Image courtesy Maison Publique via Instagram.
Maison Publique
When chefs want to be fed (or get drunk), they’re going to Derek Damman’s public house. The watering hole feels more like the creature comforts of home: sunken in damask wallpaper; a deer head jutting out of the walls in an Expos hat; an ever-changing menu on the chalkboard and pinned on a bulletin board. The food is, too: heaping piles of pancakes topped with bacon ($13), boudin and eggs ($15), and the very British bubble & squeak ($5). Walk off the calories in the Mont-Royal neighbourhood south to Parc La Fontaine to complete a perfect weekend afternoon.
Where to Find:
Maison Publique
4720 Rue Marquette
Montréal, QC H2J 3Y6
maisonpublique.com
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Image courtesy Jessica Lee Photography.
Lawrence
No brunch list in Montréal is complete without a mention of Lawrence, complete with floor-to-ceiling open windows, ideal for people watching in the heart of Mile End. (Not to mention, the restaurant is a short walk from Fairmont and Saint Viateur bagels; you know, in case of an emergency or if there’s a predicted line-up at peak hours.) Indulge yourself with predictable chocolate, lemon, or custard beignes ($5) or savoury scones and clotted cream ($4). Less predictable? Kedgeree ($15), consisting of smoked haddock or cod, and curry on rice. How about Scrapple ($14), or pied de cochon ($14)? For an adventurous morning of eating and ambience, Lawrence can’t be beat. Don’t forget to visit their boucherie up the street to get a sandwich and foodstuffs to go.
Where to Find:
Lawrence Restaurant
5201 Boul St-Laurent
Montréal, QC H2T 2L9
lawrencerestaurant.com
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Photo by Natalie Taylor.
L’Express
If you ask any chef in Montréal where they go off duty, the restaurant that’s always listed is the iconic L’Express. Not as many people know the bistro for its petit dejeuner and while simple, it’s expertly executed. There are many variations of eggs and toast ($4.75); add a side like smoked salmon ($8), or indulge in a smoked salmon bagel with cream cheese ($10.50). Amongst the black and white checkered floors, wooden tables, and red leather stools, this 35-year-old institution remains an affordable classic for a reason.
Where to Find:
Restaurant L’Express
3927 Rue Saint-Denis
Montréal, QC H2W 2M4
restaurantlexpress.com
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Photo by Natalie Taylor.
Hof Kelsten
Located in the heart of the Plateau, star bread baker to the city’s top restaurants, Jeffrey Finkelstein, has expanded his pastry offerings to brunch. Dig your fork into the global offerings of Shakshuka ($12) or Schnitzel ($14) where eggs are front and centre. Smoked mackerel ($12) is a bestseller, as is Pain Doré ($12), where maple syrup oozes over thick challah and veal pancetta. Worry not, you can get your salmon ($4) and rosti ($1.50) on the side. You’ll be remiss not to pick up a few croissants, scones, and the best babka cake you’ve sunk your teeth into for the ride home.
Where to Find:
Hof Kelsten
4524 Boul Saint-Laurent
Montréal, QC H2T 1R4
hofkelsten.com
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Image courtesy Lavanderia via Instagram.
Lavanderia
If you can’t get a reservation into popular sushi joint, Park, from Chopped Canada judge Antonio Park, try his airy Argentinian asado Lavanderia, for brunch. (Park’s father owned a lavanderia, the spanish word for laundry, where you’ll see touches of this theme in the decor of the medium sized resto.) Though there’s no menu online and the options change frequently, try the popular chorizo sandwich, Choripán or chicharon with plantain and pea shoots. It is a global way to explore the tony Westmount neighbourhood.
Where to Find:
Lavanderia
374 Avenue Victoria
Westmount, QC H3Z 2N4
lavanderiaresto.com
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Photo by Natalie Taylor.
Micro Resto La Famille
Located down the street from the Laurier metro station off the Main, this tiny boite of a resto offers a street side patio in the summer months. The menu is in its recent evolution. Nosh on variations of eggs benedict (from $12) and grilled cheese sandwiches ($9). Or keep healthy with perfectly portioned sized pancakes covered in yogurt and berries ($6.50) and fruit smoothies ($5) to grab and go.
Where to Find:
Micro Resto La Famille
418 Rue Gilford
Montréal, QC H2J 1N2
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Image courtesy Le Richmond via Instagram.
Le Richmond
Part of Griffintown’s transformation, Le Richmond is the spot for an opulent brunch with a trend-setting crowd. Designed by co-owner Luc Laroche, the open and sophisticated space is a mix of reclaimed vintage and modern pieces, including the pop-art centerpiece of Kate Moss outside. The menu is a mix too. You can choose between a well balanced dish of the mixed salad ($12), a melange of baby kale, fennel, kenya bean, and french shallots; or decadent dishes like lobster benedict ($24) or spicy maple shrimp ($15).
Where to Find:
Le Richmond
377 Rue Richmond
Montréal, QC H3J 1T9
lerichmond.com
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Image courtesy Santa Barbara via Facebook.
Santa Barbara
A nod to both the saints of Montreal but also the west coast roots of its three owners, Santa Barbara is a fresh take on brunch in Little Italy. Its menu is 75% organic with twists on the traditional breakfast items. Try the empanadas filled with ratatouille and feta alongside a salad and labneh; or the buckwheat beer crepes (!) filled with aged cheddar and empire apples ($14), also named “The Artilleryman.” Cash and debit only.
Where to Find:
Restaurant Santa Barbara
6696 rue de Saint Vallier
Montreal, QC H2S 2P7
santabarbaramtl.ca
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