Most Expensive Restaurants in Montréal: Where to Splurge Like a True Montréaler
Tabarnak, Montréalais, let’s talk about living the high life! In a city where we’re just as happy scarfing down a smoked meat sandwich at Schwartz’s or a late-night poutine at La Banquise, sometimes you gotta treat yourself to something fancy, non? Whether it’s a big date night in Vieux-Montréal, a business dinner in the Golden Square Mile, or just flexing for the ‘gram at a spot that screams “je suis arrivé,” Montréal’s got some seriously upscale restaurants that’ll make your wallet cry but your taste buds sing. Let me break it down for you like we’re sharing a pint at Brutopia, with all the vibes of a local who knows where to splurge in this city.
Why Go Big at Montréal’s Priciest Spots?
Montréal’s food scene is like our weather—wildly diverse and always surprising. From the cobblestone charm of Old Montréal to the sleek skyscrapers downtown, our top-tier restaurants are serving up plates that are half art, half magic, with price tags to match. Think seven-course tasting menus, wine lists longer than a Québec winter, and service so slick you’ll feel like royalty. These spots aren’t just about food; they’re about the whole experience—perfect for when you’re celebrating a promotion, wooing someone special, or just feeling extra. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a Bay Street big shot to enjoy; you just need a plan and maybe a side hustle.
Here’s a rundown of some of the most expensive restaurants in Montréal that’ll make you say, “C’est cher, mais ça vaut la peine!” (It’s pricey, but worth it!)
The Cream of the Crop: Montréal’s Most Luxurious Dining
Toqué!
Where: 900 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle, Ville-Marie
Why It’s Pricey: Chef Normand Laprise basically invented the farm-to-table game in Montréal, and Toqué! is his masterpiece. This place is a Michelin-star hopeful with a seven-course tasting menu that’ll run you about $250 per person with wine pairings. Think lobster with Québec chanterelles or venison with a side of “how did they make this taste so good?” The vibe is chic but not stuffy, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Old Montréal’s prettiest square. Perfect for when you want to impress without screaming “look at me.”
Bookings: https://www.restaurant-toque.com/en
Maison Boulud
Where: 1228 Sherbrooke St W, Golden Square Mile
What’s the Deal: Tucked inside the Ritz-Carlton, Maison Boulud is where you go when you want to feel like you’re dining in a Parisian palace. Chef Daniel Boulud’s spot is all about French finesse with Québec flair—think foie gras terrine or seared scallops that melt like butter. Expect to drop $150-$200 per person for a three-course meal with wine. The terrace is a summer must, and the service is so polished you’ll wonder if they train at Buckingham Palace. This is where you take your boss or your belle-mère to show you’ve got class.
Bookings: https://www.maisonboulud.com/
Jérôme Ferrer Europea
Where: 1065 Rue de la Montagne, Downtown
Why You’re Broke After: Europea is like a culinary circus, and Chef Jérôme Ferrer is the ringmaster. Their tasting menu, starting at around $175 per person (add wine and you’re pushing $300), is a wild ride of molecular gastronomy and French classics. Picture smoked eel carbonara or a dessert that looks like a modern art piece. The vibe is theatrical, with waiters who know their stuff and a dining room that’s all elegance. It’s a bucket-list spot for foodies who want to say they’ve “done” Montréal fine dining.
Bookings: https://jeromeferrer.ca/en/
Le Club Chasse et Pêche
Where: 423 Rue Saint-Claude, Old Montréal
What’s Cooking: This Old Montréal gem is like a secret club for food lovers. Chef Claude Pelletier’s menu is a love letter to Québec ingredients—think suckling pig risotto or roasted duck that’s pure perfection. A three-course meal with wine can easily hit $120-$150 per person, but the intimate, moody vibe makes it worth every penny. The wine list is a tome, and the staff will guide you like you’re navigating the St. Lawrence. Ideal for a romantic night where you want to whisper “je t’aime” over candlelight.
Bookings: https://leclubchasseetpeche.com/
Estiatorio Milos
Where: 5357 Av du Parc, Mile End
Why It Hurts Your Wallet: Greek seafood doesn’t sound like it should cost an arm and a leg, but Milos makes it luxe. Fresh fish flown in daily, grilled to perfection, and served with Mediterranean sides like taramosalata will set you back $100-$200 per person. The minimalist décor screams Santorini, and the service is so attentive you’ll feel like a VIP. It’s a fave for power lunches or when you’re craving a Greek holiday without leaving the Plateau.
Bookings: https://www.estiatoriomilos.com/location/montreal/
Fine Dining Fun Stats to Chew On
Here’s a quick table to give you a taste of what makes these fine dining spots so special (and so pricey):
| Restaurant | Signature Dish | Avg. Cost (Per Person) | Vibe | Why Splurge? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toqué! | Lobster with Québec chanterelles | $250 (with wine) | Chic, modern | Farm-to-table pioneer, Michelin buzz |
| Maison Boulud | Foie gras terrine | $150-$200 | Ritzy, elegant | Ritz-Carlton glamour, French finesse |
| Europea | Smoked eel carbonara | $175-$300 | Theatrical, upscale | Molecular gastronomy show |
| Le Club Chasse et Pêche | Suckling pig risotto | $120-$150 | Intimate, moody | Romantic Old Montréal vibes |
| Estiatorio Milos | Grilled octopus | $100-$200 | Minimalist, Mediterranean | Fresh seafood, VIP service |
Why These Spots Are Worth the Splurge
Montréal’s not just about poutine and bagels (though we love ‘em). These restaurants are where chefs like Laprise, Boulud, and Ferrer flex their culinary muscles, turning local ingredients into plates that’ll make you forget the bill. They’re perfect for special occasions—anniversaries, birthdays, or just because you survived another Montréal winter. The service is next-level, with sommeliers who can pair a wine to your mood and waitstaff who make you feel like you’re dining at Downton Abbey. Plus, the settings—whether it’s Toqué!’s glowing dining room or Milos’ breezy Greek vibes—are as much a part of the experience as the food.
Related: Great spots in Montreal for a memorable first date
Real Montréal Moments at These Spots
Picture this: Sophie, a lawyer from Westmount, took her partner to Maison Boulud for their anniversary. The foie gras and a perfectly paired Sancerre had them floating on cloud nine. Then there’s Amir, a tech bro in the Plateau, who sealed a deal over grilled octopus at Milos—the client was so impressed, they signed on the spot. And Marie, a Concordia student, saved up for months to try Europea’s tasting menu for her 21st birthday. She’s still raving about the dessert that looked like a tiny sculpture. These places don’t just serve food; they make memories.
How to Dive In
Booking a table at these spots is easier than finding parking during the Grand Prix. Most take reservations online—check OpenTable or their websites. Pro tip: book early, especially for Toqué! and Europea, which fill up faster than a métro at rush hour. If you’re on a budget but still want the experience, try lunch menus (like Toqué!’s three-course deal) or split a tasting menu with a friend. And don’t skip the wine pairings; they’re half the fun.
Why These Restaurants Are So Montréal
Montréal’s a city that knows how to live—whether we’re dancing at Osheaga or chilling at Parc La Fontaine. These restaurants capture that spirit with their mix of French flair, Québec heart, and global swagger. They’re not just meals; they’re events, like catching a show at Place des Arts or a sunset on Mont-Royal. Sure, they’re pricey, but they’re also where you go to feel the pulse of our city’s food scene. So, next time you’re ready to splurge, grab your best outfit, channel your inner bon vivant, and dive into one of these culinary gems. C’est la vie, and it’s delicious.