Take a trip to Paris without leaving Montreal
Do you want to feel the energy of the City of Light without hopping on a plane? Here are Judith Ritchie’s top picks for the best of Paris in the heart of Montreal! The author of the guide 300 reasons to love Paris, former beauty editor in chief of Elle Québec and all-round globetrotter shares her findings with us. [image credit: Valérie Guerriat]
La Croissanterie Figaro
5200, rue Hutchison, Outremont, QC H2V 4B3No WiFi here. I love the décor, the music, the atmosphere, the posters of Paris, the smell of hot croissants and seeing people reading printed newspapers or a real book, just like Paris.
Restaurant L'Express Inc
3927, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4The waiters in aprons, the black and white checkerboard parquet floor, the tables close together, the white tablecloths, the mayonnaise boiled egg and maple profiteroles are enough to make Parisians (just a bit) jealous!
Leméac
1045, av Laurier O, Outremont, QC H2V 2L1The elegance, impeccable service, champagne served as an aperitif, the mussels and chips, house mayo and chocolate profiteroles. I love the slightly older clientele; impeccably turned out, just like in Paris.
De Froment et de Sève
2355, rue Beaubien E, Montréal, QC H2G 1N3Real quality bread, traditional craftsmanship and pastries, yes, but also and above all, for its authentic Parisian terrace with rattan chairs facing Rue Beaubien.
Restaurant Laloux
250, av des Pins E, Montréal, QC H2W 1P3I love this discreet restaurant, known for its small terrace in summer, with its stylish French bistro decor, appointed to perfection with its white tablecloths. It's a calm atmosphere and you can hear yourself speak.
Chez De Gaulle
231 Rue Saint-Viateur O, Montréal, QC H2T 2L6What could be more French than a patisserie with the name of de Gaulle? The first time I set foot in here, I wanted to buy everything. Coffee éclairs, a Paris-Brest, the Galette des Rois. But most of all, the butter croissants!
Restaurant Holder
407, rue McGill, Montréal, QC H2Y 2G3There are very few very large breweries of this kind in Paris; they're generally smaller in size. But I like the Holder, which has managed a beautiful modern take on the Parisian tavern. I'm a lifelong devotee of their salmon tartare!
Au Petit Extra Restaurant
1690, rue Ontario E, Montréal, QC H2L 1S7Real French decor! No fuss, just perfect! Even the front, with its champagne and wine inscription on the window is a reminder of the genuine Paris. Add to that the foie gras, duck breast and apple pie... enough said!
Chez Lévêque
1030 Av Laurier, Outremont, QC H2V 2K8An institution, a must-see and the perfect destination for a trip to Paris in the heart of Montreal. In summer, even its red terrace resembles those of the Champs-Élysées!
Brasserie Bernard
1249, av Bernard, Outremont, QC H2V 1V7With its terraces that buzz in summer, Rue Bernard is the one that most reminds me of Paris. I have a weakness for Brasserie B, which follows the conventions of the Parisian tavern with a menu that includes such great classics as salmon and beef tartares, duck thigh confit, hanger steak and more. A safe bet!
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