Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Laval

"Take one of the infamously good breakfast sandwiches to go, or really anything from the extensive menu. Takeout only for now, but delivery is in the works."

"What is it: The neighbourhood of Saint-Henri may have a lot of good restaurants, but its brunch was lacking up until Arthurs arrived. Serving Ashkenazi and Sephardic soul food, Arthurs’ menu is built off of Jewish classics like latkes, schnitzel, perogies and matze ball soups. Prior to opening this spot in 2016, owners Raegan Steinberg and Alex Cohen accrued a ton of experience working with the best restaurants in town, and that experience all coalesces here."

"A relative newcomer to Montréal’s Saint-Henri neighborhood, Arthur’s Nosh Bar has already become a local staple for brunch. Named after co-owner Raegan Steinberg’s late father, Arthur’s has carved out a culinary niche for itself by reimagining classic Jewish fare. Though you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the house-smoked salmon, challah french toast and pancakes really shine."

"Arthurs is relatively new to the restaurant scene in Montreal (est. 2016), but there’s no stopping these guys now. The stylish place is deli-esque but far from traditional. The menu is comprised of Jewish cuisine with a spin."

"A staple on the Montreal vegan food scene in my times, Aux Vivres is still going strong, and has even expanded its dining room and opened a take away counter next door. In fact, it is more popular than ever – with great reasons. The food is incredible and will satisfy vegans and carnivores alike with offers such as bowls (the dragon bowl is a classic favourite!), sandwiches and salads and the famous weekend brunch."

"One of the city’s vegan strongholds features fresh-pressed juices, sandwiches, and healthy bowls, in a bright, almost kitschy spot on Saint-Laurent (now with a second location in Westmount). Available for takeout or delivery via UberEats, or place an order online for vegan staples from its adjacent store."

"Montreal's vegan claim to fame has its grocer side up and running, but its range of sandwiches, soups and more are available for order as well."

"This chic and refined French brasserie offers a great menu that has been worked down to perfection over the years and has a little something for all palettes and personalities. Here, you can eat French brasserie dishes that are superbly executed. Note that a set late night menu is available every evening starting at 10pm and a table d’hôte menu for lunch and dinner."

"This Laurier institution might get forgotten about in favour of newer and hipper offerings, but bistro staples like moules-frites and foie gras torchon never go out of style. While their regular menu prices itself in special occasion territory, their after-10 p.m. menu gets you an appetizer and main for only $28, making it easy to feel the love."

"Restaurant Leméac is best known as a chic brasserie with delicious French cuisine. However, part of what makes the food here so delicious is the beauty of the setting in which it is served. Leméac is designed in such a way that you will feel like you’ve traveled from modern day Montreal to a brasserie in France from a past era."

"What is it: Announcements for the opening of this fine dining brasserie in Old Montreal seem to be delayed for so long we almost gave up, but man, was it worth the wait. One step into its space, one drink from its cellar, one bite of its menu and we were hooked on Jérémie and Richard Bastien's project. It's all immaculate at this sleek address, especially when it's French standards of Niçoise salad, bouillabaisse, half a Cornish hen or ratatouille that've had cosmopolitan—even unconventional—flavours sewn into them."

"This highly anticipated new French restaurant from Richard Bastien – owner of the adored Montreal classic Leméac – has already established itself as a Montreal dining landmark. Located in a former hotel in the old port, Monarque is also designed by architect Alain Carle. It has two main sections – a relaxed brasserie at the front and a more formal 80-seat dining room at the back."

"This ornate space in Old Montreal comes from the owners of Outrement’s Leméac. The dessert menu from Lisa Yu is fairly extensive, featuring updated takes on classic sweets like Paris Brest and rum baba."

"Italian cuisine is hot in Montreal right now, but the first wave of this trend shouldn’t be disregarded amongst all the press about what’s new. This project in Little Italy from chefs Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione became a darling of its community in a short span of time, whether it was for fall-off-the-bone contorni or fresh pastas, all celebrations of regional Italian delicacies. It’s now Aicia Colacci in the kitchen, and by her hand the menus are that much more wonderful and worth a trip."

"Montreal’s Little Italy has tons of Italian restaurants but Impasto takes the cake. Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione’s food from every region of Italy will delight your taste buds. Open for lunch (Thursday and Friday) and dinner (Tuesday to Saturday), you can enjoy fresh focaccia with sea salt and olive oil, homemade charcuteries, linguini with confit salmon, garlic, lemon and pangrattato, Québec venison ragu and Ragusano cheese, etc."

"This is how success works – designer Zébulon Perron creates an uncluttered, unique and elegant space; star Stéfano Faita optimally markets Impasto and assures that the dining room is full; head waiter Pascal Arsenault is attentive of customers’ wishes; and chef Michele Forgione prepares her beautiful creations. Everything here is made in-house, smells and tastes good. And their meat – Oh my!"

"This neighbourhood bar in Little Italy offers beers from microbreweries across the province, but does not make its own beer. There are about thirty choices of beers (notably from the Dunham Microbrewery who own the bar), which change regularly depending on the mood and the season. A few ciders and wines are also available, but one comes here mainly to drink a good beer."

"Vices & Versa in Little Italy offers at least 33 craft beer choices on tap, and all are from local Quebec crafters. They also have some rare beer and specific styles, such as light 4% or dark 12%, and you can order a unique cask or specialty bottles. Vices & Versa has a reputation for serving some of the best."

"Originally constructed in the late 19th century by the president of one of Montreal's biggest banks at the time, Le Saint-Sulpice Terrasses is a Montreal historical landmark featuring multilevel patios, courtyards with fountains, and a small pub and nightclub called Bar Saint Sulpice. Popular with the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM) students, the terraces are as big as the four-floor bar, making it a convenient meetup spot for large groups."

"A post shared by David Bowen (@davidbowen76) on Jun 29, 2015 at 4:44pm PDT. Prepare your taste pallets to be dazzled by the top class food prepared in this amazing restaurant. From the relaxing atmosphere to the perplexing food menu, you know you made the right choice."

"A post shared by California Sandwiches 🇮🇹 (@californiasandwiches.mtl). From veal sandwiches, tasty fries, and pasta, California Sandwiches brings a little bit of West coast heat to the 514."

"We can’t make a list of the best sushi in Montreal without naming Sakura Gardens — after all, it is Justin Trudeau’s favourite restaurant. We can understand why: their simple menu offers a variety of authentic Japanese recipes."