Address Book: 20 Terraces in Old Montreal That Feel Like Summer Vacation

Last updated: June 8, 2023

When you think about terraces, your mind most likely turns toward those you can find in Old Montreal. Whether you’re among friends or family during a trip to le Vieux, or among colleagues on a lunch break or happy hour, there is definitely a terrace in the historic neighbourhood for you to unwind at and take full advantage of the summer season! Enjoy terraces in le Vieux, and live like a local!

McGill Street Area

Restaurant Graziella, 116, McGill Street

Enjoy the Dolce Vita of Italy. Do you enjoy Italian fare? The terrace at Restaurant Graziella will have you instantly enraptured with their contemporary menu, which draws inspiration from traditional classic and regional Italian cuisine. Their fresh, seasonal ingredients will ravish your tastebuds! To accompany your meal, choose a bottle from their wine menu specially chosen to perfectly complement the food of chef Graziella.

Le Cartet, 106, McGill Street

For the fine gourmet and full-on gourmand! Enjoy the terrace at Cartet any time of the day. Be it for breakfast, lunch, or supper, treat yourself with the dish du jour and you will be instantly transported! A small, sumptuous escape from your everyday worries will do you some good. This weekend, come fill your belly and your eyes with one of their famous weekend brunches.

In the Cité du Multimédia

Restaurant Mélisse, 719, William Street

Healthy, gourmet cooking! At Mélisse, you will find a ready-to-eat selection as well as a menu available at their order counter, and desserts that you undoubtedly find a little bit more room for. A particular attention has been paid here to bring every element of this culinary experience in harmony: the décor and terrace are welcoming and superb, their dish presentation is creative, the flavours nuanced, and their wine options are divine.

Place Jacques-Cartier Area

Wolf & Workman Pub, 139, Saint-Paul West Street
On this pretty terrace, adorned with greenery, our heart sways. What to order: a decadent piece of meat, an exceptional vegetarian dish, an original cocktail or a flavorful brunch?

Oskar, 414, Saint-Sulpice Street
Located in the heart of the gardens of the Hôtel Saint-Sulpice, Oskar offers a luxurious menu that changes with the seasons. These delights will be served on the vast terrace of this young restaurant, perfect for a romantic dinner, but also a moment with friends or colleagues.

Terrasse sur l'Auberge, 97, de la Commune East Street
If you're looking for a spectacular panoramic view of the historic district, the river and the fireworks display on the evenings of the La Ronde pyrotechnic competition, this terrace atop the Auberge du Vieux-Port is just the place! Whether you opt for tacos, salads or raw bar, you'll be treated to a delicious meal.

Jacopo, 436, place Jacques-Cartier
This charming terrace is the perfect place to admire the architecture of the Place Jacques-Cartier area, and to enjoy the hustle and bustle of summer. On the menu: dishes inspired by classic Italian trattorias and a generous menu of cocktails and privately imported wines.

Jardin Nelson, 407, Place Jacques-Cartier

Luxurious terrace and food without compromise! With its richly designed interior courtyard, Jardin Nelson is the perfect place for that vacation-y feel! Make a getaway to this warm oasis and sample eco-friendly and farm-fresh products: organic flour used in their pasta and crêpes, and a great selection of maple-based products.

Perché Terrace, 153, St-Amable Street

Relaxation way up high! If you aren’t in the mood to cook, but you want to enjoy a meal in the sunny outdoors, Perché Terrace, situated on the 4th floor of Hôtel William Gray, is just the place for you! Throughout the summer season, this restaurant is offering refreshing dishes and sophisticated cocktails, to be enjoyed as you admire a magnificent view over the neighbourhood!

El Pequeño Bar, 401-A, St-Vincent Street

Ah, nothing like the warmth of Cuba! One of life’s pleasures! And you can find it on this terrace, nestled among the old stones of St-Vincent Street, removed from the commotion of Place Jacques-Cartier. The bright colours of the building directly complement the vibrant flavours of the establishment’s cocktails. Props to the terrace for being able to accommodate more than the 9 spots available within the tiny Cuban bar, making this a must-visit this summer!

Vieux-Port Steakhouse, 39, Saint-Paul Street East

Surrounded by magnificent centennial buildings, the superb garden courtyard of Vieux-Port Steakhouse, brimming with flowers and encircled by stone walls, will delight you so much that you will lose all sense of time once you dig into your appetizers and copious main dish. Beef fanatics will be in heaven: Vieux-Port Steakhouse serves only AAA quality Canadian beef.

Auberge Saint-Gabriel, 426, St-Gabriel Street

Serving up festive gastronomy for centuries! Are you looking for a terrace to gather with your friends? Look no further than Auberge Saint-Gabriel, definitely one of the trendiest spots for Montreal nightlife! If you want to celebrate an event in your life, big or small, their preset combos make this the best place to do it. This historic institution offering high Quebecois cuisine will delight even the pickiest of eaters.

Nelligan Terrace, 106, Saint-Paul Street West

The view, true living, summer; it’s all happening here! A summer menu that blends creativity and exquisite flavours in brunches, lunches, and dinners that you really need to experience first-hand! Pair one of their savoury dishes with a cocktail from their well-stocked drink menu. Our favorite: their excellent, bubbly mimosas. Nelligan Terrace is one of the most emblematic rooftops in Montreal, no contest! This place is top of the must-see list this summer!

Place D’Armes Terrace, 55, Saint-Jacques Street West

A well-kept secret! Set in a century-old building’s 8th floor, the Place D’Armes Terrace offers you a unique and magnificent view over Place D’Armes Square. We recommend their raspberry mojito, and for brunch, their mascarpone waffles are a must-have…

Terrasse William Gray, 421, Saint-Vincent Street

Witness a magnificent view over Place Jacques-Cartier and the Saint-Lawrence River. This terrace on the 8th floor of Hôtel William Gray is a must for your next happy hour drink destination. Not to mention their changing noontime menus that make you want to leave the office for lunchtime.

De la Commune Street Area

Le Marché des Éclusiers, 400, de la Commune Street West

With its lit garlands decorating the area, its farm-fresh products, and its proximity to the river, you will find Marché des Éclusiers to be a nice little place to come and ease your thirst. During the daytime, we love coming here when the market is in full swing with local merchants at their stalls. And in the evening, we admire the festive spirit of the market’s boho chic guinguette aesthetic.

La Catrina, 117, de la Commune Street West

Mexico at your door! La Catrina welcomes you into a warm, authentic Mexican ambiance, and is serving dishes and drinks, each more gratifying than the last! In addition to their delicious tacos, tempt yourself with one of their famous margaritas. While settled into this terrace in the old neighbourhood, you will most assuredly get the feeling of being seaside… right on the riverside!

East Notre-Dame Street Area

Cartier Arms, 621 Notre-Dame Street East

Within the walls of this new establishment, located in the Hyatt Centric hotel, the focus is on sustainability and local products. Grilled meats, creative vegetarian options and mouth-watering breakfasts: dining at the Cartier Arms is definitely the most delicious way to reduce our carbon footprint!

Kyo Bar Japonais, 711, côte de la Place d'Armes

Hungry for sushi? This restaurant set in the Place d’Armes Hotel-Boutique serves an impressive variety of delicious sushi. You could even choose to look out over the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal while sipping on some sake.

Café Paquebot, 520, St-Lawrence Boulevard

To start your day off right before going to work, make a stop by the terrace at Café Paquebot. Whether you’re a kombucha type, a cold brew type, or even a coffee-lemonade type, they have something here to fit your mood. While you’re here, we’d recommend getting your hands on a bottle of organic private import wine to cap the day.

N.B.: We update this list regularly. If your restaurant also has a nice terrace and is not yet mentioned here, please write us so we can include it here: info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com

© Crédit Photo 1-2-3 : Geneviève Giguère

© Crédit Photo 4 : Cartet

© Crédit Photo 5 : Vieux-Port Steakhouse

© Crédit Photo 6 : Terrasse Nelligan

© Crédit Photo 7 : Terrasse William Gray