Second only to, “It’s not you, it’s me,” the phrase “I don’t know. You choose,” is the most unromantic thing you can say to your Valentine. If your Valentine’s Day plans lean more towards concepts than concrete visions, it’s time to get organized—and fast. Luckily for you, I’ve already made my reservations. Roses are red, violets are blue, I’d like to make planning easier for you. Here’s my list, or rather, my love letter, to Montreal’s most romantic restaurants and bars.
Restaurants
With its vibrant red lighting and playful decor, Nili is the epitome of cool. Within its four eclectically-decorated walls, the restaurant offers the perfect atmosphere for an intimate meal. Its menu, featuring a mix of French and Moroccan-inspired dishes, is simple but undeniably delicious. Start with the refreshing cucumber and mint hummus, followed by the rich, flaky chicken pastilla. For dessert, indulge in msemen, a flat Moroccan pancake served with orange blossom sauce and topped with rosebuds.
Located in the heart of Old Port, Buvette Pastek is a candle-lit restaurant that invites romance all year long. They have designed a $75 CAD-service Valentine’s Day menu available exclusively on Feb. 14 and 15. The service begins with an amuse-bouche of focaccia with red wine butter. There are three appetizer options as well as three main course options, followed by a cheese platter, and finally, a chocolate and strawberry tiramisu for dessert. Though more expensive than the other restaurants on this list, Buvette Pastek promises a memorable night.
Bar St-Denis might be one of Montreal’s most underrated dining spots. Tucked away on Rue St-Denis near Jean-Talon Market, the restaurant blends an unassuming bar aesthetic with seriously impressive cooking. Bold and unexpected dishes, like fresh scallops with bergamot and rice pudding with elderberry and olive oil, add to its charm. Bar St-Denis proves that a restaurant can be both laid-back and one of the city’s best-kept culinary secrets.
Bars
Once you pull back the dramatic curtains concealing this speakeasy’s entrance, you’ll immediately notice all the cozied-up couples. This chic, lavish spot plays its music just loud enough to give every patron the perfect excuse to lean into their date. The dim lighting casts a glow that makes every moment feel cinematic, while the air is filled with the gentle clink of glasses and soft murmur of conversation. A night at Big in Japan is a dressed-up affair, with servers in crisp uniforms with black ties and jazz floating through the room. Best of all, cocktails like their espresso martini and sake sour are as perfectly crafted as the atmosphere.
For a more laid-back night, Bar Suzanne is an ideal spot. With dim, candle-lit tables surrounded by lush greenery, the vibe is relaxed, yet refined. Not only can you enjoy a drink with your date, but the bar menu features the perfect mix of small late-night bites, including crispy fried chicken and their popular dumpling menu. Featuring a warm, unpretentious atmosphere, Bar Suzanne offers you a chance to enjoy a casual yet intimate and stylish night out with your date.
If you’re looking to impress your date with a romantic taste of vintage opulence, make a reservation at Kabinet. Inspired by 1970s Paris, the restaurant’s neoclassical interior design touts rich colours, velvet accents, and even a crystal chandelier. The atmosphere is undeniably romantic, with plush seating and soft lighting, perfect for intimate conversations. While Kabinet pays homage to traditional cocktail menus with classics like the pisco sour or the Pimm’s cup, it offers delightful surprises like a tiramisu martini.
