Ask any Montrealer what they love most about their beloved city and bring your own wine restaurants will most likely be way up there on their list. Whether you’re on a date, celebrating a birthday, or grabbing a drink with some co-workers, BYOW restaurants are a great money-saving option. Why pay three to four times wholesale cost for wines that you could easily get yourself for much less? We’ve put together a list of 13 Montreal BYOW restaurants that definitely deserve a taste, along with handy wine pairing tips.
Bombay Mahal – Indian
Bombay Mahal will take you on a real spice journey. Expect authentic fresh and tasty Indian specialities like aloo gobi, butter chicken, shahi paneer, and many, many more. This stuff is so good, it has Montrealers lining up. Sounds like your new fave!
Wine Pairing: Indian cuisine generally harbours some rather intense flavours that can be difficult to pair with wine; however, beer is definitely a go-to option. A light refreshing beer will complement the spiciness of your dish without overpowering it. Pair your butter chicken with Damm Inedit. If you really must have wine, go with a Chardonnay. Its buttery notes will go hand-in-hand with creamy dishes like butter chicken. For red lovers, opt for a light and refreshing Pinot Noir.
1001 Rue Jean-Talon W. Montreal, QC H3N 1T2
(514) 273-3331
Uchi – Sushi
We can only think of one word to describe Uchi: delicious. They offer a varied menu of Japanese appetizers, seafood, and rolls, but their mouth-watering sushi definitely steals the spotlight. Try their sushi boat to get a taste of it all!
Wine Pairing: With sushi, you’ll want to select a white wine with a little more acidity. Sake is also a great option. Sake and food pairing requires a bit of imagination, but within reason; it’s hard to have a total miss. Naturally, there are some foods that will most likely not go well with sake, such as red meats, intensely spicy foods, and richly flavoured sauces. Have it cold! Heating it can potentially destroy its flavours, leaving you with nothing but the taste of alcohol.
1799 Rue Amherst, Montreal, QC H2L 3L7
(514) 528-8228
Yi Pin Xiang – Chinese
Yi Pin Xiang offers delicious traditional Chinese fare, as well as a serious dumpling selection – and that’s what makes it so awesome. So many dumplings, so little time!
Wine Pairing: Light white wines, such as Mirassou, Kung Fu Girl, or any white wine produced in the Alsace region of France, will generally pair well with the dominant flavours of Chinese cuisine. Here’s a little tip: the sweeter the dish, the sweeter the wine. Who can resist the deliciousness of fried dumplings drenched in peanut butter sauce? Spicy food lovers, remember to avoid all wines that are high in alcohol. Red wine does not typically pair well with Chinese cuisine; however, if you really must, select a light red, such as a Pinot Noir or a Barbera d’Asti, served chilled of course.
735 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H4L 3L3
(514) 748-8877
Restaurant Deuxlux – Mediterranean (Italian with French influence)
If you’re looking for an authentic, hearty plate of Italian-style pasta, Restaurant Deuxlux is your place. They also have a chalkboard menu that changes fairly often, offering dishes such as Brie chicken, pistachio pasta, gnocchi poutine, and lamb shank. Word on the streets is that two Sicilian brothers run the kitchen, so you know it’s a sure tastebud pleaser!
Wine Pairing: Mediterranean dishes are often high in salty, acidic, or citrus tastes, which you’ll want to balance out with a slightly salty, unwooded white wine, such as a Chardonnay. Strong cheeses require bold wines, whereas mild cheeses, such as bocconcini, require light Italian grape varieties including Soave or Trebbiano. Exuding spicy, floral, and fruity aromas, red Portuguese wines like the Chaminé also make interesting candidates.
6701 Avenue De Chateaubriand, Montreal, QC H2S 2N9
(438) 384-6701
Amelia’s – Pizza
Amelia’s has been serving quality pizza since 1985, but what makes them stand out from the competition? Their signature White Pizza, no doubt. It’s prepared with a melt-in-your-mouth five-cheese blend that’ll make any cheese lover’s heart skip a beat. They also serve a variety of salads, submarines, and pasta dishes.
Wine Pairing: The toppings make all the difference when it comes to pairing pizza with wine. For meatier pizzas, select a dry and fruity red resembling a Chianti Classico. Vegetarian pizzas will pair well with light and fresh white grape varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, or Trebbiano.
201 Rue Milton, Montreal, QC H2X 1V5
(514) 845-8396
Quartier Perse – Persian & Middle Eastern
Meat lovers, this one’s for you. Quartier Perse serves up some delicious kebabs, and their stews are also to die for. All in all, it’s a great spot if you’re looking to enjoy standard Middle Eastern fare in a traditional setting.
Wine Pairing: So much cultural diversity seeps into Middle Eastern cuisine. You’ll rarely encounter seafood; instead, you’ll find several varieties of meat and vegetable dishes rich in flavour. When it comes to pairing Middle Eastern dishes with just the right wine, you know you can’t go wrong with a flavourful red from Lebanon. If you prefer white wine, your best bet would be to go with very a light refreshing grape variety, such as a Saumur, Muscadet, Soave, or Trebbiano.
4241 Decarie Blvd., Montreal, QC H4A 3K4
(514) 488-6367
Yuukai – Sushi
Yuukai is among one of the rare Montreal BYOW Japanese restaurants, making it an absolute gem for sushi lovers. Enjoy standard favourites like maki rolls and sashimi in the hustle and bustle of Park Avenue. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, try one (or several) of their chef specials on their chalkboard menu!
Wine Pairing: With sushi, you’ll want to select a white wine with a little more acidity. Sake is also a great option. Sake and food pairing requires a bit of imagination, but within reason; it’s hard to have a total miss. Naturally, there are some foods that will most likely not go well with sake, such as red meats, intensely spicy foods and richly flavoured sauces. Have it cold! Heating it can potentially destroy its flavours, leaving you with nothing but the taste of alcohol.
5658 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, QC H2V 4H1
(514) 278-4572
Le P’tit Plateau – French bistro
Cheers to the perfect date night at Le P’tit Plateau! Expect delectable French bistro fare in a quiet and intimate setting; the mismatched wooden tables definitely add to its charm. Our menu suggestion? Definitely the lamb shank (yum!).
Wine Pairing: Our French cousins love braised red meats, stews, and anything with gravy. With such dishes, opt for a red Bordeaux like the Château Pelan Bellevue. If you’re feeling white wine, go with something like the Albis; its low acidity and floral/fruity aromas will pair well with French fare. Other options for white include a good Saumur or Bourgogne Aligoté.
330 Rue Marie-Anne, Montreal, QC H2W 1B1
(514) 282-6342
Il Piatto Pieno – Italian
Il Piatto Pieno translates to “full plate,” so this restaurant’s name says it all. You definitely get your money’s worth portion-wise, and the pizza/pasta dishes are definitely up to par. It’s also a great spot for groups, especially on weekends because of their live band!
Wine Pairing: Mediterranean dishes are often high in salty, acidic, or citrus tastes, which you’ll want to balance out with a slightly salty, unwooded white wine such as a Chardonnay. Strong cheeses require bold wines, whereas mild cheeses, such as bocconcini, require light Italian grape varieties including Soave or Trebbiano. Exuding spicy, floral, and fruity aromas, red Portuguese wines like the Chaminé also make interesting candidates. The toppings make all the difference when it comes to pairing pizza with wine. For meatier pizzas, select a dry and fruity red resembling a Chianti Classico. Vegetarian pizzas will pair well with light and fresh white grape varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, or Trebbiano.
177 Rue Saint-Zotique E., Montreal, QC H2S 1K9
(514) 276-1076
L’Olive Noire – Moroccan
L’Olive Noire exudes a warm and pleasant atmosphere that makes it perfect for a girls night out. Couscous is definitely the star on their menu. It comes in lots of delicious varieties, the classic being the lamb. We also loved their lamb tagine!
Wine Pairing: Delicate whites with refreshing acidity and floral/fruity aromas will pair well with couscous; we suggest the Les Frères Couillaud Domaine De La Ragotière Chardonnay. If you prefer red, go with a dry and spicy Massaya. With 15.5% alcohol, this wine definitely comes with a kick, so it’s best served slightly chilled. If you’re feeling a lamb tagine, pair it with a flavourful red from Lebanon. Light and refreshing whites such as a Saumur, Muscadet, Soave, or Trebbiano also make interesting pairs.
4271, Rue Ontario E., Montreal, QC H1V 1K4
(514) 504-9484
Restaurant Phuket – Thai
Phuket isn’t your typical Thai restaurant; in fact, they take Thai cuisine to a whole new level by adding sushi into the mix. From the wok, from the sea, and everything in between, expect tasty standard Thai fare and sushi dishes that will literally melt in your mouth.
Wine Pairing: A classic, unwooded chardonnay is ideal for sipping or with the famous pad Thai. Red wine does not typically pair well with Asian cuisine; however, if you really must, select a light red, such as a Pinot Noir or a Barbera d’Asti (served chilled). With sushi, you’ll want to select a white wine with a little more acidity. Sake is also a great option. Sake and food pairing requires a bit of imagination, but within reason; it’s hard to have a total miss. Naturally, there are some foods that will most likely not go well with sake, such as red meats, intensely spicy foods, and richly flavoured sauces. Have it cold! Heating it can potentially destroy its flavours, leaving you with nothing but the taste of alcohol.
4673 Rue Jarry E., Montreal, QC H1R 1A1
(514) 721-2888
La Khaima – African
La Khaima offers traditional African cuisine in a tent-like space filled with cushioned benches (we love their cozy decor!). Mezzes, soups, tajines and couscous: everything is served on large platters to share. It’s such a delicious, welcoming place… and you get to bring your own wine.
Wine Pairing: Delicate whites with refreshing acidity and floral/fruity aromas will pair well with couscous; we suggest the Les Frères Couillaud Domaine De La Ragotière Chardonnay. If you prefer red, go with a dry and spicy Massaya. With 15.5% alcohol, this wine definitely comes with a kick, so it’s best served slightly chilled. If you’re feeling a meaty tagine, pair it with a flavourful red from Lebanon. Light and refreshing whites such as a Saumur, Muscadet, Soave, or Trebbiano also make interesting pairs.
142 Avenue Fairmount O., Montreal, QC H2T 2M5
(514) 948-9993
État Major – French bistro
If you’re a big fan of French bistro fare, État Major is for you. Expect dishes like foie gras, salmon tartare, and steak & frites, among many others. We loved their affordable 4-service chalkboard menu. It allows you to try many flavourful creations in just one sitting!
Wine Pairing: Our French cousins love braised red meats, stews, and anything with gravy. With such dishes, opt for a red Bordeaux like the Château Pelan Bellevue or Château Nénine. If you’re feeling white wine, go with something like the Albis; its low acidity and floral/fruity aromas will pair well with French fare. Other options for white include a good Saumur or Bourgogne Aligoté. When pairing with
4005 Rue Ontario E., Montreal, QC H1W 1S7
(514) 905-8288
List of awesome BYOW restaurants: check. Handy wine pairing tips: check. Now, all you’re missing is the date for your next dinner! Bon appétit.
