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Since the arrival of the prestigious Michelin Guide in Quebec in 2025, Montreal has more than ever cemented its status as a leading culinary destination. With its Michelin-starred restaurants, lively terraces, and specialty cafés, the city offers a highly diverse dining scene for summer 2026.
During the Grand Prix, plan ahead with our guide to experiencing the F1 GP with your points, our 2026 Grand Prix budget calculation, and our experience with the Amex Platinum Card.
The Milesopedia team shares its favourite spots, carefully selected for their quality. At most of these locations, you can use your American Express cards to earn more points on your dining experiences.
Discover our suggestions to fully enjoy the summer season, whether for a refined dinner, a 5 à 7 on a patio, or a well-deserved coffee break.
Milesopedia received a media invitation for some of these establishments. However, the list below reflects only our own opinions and preferences based on our firsthand experiences.
Funding your next trip through dining out? It’s possible. With the right credit card, your restaurant outings will help you quickly earn points that can then be used to pay for your next trips.
Notre carte de choix est la Carte CobaltMD American Express, puisqu’elle vous fait accumuler 5 points par dollar dépensé à l’épicerie et aux restaurants. Et pourquoi celle-ci plutôt que les autres cartes à multiplicateurs élevés? Les points-privilèges sont des points flexibles, qui peuvent être transférés vers de nombreux programmes aériens et hôteliers, comme Aéroplan ou Marriott Bonvoy.
By intelligently using these points, it is, for example, possible to obtain a value of 2 cents per point with Aeroplan. In other words, this is equivalent to a 10% return on every dollar spent at a restaurant!
Here are other credit cards that offer 5x points on restaurant spending:
La Carte de PlatineMD d’American Express est appréciée pour ses nombreux avantages de voyages haut de gamme; mais aussi pour son fameux crédit annuel de 200 $ au restaurant. C’est l’occasion parfaite pour se gâter et fréquenter quelques-uns des restaurants les plus réputés à Montréal.
Située au 9e étage du Humaniti Hotel Montreal, Autograph Collection, cette terrasse offre un menu d’inspiration méditerranéenne avec une grande variété de cocktails et mocktails signature. La programmation estivale promet : Lundis Margarita avec DJ en direct, L’heure du thé façon Alizé et des soirées thématiques chaque semaine; une recette gagnante pour célébrer l’été.
Since the opening of the HONEYROSE Hotel, Montreal, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, the Muze Lounge & Terrasse offers an interesting option downtown. With its retractable roof, the patio welcomes guests rain or shine and is spacious enough for groups. It’s the ideal spot for a post-work 5 à 7, tested and approved by the Milesopedia team.
La terrasse du Marriott Chateau Champlain offre une vue imprenable sur le centre-ville de Montréal. Soyez-y du mercredi au dimanche pour profiter de DJs en direct.
Bonus: you’ll earn 5x points by paying the bill with your Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card.
With its prime location offering an exceptional panoramic view of the Old Port of Montreal, Terrasse sur l’Auberge offers a menu that celebrates summer with a focus on freshness. My recommendation: tuna tartare as a starter, and shrimp roll as a main course.
These patios are also worth a visit:
In case of rain, we recommend two gourmet food halls that honor Montreal: the Time Out Market and Le Central. Both located downtown, they offer a selection that will satisfy all tastes and cravings, featuring cuisine from some of the city’s most renowned restaurants.
Located on Rue de la Commune, Gaspar’s new breakfast menu is the best way to start a summer day in the Old Port. I particularly recommend the salmon gravlax eggs Benedict, as well as the mango chutney pancakes – a true delight!
This relaxed little cafe serves as the perfect spot for an equally relaxed brunch. It’s hard to go wrong, as everything on the small menu is excellent. However, I have a soft spot for the Halloumi toast and the classic pancakes. Be warned: a victim of its popularity, September Surf Cafe is always crowded on weekends, but with a little patience, you’ll still be served quickly.
Also try in the same neighborhood: Barley’s and Sunny’s Dinette
Un véritable coup de cœur, le Damas offre une cuisine du Moyen-Orient à partager lors des grandes et petites occasions. Avis aux titulaires de la Carte de PlatineMD d’American Express : utilisez votre crédit annuel de restauration au Damas et remerciez-moi plus tard.
L’équipe de Milesopedia a eu le bonheur d’y partager un repas des Fêtes. Notre verdict : la cuisine thaïlandaise de ce restaurant figurant au Guide Michelin du Québec, également admissible au crédit annuel de la Carte de PlatineMD d’American Express, n’a pas déçu!
This small restaurant in Little Italy will offer you a grand culinary experience. Named the best restaurant in the country by “Canada’s 100 Best,” you will probably need a reservation to taste the delights of the fresh and local cuisine of this small natural wine bar that has managed to distinguish itself from the largest restaurants nationwide. I had the pleasure of testing it before its nomination, and my expectations were surpassed.
Toqué! and Jérôme Ferrer – Europea are renowned institutions that offer highly gastronomic experiences. Jérôme Ferrer – Europea is one of three Michelin-starred Montreal restaurants, tested and approved by Aline and myself.
For a more casual Bring Your Own Wine option, our graphic designer Evelyne recommends Les Canailles and its seasonal menu. Finally, wine lovers absolutely must try Annette Bar à Vin.
Located in the heart of Old Montreal, BEVO has just released its new menu for summer 2025. My colleague and I had the chance to test it, and we particularly recommend the burrata and truffle pizza, accompanied by a Bellini spritz or an organic white wine.
Elena stands out among the many excellent restaurants on Notre-Dame Street in Saint-Henri. Whether as a couple or in a group, I highly recommend sharing dishes, as everything is absolutely delicious.
Other must-try Italian restaurants in Montreal: Mano Cornuto, Nora Gray, and BarBara.
My colleague Aline frequently travels to Japan, and her expertise is not limited to points and rewards; she also knows how to find the best Japanese restaurants in Montreal.
For the best sushi:
And the best of Japanese cuisine in general:
Unique and authentic recipes, a wide variety of vegan options, and local ingredients: it’s not just ice cream, Icono Glace is a destination in itself to end summer evenings beautifully. For a lighter option, I highly recommend the Kombucha float.
In addition to creating the perfect neighborhood ambiance, this tiny cafe serves excellent floats in the summer: cold brew, matcha, and many other delicious flavors. Located right across from Laurier metro station, it’s a mandatory stop on the way to an afternoon at Parc Laurier.
Other options:
Montreal no longer needs to prove its reputation with its independent cafes, which are far more numerous than those of large chains.
A Mile-End institution since 1970, renowned for the excellence of its Italian coffee and cannolis, Café Olimpico now also has locations downtown and in Old Montreal.
What was once a bank has been voted Montreal’s most beautiful cafe by Tastet. Crew Collective is also an inspiring co-working space, with architecture that will make you feel like you’re in a movie scene. An inspiring place to eat, work, or socialize.
The perfect meeting point to start or end a run or bike ride, get your caffeine fix (or your post-workout reward) at Ma Bicyclette cafe, located directly along the Lachine Canal.
Other excellent cafes near the Lachine Canal:
These other great spots have stood out for the quality of their coffee and other menu items, for their welcoming space, and friendly service.
Montréal est une destination gourmande, et cette liste pourrait être bien plus longue. Pour d’autres excellentes recommandations, nous vous invitons à explorer le Guide Michelin ainsi que la liste des restaurants admissibles pour le crédit annuel de 200 $ de la Carte de PlatineMD d’American Express. Bonne dégustation!
Savings this way:
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