What's the best place for breakfast in Montreal
I've just moved back to Montreal after being away 30 years. The city and many of the places I knew have changed or are gone
So.....what is the best place for breakfast during the week or even on the weekends?
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I appreciate the fact that you want Montreal only however just over the Cartierville bridge (where Belmont park used to be) you'll find a 24 hour deli called Chenoys in Laval. Not only are their everyday breakfasts super fast and reasonably priced, on the weekends they also have (or had) all you can eat brunch in another dining room. Try their lox platter or the country platter (the beans are to die for). Their sausages are addictive and the menu is endless.
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You may want to check out one of my downtown favourites. Universal, located on Peel between DeMaisonneuve and Sherbrooke.....They offer a Pleasing variety of breakfast items accompanied with fresh fruit. From Eggs Benedict to Pancakes, Crepes,and Waffles served with real Maple Syrup....Service is friendly, professional and the prices are reasonable.
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Reviving this thread, just to see if there have been any notable eats as of late. I've been to Bagels Etc., Byblos, and Griffintown Cafe so far - and nothing quite satisfies my brunch cravings the way that L'Avenue does in terms of the 'traditional' North American breakfast (eggs, sausage, french toast/crepes, home fries).
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re: passthatversace
Does this mean that you're looking for a good North American breakfast, or something different that satisfies you in the same way that a north american breakfast does? And what about these other places hasn't satisfied you? The portions? The food itself?
If something different, then there's always Lawrence (though its closed for the next few weeks), though the portions certainly won't be bigger than at L'Avenue..
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re: Fintastic
I'm looking for a good North American breakfast, and by 'good' I am guaging it against L'Avenue (I know a lot of Chowhounders may disagree...). The only reason why I don't go to L'Avenue as much as I'd like to is because of the line-ups.
As for the other restos, the food itself just wasn't that tasty IMO.
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re: passthatversace
SnackHappy
Jun 30, 2011 06:29 PM
Have you tried Universel? I haven't been in a few years, but they did North-American breakfast/brunch stuff pretty well. The original one on Parc Lafontaine moved to Saint-Denis near Carré Saint-Louis a couple of years ago, and a second one recently opened on Peel.
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Universel Restaurant Cafe
3630 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2X3L7, CA-
re: SnackHappy
les enfants terribles on bernard is good place to brunch with family, friends and has a terrace in front and on side if weather good
http://www.lesenfantsterriblesbrasserie.ca/pdf/brunch_en.pdf
I have never tried l Avenue as always lineups and standing in line for breakfast not appealing to me.
For fresh pastries, croissants hard to beat mamie clafoutis on bernard where you can take your choices upstairs to their tearoom area to enjoy. According to their website they now have a tea garden (terrace) at their st denis street branch
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re: celfie
this is breakfast, not haute cuisine; these restos are thriving so must be doing something right. None are perfect, some appeal with variety on menu, others have ambiance with decor, hospitality or terraces but food depending on what you order is not mediocre. We cannot all afford to go to le Renoir for brunch.
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re: unlaced
Just to follow up on this - some of the reasons that I like Souvenir
They serve you real maple syrup, not imitation syrup and it doesn't cost extra. The fact that real maple syrup is a rarity at Montreal breakfast tables, or worthy of a $2 surcharge, is a bit of joke.
They include tea (Mighty Leaf brand) with most of their breakfasts, not just coffee (excellent for this non coffee drinker!). I actually find this makes some of the breakfasts a bargain, as tea is normally $3.50 (although maybe it is the price of their tea that is exorbitant!)
Their omelettes are excellent and they don't charge a premium for "premium" ingredients (you get to choose three ingredients, then they charge for each additional) A cute touch, they are delivered to your plate direct from the pan!
I can't really comment on the other brunch places on the Bernard strip, as I have only dined at them a few times, and have always found them sub par compared to Souvenir.
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New brunch option at Vino's on Monkland in NDG. They are currently only serving brunch due to a liquor license issue. Went for the first time today and will definitely go back. Very nice selection of dishes (no basic eggs and toast). I had lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry sauce ( lemony, fluffy, heavenly) and caramelized bacon - friend had challah cinnamon french toast with a nice spicy sausage. Both plates were really delicious and the coffee was excellent and free flowing.
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eoj
Oct 4, 2010 03:41 AM
My favourite is Chez Jose. Their juices are great and when they have it, I absolutely adore the lemon-chocolate crepe. I think they only have it on the menu in the summer now, unfortunately.
I also like getting bagels and cream cheese to-go from St-Viateur.
For fancier brunch, I've had nice experiences at M sur Masson and Reservoir.
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Platoputas
Feb 24, 2010 06:05 PM
I'd like to consider myself a connoisseur of the breakfast sandwich and I'd have to say hands down, the best breakfast sandwich I've ever had in my life is at Olive and Gourmando.
It's called Poached Egg on Your Face and it's a slightly pricey $8.95. I had it one morning, and was back the next for another one. In terms of breakfast sandwiches, nothing's come close to this one. It's served on organic panini-style bread and inside is poached egg salad, Comté cheese, roasted tomato and spicy prosciutto. There's Tabasco sauce in the egg salad so it's got a good kick to it. I've got a photo of it and more on eating at O&G on my site, if you'd like to check it out.
If you're in the Old Montreal 'hood, I highly, highly recommend this for a quick, no-nonsense breakfast.
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Hey Bigfellow,
I know it's been a year, so I hope you've probably settled in by now and found your spot!
If you haven't been on the weekends yet, I would highly recommend visiting Lemeac for brunch; it's just wonderful. Coffee's excellent, everything's cooked perfectly well. The potato tartelette with fried egg, asparagus, goat cheese and buttered leeks is out of this world, and their fresh doughnuts with fresh jam are wonderful! Just be sure to call in a reservation first.
I've also heard really good things about L'Express(open daily for breakfast) but haven't been yet.
Also, if you ever are in the mood for a good, genuine rural Quebec breakfast, head over to La Binerie on Mount-Royal- inexpensive, no frills tasty!
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KzenCass
Jan 22, 2010 09:25 AM
Brunch on weekends? My go to place's are Griffintown Cafe and Le Chien Fumant..... i'd put Sparrow in but i'm not one that likes lining up for an hour plus...
Griffintown's bacon is killer..... As is the Huevos with homemade cornbread.....
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We tried McKiernan's brunch last weekend. We got there right when they opened at 10 and it seeed that they were not quite ready for service. It took a while to get a server but after that, the food came out pretty quickly. We had an Eggs Benedict with a crab topping and the Johnny Cakes, which came with beans, eggs, and sausage. The benedict was good, but the hollandaise needed a little more pop and if the bread was toasted, it would have had a little more texture. The Johnny cakes were really good, perfect balance of sweet and savory. Overall, it was a little expensive for breakfast, definitely not a place we could go to regularly, and the service was stuffy, which, unfortunately, is the second time we've noticed this at their establishments. Kind of a "you need us more than we need you" feeling.
Yesterday, we wanted to go to L'Express for breakfast but it was too early, so we took Bigfellow's suggestion and headed to La Banquise. It was great! We had the ham and cheese omelet, which was stuffed with ham, and we had the french toast, which came with an apple butter and other breakfast "fixins." Really well prepared, and only set us back $17!
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re: megmtl
My fiance and I went to McKiernan's yesterday and I just had to second megmtl's note of "you need us more than we need you." We had high hopes - the place is so quaint and feels like you're sitting at your aunt's place in Cape Cod. Lots of points on going for the comfy cottage look and getting it bang on, the place feels welcoming and home-y.
The food was probably excellent but I can't tell since the service was so poor. I had the johnny cakes (w/ maple syrup (?) feves au lard and 5 or 6 homemade brekkie sausages); he had the apple brioche w/ poached egg and sausage. The portions were right on, and the food was well-executed and definitely a notch above most other brekkie restos. But we waited AN HOUR for our food. The waitress kept on brushing us off when we asked her, didn't apologize, and even had the audacity to ask us to move tables to make room for other customers. I work as a waitress too and get it - mistakes happen. But we felt really unappreciated being there, almost in the way. Too bad, it could've been a regular place.
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So I had to go to the hospital today for a procedure. I got up early and was hungry. Not peckish but hungry. So I decided to go to La Banquoise for some poutine. I've always had take away ther and have never eaten in.
I arrive there at 6 am. There is only one other customer. There are about 14 staff members cooking, cleaning and having breakfast. Including one french chap of mixed race who is dancing and singing to Bob Marley! (very cool IMHO).
The wait staff wasn';t too comfortable in english so they suffered through my bad French. (Doesn't ANYONE speak Gaelic anymore.lol) The menu that the server dropped off was only for breakfast.
The server then seamlessly handed off my table to a young lady that had just arrived. They did it so well too. I was impressed.
So going with the flow I ordered a complete breakkie. 3 Eggs over easy, ham, bacon , sausages, creton, toast and fresh fruit. As well as OJ and tea. JESUS WEPT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The meal was perfect. The eggs were not overdone at all. I've been to some places here that are much higher end and who pride themselves on their brunches and breakfasts, but no one except The Sparrow can hold a candle to La Banquoie. IMHOTry it, you'll like it. As they used to say in an old commercial.
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re: k123
SnackHappy
Jul 31, 2009 05:30 AM
What does Laika serve for breakfast? When I used to go there the menu was very limited. They only had bread, croissants, coffee and yogourt.
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re: k123
Went to La Petite Ardoise this morning and had a great time. French bistro-type decor, brick walls, home-y accents. Friendly service, though we had to wait a bit for our meals (~20 minutes). Not revolutionary breakfast food, but very solid french favourites, e.g. crepes a sarrasin (buckwheat crepes) with gruyere and ham, not to mention excellent crispy patates risolees. Cafe au lait in a bowl was surprisingly good for a breakfast joint, and the with the price point ranging from $8 - 15 (big plates, toast, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, and orange juice included), it was just right. No waiting for a table either which is a plus!
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La Petite Ardoise (Restaurant)
222 Av Laurier W, Montreal, QC H2T2N8, CA
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Breakfast/brunch is the most "complete" meal that I usually eat when visiting Montreal because I am usually absorbed with Jazz Fest or other evening activities. Over many years of visiting, my go to place has been Cafe Cherrier on St Denis. This week, I have tried two new places: L'Avenue and Toi Moi et Cafe. I have to say that the latter is my new favorite. One complaint that I have often heard from chefs is how difficult it is to turn out perfect omelettes and eggs in a fast moving kitchen. One place in NY now almost exclusively features baked eggs. The egg souffles at Toi Moi et Cafe are the Montreal answer. I loved the fruit that came with my souffle- fresh fruit and a baked apple. The cafe au lait was delicious ( though a little weak for me). I will be back.
L'avenue was a disappointment for me because we had heard that they had a really great burger. We arrived at 3:30p ( yes, late for me!) and was told that they were only serving breakfast. One of my companions raved about the sangria. My omelette- while I enjoyed the fillings- was a bit overcooked. Not the relaxing brunch ambiance I was looking for, but I can understand the appeal. I found the waitstaff to be fine and not cold as someone else posted. -
I just went to Byblos for breakfast yesterday and it was both tasty and relatively inexpensive. Their jams are so yummy and the omelets a delight. I also walked by a place that I enjoyed thoroughly both times I went is l'entretien. I love it because it is both delicious and quite accomodating for kids.
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how many times we have been disappointed with montreal brunches/breakfasts with exaggerated prices and lineups, so i am listing the best breakfast deal in town $1.99 at blanche neiges in cote des neiges for eggs, toast, potatoes, unlimited coffee, basics done well but nothing fancy in milieu or presentation.
http://www.blancheneigerestaurant.com/ breakfasts 6-11 Mon-Fri; 6am-2pm weekendsbut my real favourite cheapo breakfast is at the quirky Patati Patata on St. Laurent below Rachel and above Duluth, love that cubbyhole of a restaurant http://www.montrealfood.com/restos/patati.htm
breakfast all day I think , 4177 St-Laurent
http://missadventureathome.blogspot.c... -
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re: riverboy
superbossmom
Apr 24, 2009 05:41 AM
I was at Cafe Souvenir yesterday, and it was divine, we all had something different.
I think timing is so crucial with eggs and bread, a few extra minutes and a breakfast dish can be very forgettable, no matter where you go.
Friends went to Holder for brunch and got all the egg dishes served, then had to wait 20 minutes for the accompanying toast ; for me, that would be a deal breaker.
Not a major catastrophy but I need my toast with my eggs.
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I went to La Bouche on Mt-Royal and enjoyed it. It has both sweet and savory breakfast options and it's a nice place to stay and linger for a while. I enjoy it everytime I go. I also quite enjoy Pistou Déjeuner on De La Roche in the Plateau as well as another place right next to Byblos on Laurier E., the name of which I can't recall.
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re: mtlmaven
SnackHappy
Mar 31, 2009 07:25 PM
The place next to Byblos is probably Truffert Bistro de Christophe. I've had one great and one not so great brunch there. I haven't been since the not so great one.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/380438
I like Pistou déjeuner as well, although the service can be overly familiar and bit spotty at times. I certainly don't think it's a place I would suggest to Montreal breakfast naysayers.
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I enjoy the breakfast at Renoir (Sofitel Hotel) although far from being on the cheap side, their benedicts are always good with eggs having a runny yolk, freshly squeezed OJ, and portions are not too big (for those that hate to throw out half their plates)
Even more enjoyable in summer with their terrasse.
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re: westaust
Westaust, that terrasse is really excellent. It is a great place to enjoy breakfast. I also have had nice breakfasts at Renoir, reasonable quality food, good service, nice selection of plates, overall a good experience. But certainly not cheap. I don't mind going there for the odd conference breakfast, but I don't think I could turn it into a regular stomp. At least, that isn't my lifestyle at this time! But if I am downtown, and want a nice breakfast, it is a good choice in that area.
For other breakfasts, I have my usual suspects. I still like Cafe Arte Java on Mont Royal for breakfast, Le Cammioneur breakfast special is a large amount of food! They have very nice Eggs Benedicts as well, and of course good coffee. I also enjoy El Dorado on Mont Royal also.
I will put in a vote of support for Reservoir, although if you are looking for a more traditional breakfast, it isn't the best choice. But I've always enjoyed the eclectic selection of plates there, and they are tasty.
I always like brunch/breakfast at Bouchees Gourmandes. My love affair is well documented. As is my love affair with Fous Desserts, but you won't get hot breakfast at Fous, just excellent croissant and coffee.
I have been enjoying breakfast/brunch at Los Classicos, the Mexican place on St Laurent. The posole is excellent, and I do love chiliquiles! I've decided a few chilis are a nice way to jumpstart the day.
Recently had a chance to try the egg and sausage roll at the Sparrow, and boy, that is a kickass breakfast item! I don't know if I can go back to Egg and sausage McMuffins, and I really like those things! But the homemade sausage is fabulous, and the brioche bun is also excellent.
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What about the place on the west side of Parc, just north of Mont Royal. It is a pretty good place for breakfast and extremely busy! (Cant remember the name).
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re: williej
SnackHappy
Mar 30, 2009 01:32 PM
I guess that would be Dusty's. Its ok, but it's not the transcendent experience some people here seem to be looking for. I'm no authority on restaurant breakfasts, though. I have a frying pan and a toaster and I'm pretty handy with a spatula. I'd rather spend my hard earned money on something a bit more interesting than eggs and bacon.
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It is unfortunate to say but I feel that there are no truly memorable breakfast places in Montreal. When people start raving about Le Reservoir is when you can start asserting that claim. Perhaps Byblos is interesting in its genre. Perhaps Olive & Gourmando is pleasant from time to time. Perhaps M sur Masson makes fluffy omelettes. Perhaps Cafe Souvenir's atmosphere makes up for so-so food. But, at the end of the day, I think the proper course of action to follow when it comes to breakfasts in Montreal is to go to a different place every time. A lot of potential "dates", no potential marriages...
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re: 1Marlowe1
I hate to admit it but I agree...I have been back in my beloved Montreal for 7 years and have had a devil of a time finding a fabulous brunch spot. I usually end up at cafe Souvenir for lack of other options. I am embarrassed to say this but Toronto had better brunch options
Beauty's sucks, l'Avenue has so so food and portions enough for 4 people (not to mention a massive line-up.
But the Depanneur le pick up sounds like it has potential!!
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re: Natt
mainsqueeze
Mar 30, 2009 12:59 PM
I really don't get what all of you complainers are talking about. What is it that constitutes a good breakfast, in your eyes? What is it you want, exactly? I personally find there are lots of great options and if you truly can't find anything you like then there is simply something wrong (with you). That being said, if your reference point is l'Avenue or Beauty's I guess I shouldn't be surprised.
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re: mainsqueeze
There's just something ... missing from Montreal breakfast. The food sometimes seems, to me at least, less "clean" than I'm used to (but for diner food this is hard to quantify). Also a certain style of meat— it's often too salty, too artificially-smoked, not trimmed of gristle and bits (in the case of chicken and others). Little touches on presentation, service, atmosphere ... I can't explain it because there's nothing specifically WRONG, just not as good as elsewhere.
Montreal is just not a fried breakfast city. Fried breakfast is too anglo in origin, I think. Montreal seems to do sweet breakfasts, pastries, breads, fruits, and that patisserie sort of thing WAY better than any place else, though, so I think its a trade-off. Me, though, I'm a meat eater.
I have high hopes for The Sparrow.
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re: mainsqueeze
I am not complaining. I am stating an opinion different from yours exactly. My points of reference are not l'Avenue or Beauty's as stated above. But, ignoring the pettiness of your remark, I will dignify your question with an answer. A great breakfast/brunch is just the same as a great lunch or dinner: quality ingredients, inspired and caring preparation of those ingredients, variety and seasonality, proper dosage and presentation, interesting surroundings.
Let us take the example that is most often cited here: Le Reservoir. First, when I walk in the door, I do not think to myself "what a cozy place to have breakfast". It is tenebrous. It has a faint ambient odor of beer which is entirely off-putting. Then, yes, the menu is interesting, as a read. Because between the potential of the menu items listed and how they arrive served to you, disappointment beckons. Fruit is poorly picked. Eggs are often undercooked and arrive cold. The portions range from smallish to minuscule. The beverage choices are passable but nothing to write home about. And the price is quite steep. Once again, let me emphasize that there is nothing particularly wrong with the place. It is just drab, like so many other places that come with the highest of recommendations on this board.
It is a matter of expectations I guess...
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re: 1Marlowe1
I don't know... I guess people have very very different tastes. Reading the paper on a sunny morning at Reservoir and nibbling on my breakfast is one of my favorite things to do in this city. So unlike you, I do say "what a cozy place to have breakfast" every time I enter the place. I like the light, the architecture (designed by Henri Cleinge whom I'd like to commission a house when I win the lottery) and the slight buzz. In the past months we had a few misses (probably due to some reported transitions in the kitchen), and we seem to go there less often but it is still more hits than a miss. And if you find duck confit on a bed of coffee gnocchi for winter, or stuffed zucchini blossoms with perfectly over easy eggs during summer not inspired or seasonal enough, then I guess it will be hard to please you.
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re: 1Marlowe1
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re: 1Marlowe1
I think you're starting to hit on something here with the cold eggs. Breakfast is about timing, especially when there's hot items involved. In my opinion, restaurants that cook and serve in what I've come to see as the "Montreal style" (or I should say the "Plateau style") do things a different way.
(And when people are drinking coffee, feel free to bring more thx.)
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saw this on facebook:
Cornmeal Buttermilk Pancakes
with
Vanilla Bean, Star Anise Pear Compote
+
Strawberry Rasberry Compote
aaaannnnddd to top it all off:
Orange Cognac Whipped CreamOR
Yam Latke Eggs Benny
with your choice of Black Forest or Veggie Ham
Hollandaise and Capers
+Fresh Fruit SaladRegular brunch and breakfast items always available as well.
Come by and say hi!
Sat: 9 - 6
Sun 11 - 6Depanneur Le Pick Up
7032 Waverly
just north of Mozart
514.271.8011›6 Replies-
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re: lagatta
it was bought by some locals - i believe they're related to cagibi on st laurent and st viateur
here is their menu http://depanneurlepickup.com/menu
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re: Shattered
That sounds like a neat option and I think that I'll check it out. Thanks for the headsup.
And Shattered: I think that foodinspace meant that there is slowly an increasing variety of things to do, see, and eat in the area, which is undoubtedly a good thing. To address your rant: As a McGill Student who is learning to speak French I can tell you that Montreal is a more challenging environment for learning than you might think. I am concurrently learning Spanish and it's strange but true that I can find more people who are happy to practice Spanish with me than French. It's an almost hostile environment for learning French because you are too often met with the attitude that you just demonstrated.
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I am not a fan of eating breakfast in restaurants but I like L'Eveque on Laurier. I went there once with my mom and loved it. It has a while so you would have to check to see if they still open for breakfast.
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re: cricri7
mainsqueeze
Mar 12, 2009 07:24 AM
They have a weekend brunch menu:
http://www.chezleveque.ca/menus2009_b...
But I don't think they're open for breakfast during the week.
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TheSnowpea
Mar 9, 2009 07:14 PM
Not something to recommend, but somehow some folks love Cosmo's (on Sherbrooke in NDG). Ultimate dingy greasy spoon with colourful locals if you're lucky.
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It's surprising how many of the city's diner-style places do such a poor job of basic eggs and potatoes. While not the most original menu, I find they at least get the basics right: the Bistro du marché in the middle of the Marché central. They do a fine eggs benedict and claim to use organic eggs and beef.
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Cafe Souvenir on Bernard
Le Cartet on McGillBoth great... and so Montreal
Anybody know of a good brunch spot downtown?
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re: RicBer
mainsqueeze
Mar 11, 2009 06:39 AM
Does Le Cartet serve breakfast? I thought it was only brunch on weekends.
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re: mainsqueeze
Chester Eleganté
Mar 13, 2009 11:06 AM
Le Cartet has a beautiful space...and food to match (the OP did mention weekends as well).
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re: Chester Eleganté
mainsqueeze
Mar 13, 2009 11:43 AM
Yes, well I'm also interested to know whether they serve breakfast during the week, which is why I asked.
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re: mainsqueeze
Chester Eleganté
Mar 13, 2009 02:48 PM
Ya, they have it during the week as well. It won't be the complete brunch menu for breakfast, but they should have most of the standards.
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re: pyropaul99
I used to go there all the time for the eggs benedict but now they are under new management and the food is inconsistent. Sometimes it will be great, other times terrible. I wish that they would go back to the way they were... Also, they got rid of my favorite servers (we were regulars for maybe a year) and replaced them with who I can only assume are family or friends who don't match up really.
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re: hungryann
Yeah, that's what I always had; Traditional. I like smoked salmon, but fish and runny eggs together (and eggs Benedict MUST be runny!) kind of puts me off.
When we used to go, it was always perfect: Yolks liquidy, muffins toasted, hollandaise lemony, and potatoes crispy... after a while, it was a real lucky day if all of these things came together.
There is nothing more tragic than when your regular breakfast dive starts to degrade.
Also, I learned a lot of French when I frist moved here by interacitng with the staff... now they are replaced. Boo.
Now, I tend to make my own eggs benidict. That way I know it's perfect! =D It's probably the thing that I am most picky about when I eat out. Some things (steak, burgers, etc.) are just so personal to taste, that I can't leave it up to anyone else! =D
Aaron
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re: The Chemist
The "complet" brunch from Aux Vivres is amazing... yes it is vegan, but they sure do know what they are doing! Today I was feeling a bit under the weather and not in the mood to sit in a busy restaurant, and to my delight I was able to order ahead, pick up my meal and eat brunch in the comfort of my own home.
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re: queen of tartar
I second that! I find the standard egg-based breakfasts in this city to be boring at best, at least since the Sala Rosa stopped serving brunch, but the "complet" at Aux Vivires is excellent! Sweet potatoes, tempeh bacon, tofu scramble and fresh cornbread...mmm. Give it a try, you might be surprised. My very carnivorous brother says it's his favourite breakfast joint.
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re: hungryann
I had the most sublime eggs benedict experience at Holder. It was delicious; the eggs were very well done and I remember the english muffin wasn't too toasted, so I didn't have to fight to eat the egg and muffin in one bite. It's also a wonderful place to have brunch in, they give you really good jam (not out of a plastic container) and they have a great variety of waffles, pancakes, etc.
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I'm probably the only person on the board who doesn't like the breakfast at either reservoir or Byblos. I will recommend L'Avenue on Mont Royal instead. They serve a variety of conventional things, like a mean eggs benedict, to less conventional items. My friends who I have taken there have always been happy and the food seems consistently good and the price is very fair. The servers can be a bit cold, but I think this is almost calculated as it's kinda a 'hot spot', if you know what I mean. Get there early though, it fills up fast. And even if you don't have to use the washroom, check it out anyway. It's bizarre in a wonderful way.
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re: The Chemist
I never understood the attraction of L'Avenue. Mediocre food at best and always packed so one can't linger and enjoy brunch without feeling guilty about all the people queuing up to get in. Far better to go across the street to Cafe Eldorado where the food is much better, the servers friendly and the coffee way better than L'Avenue. All in my humble opinion of course.
Bagel Etc. on St Laurent / Marie-Anne is also an excellent spot. My fave there is Heuvos Rancheros - and the Art Deco interior is very special.
Paul.
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re: afoodyear
Alyson777
Apr 16, 2009 09:16 AM
I consider myself to be quite the breakfast maven. My top 10 are
1. Beauty's on Mount Royal
2. B & M restaurant (summerled or Sherbrook st West
3. Universal (St Denis)
4. L'Avenue on Mount Royal St East
5. Bagel Ect.,,, (st Laurent)
6. Cafe Cherier ( St Denie)
7. St Viateur bagel on Monkland St
8. Dusty's on park
9. La senzala on Bernard (Brazilian brunch)
10. GriffinTown ( new) Notre Dame near mountain street -
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re: Alyson777
Second the Sparrow. Had breakfast there while visiting last weekend, thanks to a rec on this Board. We had orange/grapefruit juice, scones and clotted cream, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, chanterelles/ fried egg on soda bread, capuccino. Simple, fresh and delicious.
We also enjoyed the croissants (plain, almond, chocolate) at Patisserie Fous Desserts.
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re: pyropaul99
Too bad that you have had bad experiences there. Everything I have gone the food has been great, and I am really picky about breakfast. Once is was a tiny bit coldish, but other than that, nada. I will try the places you mentioned though!
Yeah, I do agree that they rush you out to turn the tables, but I can't really blame them for trying to make money. Most places will do the same on Sunday brunch.
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re: pyropaul99
Haven't tried Cafe Eldorado, but went to L'Avenue with a friend from out of town the other day. We both loved the breakfasts. He had the Chorizo Omelette and I tried the Chorizo Eggs Benedict. WOW! No complaints. Busy, but no crazy crowd Weds. morning and not crazy lines (about 10:30am). Couldn't finish the potatoes, as good as they were. Second time there. Love this place.
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kpzoo
Jan 28, 2009 07:34 PM
Hiya, welcome back! This is a good fairly recent thread on the subject that you could try as a starting point. Need any more info, feel free to clarify!
Looking for Breakfast
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/521670›2 Replies
