Located in an art deco space in Hochelaga, La Valois’ menu offers options both traditional and inspired, from surf to turf. One of the more family-friendly locations on this list, there’s no shortage of dining space (its terrasse alone has 120 seats).

One of Montreal’s premier bring-your-own-wine French restaurants has earned no shortage of praise from the city’s critics. The meat-heavy offerings (there’s a separate vegan menu available) include veal filet mignon and guinea fowl supreme.

Cozy Plateau restaurant Le Pégase does simple French fare, with a relatively small menu and an emphasis on meaty dishes like rack of lamb, flank steak, and stuffed rabbit. Enjoy your dish with a bottle of your own wine, as Le Pégase is one of the area’s beloved BYOBs.

For those looking for more regional French specialties, Plein Sud is a unique choice, with a Corsican approach that brings in influences ranging from Italy to Provence. Rich meat dishes figure heavily on the menu, but lighter options such as beet mille-feuille and ratatouille with poached egg are also available.

Tucked on a Plateau side street, this neighbourhood bistro focuses more on southwestern France, with a hearty menu laden with meet — duck confit, lamb shanks, grilled venison. It’s also BYOB. —Tim Forster

An institution for more than 30 years, L’Express hits all the right notes, both for its French cuisine, and its Parisian bistro styling. Open from breakfast until late-night, the kitchen serves up selections such as their own Toulouse sausage, poached salmon with chervil, duck foie gras, and tarragon calf liver.

Chef-owner of this Mile End BYOB Jérôme Chatenet has a way with foie gras; in fact, he has a knack with all sorts of extremely French staples: escargot, soupe à l’oignon, duck confit, and profiteroles, to name but a few. —Tim Forster

Proudly self-described as a Parisian brasserie that hasn’t changed its menu in 40 years, Chez Lévêque serves à la carte items as well as range of fixed menus. While priding itself on a relaxed atmosphere, the staff and food holds elegance in high regard, having imported both recipes and wines from the motherland. 

A long-time favourite for all sorts of public figures in Quebec, and somewhat of a tourist spot due to its leafy terrasse and prime Plateau placement, Café Cherrier doesn’t really go anywhere wildly experimental, sticking with solid classics done right, from rabbit to steak-frites.

French bistro staples in a large, classic space, Les Deux Gamins (both inside and, in the summer, in its sprawling terrasse) oozes Parisian charm. It might have a slightly touristy rep, but it’s a good spot to stake out an outdoor table for some people-watching while enjoying duck confit, escargots, or one of the city’s best onion soups.

A combined bistro-deli, La Maison du Magret is an essential stop for those can’t get enough duck: duck gizzard salad, duck foie gras torchon, duck confit, duck burgers, duck ravioli. It’s topped off with mercifully duck-free desserts like Basque cake and crème brûlée.  

A stunning new addition to Old Montreal in 2018 from father-son duo Richard and Jérémie Bastien (see also: Leméac), Monarque offers not one, but two excellent dining experiences: up front is a more classic brasserie with options like steak, tuna niçoise, and bouillabaisse. If you’re looking to spend a bit more, the dining room skews more formal, with a range of delectable meat and seafood dishes — some, like veal sweetbreads, are given a twist with international additions like dukkah, but a strong vein of French flair runs through it all.

A bustling restaurant headed by chef Simon Laplante, Holder has been a long-time friend to locals for its off-the-cuff brasserie vibes and French leanings. While its menu is not wholly restricted to l’hexagone, dishes like the braised beef cheek à la bourguignon and fish soup with rouille and gruyere make this restaurant a must.  

While somewhat of a tourist haunt, Jérôme Ferrer’s flagship restaurant may not hit the absurd high notes that some claim, but it still does a solid job. Both the tasting and discovery menus are safe bets, featuring dishes like pan-fried foie gras in passion fruit gremolata and fizzy candy. Diners take note: The restaurant requests that customers dress in “business casual” to eat here, and that’s saying a lot for Montreal.