Discover these fantastic duck dishes in Montreal
Montreal is renowned for its refined dining scene. Are you looking for classic magret de canard in the ambiance of a French bistro-style restaurant? Or do you seek something more extravagant and adventurous, like duck confit served right out of a can? Either way, Montreal is ready and willing to satisfy your fine dining cravings. [Image credit: iStock.com/giovanni1232]
Restaurant au Pied De Cochon
536, av Duluth E, Montréal, QC H2L 1A9Tucked away on Avenue Duluth East, Au Pied de Cochon is an either/or type of place: it's either famous or infamous; it's either genius or madness; it's either drawing you in or sending you off running. It makes a big impact, nowhere more so than with the renowned canard en conserve, or “duck in a can,” which is actually served from a can onto your plate, sliding out hot and divine, ready to eat.
Leméac
1045, av Laurier O, Outremont, QC H2V 2L1Come here for classic dishes and the beautiful interior design by departed Montreal native Luc Laporte. Restaurant Leméac has classic bistro style, with a Montreal twist. Enjoy well-prepared duck leg confit, or, for a cold winter's day, sample roast duck breast with ravioli in a sweet and sour sauce. You can sit by the window and observe the elegantly dressed men and women making their way along Avenue Laurier.
Restaurant L'Express Inc
3927, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4Keep an eye out for L'Express as you stroll down Rue Saint-Denis – the name is spelled out in white tile on the small restaurant forecourt and is easy to miss, but you'll be glad you paid attention. L'Express doesn't feel like an imitation Paris bistro, but it has its own particular blend of well-made French dishes, with reasonable prices, and the particularly Montreal pleasures in food and drink. You'll find the bread, butter and enormous jars of cornichons are delicious in themselves, but leave room for the duck confit.
Restaurant Laloux
250, av des Pins E, Montréal, QC H2W 1P3Restaurant Laloux is the third of three restaurants designed by noted Montreal architect Luc Laporte (Leméac and L'Express are the others). As such, you come here for the timeless, sober elegance of the space, combined with classic dishes like duck magret with butternut squash puree. The service is impeccable, and it is a wonderful spot to spend a long evening with friends.
Pastaga
6389, boul Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2S 3C3Pastaga, often referred to as one of the best new-ish restaurants in Montreal, has added to the burgeoning food scene of Little Italy since opening in 2012. However, don't look for Italian here. It's a small plate place, mostly French inspired, with a lovely organic wine list to accompany your dishes. Sit in the back, order the Magret de canard de Marieville, with mushrooms and roasted parsnip, and watch the chef perform his magic.
Les 400 Coups
400, rue Notre-Dame E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1C8You'll find Les 400 Coups near the hard-to-miss Bonsecours Market in Old Montreal. The ceilings are high and so is the volume. It's a lively spot, bringing in diners from all over the city to experience such dishes as the Magret de canard from la Canardière farm with oats and chanterelle mushrooms. Not to be missed.
Les Deux Singes de Montarvie
176, rue Saint-Viateur Ouest, Montréal, QC H2T 2L3The small but thoughtful menu at Les Deux Singes de Montarvie is seasonal but divine. At the time of writing, it has just one duck option, but what a worthwhile option it is: Lac Brome duck thigh (cuisse de canard) with sweet potato and squash. Les Deux Singes de Montarvie is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the city, so make a reservation to ensure you receive seats in this compact space.
