With more than two decades of experience behind it, this French brasserie is a Montréal favorite. Its relaxed but sophisticated ambience includes a central bar and a variety of decorative mirrors. The menu features traditional café fare, such as steak and frites, cassoulet, sausages and sauerkraut, and a selection of seafood dishes. When the weather's warm, the terrace invites guests outside to dine on wicker chairs and bask in the sunlight. In the evenings, the restaurant's second floor becomes a pub, serving draft and imported beers. Great for casual get-togethers.

Though technically featuring cuisine of Lyon, this cozy spot features a changing menu of seasonal delights from the comfort of rich boeuf Bourguignon in the winter to the baby vegetables of emergent spring. Lamb, veal and venison are prominent items as are the local lobster and goat cheese. A small, well-edited wine list is also available.

Much favored for its fantastic take on French/Québecois cuisine, Au Pied de Cochon has earned beaucoup praise for its chef-owner Martin Picard. If foie gras is your passion, this is the place to get it ­ as a topping for poutine, in a tart or terrine, on pizza, even in a burger. Bison, boudin and duck also play prominent roles on the menu. The dessert list is lengthy with something for every taste, from baked apple to dark chocolate pot de crème to rhubarb pudding to maple syrup pie. Lively, relaxed and very, very popular.

When the line stretches down the block virtually year round, you know the place has something good to offer. In this case, it's ice cream. Made in-house, the ice cream varieties are often unusual, depending on what sorts of fruits are in season and what the staff feels like making. Smooth and dense, and packing a wallop of flavor, this is ice cream that deserves every accolade it gets. Favorites include King Kong (banana chocolate), litchee, pear and Caramelée (caramel, chocolate and pralines).

Three different rooms touched with the décor of the Empire are infused with the charm of warm lighting and exposed brick. The finest epicurean delights of French cuisine are presented on white china set on snowy linens. Snuggle into an intimate banquette for a romantic dinner of tastings or the table d'hôte. The extensive wine list features a great selection of international labels. C'est magnifique!