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Helena, Montreal, QC
Helena, Montreal, QC
Helena, Montreal, QC
Helena, Montreal, QC
Helena, Montreal, QC

Helena

4.7
4.7
1685 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Portuguese
Top tags:
The restaurant Helena team welcomes you in a warm, colourful and modern atmosphere, where you are invited to share and enjoy a delicious meal in good company. An unforgettable experience that allows you to discover all the refinement of Portuguese cuisine and wines for a lunch or an evening out, whether with a group or family, for a couple’s night out, or to talk business.

Guests are invited to select and to share petiscos (tapas), providing an opportunity to taste all of Portugal’s flavours, from the more familiar to the unexpected, in a friendly atmosphere. More than a simple à la carte meal, restaurant Helena proposes a true feast to savour at the table !

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 p.m.
Booked 24 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Portuguese
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (514) 878-1555
  • Website
    http://www.restauranthelena.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Helena Loureiro
  • Location
    438, McGill, Montreal, QC H2Y2G1
  • Neighbourhood
    Old Montreal
  • Cross Street
    Saint-Maurice
  • Parking Details
    Metered Parking on street
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

What 1,685 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

1,685 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Un incontournable pour une cuisine portugaise de grande qualité

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service beyond expectations! Great place for dinner for two or family.

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  3. DinoD

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best meal in a long time. Our waiter Daniel provided the best service. Quality of food and presentation was by far the best in a long time. A must

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  4. StephaneB

    Montreal

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    C’est toujours une très belle expérience. Le plateau de fruits de mer est fantastique.

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  5. Wouf

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    La cuisine est extraordinaire tout comme le service !

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came to the restaurant for the first time yesterday for a business lunch. We had a very positive experience and the food was excellent (both taste and presentation...very impressive). I booked another business dinner immediately for next week for out of town business contacts. We will be back often!

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  7. melissam

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service. Seafood plate for 2 was a real reminder of authentic portuguese food.

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  8. Brazilianfan

    Montreal

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Toujours une expérience remarquable chez Helena. Tant la nourriture que les conseils de Daniel et du sommelier Laurier étaient exceptionnels. Merci!

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  9. Jean7433

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Lunch d'affaires. Menu du midi tres bien pour le prix, le choix proposé est suffisant et c'est bon, comme d'habitude.

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  10. AllenP

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Bacalau was great served in a large bowl and draped over a wonderful combo of roasted potatoes, red and yellow peppers, roasted garlic slices, herbs and olive oil. To die for. Sardines were wonderful as well. As was dessert Natas.

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  11. JessieG

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This restaurant was amazing! The service was impeccable. The food was fantastic, so delicious and beautifully presented. We had the tasting menu and it was such a great way to taste new foods. So many delicious dishes. The service was just impeccable, our waiter was so knowledgeable and helpful and kind. Thank you Helena, we loved our experience there.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Nous y étions 7 hier pour fêter mon 56ieme anniversaire. Cela faisait longtemps que je voulait y aller, ayant vu ce resto à l’émission L’Épicerie. Il y était mentionné que la soupe typique portugaise était excellente et valait à elle seule le détour. Donc, à l’arrivée je constate que le restaurant est vraiment magnifique avec ses plafond haut et son faste et le temps que je me rende à ma table au fond il y avait déjà 6 serveurs qui m’avait souhaité la bienvenue avec sourire. Or dès qu’il fut compris qu’à notre table l’alcool ne coulerait pas à flot comme à la grande tablée voisine bruyante, notre service a été long jusqu’à la fin. Une autre grosse tablée s’est présentée tout proche et je n’ai plus rien entendu de ce que ceux qui étaient venus me fêter disaient! La soupe ne m’a nullement impressionnée et ne vaut pas le déplacement. Le plat de poisson farci de crevette était excellent mais il n’y avait quasiment pas de légume et le plat de mon fils végétarien était famélique. De plus il a pris la même salade que mon épouse mais pour la rende vege, ils n’ont fait qu’y retirer le proscuito sans y ajouter rien en contrepartie et ce au même prix évidemment, alors que le plat revient bien moins cher pour eux. Ma déception finale a été la tartelette portugaise qu’ils se vente être aussi bonne qu’à Belem au Portugal. Or y ayant été à Belem, elle est correcte mais non, elle n’est nullement aussi bonne et même molle, sans cannelle et au prix de 12$ pour une seule mini tartelette alors qu’à la concurrence portugaise tant à Montréal que sur la rive sud on en a 2 pour le même prix. Notre serveur était hyper sympathique et le poisson excellent, sans quoi j’aurais mis moins que 3 étoiles global. C’est bon mais je ne trouve pas que cela vaut pour moi l’effort d’y revenir de la rive sud alors qu’il y a d’autres restos portugais où le rapport qualité prix est nettement supérieur.

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  13. DominicL

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience! My out of town guests were impressed with the food , service , the ambience

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  14. FrancoisB

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service et qualité du repas irréprochable

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  15. clientsatisfait

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Super expérience! Bon service, belle ambiance et nourriture A1.

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  16. EricG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    J'ai adoré, ma deuxième visite en moins d'une semaine!!! :)

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  17. MichelL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Une expérience globale . Manger chez Helena c'est une sortie gastronomique dans une ambiance à la fois feutrée et festive. Le soin apporté par les serveurs et la délicatesse des plats préparés par les cuisiniers font du repas une joie épicurienne.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious. Our waitress was very kind and service staff were all attentive. The portions tend to be smaller than other places, however they focus on quality and not quantity.

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    Montreal

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    We took the menu of degustation and the food was great but next time I’d rather choose myself since I missed out on the sardines and the fish balls . The main meal was a white filet with a cream with caviar, not great and fish was cold . The desert was not impressive , a plate with a splash of cream , would of love a cake. Thanks

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  20. LobsterDeb

    Exclusive

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service!!! We will definitely return!!!

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  21. Olivierv

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great Service and food. A bit too noisy though

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  22. Sofy

    Montreal

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Cocktails étaient délicieux Le service était très bien, la pieuvre grillée très bonne mais le poisson (morue noire) manquait de cuisson.

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  23. HarveyPeppo

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2
    Food cold bur cheerfully rewarmed. Way too noisy at peak times.

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  24. DonnaB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Interesting and tasty dishes and cocktails, fabulous service

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  25. SERGIOL

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Comme d’habitude: excellent service, qualité sublime des aliments et belle carte de vins

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  26. Anna

    Montreal

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The tasting menu was extremely delicious . The signature cocktail and seafood and fish are a must try.

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  27. DennisW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Really excellent food and true to Portuguese cuisine especially seafood (I spent 3 years in Portugal). Good selection of Portuguese wines. Book a table in the back away from the noise from large tables out front.

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  28. winedaddy59

    Edmonton

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on October 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Being our first time in to Helena, we decided to try as many different things as possible, to we took a serious run at the Tapas Frias & the Tapas Quentes - and WOW! what a great set of foods and flavours came out to the table! We started with the Serrano ham plate, then moved into a full slate of seafood dishes that was easily one of the very best seafood meals that I've ever had... and certainly not something I was going to get at any restaurant at home (we were visiting Montreal on a vacation). And our server was attentive, friendly, and yet still professional - and was engaged in helping us with our wine selection (the Fitapreta Ancestral was a damn fine recommendation for the night!). We will likely be back to Montreal again next year, and Helena will definitely be visited by us again.

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  29. Katherine

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 28, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Absolutely fantastic food, and excellent service.

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  30. StephanD

    Montreal

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Don't know why I've waited so many years to eat at Helena. Tasty sea food, you won't regret it.

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  31. Mtletravel

    Montreal

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 25, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Everything good overall, though food was somewhat tepid in temperature

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  32. TomJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at a Portuguese restaurant! And everything was perfect. Our waitress took excellent care of us (and so did the rest of the staff). The food was delicious and we recommend restaurant Helena to anyone visiting Montreal.

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  33. Jessica

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 22, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Small portions for the price paid. I used to love this place but now it’s ridiculously overpriced for the amount of food you get! The menu downgraded drastically and the food tastes like an average restaurant. I am so disappointed! I brought my family there, husband, brother and sister in law and my sister for an average overpriced meal. I don’t recommend this place anymore.

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  34. AnnetteB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely delicious. The grilled octopus is still a fan favorite. Wonderful ambiance and very knowledgeable staff. We thoroughly enjoyed our time at this lovely restaurant.

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  35. RaniaE

    Ottawa

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The sauce with the calamari was divine! Service excellent and ambience beautiful.

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  36. MichelA

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Was a bit am disappointed last night. Our table was in the room at the back where there were guests with kids upon our arrival . Quite noisy. My appetizer was the Helena tomatoes salad. Tasty but most (larger) tomatoes were too hard so I left most of it. Server asked but never did anything about it. Just took back my plate. We shared the seafood platter which was really tasty! Best moment of the meal. We had indicated that we were celebrating our anniversary on the reservation. Why ask if nothing will be done about…the best part of the evening was my company!!! Indeed. But quite disappointed with Helena. Not like it used to be and certainly what you would expect at this price range!

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  37. LucB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, service, ambiance was great. However a bit pricey for a lunch. Portions were not big which is fine for a lunch, but maybe not the best value for the money spent. A recommendation would be to have one or 2 choices a bit more affordable for the lunch menu.

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  38. SuzanneC

    Montreal

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Trop bruyant car beaucoup trop de groupes en fête.

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  39. Mireille

    Montreal

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellente soirée, bonne bouffe, excellent service et une belle ambiance

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  40. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely incredible set meal! The seafood was unbelievable

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FAQs

Helena is rated 4.7 stars by 1685 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 p.m.
Booked 24 times today
Google Map for Helena

438, McGill, Montreal, QC H2Y2G1

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Saint-Maurice
  • Neighbourhood
    Old Montreal
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Portuguese
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Metered Parking on street
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Helena Loureiro
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Private Room, Wine

Featured in

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