Montréal truly comes alive during the warmer months, when restaurants swing their doors—and ceilings!—open to transform into al-fresco dining rooms. These charming outdoor spaces attract both locals and tourists alike; enjoying delicious dishes and refreshing drinks while soaking up the precious sunlight is an unparalleled experience. The Tribune presents our favourite spots for you to try for yourself.
1. Taverne Atlantic
Step into this Art Deco tavern in the Mile-Ex and you’ll instantly feel like a character straight out of a Wes Anderson film. The trendy ambiance, unpretentious meals, and extensive list of sumptuous refreshments accommodate solo dinners, dates, and a friends’ night out. For cocktail enthusiasts, the Royal Daïquiri and the Indian Summer are a must. If you’re feeling peckish, they offer gourmet pizzas, hot dogs, and poutines. Don’t forget to make your way to their rooftop barbecue where beer, music, and food lovers reunite to enjoy picturesque views of the neighbouring post-industrial landscape.
Address: 6512 Park Ave
Hours: Every day 4 P.M. –1 A.M.
Price : $-$$
2. Poincaré Chinatown
If you’re a fan of fermented foods, there is no better place than Poincaré’s rooftop. Start with any of their curated low-intervention wines, artisanal liquors, or mocktails. While clinking glasses, make your way through their house-made confectionaries—sourdough, kimchi, and seven-day lacto-fermented fries with confit shallot mayo are must-try dishes. This breathtaking rooftop terrasse fizzles with love and care, and you’ll likely make a point to come back for their sleek seasonal creations every time you’re near Chinatown.
Address: 1071 St Laurent Blvd, second floor
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 4 P.M. – 1 A.M., Thursday-Saturday 4 P.M. – 2 A.M.
Price: $$
3. Club Social PS
Although most Montréalers have heard a thing or two about the sophisticated contemporary Italian eatery Elena, few know that by day, it transforms into a haven for promenaders seeking to escape the Notre Dame strip. Discover the charm of Club Social PS in Saint-Henri by savouring Elena’s famous Caesar salad, the “M. Funguy” wild mushroom and taleggio pizza, or their mouth-watering mafalda pasta. This is exactly what makes Club Social PS the perfect spot for a laid-back lunch accompanied by a bottle of wine. This relaxed yet refined terrasse combines casual elegance, welcoming staff, and top-notch flavours. Soon enough, you’ll understand why this superb restaurant consistently receives high ratings from world-renowned critics like Claire Saffitz.
Address: 5090A R. Notre Dame O, entrance by Parc Yamaska (Located behind Elena and accessed from around the back)
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4:30 P.M. – 10 P.M., Friday-Sunday 11:30 A.M. – 11 P.M.
Price: $-$$
4. Perché
The attentive staff, hints of the West Coast, and globetrotting wine list make Perché a standout from all the ultra-popular contenders in the Old Port. Nestled on the fourth floor of Hotel William Gray, their stellar menu screams summer, and their vibrant cocktails will make you feel like you hopped on a plane to California. For the ultimate beach resort experience, we suggest ordering their guacamole, peach salad, and salmon tartare while washing them down with a Ungava gin and tonic. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area on a Wednesday or Saturday summer evening, world-class fireworks accompany this unforgettable outing. We promise that by the end of the night, you’ll be thankful to have chosen the lesser-known of the two terraces in the elegant Hotel William Gray.
Address: 153 Rue Saint-Amable, fourth floor in Hotel William Gray
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 12 P.M. – 10 P.M., Thursday-Friday 12 P.M. – 11 P.M., Saturday-Sunday 10:30 A.M.–11 P.M.
Price: $-$$
