Montreal, known as the “Paris of North America”, attracts countless tourists with its unique French charm, rich cultural heritage and beautiful scenery.
As the most European city in Canada, Montreal not only has a vibrant artistic atmosphere, but also combines the dual cultural characteristics of French and English, giving people a unique feeling of both ancient and modern. Every year, thousands of tourists flock to this city to experience her food, music, festivals and scenery. In this multicultural city, open-air restaurants have long become one of the indispensable lifestyles for locals and tourists.
Whether it is a warm summer afternoon or a refreshing autumn night, sitting in an open-air restaurant, tasting authentic food, enjoying the sun and breeze, it seems that everything has slowed down. Not only that, the delicious food on the table is perfectly intertwined with the charming street scenes and natural scenery outside the window, allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the city while dining.
1. Restaurant 1: Le Jardin Nelson
Restaurant History
Le Jardin Nelson is one of the most historic open-air restaurants in Montreal. It is located in the Vieux-Montréal area of Montreal. Since its opening in 1993, it has attracted a large number of local residents and tourists with its elegant environment and rich French cuisine. The restaurant is located in a historic courtyard surrounded by ancient buildings, creating a nostalgic and romantic atmosphere. The restaurant’s open-air seating area is surrounded by beautiful gardens and vines, as if you are in a small town in southern France.
Le Jardin Nelson not only pursues exquisite food, but also pays attention to the creation of atmosphere. Whenever summer comes, the restaurant’s open-air seating area is always full. Every detail here reveals French romance and elegance, and it is a perfect place to enjoy food and beautiful scenery.
Food Features and Taste
Le Jardin Nelson’s menu is full of classic elements of French cuisine, combined with modern cooking techniques. The restaurant’s signature dish is its homemade French snails, which are paired with rich garlic and herb butter, and are delicious and layered. In addition, the restaurant’s foie gras is also worth a try. The delicate taste of foie gras complements the wine and has a mellow taste.
Another dish that is popular with diners is the truffle chicken breast. The chicken in this dish has a crispy skin and tender meat. With the aroma of truffles, it is intoxicating after one bite. The restaurant’s desserts are also worth mentioning, especially its handmade French caramel pudding, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet but not greasy, and it is endless.
Restaurant experience
Le Jardin Nelson’s outdoor seating area is intoxicating, surrounded by green gardens and accompanied by a breeze, which is very pleasant. The service in the restaurant is also very thoughtful. The waiters are enthusiastic and professional, and the introduction of each dish is very detailed. The romantic and elegant atmosphere of the restaurant makes every meal a feast for the eyes and taste.
Reservation platform and cost
Le Jardin Nelson is very convenient to book. You can make a reservation by phone or use restaurant reservation platforms such as OpenTable to make a reservation online. The restaurant’s prices are moderate, with an average per capita consumption of about 30 to 60 Canadian dollars, depending on the dishes and drinks selected. If you choose a set meal with wine, the cost may increase.
2. Restaurant 2: Terrasse Nelligan
Restaurant History
Terrasse Nelligan is another popular open-air restaurant in Montreal, located in a luxury hotel in Old Montreal. The name of the restaurant comes from the name of the hotel – Hotel Nelligan, which is itself a historic building built in the late 19th century. Terrasse Nelligan’s open-air terrace provides an excellent viewing angle, especially at night, where visitors can enjoy the dazzling night view of Montreal city.
Since its opening, the restaurant has been adhering to the concept of high-end, fashion and comfort, attracting many locals and foreign tourists. The open-air seating area here is located on the roof of the hotel, surrounded by modern glass fences and green plants, providing diners with an open and private dining environment.
Food Features and Taste
Terrasse Nelligan’s menu is mainly Mediterranean, and it is particularly good at incorporating fresh seafood and seasonal ingredients into every dish. A must-try dish at the restaurant is the seafood platter, which includes a variety of fresh seafood such as lobster, oysters, crabs and oysters. Each seafood retains its original fresh taste, paired with refreshing lemon juice and homemade sauces, and the taste is extremely rich.
In addition, the restaurant’s grilled lamb chops are also popular with diners. The lamb is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with herbs and red wine sauce, with a rich taste and tender meat. To balance the taste, the restaurant also offers a variety of fresh salads, such as the classic Greek salad, which is mixed with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and feta cheese, which is refreshing and delicious.
Restaurant Experience
Terrasse Nelligan’s open-air terrace is an ideal dining spot, especially for enjoying the beautiful scenery and delicious food at dusk. The city’s skyline and charming night view are a highlight here, and diners can enjoy their meals in this unique atmosphere. The exquisiteness and freshness of each dish are impressive, especially the seafood platter, paired with fresh lemon and sauce, and the delicious seafood is intoxicating one bite after another.
Reservation platform and cost
Terrasse Nelligan reservations can be made through platforms such as OpenTable. Due to the restaurant’s location and beautiful scenery, it is recommended to make reservations in advance. The average cost per person is about 50 to 80 Canadian dollars, depending on the choice of dishes and wine pairing. If you choose a set meal with wine, the price may increase.
3. Restaurant 3: L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Montréal
Restaurant History
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon is a restaurant brand founded by the world-renowned Michelin three-star chef Joel Robuchon, and this branch in Montreal is located in a modern building in the city center. Since its opening in 2016, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Montréal has become a gathering place for food lovers. The restaurant’s design is modern and artistic, and the open-air restaurant area is located on the roof, providing a wide view, allowing diners to enjoy delicious food while enjoying the bustling scene of downtown Montreal.
Food Features and Taste
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon’s menu is based on exquisite French cuisine, combining creativity and classics. One of the restaurant’s signature dishes is “Seared Foie Gras with Red Wine Sauce”, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the sauce is rich, giving it a luxurious and warm taste. Another dish not to be missed is the “Black Truffle Cream Pasta”, which has chewy pasta, rich and smooth cream sauce, and the aroma of truffles lingers in the mouth.
In addition, the restaurant’s desserts are also excellent, especially its signature “Chocolate Puff”, which has a crispy crust and is filled with rich chocolate cream inside. It is sweet but not greasy, and it is intoxicating after one bite.
Restaurant Experience
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon’s outdoor seating area is unique. Sitting here, surrounded by the Montreal skyline and night sky, diners can enjoy the scenery of the city while dining. Each dish is very delicately presented, with good color, fragrance and taste, presenting a feast for the eyes and taste. Especially the pan-fried foie gras and chocolate puffs are impressive, and the service of the restaurant is impeccable.
Reservation platform and cost
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon can be booked through platforms such as OpenTable. Due to the high-end positioning of the restaurant, it is recommended to book in advance. The average per capita consumption is about 80 to 150 Canadian dollars, depending on the dishes and drinks selected by individuals.
Montreal’s open-air restaurants not only offer delicious food, but are also a great place to enjoy the city’s beautiful scenery and unique atmosphere. Most of the restaurants here rely on the city’s history, culture and natural scenery, and are located in bustling neighborhoods or quiet gardens, allowing diners to enjoy the charming street scenes and skyline of Montreal while tasting delicious food. Whether it is a hot summer afternoon or a cool autumn night, these open-air restaurants provide a perfect place for people to share time with friends and family and relax.
In these restaurants, diners can not only taste the essence of authentic French cooking, but also feel the unique charm of this city. From exquisite French snails to tempting truffle dishes, every dish is full of ingenuity. Sitting in the open-air seats, it seems that the whole world has slowed down, and the hustle and bustle of the city has become gentle and kind here.
If you have the opportunity to come to Montreal, don’t miss these beautiful open-air restaurants, they will bring you an unforgettable double experience of food and scenery.
