A View from the Top: Montreal’s Most Fabulous Terraces

Montreal comes alive in the summer and there’s no better way to spend your day or night than sitting on a terrace with friends, eating and drinking, and enjoying a spectacular view of Montreal.

Terrasse Place d’Armes  

Terrasse Place d’Armes provides a unique view of Notre-Dame Basilica in the heart of Old Montreal.  Located on top of Suite 701, it’s a perfect place for a 5 à 7 or to end your night after dinner and chill to the vibes of their DJ. It truly is one of the best  rooftop views from a terrace in Old Montreal.  Make sure to try their mojitos; it’s the house specialty.

55 Rue Saint-Jacques West, Montréal, QC H2Y 3X2
(514) 842-1887

Hyatt-Regency

One of the biggest terraces in Montreal is no longer a well-kept secret.  Six Resto Lounge on the 6^th floor of the Hyatt Regency Hotel hosts a 5 à 7 every Thursday; they call it Jeudis En Vue. This is the place to be during Montreal’s festival season with their perfect panoramic view of the Quartier des Spectacles. You are still in the bustle, yet away from the crowd below.  And when the summer heat hits, feel free to take a dip in their pool!

1255 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, QC H5B 1E5
 (514) 841-2038

Le Balcon, Newtown

Located on top of Newtown, Le Balcon is the perfect spot on Crescent Street for people watching, especially during Montreal Grand Prix weekend.  Great for a 5 à 7, they also have finger foods and shisha.  The menu boasts all new cocktails for you to enjoy complete with catchy names. Sip on a fun drink while lounging on their outdoor couches or along the bar overlooking Crescent.

1476 Crescent St, Montreal, QC H3G 2B6
(514) 284-6555

Scarlet Exclusive

Old Montreal is a haven for hidden gems and the new courtyard terrace behind Scarlet Exclusive, on St. Paul W, will be the place to be this summer.  The ambiance and décor transport you to another city: vines crawling up the walls and hazy purple lighting help create a soothing atmosphere. An interesting tapas menu will satisfy the foodie within all of us. There’s plenty of coveted seating as well as a second bar outside on the terrace.

139 Rue Saint Paul Ouest, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z3
(514) 507-4558

Terrasse Nelligan

Terrasse Nelligan within the Hotel Nelligan stands out from the rest because rather than sitting above the other buildings, it is roof-level with Notre-Dame Basilica on one side, and the Old Montreal Port on the other.  It’s a great spot to unwind after work and enjoy your cocktails with dishes straight from their outdoor grill.

106 Saint-Paul Ouest 5e Étage, Montreal, QC H2Y 1Z3
(514) 788-4021

Grinder 

These days, Griffintown is the hottest neighbourhood in Montreal and Grinder is definitely part of the reason.  Now that they have a terrace with a retractable roof to contend with the elements, Grinder has become all the more appealing.  With a killer raw menu and great cocktails, the vibe inside the restaurant carries through the open garage door windows to the terrace that spans the side of the restaurant. Sit on their leather banquets under their inverted parasols and enjoy the perfect weather.

1708 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1M3
(514) 439-1130

 Boris Bistro 

Never judge a book by its cover, especially when a hidden courtyard terrace can be found behind the stone walls of Boris Bistro on McGill St in Old Montreal.  If you’re looking for a charming and quaint escape in the middle of the city, you’ll find it here, surrounded by greenery, with a unique menu to complement it all.

465 Rue McGill, Montréal, H2Y 2H1
(514) 848-9575

Jardin Nelson

Another courtyard terrace located in the heart of Old Montreal in the Place Jacques Cartier area is Jardin Nelson.  It is a Montreal staple, and every tourist should make a point of visiting this garden.  The front terrace is beautiful but the desirable courtyard is worth the wait to relax, have a delicious meal, and listen to live jazz.

407 Place Jacques Cartier, Montréal, QC H2Y 3B1
(514) 861-5731

La Coupole

Part of Hotel Le Crystal on Rene-Levesque, La Coupole is a French brasserie in downtown Montreal.  Its terrace has been revamped and split into two sections: a dining area and a lounge area.  It is modeled in the style of an “urban garden” with plenty of greenery and retractable awnings so you can enjoy Chef Anne Desjardins’ fabulous fare, rain or shine.

1325 René-Lévesque Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3G 0A1
(514) 373-2300

The Montreal Food Divas have been frequenting restaurants since November 2011. In some (most) circles, we are known for causing trouble; therefore, our Thursday nights are reserved for plotting (b**ching), drinking (getting tipsy), and eating great food (gluttonous indulgence) with great company (an unholy alliance). We just love food and want to share our Montreal dining experiences.