"Old Montreal's Monarque is one of the best places in the city for a splurge, with two seating options to choose from. Our favorite perch is the middle brasserie section with a view of the long bar and bustling kitchen, but the fancier dining room (think cozy banquettes) is the more romantic choice at night. Start with gruyère gougères or smoked cod fritters, then move on to the bouillabaisse, their remarkable steak frites, or a burger with frites in a paper cone, and pair it all with something from their 400-strong, mostly European wine list. Desserts are terrific here, especially the mile-high pavlova." - Ivy Lerner-Frank
Alison Slattery
