Montreal restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day

Montreal’s vibrant restaurant scene dwindles down on Christmas Day as the majority of restaurants close. Luckily, there are still a few gems that stay open during the holiday in case you want to celebrate the most festive day of the year at a restaurant.

Or, maybe you’re travelling and you’re stuck in Montreal with nowhere else to go?

Besides, nothing else invokes the holiday spirit like some good wine, tasty grub and not having to do any dishes.

From brunch after family time, to a classy dinner, Montreal never disappoints when it comes to restaurants, even on Christmas Day.

Besides the majority of eateries in Chinatown that remain open, likewise with hotel restaurants, here’s a list of choice Montreal spots that will be open on Christmas Day.

Schwartz’s Deli

Montreal’s famous smoked meat deli will be open on Christmas Day and that’s a gift in itself.

When present-time is over, keep on giving. Giving your stomach the gift of the year.

Time: 11 am – 5 pm
Where: 3895 Boulevard St-Laurent

Khyber Pass

If you want to sway from the traditional Christmas eats, the cozy Afghan restaurant in the Plateau is open.

They offer an affordable table d’hôte with the likes of lamb, stews and brochettes and it’s BYOB. Just be sure to get the booze early as all SAQs are closed on Christmas Day.

Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Where: 506 rue Duluth

Hambar

Wine. Scallops. Oysters. Christmas.

That has a nice ring to it, no? The stylish hotel restaurant and bar features an impressive variety of charcuterie platters, specialty hams and vintage, imported wines.

Time: 11 am – 12 am
Where: 355 rue McGill

Gibby’s Restaurant

Arguably the city’s best steakhouse, Gibby’s is open on Christmas Day. Pound back a decadent filet mignon, the New York strip, or fish and celebrate the 25th with a feast, fit for royalty in the timeless 18th century stable and cozy fireplace.

Time: 5:30 pm – 11 pm
Where: 298 Place d’Youville

L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel

One of Old Montreal’s leading restaurants will feature a reduced menu on Christmas Day, but that’s still a good bet. Head to l’Auberge for some refined French cuisine in a chic and restored historic inn, with thick stone walls, gorgeous decorations and tasty grub.

Even if the rumours are true and this place is haunted, it’s still worth every bite.

Bring on the ghosts at Christmas.

Time: 6 pm – 10 pm
Where: 426 rue St. Gabriel

Le Pois Penché

The authentic Parisian brasserie, right in the heart of downtown, will have guests salivating over their seafood platter, delicious desserts and foie gras.

Time: 10 am – 11 pm
Where: 1230 Boulevard de Maisonneuve

Modavie

Head to the Old Port’s bistro-jazz bar to enjoy tasty food with live music on Christmas. Lamb is their specialty but their pasta gives it a serious run.

The jazz music starts off at 8 pm.

Time: 1 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: 1 rue Saint-Paul

Ruby Rouge

A crowd-favourite for dumplings, BBQ and dim sum, the massive banquet-like space stays true to its word of being open 24/7 by offering its regular hours on Christmas Day.

Time: 8:30 am – 10 pm
Where: 1008 rue Clark

Taverne Gaspar

If you’re looking for a brunch spot to take the fam or some non-traditional Christmas grub like burgers, fish ‘n chips and a pint of beer, Taverne Gaspar is your spot.

The pub, modelled in a 19th-century warehouse, is open on both Christmas Eve and Day.

Time: 7 am – 11 am and 5 pm – 10 pm
Where: 89 rue de la Commune

Le Taj

If you’re in the mood for some Indian, Le Taj has got your back (and your cravings). The Indian spot offers paneer-stuffed naan, plenty of vegetarian options, tandoori chicken and of course chicken tikka masala. Don’t ever forget their tikka masala, especially not on Christmas.

Time: 5 pm – 10:30 pm
Where: 2077 rue Stanley

Méchant Boeuf

Dubbed “Montreal’s mischievous classic,” this Old Montreal steakhouse, known for its AAA angus beef and raw bar, is offering a three-course menu for $48 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, while an in-house DJ spins tunes all night.

Time: 5 pm – 11 pm
Where: 124 rue Saint-Paul

XO Le Restaurant

If you’re looking for a stylish spot to celebrate the big day, XO is offering a $150 set menu ($125 for the vegetarian equivalent) with everything from foie gras, seafood and vegetable tempura inside a very chic interior.

Time: 6pm – 11 pm
Where: 355 rue St-Jacques

See also

• What's open and closed on Christmas Day in Montreal
• Montreal unlikely to have a white Christmas this year
• This Montreal oratory modernized the classic nativity scene (PHOTOS)
• 21 diverse places to grab a drink (or five) in Montreal