Chez Delmo

Chez Delmo is one of the oldest restaurants in Old Montreal and has long served the lawyers, judges and financiers who work nearby. Benoît Dessureault took over and relaunched the restaurant around 2011, keeping its historic character. The long bar, where some stools still bear the names of regulars, and the mural by Montreal artist Carlito Dalceggio give the room its personality. The kitchen specializes in French-style fish and seafood.

How to get there

Chez Delmo is on Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, close to the courthouse and the financial district. Place-d’Armes metro station (orange line) is about a four-minute walk, making it easy to reach from downtown for lunch.

What to order

Dover sole meunière, deboned at the table, is the signature dish. The lobster bisque and the walleye (doré) are also house specialities, and the tomato cream soup follows a long-standing recipe. Oysters and seafood starters suit a lighter meal at the bar.

Atmosphere

The front room, with its long bar, has the feel of a classic oyster bar; the back dining room is calmer and more formal. At lunch, the clientele is dominated by business people, while evenings are more relaxed.

Plan your visit

Chez Delmo is at its busiest at weekday lunch, when lawyers from the nearby courthouse and business people fill the bar. Dinner is quieter and more relaxed. Notre-Dame Basilica and Place d’Armes are only a few minutes away, so it fits easily into a day of sightseeing in Old Montreal. Ask your server about the fish of the day and let them guide your wine choice: seafood is the heart of the menu here.

Good to know

• Address: 275 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1T8
• Phone: 514-288-4288
• Nearest metro: Place-d’Armes (orange line), about a 4-minute walk
• Neighbourhood: Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)
• Cuisine: French, fish and seafood
• Budget: $$$
• Best for: Business lunches, classic dinners, seafood lovers
• Tip: Lunch is popular with the business crowd; book ahead on weekdays

Why it is on our list

Chez Delmo is a living piece of Old Montreal’s dining history and one of the best places in the city for classic fish dishes. Planning a business meal? Our guide to restaurants with a private room offers more ideas.

Hours, menus and prices change often. Confirm opening hours and reservation policies directly with the restaurant before you go.