Liam TrudeauThe 12 best restaurants with live music in Montreal that totally nail it
As someone who loves music and good food, nothing makes my soul happier than enjoying a meal while listening to jazz and blues. There’s just something so satisfying while eating your favourite meal as you listen to a singer softly sing your favourite tunes.
If you’re like me, then you’ll definitely love this list. Beyond jazz, I’ve also included places with live DJs playing, soloists doing acoustics, and even venues featuring contemporary art performances.
Interested? Dive in and discover the ultimate list!
1. Diese Onze
Media credit jc_buchan_
Website: http://www.dieseonze.com/
Address: 4115 Saint Denis St
Contact Details: +15142233543
Operating Hours: Monday – Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Price: $$
Diese Onze offers a cosy, underground vibe that jazz lovers will adore. Located in a snug basement, this small venue centres around live music. It has a corner stage and tables arranged to focus on the performers.
Apart from performances, foodies can also enjoy the menu. It includes poke bowls, burgers, and desserts. While the portions are on the smaller side, the flavours are just enough to match a nice, cold beer.
Speaking of beer, their options are priced between $7 and $10. This allows you to spend a long night without breaking the bank.
2. Modavie
Media credit modaviemtl
Website: http://modavie.com/
Address: 1 Saint-Paul St W
Contact Details: +15142879582
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM Price: $$
When it comes to live music and fine dining, Modavie is the place to go. The restaurant’s vintage vibe perfectly suits its live jazz.
With upstairs and downstairs seating, you can enjoy your meal in a lively and elegant ambience. For a more intimate experience, dine on the second floor.
The menu at Modavie includes dishes like lamb chops—arguably its signature item. It also offers French-inspired classics such as beef tartare and duck confit. If you’re there for brunch, don’t miss the Mimosa kit, which lets you mix your own bubbly blends.
However, I strongly recommend booking in advance, given the restaurant’s popularity.
3. Jardin Nelson
Media credit jardin_nelson
Website: https://jardinnelson.com/
Address: 407 Pl. Jacques-Cartier
Contact Details: +15148615731
Operating Hours: Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Price: $$
Jardin Nelson’s garden-like courtyard is filled with lush greenery and blooms cascading from every corner. The air is alive with jazz music, making it ideal for a date or casual outing.
The food at Jardin Nelson offers something for everyone. It includes savoury crêpes and pulled-duck confit poutine that’s a twist on a Quebec classic. There are also light gourmet salads and indulgent options like the fresh salmon lasagna au gratin.
While prices lean on the higher side, the portions and quality make them worth every penny. Just take note that there’s often a wait to get a table during lunch and dinner time.
4. Le Dépanneur Café
Media credit depanneurcafe
Address: 206 rue Bernard Ouest
Contact Details: +15145749228
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price: $
Le Dépanneur Café is known for hosting local musicians, with performances happening almost every hour. The atmosphere feels intimate, so it’s an ideal place to relax with a warm drink.
Their menu is simple and affordable. They offer grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade lemonade. Their drinks, especially the ginger-mint hot drink and lattes, are crowd favourites.
However, their meals are better suited for solo dining than sharing.
5. Le Pois Penche
Media credit matt.mardini
Website: http://www.lepoispenche.com/
Address: 1230 Blvd. De Maisonneuve Ouest
Contact Details: +15146675050
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$$
Le Pois Penché is a fantastic French restaurant in downtown Montreal. One of their highlights is the live performances. It features singers delivering classics over soft jazz starting at 7:00 PM.
On top of the performances, their food is outstanding. They offer expertly cooked dishes like the tender Alberta lamb sirloin and duck. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try their escargot or fresh oysters for a nice start to your meal.
Le Pois Penché also shines with its dessert selection. The chocolate mousse log with vanilla ice cream is decadently smooth and rich. For something classic, their crème brûlée offers a crunch of caramelized sugar.
6. Fiorellino Centre-Ville
Website: http://www.fiorellino.ca/
Address: 470 Rue De la Gauchetière O
Contact Details: +15148783666
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
Italian food and pop, anyone? Fiorellino Centre-Ville is the place to go for lively bops. On weekends, the DJ nights kick off around 9:00 PM, bringing energetic beats. Just be prepared for the volume to go up as the night progresses.
As you enjoy the DJ’s energetic tracks, you can savour their wood-fired pizzas prepared right before your eyes. Crowd favourites include the flavorful carnivore and the classic margherita.
Other than pizzas, they also have Tagliatelle ai Funghi and burrata. The appetizers are equally delicious, with bestsellers like calamari and Brussels sprout Caesar salad.
7. Hurley’s Irish Pub
Website: https://www.hurleysirishpub.com/
Address:1225 Crescent St,
Contact Details: +15148614111
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Price: $$
Situated in an old stone building, Hurley’s Irish Pub’s vintage decor immediately sets the mood. Whether it’s a local band or a solo artist, the music is always a highlight for many patrons.
I recommend the sweet potato fries, served with a delicious curry mayo dipping sauce—perfect for sharing. The fish and chips are another solid choice.
Plus, you can pair your meal with a stout beer for the full pub experience.
And if you’re a hockey fan, Hurley’s Irish Pub is also a nice place to drop by before or after catching a game at the nearby Bell Centre.
8. Kawalees
Media credit whisperwave_qc
Website: https://linktr.ee/kawalees
Address: 5175A Park Ave
Contact Details: +15142791650
Operating Hours: Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: $
Kawalees offers an unbeatable combination of delicious Middle Eastern cuisine and live music. The restaurant also serves as a cultural hub, hosting events like stand-up comedy and open mic nights.
The menu at Kawalees is small but thoughtfully curated. The sharing plate is a great option for groups, as the portions are generous and easy to divide.
The prices are refreshingly reasonable. This makes it easy to indulge without worrying about breaking the bank.
Beyond everything else, the decor at Kawalees makes everything more memorable. The walls are adorned with art from Arab artists based in Montreal.
9. Abu el zulof
Media credit abu.el.zulof
Address: 2125 Crescent St
Contact Details: +15143030323
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Sunday: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
Abu el Zulof is a true gem for those seeking a Middle Eastern restaurant in Montreal with live music. Conveniently located on Crescent Street, it’s perfect for a casual outing or a special celebration.
From incredible singers to skilled belly dancers, the performances make evenings unforgettable. Keep in mind there’s a $15 per person band surcharge, but it’s worth it for the energy they bring.
The food is equally impressive, featuring authentic Lebanese and Syrian dishes. For generously portioned options, I highly recommend their mansaf, kibbeh, and batersh.
10. Café Stash
Media credit pinkjellytravels
Website: http://www.restaurantstashcafe.ca/
Address: 200 Saint-Paul St W
Contact Details: +15148456611
Operating Hours: Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $
Café Stash is a charming Polish restaurant located in Montreal’s Old Port. On weekends, a live pianist starts to play at 6:00 PM. The warm atmosphere makes it perfect for both family dinners and romantic evenings.
The food is a must-try, especially the classic Polish dishes. I highly recommend trying their satisfying bigos – a traditional hunter’s stew made with sauerkraut, meat, and spices.
The pierogi and potato pancakes are standout favourites for light eaters. If you’re hungry, go for the schnitzels or cabbage rolls. They’ll make you feel like you’re dining in Warsaw.
11. Fish Bone
Media credit fishbonemtl
Website: https://www.fishbonemtl.ca/
Address: 420 Notre-Dame St W
Contact Details: +15148494424
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Price: $$$
Fish Bone is a vibrant hotspot in Montreal that combines live music and high-quality food. Later in the evening, a DJ starts playing, setting a fun and upbeat vibe.
Their food is equally exciting. The sushi rolls are generously sized and delicious. If you’re not a sushi fan, I highly recommend the truffle fries—they’re crispy and indulgent.
You have to try the cocktails, too! The lychee martinis are strong and pair perfectly with the energetic ambience.
For special occasions, Fish Bone also accommodates large groups for birthdays or get-togethers. Even during busy times, the restaurant can arrange special gatherings—just call ahead.
12. Le Richmond
Media credit djyoussef_mtl
Website: http://lerichmond.com/
Address: 377 Ave Richmond
Contact Details: +15145088749
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$$
Le Richmond is a trendy spot in the city, known for its lively atmosphere. The DJ creates a fun vibe for a night out with friends, though the noise can make conversations difficult.
While the food is decent, the stunning terrace truly stands out. It’s the perfect spot for cocktails on warm evenings and a favourite for casual gatherings.
The crowd typically includes those seeking a flashy dining experience, complete with plenty of selfies. If you’re into that energy, then it’s a great place to be.
