Walking through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal on a weekend morning feels like stepping into another world. The stone buildings, the smell of fresh bread wafting from little cafés, and the sound of church bells make it the kind of place where brunch isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience.
If you’ve ever wondered where to find the best brunch in Old Montreal, you’re not alone. Locals and tourists alike are always on the hunt for that perfect poached egg, the fluffiest French toast, or a strong cappuccino with just the right amount of foam. I’ve put together this ultimate guide to help you navigate the brunch scene here. Expect menus, realistic price ranges, contact details, and insider tips — everything you need for a weekend well spent.
Why Old Montreal is a Brunch Lover’s Dream
There’s something magical about brunching in Vieux-Montréal. Unlike other parts of the city, the restaurants here lean into the charm of the neighborhood — many are housed in historic stone buildings with vaulted ceilings or open onto sunny terraces overlooking the Old Port. You’ll find everything from laid-back cafés serving pastries and cappuccinos to elegant bistros plating refined French-inspired brunch dishes.
The best part? Many of these places are walkable from each other. You can start with a quick pastry at one café, take a stroll past the Notre-Dame Basilica, and then settle into a sit-down brunch at another spot just a few blocks away.
Let’s Brunch: The Top Spots in Old Montreal
I’ve narrowed it down to five “anchor” brunch spots — the ones locals rave about and visitors put on their must-try lists. Each has its own personality, so depending on your mood (or how hungry you are), you can choose wisely.
1. Le Passé Composé – Elevated French Brunch
Walking into Le Passé Composé feels like you’re about to be spoiled. The restaurant is known for taking simple brunch ideas and turning them into works of art. Think perfectly poached eggs dressed with layered sauces, or French toast that arrives at your table looking more like dessert than breakfast.
What to Expect on the Menu
- Poached egg creations topped with gourmet sauces.
- Their famous revisited French toast with seasonal fruits.
- House-cured gravlax and other seafood specials.
- Vegetarian plates that don’t feel like an afterthought.
Price Guide
| Item | Price Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Brunch mains | 18–34 |
| Sides | 6–12 |
| Coffee & espresso | 3.50–5 |
| Cocktails | 9–16 |
📍 Location & Contact
Le Passé Composé — Old Montreal, QC
Check their website for menus & reservations (recommended for weekends).
💡 Pro tip: Book ahead if you want a weekend spot — walk-ins can mean a long wait.
2. Modavie – French Bistro with Live Music
If brunch for you is as much about atmosphere as it is about food, Modavie should be on your list. On weekends, the restaurant often has live jazz, and nothing pairs better with Eggs Benedict than the sound of a saxophone in the background.
What to Expect on the Menu
- Classic Eggs Benedict and Croque-Madame.
- A hearty poutine that balances brunch comfort with French flair.
- Occasionally, bistro mains like filet mignon sneak onto the brunch menu.
Price Guide
| Item | Price Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Eggs Benedict / Croque-Madame | 16–28 |
| Larger mains | 28–45 |
| Coffee & juice | 3.50–8 |
📍 Location & Contact
Modavie – 1 Saint-Paul St W, Montreal, QC H2Y 1Y6
Website: modavie.com
💡 Pro tip: Reserve a table if you want the live music experience — it fills up fast.
3. Olive et Gourmando – The Iconic Café
If there’s one brunch spot in Old Montreal everyone seems to know, it’s Olive et Gourmando. Don’t expect quiet — this café buzzes with life, especially on weekends. And while you’ll probably have to wait in line (they don’t take reservations), the food makes it worth every minute.
What to Expect on the Menu
- Their signature house ricotta on toast (trust me, get it).
- Paninis and breakfast sandwiches that are anything but ordinary.
- Pastries and cookies that beg to be taken to-go.
- Seasonal specials written on chalkboards.
Price Guide
| Item | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Sandwiches & paninis | 12–20 |
| French toast plates | 10–16 |
| Pastries & cookies | 3–6 |
| Coffee | 3–5 |
📍 Location & Contact
Olive et Gourmando – 351 Saint-Paul W., Montreal QC H2Y 1A7
Phone: 514-350-1083
Email: info@oliveetgourmando.com
💡 Pro tip: Go early — 8:30 to 9 am is your best bet to avoid the big line.
4. Brasserie 701 – Brunch with a Mimosa Bar
For those who treat brunch like a celebration, Brasserie 701 delivers. It has the feel of a hotel brasserie — polished service, elegant plating, and a terrace for sunny mornings. Their big draw? The mimosa bar, perfect for groups who want to toast their way through the weekend.
What to Expect on the Menu
- Comforting French toast and egg plates.
- A mix of brasserie classics with a brunch twist.
- A mimosa bar that lets you sip in style.
Price Guide
| Item | Price Range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Brunch mains | 16–30 |
| Mimosa bar | 9–20 (per glass / package) |
| Coffee & juices | 3.50–7 |
📍 Location & Contact
Brasserie 701 – 701 Côte de la Place d’Armes, Montréal, QC H2Y 2X6
Phone: 514-904-1201
Email: info@brasserie701.com
💡 Pro tip: Perfect for birthdays, group brunches, or “let’s treat ourselves” Sundays.
5. Pincette Bar à Homard – Fresh & Light
Not in the mood for something heavy? Pincette Bar à Homard specializes in lighter brunch fare with a modern twist — think avocado toast, yogurt parfaits, and fresh fruit bowls. With its lobster-bar roots, seafood occasionally makes its way onto brunch specials too.
What to Expect on the Menu
- Fresh fruit bowl – $10
- Yogurt parfait (Greek yogurt, berries, muesli, maple syrup) – $14
- Avocado toast on country bread – $23
Price Guide
| Item | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Bowls & parfaits | 10–16 |
| Avocado toast & mains | 18–28 |
| Drinks | 4–15 |
📍 Location & Contact
Pincette Bar à Homard — Old Montreal
Website: pincettemtl.com
💡 Pro tip: Great for a lighter brunch or when you want something fresh before a day of exploring.
Comparing Prices at a Glance
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison so you know what to budget:
| Restaurant | Typical Meal Price (without drinks) |
|---|---|
| Olive et Gourmando | $12–20 |
| Pincette | $14–23 |
| Brasserie 701 | $18–30 |
| Le Passé Composé | $18–34 |
| Modavie | $20–40+ |
Restaurant Official Links
- Le Passé Composé
Website: https://www.lepassecompose.ca/en/menus - Modavie
Website: https://modavie.com/en/menu/brunch - Olive et Gourmando
Website: https://oliveetgourmando.com - Brasserie 701
Website: https://brasserie701.com/en/menu/brunch - Pincette Bar à Homard
Website: https://pincettemtl.com/en/menus/brunch
Beyond the Big Five: More Brunch Worth Trying
- Terrasse William Gray – Rooftop brunch with stunning city views (seasonal).
- Gaspar Brasserie Française – Traditional French brasserie brunch, sometimes with bottomless mimosa deals.
- Dandy – Stylish daytime dining with refined plates (chef trained at Olive et Gourmando).
- Perché – Small, charming spot that often makes local “best brunch” lists.
🔗 Additional Brunch Spots in Old Montreal
- Terrasse William Gray
Website: https://terrassewilliamgray.com - Gaspar Brasserie Française
Website: https://brasseriegaspar.com/en/menu/brunch - Dandy
Website: https://www.dandymtl.com - Perché
Website: https://perchemtl.com
Practical Tips for Brunching in Old Montreal
- Reservations: Always a good idea, except Olive et Gourmando where they’re not accepted.
- Best time to go: Weekdays are quieter; weekends get packed between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm.
- Tipping: Standard in Montreal is 15–20%.
- Budgeting: Expect to spend anywhere from $20 for a quick café brunch to $55+ if you add cocktails and sides at a bistro.
- Accessibility: Remember the cobblestones — wear comfortable shoes and call ahead if you need wheelchair access.
Mary Browns Menu and Prices Canada – Updated Prices, Combos & Family Meals
Alternatives
FAQs – Everything You Wonder About Brunch in Old Montreal
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Spot
If I had to sum it up:
- Go to Le Passé Composé if you want the most creative, plated brunch in Old Montreal.
- Pick Modavie for the atmosphere — French bistro vibes with live music.
- Head to Olive et Gourmando if you want an iconic café brunch (and don’t mind a line).
- Choose Brasserie 701 for group celebrations with plenty of mimosas.
- Stop at Pincette when you’re craving something fresh and light.
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