Montreal's culinary scene is one of the most vibrant in North America, offering a blend of rich heritage, innovation, and diversity. Here's an extensive guide to some must-try restaurants in Montreal, complete with their unique specialties, ambiance, signature dishes, and additional insights:

1. Monarque

• Location: Old Montreal
• Specialties: Monarque provides a multifaceted dining experience with its distinct dining spaces. Each area offers a unique menu, allowing diners to select environments ranging from a vibrant brasserie buzzing with continental flair to a more intimate and sophisticated dining room.
• Ambiance: The interiors artistically balance modern elegance with old-world charm, catering to both casual diners and those seeking a luxurious meal.
• Signature Dishes: With varied menus, it features inventive dishes, emphasizing creativity and indulgence, suitable for gourmet enthusiasts.

2. Joe Beef

• Location: 2491, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Little Burgundy
• Specialties: This iconic spot is a bastion of French-Canadian cuisine, offering a hearty palette of seafood and richly flavorful dishes. Known for pushing culinary boundaries while maintaining deep-rooted traditional flavors.
• Ambiance: The decor is eclectic and vibrant, designed to offer a snug, convivial atmosphere amidst its charismatic charm.
• Signature Dishes: Lobster spaghetti and foie gras parfait with Madeira jelly are renowned delights that don't just offer taste but a memorable culinary experience.
• External Source: Frequently featured in Montreal's best restaurant lists, such as Eater Montreal.

3. Maison Boulud

• Location: Located in the Ritz-Carlton Montreal
• Specialties: Maison Boulud delivers a modern twist to French culinary classics, offering refined and sophisticated dishes.
• Ambiance: The ambiance mirrors the elegance of the Ritz-Carlton, with an atmosphere that exudes luxury and refinement suited for special occasions.
• Signature Dishes: Favorites include the duck confit, known for its exquisite texture, and foie gras terrine which epitomizes luxury.
• External Source: Highlighted for its ambiance and culinary excellence in MTL Blog.

4. LOV

• Location: 464 Rue McGill, Old Montreal
• Specialties: LOV is dedicated to vegan and vegetarian fine dining, making use of organic, local ingredients. It’s praised for its innovation in plant-based culinary arts.
• Ambiance: The restaurant’s ambiance is bright and inviting, featuring a botanical garden theme with wooden wicker seats and terrariums, truly reflecting an oasis of freshness.
• Signature Dishes: Highlights include the kale mac and cheese, which is a delightful twist on a classic using squash cheese sauce.

5. Vin Papillon

• Location: 2519, rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Little Burgundy
• Specialties: This French bistro is lauded for its extraordinary take on seasonal dishes, all crafted with meticulous attention to natural and local ingredients.
• Ambiance: With an open kitchen and communal seating, the setting invites a lively and rustic chic experience.
• Signature Dishes: Known for its charcuterie board and braised beef short ribs which are both innovative and mouthwatering.
• External Source: Recognized in Montreal's top restaurant lists as per MTL Blog.

6. Modavie Bistro Français

• Location: 3 Rue de la Commune E, Old Montreal
• Specialties: Modavie is celebrated for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a particular focus on lamb dishes, embodying a delightful blend of traditional and modern culinary sophistication.
• Ambiance: The updated interiors maintain a rustic charm with a contemporary flair, ideal for diners who appreciate an atmosphere that melds classic with modern.
• Signature Dishes: Lamb dishes are a standout, coupled with Mediterranean artifacts that enhance the overall Mediterranean dining experience.

7. O.Noir

• Location: 124 Rue Prince-Arthur Est, Plateau
• Specialties: O.Noir offers a unique dining experience in total darkness, a concept that enhances the remaining senses, elevating the culinary experience to extraordinary heights.
• Ambiance: Dining in pitch darkness, you are served by visually impaired staff, allowing diners to appreciate texture and flavor whilst reshaping how one experiences their meal.
• Signature Experience: A harmony of flavors accentuated by the absence of sight, providing an incredibly intimate and thoughtful dining journey.

8. Garde Manger

• Location: 408 Rue Saint François Xavier, Old Montreal
• Specialties: Owned by celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, this trending spot offers simple yet innovative fare, often featuring seafood, all within a vibrant setting.
• Ambiance: Known for a lively atmosphere, the chalkboard menu adds a touch of rustic flair to the laid-back dining scene, perfect for both locals and tourists.
• Signature Dishes: Famous for the inventive lobster poutine and hanger steak dishes which showcase an innovative approach to Canadian classics.

9. Le Bateau-mouche

• Location: 55 Ferry Dock, Old Montreal
• Specialties: Offering a dining experience aboard a boat, this floating restaurant offers a range of meals set against the stunning backdrop of the St. Lawrence River.
• Ambiance: Dining here combines the exquisite pleasure of tasting refined dishes with the impressive beauty of Montreal's waterfront, creating an unforgettable dining cruise.
• Signature Dishes: The menu offers variety, focusing on both traditional and contemporary flavors, which differ during the day or evening cruises.

10. Damas

• Specialties: Renowned for authentic Syrian cuisine, Damas brings the flavors of the Middle East to life with its vibrant spices and zesty dishes.
• Ambiance: The setting beautifully mirrors the Syrian aesthetic, full of colors and intricate designs, making the experience as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
• Signature Dishes: The mezze platters and Damas-style kebabs serve as the stars of the menu, showcasing a rich tapestry of flavors.

Montreal's restaurant scene is not just about the food but the experiences and cultures each spot represents. From traditional elegance to innovative dining concepts, these recommendations encompass a wide spectrum, each offering something unique while celebrating the city's culinary heritage. Exploring these establishments promises not only a feast for the palate but also an immersion into the rich cultural fabric that makes Montreal’s dining scene so extraordinary.