Eat
The best dim sum in Montreal. Traditional trolley-service halls in Chinatown, modern à-la-carte kitchens, and the spots locals fill on a Sunday morning. Top-rated picks.
Plateau · 961 Avenue du Mont-Royal E, Montréal, QC H2J 1X4, Canada
Curry onion and pork-chive steamed dumplings arrive juicy with generous portions at fair prices, plus a quiet room and attentive service make it worth the trip.
Plateau · 3887 R. Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2W 2M4, Canada
Beef and coriander dumplings burst with juice and flavour, while soup dumpling skins balance delicate thinness with structural integrity to hold aromatic broths.
Plateau · 4495 Boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, QC H2W 1Z8, Canada
Ruffled wide noodles absorb bold sauces with impressive flavor, and creative dim sum presentations stand out visually, though watch the salt levels.
Plateau · 3591 Rue Clark, Montréal, QC H2X 2R9, Canada
A wide variety of Asian dumplings, a few salads, tea & ice cream served in a funky space.
Downtown · 1433A R. Bishop, Montréal, QC H3G 2E4, Canada
Warm neighborhood eatery serving inventive Asian fare in compact quarters with exposed-brick walls.
Plateau · 1201 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2J8, Canada
Laid-back Chinese restaurant offering meat, veggie & seafood dumplings, plus spring rolls & soups.
Dim sum in Montreal is concentrated in Chinatown, a few square blocks near Place d'Armes where Cantonese traditions have held steady for decades. The classic experience is cart service: steaming bamboo baskets pushed between tables on trolleys, and you point at what looks good. Har gow, siu mai, chicken feet, turnip cake, and sticky rice in lotus leaf are the staples. Go before 11 AM on weekends to beat the rush, or try a weekday lunch for a calmer room. The older restaurants with massive dining halls and chaotic energy are part of the charm.
Weekend mornings between 10 and 11 AM for the full cart experience with the widest selection. Weekday lunches are quieter with shorter waits. Most dim sum spots in Chinatown serve from about 10 AM to 3 PM.
Most Chinatown dim sum restaurants do not take reservations. Arrive early on weekends, expect a short wait after 11 AM, and be prepared to share a table during peak hours. Weekday lunch rarely has a wait.