The restaurant situation in Montreal on Christmas Day can be a drag, with foodies concurring that choices are far and few in between outside of Chinatown and hotels. So I did a bit of digging.
- Schwartz's
It's not pastrami. It's not corned beef. It's Montreal smoked meat. And Schwartz's is often dubbed the flagship for the local fast food delicacy, a smokey, sweet-meets-salty sandwich stacked with a dozen plus slices, prepared in that distinctively Montreal way. Open on Christmas Day with hot smoked meat available from from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (map).
More on Montreal smoked meat.
- Chez Lévêque
Classic fine French with gentle twists, from applesauce-topped blood sausage to tender veal cheek to escargots served in puff pastries. Lovely, down-to-earth service. Open Christmas Day for brunch and dinner (map).
- Hambar
One of Old Montreal's hottest new-ish foodie haunts, charcuterie is the lead menu showcaser and my delightful hairstylist Edouard Gabay swears by the scallops. Open Christmas day evening (map).
- Ruby Rouge
Heading to Montreal's Chinatown is a sure-fire way to get a hot meal on Christmas Day. Among the pack of options is Ruby Rouge, a dim sum institution open all Christmas Day from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (map).
- Auberge Saint Gabriel
One of Montreal's leading yet understated foodie destinations -- and if you believe the rumors, a haunted one -- courtesy of Michelin-starred chef Eric Gonzalez, who is also in charge of Montreal's ice restaurant Pommery. High-end and down-to-earth at the same time (map).
- Le Renoir
I've only heard flattering things about French restaurant Le Renoir's brunch, served 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Day. Special holiday season table d'hôte offered from 5 pm. to 10:30 p.m. Reservations recommended (map).
- Gibby's
One of Montreal's top steakhouses gets mixed reviews. Despite its shortcomings -- yes, it's touristy, yes, the service can be weird, no, it's not French cuisine -- I personally like it at Gibbys, but one of my readers completely disagrees. Open in the evening on Christmas Day, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (map).
- Khyber Pass
Afghan cuisine -- think a cross between Indian and Middle Eastern -- is in short supply in Montreal, with Khyber Pass at the helm. A solid, affordable bet on any given day. Bring your own wine. Open in the evening on Christmas Day, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (map).
- More Montreal Restaurants Open Christmas Day
