cod fritters), lamb with a port sauce, and a massive seafood platter with garlic sauce. At Helena, the setting is classy yet relaxed, with a dining room that’s well-equipped for group celebrations, and extra-attentive service makes it worthy of a spot on your shortlist for Montreal reception venues.

For wood-fired Spanish specialties – visit Ibérica in Downtown

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Whole fish served Spanish style as part of the group tasting menu at Ibérica. Credit: Ibérica
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Sample Argentinian style striploin and more with a group booking at Ibérica. Credit: Ibérica
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From counter seats at the bar and cozy tables for two, to group bookings on the mezzanine, Ibérica caters for all occasions. Credit: Ibérica
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Enjoy date night at Ibérica with an intimate table for two. Credit: Ibérica
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Round off your meal with a Spanish-inspired cocktail at Ibérica. Credit: Ibérica

For a taste of Barcelona, look no further than this glamorous restaurant for special occasions in Montreal. Catalonia and Valencia get lots of shout-outs on the menu via tomato-topped coca (chickpea flour bread) and a selection of shellfish paella. The wood-fired grilled oven was shipped in from Spain, as is the cheese and charcuterie, highlighting Ibérica’s straight-from-the-source mission. Dial up the festive vibes with cava from the heavily Spanish wine list. Group tasting menus and capacity for large tables make this one of the best party venues for a birthday in Montreal. Enjoy four appetizers and four mains for the table, plus bread to start and churros to finish, for one great price.

The best special occasion restaurants in Montreal have it all. Gourmet menus, extensive and innovative drinks lists, and surroundings that will ensure your guests talk about them for weeks to come. From birthday parties to wedding receptions, bachelor parties to date nights, the best special occasion restaurants in Montreal promise a memorable celebration.

Still hungry? Explore more of the best special occasions restaurants in Montreal on OpenTable.
Keen for more of Montreal’s best restaurants? Check out the below guides:

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