Address Book: Old Montreal Terrasses to Make Your Summer Shine

Ah, the hallowed terrasse. One of the countless reasons the summers here are magic is our city-wide love for a table outside. Whether sidewalk, rooftop or tucked-away garden, the terrasse is as Montreal as smoked meat and bagels, and the old quarter boasts some of the greatest ones around. Here are just a few that are sure to make you smile!

For coffee and brunch

Café Paquebot, 520 Saint-Laurent Blvd.

What better way to kick off your day than soaking in the sun with a great latte? We come here for their expertly crafted specialty coffees, delicious baked treats, as well as unique offerings like their Cafélimo sparkling lemonade coffee, a perfect pick-me-up of the summertime kind. Also, ever had a curry latte? Try one, you’ll thank us later.

Mélisse, 719 William Street

With its stylish and inviting terrasse, striking dishes tuned to the seasons, and a lovingly curated wine selection, Mélisse is a gastronomic experience that pushes all the right buttons. And that goes for their superb weekend brunches, featuring a menu as bright and vibrant as the summer all around us.

Le Cartet, 106 McGill Street

The terrasse at this beloved neighbourhood resto-boutique works its magic every day, but there’s nothing quite like a weekend brunch here under the sun and the clear blue sky! New York-style pancakes, duck confit eggs benedict, perfect coffee every time, and let’s not forget that gourmet boutique. Le Cartet, a great start to great days since 1999.

49th Parallel, 488 McGill Street

Sometimes, all you need is a seat by the sidewalk, with a fresh cup of micro-roasted specialty coffee, your thoughts and a doughnut. A Lucky’s doughnut. Since its humble North-Pacific beginnings, the 49th has won over discerning palates for 20 years and counting, both indoors and outdoors, and they’re here to stay. Lucky us indeed.

Up above

Terrasse Perché, 153 Saint-Amable Street

In search of a tropical-vibed epicurean getaway right in the heart of Old Montreal? You need simply look up. Perched on the 4th floor of the William Gray Hotel, this oasis in the sky invites you to sit back and enjoy exotic cocktails, Asian and Mediterranean-inspired culinary delights, as well as a truly marvellous old quarter vista. Sunshine included.

Terrasse sur l’Auberge, 97 De la Commune Street East

For sweeping views of the Old Port and the Saint-Lawrence River, this terrasse atop the altogether charming Auberge du Vieux Port is a hard one to beat. Classic cocktails done with a twist, tartares and a raw bar as fresh as can be, maybe even a magnificent fireworks display over the water; this is Old Montreal seen from above at its finest.

Terrasse Place d’Armes, 55 Saint-Jacques Street West

No visit to the old quarter is complete without enjoying a drink or two nestled among the neighbourhood’s historic rooftops. Located on the 8th floor of the splendid Hotel Place d’Armes, this place is a must for its excellent cocktail and wine selection, seasonal menu and gorgeous views of the city skyline. Here, happy hour is “golden hour”.

Pub Cartier Arms/Horizon Rooftop - Hyatt Centric Montreal, 621 Notre Dame St. E.
With a stunning, up-close view of Canada’s first railway station, the Hyatt Centric’s Pub Cartier Arms offers up modern Quebec-British fusion cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, local beers and fine wines in a late-Victorian-inspired spirit. All available outside. For some extra elevation, the rooftop terrace on the 14th floor is a 360° sight to see.

Great eats from around the world

Sabrosa, 404 Place Jacques-Cartier

Sabrosa means “tasty” in Spanish, and we couldn’t agree more. Have a seat at this lively terrasse right on the bustling Place Jacques-Cartier, and take a trip down south through the likes of agave-based cocktails, al pastor tacos, albacore tostadas and churros for dessert. Sabrosa you say? ¡Claro que sí!

Kwizinn, 311 Saint-Paul Street East

A Caribbean escapade without the plane ticket? Kwizinn has you covered. This joy-and-sun-filled spot on Saint-Paul brings together wildly creative cocktails, delectable Caribbean fusion cuisine, and all-around good vibes for a terrasse experience that yields nothing but smiles. Live music Thursdays and Sundays!

Les Pyrénées, 320 Saint-Paul Street West

The culinary treasures of Spain and Southern France are yours to discover in Old Montreal! Here, market-fresh products proudly sing in the form of superbly executed classics like paëlla, zarzuela and cassoulet à la Toulousaine. And when it comes to wine, their curated selection pairs as well with the dishes as it does with the terrasse.

Comptoir 400, 400 Place Jacques-Cartier

In the centre of all the action and a skip away from the water, this “counter” offers up a mouthwatering array of artisanal pizzas, perfect for sharing while you do some primo people watching. Prefer to just sip away the time with a Limoncello Spritz? You can take the fun home for later with one of their pizza kits!

Gaspar Brasserie Française, 89 De la Commune Street East

Pull up a front-row seat to the Old Port in all its summertime glory at this charming “French brasserie made in Montreal”. Savour classic French cuisine done with an inventive local twist while enjoying one of their many organic and private-import wines as the world just slowly walks on by. Welcome to Paris, à la De la Commune.

Hanzo Izakaya, 417 Saint-Nicolas Street

Inspired by a scene from Kill Bill but far more relaxing, this rustic-chic Japanese pub will transport you to the hidden streets of Tokyo for the entirety of your stay. Classic izakaya fare like gyoza, takoyaki and karaage combine with a choice of Japanese spirits, beers and inspired cocktails for a trip that you’re sure to find simply oishii (delicious).

Hà Vieux-Montréal, 600 William Street

Hà Restaurant invites you to experience the spirit of bia hoi – casual Vietnamese street-corner eateries specializing in deliciousness, good times and cold beer – exactly as it should be experienced: outdoors. With its vibrant Vietnamese/Laotian cuisine, great drinks and a chic, chill atmosphere, Hà brings bia hoi to Old Montreal with style.

Helena, 438 McGill Street
Renowned chef Helena Loureiro continues to steadily and passionately helm this beacon of fine Portuguese cuisine, much to the constant delight of visitors and locals alike. We go for their outstanding grilled meats, fresh seafood, modern takes on the classics and their dedication to Portuguese wines. And right now, we go for it all outside.

Hidden gems

Jardin Nelson, 407 Place Jacques-Cartier

When we say “terrasse”, Jardin Nelson is one of the very first things that comes to mind, for good reason. With its beautiful, verdant and flower-filled rear courtyard, amazing sangrias and delectable bistro menu, this celebrated Place Jacques-Cartier haven is a must-experience to say the least. Oh, and their live jazz? Yet another good reason.

Vieux-Port Steakhouse, 39 Saint-Paul Street East

Every summer, this Old Port institution for premium, aged, Canadian AAA cuts takes its steakhouse know-how and flair al fresco. In their lush garden terrasse surrounded by centuries-old stone walls, enjoy succulent steaks, fresh seafood and more while being a part of over 40 years of tradition.

Marché des Éclusiers, 400 De la Commune Street West

At a slight remove from the heart of the action, this oasis by the water is a neighbourhood fave for locals and visitors when happy hour strikes. We go for the laid-back ambiance, Mediterranean tapas, local draft beers and luminous wine selection. And by the way, their farmer’s market on Saturdays is why we say “marché”!

Wolf & Workman Pub, 139 Saint-Paul Street West

From the magic-making Burgundy Lion Group, this richly cozy English-style gastropub housed in an 1830’s stone building hides a charming courtyard out back simply perfect for a discreet tête-à-tête and a pint. Pub eats revisited with local inspiration, draft beer, original cocktails and yes, scotch; come one, come all, the Wolf howls for thee.

Cheers to that!

Buvette Pastek, 209 Saint-Paul Street West

Located just around the corner from the Pointe-à-Callière is an elegant sanctuary calling wine lovers of all stripes with its fine selection of mainly old-world nectars. To go with that bottle or glass under the open sky, a cheese and charcuterie or fresh seafood plateau is as genius an idea as choosing this terrasse.

El Pequeño Bar, 401a Saint-Vincent Street

1920s Cuba, here we come! One of Canada’s two tiniest bars, El Pequeño has made a little more room out front for summer to bring Havana’s golden age to us afuera. Perfect mojitos and daiquiris, exquisite rum-based house cocktails, a knockout Cuban sandwich and a tucked-away vibe; all we can say is enjoy and ¡salud!

Les Soeurs Grises Bistro-Brasserie, 32 McGill Street

Located on the site of an old convent, this place religiously brews up fresh, quality craft suds of all kinds, quenching thirsts in Old Montreal noon till night. From ales, IPAs and oatmeal stout, to Mexican-inspired pub grub and a spacious terrasse, here’s a brewpub that has all the right ingredients to get you vowing to visit again and again.

John Michael’s Pub, 458 Place Jacques-Cartier

Take a seat beside all the action on this definition of a proper buzzing Place Jacques-Cartier terrasse. Comforting pub fare (smoked meat poutine anyone?), classic cocktails, draft beer galore and a primo location make this spot a summer season must. When it comes to people watching, Old Montreal-style and drink in hand, think JMP.

Sweet stops

Chat-colate, 31 De la Commune Street East

When we say Old Montreal has it all, we mean it. So if you happen to be looking for a cat-themed ice cream shop, voilà! At Chat-colate, you’re invited to indulge in two favourite things: exquisite homemade ice cream and desserts, plus your boundless love for our feline friends. In other words, it’s all yum and meow here, inside and out.

Mlle Catherine, 423 Place Jacques-Cartier

Ice cream o’clock? Tuck yourself into this parlour and boutique’s absolutely charming nook of a terrasse and take your sweet tooth for a smooth and frosty ride. Artisanal ice creams, gelato and sorbets in flavours both classic and that change with the season, refreshing summer drinks, and decadent crepes; there’s something here for everyone.

Marché Saint-Laurent, 503 Place d’Armes

This café/boutique in the iconic Aldred Building shines a light on talented local artisans and designers while offering up awesome coffees and sweets. Espresso or ice cream? Just combine both and have your affogato outside while admiring the Place d’Armes and the Basilica from up close. What an Old Montreal terrasse is all about.

Photos : Vieux-Port Steakhouse - Alison Slattery - Terrasse sur L’Auberge

NOTA BENE: Your business would fit perfectly here but isn’t mentioned? Don’t hesitate to write to us at info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com, and it would be our pleasure to include it.