Finding Montreal restaurants open New Year's eve? Not a problem. Finding Montreal restaurants open New Year's day? That's another story. Count on hotels staying open past the eve and through the day -- Hotel St. Paul's Vauvert, Sofitel's Le Renoir, St. James' XO and personal soft spot Auberge Bonaparte are all solid bets -- and below features a list of Montreal restaurants and pubs you're going to love lingering in on a quiet, post-hangover New Year's day.
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L'Express
In town for the weekend and want to taste what Montreal is all about? Try L'Express' down-to-earth locale meets foodie haven. The French bistro landmark is open all New Year's Day, from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. In the Plateau neighborhood (map). -
La Banquise
The poutine house to beat all poutine houses, at least in terms of variety, La Banquise offers no less than 25 variations on Quebec's culinary claim to fame, 24 hours a day. In the Plateau neighborhood, footsteps away from my favorite outdoor skating rink, also open on New Year's Day (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 New Year's day evening (map). - La Fonderie
The first day of the new year. Greeted with fondue. How perfect is that?! Open New Year's day evening from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.(map). - 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 New Year's Day for brunch and dinner (map). -
Schwartz's
The king of Montreal smoked meat is open for business all New Year's Day, as early as 8 a.m., with hot smoked meat available from 10:30 a.m. to midnight. In the Plateau neighborhood, on the Main (map). -
Gibbys
One of Montreal's top steakhouses gets mixed reviews. Despite its shortcomings -- yes, it's touristy, yes, the service can be weird -- I personally like it at Gibbys, but one of my readers canned it. Count on $50 per steak. Open in the evening only, from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Located in Old Montreal (map). -
McKibbins
Irish beer? Check. Wood paneling and vintage Guinness posters? Check. Warm-charming-staff-let's-make-friends-with-everyone-at-the-bar-after-all-it's-an-Irish-pub pub? My experience has been sometimes yes, sometimes no. But it's still a solid pub bet on New Year's Day. Or any day. Downtown location open from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.(map). Plateau location open from 10:30 a.m. to 3 a.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). -
Les 3 Brasseurs
Pub food with a sports bar atmosphere (i.e., flat screens everywhere), I can't say Les 3 Brasseurs is the most incredible pub dining experience ever, but it's good. The downtown, Ste. Catherine Street location is open New Year's Day, from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. (map). -
Kaizen
Kaizen makes really good sushi, just be prepared to pay through the nose. Open in the evening only, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Located in Westmount, on the edge of downtown (map).
