Stop for a beer at Le Cafe Cherrier at the corner of Saint Denis and Cherrier. Have a seat at the long marble bar, grab a newspaper and sample one of Quebec's artisanal brews. Favourites include blond U or darker U2, spicy Blanche de Chambly and Belle Gueule. For a fabulous dinner, Saint Denis offers a bevy of choices in every price range. When the weather warms up, this beloved street becomes a sea of patios.
Reservations are essential in the street's celebrated restaurants.
For a special occasion, the pinnacle of Montreal dining is still Toque, owned by superchef Normand Laprise. For a more casual lunch or dinner, head across the street to L'Express bistro. The classical, hand-scrawled menu is a francophile's dream. Tartare, the spiced raw beef which would horrify most Torontonians, is a big seller here. By the time you've finished dinner, you'll be wondering how soon you can return.