Dining in Montreal.

[ER2]

Is this the right place to ask about dining in Montreal?

If so, then I'm meeting up with two friends from the US for three days in Montreal in a couple of weeks. It's not a city any of us know well so would be very grateful for pointers of where to go for dinner.

The three of us are all retired teachers, so nowhere too noisy or with live music. French/International preferred but ready to consider other cuisines. As it's a rather special meeting - we've not seen each other for five years or more - then price will not be a barrier.

Many thanks for any suggestions you can give.

[Fintastic]

Noise in restaurants is actually something of a problem in Montreal. Not to say that a lively atmosphere is necessarily bad, but sometimes findings good food in a quiet spot can be tricky. I agree with some of the recommendations of others: Lemeac and L'Express could be good options. Also Laloux, which rounds out the reliable favourites. If you'll be dining earlier (i.e. a 6 or 7 reservation) then Trois Petit Bouchons could be excellent as well, as might Le Filet, though both can get louder later in the evening depending on the crowd. Up the price range slightly is Club Chasse et Peche, which is very intimate and does great food. Kitchenette is also a good option, as it highlights some of eclectic side of Montreal cooking, though I've always found the noise to be very reasonable.

As for the BYOs on Duluth, I'd recommend that you proceed with caution. Many are busy and loud, and verge on being tourist traps. Those mentioned by deborahm are some of the better options, but its something of a crap-shoot.

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L'Express Restaurant
3927 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W2M4, CA

[deborahm]

I agree with Fintastic's recommendation of Trois Petits Bouchons, too. It's also on Saint-Denis and walking distance from metro, etc. Also, Fintastic is indeed very accurate about Duluth being touristy (and I forgot to mention that one of Montreal's most popular restaurants, Au Pied de Cochon, is also on Duluth--lots posted elsewhere about it and it is the subject of many discussions here on this board...wonderful reputation and now a MOntreal landmark but may not be what you are looking for in terms of atmosphere....). Still, I have to admit I have a bit of fun on Duluth in the summer...but as Moedelestrie mentioned Laurier area is a very good idea!

[Moedelestrie]

I would check out the options on Laurier west of Park avenue. Lemeac comes to mind. Upscale Bistro very continental with the proper ambience for a get together with retired teachers. I do this from experience with my wife a retired teacher and principal from Chicago. The surrounding restaurants would also provide for the kind of experience I think you are looking for. The food is good but the ambience is what I think would be perfect.

[deborahm]

I agree with the above--very solid, suggestions about restaurants around Laurier including Lemeac. This area of the city (Outremont) is particularly lovely in spring and the approaching summer, with lots of patisseries and cafes, too. If you are not familiar with Montreal, L'Express on Saint-Denis is a Montreal classic. While it's a French bistro, I had an early evening 'reunion' meal with old friends that was pleasant and not crazy loud, or rushed, although it is known to be busy and crowded which can be part of the appeal (I went on a weeknight). I have also had very pleasant reunion meals in larger groups with friends (in their 40s, 50s, and 60s) at Au Petit Extra on Ontario: another Montreal favourite. There are tonnes of posts about both places here; but I would say that a later reservation at Au Petit Extra would be nice for a catch-up conversation with time to linger . Also, the inveterate foodies on this board will probably think I'm a cliche for suggesting this, but in late spring/summer, it is fun--perhaps on one of your non-fancy nights--to go to one of the casual bring your own wine restaurants on Duluth. It's a nice part of the city for walking and near St-Denis street which is a great shopping area. Various types of cuisine (Afghan--Khyber Pass; Vietnamese-Lotus Bleu; Greek-Le jardin de Panos), which are reasonably priced and have patios this time of year. Again--much more casual but still fun in spring/summer as Duluth is a lively street. There is also La colombe (French cuisine) right on the corner of Duluth and Saint-Hubert which I believe serves table d'hote and while small, it is a lovely atmosphere but is very popular so reservations are advised. Just thought I'd throw some other options out there...

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L'Express Restaurant
3927 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, QC H2W2M4, CA