clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Where to Eat on Christmas Day in Montreal

Go out rather than staying in

View as Map

Nothing quite invokes the holiday spirit like fine wine, delicious food, and, if you’re lucky, not having to do the dishes. But most Montreal restaurants shut down for Christmas Day or, in some cases, for an extended winter break. That said, some solid food options around town have you covered for December 25 — many with special menus to boot.

Keep in mind, beyond that this map, that Old Montreal and Chinatown are the most reliable bets for eating out on the day — as are many hotel restaurants around town.

Many restaurants on this guide are also open on Christmas Eve and other days around the holiday, but call, or check their websites or social media for precise details.

Is your restaurant open on Christmas? Send us a note and we may add you to the list!

Read More

Le Bordelais

Copy Link

Opening on Christmas day is a tradition that has been going strong for 40 years now at Le Bordelais, which serves up everything from smoked salmon and shrimp cocktails to steak frites and fish and chips.

Chand Palace

Copy Link

Several of Parc-Ex’s Indian restaurants will be open for takeout and delivery on Christmas day. Still haven’t sworn your allegiance to a particular one? Chand Palace’s creamy North Indian curries, fragrant biryani, and mango lassi are worth the try.

Khyber Pass Restaurant

Copy Link

Leave the cooking to the team at Khyber Pass, the Plateau’s beloved Afghan BYOB, where diners find hefty servings of meat (the lamb is a crowd favourite), rice, and plenty of other Afghan dishes.

Mon Nan

Copy Link

Open since 1982, this family-run Chinatown staple is a shoo-in for those looking to treat themselves to a menu of Chinese specialties so extensive that sifting through them is an activity on its own.

La Capital Tacos

Copy Link

Montreal taco favourite La Capital joins many of its Chinatown restaurant neighbours in staying open on Christmas Day. Head there for standout tacos and some killer cocktails to pair.

Pho Bac

Copy Link

One of Chinatown’s best pho spots, Pho Bac, will be open this Christmas — as is the case every year.

Chez Chili

Copy Link

This favorite for Chinese fare will be open Christmas Day per usual.

A dish covered in fieri chili.
A dish from Chez Chili.
Chez Chili/Facebook

Pincette

Copy Link

For many, lobster is the epitome of a special occasion food — the crown jewel of dishes worthy of graduation, anniversary, and, yes, most holiday celebrations. Those folks should head to this Old Montreal lobster bar where the crustacean can be grilled, stuffed into ravioli, or atop a luxury poutine on Christmas Day.

Get in the festive mood with a ribeye and Monte Carlo potatoes at this Old Montreal institution.

For some, eating at Gibby’s for Christmas is a tradition, so be sure to reserve.

Le Pois Penche

Copy Link

At Le Pois Penché, expect to load up on fresh oysters, an utterly decadent French onion soup, and shrimp cocktail with cognac sauce — and that’s only for starters. The Parisian brasserie is open on Christmas Day if festive and oh-so-French is what you’re after.

Gibeau Orange Julep

Copy Link

Squint a little, and this three-storey-high orange sphere may look like a Christmas ornament tossed aside the Décarie. Stop by to pick up a poutine or burger, but it’s the Julep’s eponymous drink — part-way between an orange juice and a milkshake — that’ll make the trek worth it. They’re open every day.

Duc de Lorraine

Copy Link

Montreal’s oldest patisserie also does meal service, so along with croissants for breakfast and millefeuilles for dessert, those steering clear of the kitchen this holiday can opt for some surf and turf: a 16-ounce ribeye and lobster tail served with mashed Monte Carlo potatoes.

Maquis Yasolo

Copy Link

From the same people behind Aliments Yasolo grocery store next door is this Afro-Québécois restaurant, which — lucky for Saint-Henri — will be open on December 25. Expect menu items like charcoal-grilled chicken in jerk seasoning, riz collé (rice with kidney beans), alloco (fried plantains), and a selection of homemade sauces.

Le Bordelais

Opening on Christmas day is a tradition that has been going strong for 40 years now at Le Bordelais, which serves up everything from smoked salmon and shrimp cocktails to steak frites and fish and chips.

Chand Palace

Several of Parc-Ex’s Indian restaurants will be open for takeout and delivery on Christmas day. Still haven’t sworn your allegiance to a particular one? Chand Palace’s creamy North Indian curries, fragrant biryani, and mango lassi are worth the try.

Khyber Pass Restaurant

Leave the cooking to the team at Khyber Pass, the Plateau’s beloved Afghan BYOB, where diners find hefty servings of meat (the lamb is a crowd favourite), rice, and plenty of other Afghan dishes.

Mon Nan

Open since 1982, this family-run Chinatown staple is a shoo-in for those looking to treat themselves to a menu of Chinese specialties so extensive that sifting through them is an activity on its own.

La Capital Tacos

Montreal taco favourite La Capital joins many of its Chinatown restaurant neighbours in staying open on Christmas Day. Head there for standout tacos and some killer cocktails to pair.

Pho Bac

One of Chinatown’s best pho spots, Pho Bac, will be open this Christmas — as is the case every year.

Chez Chili

This favorite for Chinese fare will be open Christmas Day per usual.

A dish covered in fieri chili.
A dish from Chez Chili.
Chez Chili/Facebook

Pincette

For many, lobster is the epitome of a special occasion food — the crown jewel of dishes worthy of graduation, anniversary, and, yes, most holiday celebrations. Those folks should head to this Old Montreal lobster bar where the crustacean can be grilled, stuffed into ravioli, or atop a luxury poutine on Christmas Day.

Gibbys

Get in the festive mood with a ribeye and Monte Carlo potatoes at this Old Montreal institution.

For some, eating at Gibby’s for Christmas is a tradition, so be sure to reserve.

Le Pois Penche

At Le Pois Penché, expect to load up on fresh oysters, an utterly decadent French onion soup, and shrimp cocktail with cognac sauce — and that’s only for starters. The Parisian brasserie is open on Christmas Day if festive and oh-so-French is what you’re after.

Gibeau Orange Julep

Squint a little, and this three-storey-high orange sphere may look like a Christmas ornament tossed aside the Décarie. Stop by to pick up a poutine or burger, but it’s the Julep’s eponymous drink — part-way between an orange juice and a milkshake — that’ll make the trek worth it. They’re open every day.

Duc de Lorraine

Montreal’s oldest patisserie also does meal service, so along with croissants for breakfast and millefeuilles for dessert, those steering clear of the kitchen this holiday can opt for some surf and turf: a 16-ounce ribeye and lobster tail served with mashed Monte Carlo potatoes.

Maquis Yasolo

From the same people behind Aliments Yasolo grocery store next door is this Afro-Québécois restaurant, which — lucky for Saint-Henri — will be open on December 25. Expect menu items like charcoal-grilled chicken in jerk seasoning, riz collé (rice with kidney beans), alloco (fried plantains), and a selection of homemade sauces.