Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday night in 2026, and under the thick, relentless layer of snow that has been falling on Montreal for two months, lovers deserve a real movie moment.
There are several options for a romantic movie, depending on your artistic sensibilities. New Wave, New York romantic comedy, sexy thriller, or Cinema Paradiso —there’s something for everyone.
And, given the number of couples we see walking hand in hand through the snowy streets—almost sickening, really— we recommend making reservations for a candlelit dinner on Valentine’s Day right now.
Our favorite romantic restaurants for Valentine’s Day in Montreal
1. Vin Papillon
@vinpapillon
Small dishes to share, cozy tables, and natural wine (selected) make this restaurant our favorite spot for a romantic date. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a cozy booth for two near the bar. We recommend the Petite-Bourgogne ham with shaved Parmesan cheese on top.
Where? Vin Papillon, 2519 Notre Dame Street West
When? Open Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
To make a reservation? vinpapillon.com
2. Le Serpent
@restaurantleserpent
Le Serpent, which is celebrating its 13th anniversary this year, is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city, with its high ceilings, reflective surfaces, and bistro tables. Located in the Darling Foundry, it serves oysters and truffle risotto of the highest quality, and afterwards you can go for a stroll (hand in hand) along the Old Port…
Where? Le Serpent, 257 Prince Street
When? Monday to Saturday from 5:45 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
To make a reservation? Leserpent.ca
3. Mano Cornuto
@manocornuto.mtl
Mano Cornuto has quickly become an Italian institution in Montreal, and of course, you can’t think of a romantic dinner without thinking of Italy and the warm energy of an Italian restaurant and a plate of spaghetti to eat in the style of Lady and the Tramp. We love Mano Cornuto because the restaurant is just noisy enough that you have to lean in to talk to each other…
The restaurant is closed for renovations in January 2026, but is scheduled to reopen in February 2026 (hopefully before Valentine’s Day).
Where? Mano Cornuto, 988 Ottawa Street
When? Coming soon
To make a reservation? manocornuto.com
4. L’Express
@restaurantlexpress
For a French bistro steak and fries straight out of a New Wave film, unlimited pickles, and large mirrors where you can peek to see what you look like when you’re kissing, this may be the most romantic restaurant in Montreal.
Where? Restaurant l’Express, 3927 Saint-Denis Street
When? Open every day from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m.
To make a reservation? restaurantlexpress.com
5. Stash Café
@restaurantstashcafe
This is one of the most romantic and pleasant restaurants in the city. In addition to Polish borscht and pierogi , we recommend the golabki—cabbage rolls with tomato sauce. It definitely has the best lighting in Montreal. For love!
Where?Stash Café, 200 Saint-Paul Street West
When? Monday to Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. / Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. / Sunday from noon to 10 p.m.
To reserve?restaurantstashcafe.ca
Happy Valentine’s Day!