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Ville-Marie › Vieux Montréal › Restaurant Mélisse
Restaurant MélisseA-Worth Trying
719 Rue William, Montréal, QC H3C 1N9, Canada
· Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1338 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Stylish Griffintown spot for creative Mediterranean-leaning brunch and shareable dinners with strong hospitality; great when on form, but portions, pacing, and brunch availability can be inconsistent.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Mélisse delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality with creative modern Mediterranean cooking and genuinely attentive service that guides diners through thoughtful pairings. The design-forward space with its warm lighting and terrace creates an inviting atmosphere, though inconsistent execution on portions and pacing — especially during busy brunch service — prevents the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. Strong for special occasions and repeat visits when timing aligns.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and stylish, with soft light, thoughtful details, and a terrace that draws weekend brunch crowds. Staff are often genuinely attentive and guide diners through pairings, as one guest noted, "they explained each dish with care." On busy mornings it can run loud and a touch brisk, so plan accordingly. Cooking leans modern Mediterranean with creative flourishes: tuna crudo bright with citrus, chicken kefta with cool yogurt and heat, and pancakes that change by the season. It is contemporary and shareable rather than traditional; when the kitchen hits stride, flavors shine and plates look polished, though a few diners reported small portions or slower pacing at peak times. Families will find some friendly anchors like pancakes and grilled cheese, plus pastries for little appetites. That said, eggs are often served sunny-side and menu flexibility for kids can be limited. If you need scrambled or firm yolks, verify before you book.
At a Glance
- Design-forward space with patio and cozy lighting
- Creative Mediterranean dishes with strong seafood and veg options
- Engaged service with knowledgeable wine guidance
- Portions run small for the price, especially at brunch
- Peak-time delays and occasional item stockouts
What Sets It Apart
- design_forward_space
- creative_mediterranean_flavors
- event_hosting_capability
What People Love
- Beautiful, cozy ambiance
- Bright, well-balanced crudo and salads
- Attentive service that explains dishes
- Seasonal pancakes and thoughtful desserts
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (C$29+ mains, starters up to C$28) which may surprise casual brunch diners
- Portions can feel small relative to price; several brunch complaints cite pancakes and plate size
- Service pacing inconsistencies at peak times; some reports of rushed two-hour turns for large groups
- Menu flexibility limited for egg doneness; check needs in advance
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostC$45-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a bright salad (C$16-20) with keftas (C$22) and split the black cod (C$29) for balanced cost and variety
- Vegetarians can build a meal from hummus flatbread, beet with tahini, and salads
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Date night over small plates and wine
- Stylish celebrations in an intimate setting
- Out-of-town guests exploring Griffintown
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Griffintown corridor near downtown; design-forward venues attracting brunch crowds, couples, and small groups.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked urban area with good lighting and foot traffic, especially weekends.
Nearby: Close to offices, condos, and the Lachine Canal; cafes and cocktail bars nearby make it a dine-and-stroll area.
Old MontrealOld Montreal is a historic neighborhood characterized by cobblestone streets, preserved architecture, and a strong European influence. The dining scene here is upscale and diverse, with many fine dining restaurants, trendy bistros, and wine bars attracting both visitors and locals seeking a refined culinary experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday11:30–14:00, 18:00–22:00
Wednesday11:30–14:00, 18:00–22:00
Thursday11:30–14:00, 18:00–22:00
Friday11:30–14:00, 18:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–14:30
Sunday10:00–14:30
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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