Bonjour à tous! Welcome to the third edition of ‘Montreal Monthly Highlights,’ where I’ll recap my favorite restaurants, bars, activities, and unforgettable moments from the past month and in turn give you inspiration for your own Montreal adventures. Join me as we explore the best of November 2023 in Montreal!
Modavie
I visited Modavie for the second time during November and it did not disappoint! This iconic French Bistro, located at 1 Saint-Paul St W in Old Montreal, continues to captivate with its timeless charm. I visited with my boyfriend’s parents who were visiting from Ireland, as it’s the ultimate restaurant to bring visitors to experience the charm of Old Montreal and to savor incredible french cuisine. We dined on a Friday night at 6:00pm and were seated in the upstairs dining room, which was beautifully decorated for Christmas. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by the live jazz music, completing the perfect backdrop for our evening. We shared the Caesar Salad and French Onion Soup to start and we opted for the Rack of Lamb, Butternut Squash Gnocchi, Salmon Filet & Steak Frites for the main course. To end the meal we shared the Creme Brûlée & Profiteroles. The food was sensational & our visitors were so impressed by the ambiance of the restaurant and the delicious french cuisine. For a comprehensive review and guide to Modavie, check out my full post here. I highly recommend Modavie for any special occasion, particularly if you are entertaining visitors. It consistently delivers the wow factor, ensuring every dining experience is a celebration to remember.
Brit & Chips
Brit & Chips is a traditional English chippy in the heart of Montreal, located at 433 McGill St. This casual establishment is part of the Burgundy Lion Group (the masterminds behind Burgundy Lion Pub, Wolf & Workman etc). This casual gem serves up delicious fish and chips and other English staples, offering both a cozy dine-in experience on a first-come, first-serve basis, and convenient takeaway options. We visited on a Saturday during lunch, when we were feeling a little worse for wear from the Friday night before! We shared the Cod & Chips and added an extra piece of haddock for good measure. Our meal came with aioli and there was also an array of complimentary condiments (ketchup, mayo, vinegar) to choose from. As expats from Australia and Ireland, our standards for fish and chips are pretty high, but the incredible meal more than surpassed our expectations! The cod and haddock were impeccably fresh and perfectly flaky and paired amazingly with the thick cut, irresistibly flavorful chips. The price point is also fantastic and it cost just under $35 for the meal including 2 sodas. We can’t wait to go back, especially when we are craving home comforts. I highly recommend Brit & Chips for your next casual meal or takeaway night!
Milky Way Cocktail Bar
In the vibrant landscape of Montreal’s bar scene, Milky Way Cocktail Bar shines as a standout gem that has captivated patrons since earning recognition as one of Canada’s Best Bars in 2020. Located at 1886 Centre St in Pointe-Sainte-Charles, this intergalactic bar beckons patrons with its neon allure and creative mixology. The black spiral staircase leading to the entrance transports you to a dimly lit world with funky decor, jungle theming and skylights mimic the Milky way. The menu features inventive mixology served in quirky glassware as well as heavenly wood-fired pizza courtesy of their shared kitchen with Fugazzi Pizza downstairs. During my November visit, I savored the Split Ta Banane, a blend of banana, Bacardi orange bitters, marsala, and a side of banana cream, along with the Marcus Hibiscus, featuring Plantation 3 Stars & Dark Rum, absinthe, pineapple, lime, hibiscus, coconut, and mint. The cocktails, each a unique masterpiece, were expertly paired with piping hot Mozzarella Sticks. This bar, part of the Barocco Group, promises an otherworldly experience, making it an undisputed favorite on Montreal’s bar scene and a must-visit destination for your next night out!
Siam, Centre Ville
In early November, I had the pleasure of experiencing Siam in Montreal for the first time, located at 1325 René-Lévesque Blvd W. This culinary gem, renowned for its high-end, authentic Thai cuisine, spans three locations across Montreal and proudly holds the prestigious Thai Select Premium certification. During my visit, I was seated on the second story of the restaurant, which features a contemporary and inviting open-plan design. We ordered the Duck Wontons with Plum Sauce, Vegetarian Dumplings with Satay Sauce, the Green Curry with Chicken and the Pad See Ew with Filet Mignon and delectable White Chocolate Lava Cake to conclude our meal. To complement our meal, we also savored a couple of the unique and expertly crafted cocktails, such as the Tom Yiam Siam with white rum, Malibu, lychee juice, lemongrass, lime juice, chili water, and ginger beer, which has a unique kick to it. Each dish showcased a perfect balance of magnificent, aromatic flavors and just the right amount of heat, emphasizing the freshness of the ingredients. The delicious meal combined with the stunning ambience & friendly hospitality further made it one of my favorite meals in Montreal so far! For a comprehensive review and guide to Siam, check out my full post here. Whether you’re planning a date night or a celebration, Siam is a must-try destination for those seeking genuine Thai flavors in the heart of Montreal!
Le Bureau Bar Tapas
Nestled in the heart of Griffintown at 1642 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, Le Bureau Bar Tapas is the go-to resto-bar for those seeking affordable shareable plates, a lively happy hour, and uniquely crafted cocktails. We visited for the first time in November, accompanied again with my boyfriend’s parents from Ireland. We shared several delicious dishes, including the Saganaki Flambé, Pan Fried Chorizo, succulent Beef Skewers, crispy Fried Calamari, mouthwatering Chicken and Chorizo Tacos, indulgent Chorizo Croquettes,and two rounds of the delectable Patatas Bravas. Each dish showcased remarkable flavors that seamlessly complemented one another. The stand out items were the flavor-packed Chicken & Chorizo Tacos as well as the table-side flambéing of the Saganaki, which added a unique and engaging element to our meal.Our dining experience was elevated by the intimate ambiance of dimly lit, exposed brick booths, complemented by a diverse selection of delicious cocktails. The atmosphere provided the ideal backdrop for unwinding after a long flight. I can’t wait to visit Le Bureau Bar Tapas and wholeheartedly recommend it the next time you visit Griffintown.
I hope you have enjoyed reading my November highlights and get some inspiration yourself for amazing places to dine in Montreal & fun things to do. Share your monthly favorites in the comments below.
