Montreal’s tastiest tartare restaurants
Love it or hate it, there’s no denying that tartare has become a French food staple in many restaurants here. Whether you prefer beef, tuna, salmon or even bison, check out this list and try one (or more!) of our favourite tartare restaurants in Montreal.
Lucille's Oyster Dive
5669 Av De Monkland, Montréal, QC H4A 1E5Located in Monkland Village, Lucille’s has quickly become one of the city’s most popular spots for oysters and seafood. They serve two renditions of tartare, one of which is prepared with Black Angus beef, the other, an Asian-style salmon tartare served with a lettuce wrap and crispy noodles.
Brasserie Le Pois Penché
1230, boul de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, QC H3G 1M2This swank French brasserie in the heart of the city hand chops their tartare dishes. There are three tartare specials, all available in main course portions – classic steak, Italian-style beef and fresh Atlantic salmon. You can’t go wrong with any of these options, but if you’re looking to spoil yourself, order the beef “à l’italienne,” prepared with Parmesan and black truffle. If you’ve got the gourmet midnight munchies, the salmon tartare is available on the late-night menu.
Leméac
1045, av Laurier O, Outremont, QC H2V 2L1Another highly regarded French bistro in Montreal is Lemeac. You can order all of the French classics such as steak frites, duck confit and of course, tartare. Their classic beef tartare, available as a starter or a main is a go-to menu item, and comes with the requisite fries. Also noteworthy is their truffle oil salmon tartare offered as an appetizer.
Marché 27
27, rue Prince-Arthur O, Montréal, QC H2X 1S4Marché 27 is a tartare bar where you can mix and match different meats with different styles. Try the Ahi tuna, prepared the tropical way, with pineapple, melon, tomatoes and lime if the mood suits, or go with the veal prepared in the Russian style, with vodka, beets, onion, tobiko and more. Can’t decide? The tasting platter offers four different tartares at a fixed price.
Restaurant L'Express Inc
3927, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4When you’re in the mood for some classic French fine dining, look no further than L’Express, located on Saint-Denis. With their well-deserved reputation, it’s no surprise that the classic steak tartare served with fries is a true winner, best enjoyed, of course, with a bottle of your favourite French wine.
Cdt Connexion Hachoir
4177, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M7Le Hachoir, which literally means meat grinder, is known for their burgers, tartares and fine wines. Chose from the Kensington beef, yellow fin tuna or salmon, all prepared with Hachoir flair, or try the tartare trio, which lets you sample all three with fries and a salad.
L'Orignal
479, rue Saint-Alexis, Montréal, QC H2Y 2N7Nothing will make you feel cozier than an evening inside the rustic cabin-like atmosphere at L’Orignal. The kitchen here turns out a consistently delicious menu that includes a mix of game animals and comfort food. A menu classic is the deer heart tartare appetizer, served with beets and horseradish.
Grinder
1708 rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1M3Grinder, a popular Griffintown hotspot, is well known for their large plates of quality meats and fine privately imported wines. They have many raw meat dishes on offer, including classic beef tartare, served with onions and capers, or a tuna tartare made with sesame vinegar, wasabi and avocado.
Grumman 78
630 Rue De Courcelle, Montréal, QC H4C 3C5You wouldn’t expect a casual Mexican fusion restaurant to serve tartare, but it’s these little surprises (and the great food) that make Grumman 78 such a popular place. The horse tartare is a must-try. Served with a remoulade and cherry jam, it offers a tasty mix of sweet and tangy flavours you won’t soon forget.
