Taverne Monkland

“This is without a doubt my favourite restaurant in Montreal. Not only does the food seem to get better every single time, the service is impeccable, and the vibe is like no other spot. Inviting, cosy, and welcoming to all. Their pasta is incredible, and if you're looking for a steak, you won't find better - it's always perfection. Their focus is on seasonal products, so you're always getting the freshest and the best. Grateful to have such a great spot in the neighbourhood. Francesco V”

“As always, this place never ceases to amaze me. The service, the quality of the food, and the overall dining experience are consistently exceptional. Every visit reminds me why I keep coming back. A special shoutout to Josh and Barb, who have been absolutely crushing it for years. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence truly shine through in everything they do. If you’re looking for an outstanding dining experience, I can’t recommend this place highly enough!”

“I somehow managed to be given the best seat in the house: next to the kitchen, and right next to the chef, Josh Crowe. The experience of sitting at the bar allowed me to better appreciate the inner workings of this 30-year old establishment. The staff were as kind and supportive of each other, as they were to the guests, who filled the restaurant, bar, and terrace on this warm May evening. I observed Chef Josh and co-owner Barbara Irwin continuously interacting with each staff member. I had never witnessed such a high level of communication, where information flowed seamlessly from the front of the restaurant to the kitchen and vice versa. My meal began with a great cocktail and was followed by a glass of Spanish red, which paired very well with the best pork chop that I have ever had. The 3-inch thick chop was perfectly cooked and the complex flavours of the dish melted together harmoniously. It has been a few years since my last meal there, but I will be back shortly to enjoy the social sidewalk terrace, which offers the best in NDG people watching. You may decide to go to the Tavern for the food, cocktails, and wine list, but you will also be treated to the culture that Barbara & Josh have established over the past decade. They have created something special and seem fully committed to maintaining the same high level of culinary experience and appreciation for their patrons. My overall impression of the Monkland Tavern is one highlighting a collaborative team approach, effective two-way communication, a concentrated attention to every detail of the dining experience, professional courtesy, and mutual respect. I was impressed and you surely will be too.”

“Absolutely splendid. My first visit to Monkland Tavern did not disappoint. Right out the gate the ambiance and the service were spot on. Very professional wait staff that knew their shit. Had a few oysters to start that were just OK. The beet salad with onion and almond and cabbage was such a great balance of flavors, but I did find the dish portion to be a little small. My main dish, the Ontario walleye was absolutely spectacular. Are you the best fish dish I’ve had in Montreal ever. My beautiful date got the tagliatelle shrimp pasta and though she wasn’t thrilled, it was still quite good. Would definitely go back! August 23, 2025 Another fabulous visit. Officially my favourite restaurant in Montreal.”

“Service here is really good, all the staff members were very attentive and nice. The food is where I think it gets a bit mixed, some items are really good but others were kind of whatever for the price point of the restaurant. I had the special mackerel ceviche, root vegetable capaccio, steak & fries and their homemade bread. The bread was really delicious and so was the mackerel ceviche. The root vegetable capaccio was overwhelmed by the parmesan and it didn't feel like there was much else to the dish because of it. The steak and fries is very basic. I really liked the cocktails though. I has a Pisco Sour and La Madonnna. Both had really well balanced flavors. Overall open to returning, but gotta be a bit more picky when selecting dishes.”