Where to Enjoy the Best Oysters in Vieux-Montréal
Discover the Best Oysters in Old Montreal at Dorsia
There’s a certain magic to oysters. The first taste is ocean and salt, the next is silk and stone. You feel the cold shell in your hand, hear the soft clink of glasses nearby, and for a second, the world slows down. That’s the kind of moment Dorsia does best: refined, a little sensual, and entirely unforgettable.
Tucked inside a historic building on Notre-Dame Street, Dorsia captures what Old Montreal does so well: romance, rhythm, and a touch of indulgence. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay for hours, savoring oysters, sipping wine, and letting conversation unfold like an old film scene.
If you’ve been searching for where to enjoy the best oysters in Old Montreal, this is your sign to book a table at Dorsia.
A Taste of the Sea, the Montreal Way
Montreal isn’t on the coast, but you wouldn’t know it from the city’s oyster culture. Fresh shipments arrive daily from Canada’s East Coast: plump Malpeques from PEI, sweet Beausoleils from New Brunswick, and briny treats from Nova Scotia. Locals have turned oyster nights into a ritual: order a dozen, add a glass of champagne, and let the night begin.
Oysters have become a Montreal classic not just for their taste, but for their experience. They’re about flow; a pause between courses, a moment of delight before the next dish. At Dorsia, that moment is treated like an art form. Each oyster is opened to order, served on ice, and paired with garnishes that complement rather than cover.
There’s something deeply personal about how Dorsia presents them. You can go classic: lemon, mignonette, maybe a touch of horseradish, or trust the chef’s choice. Either way, you’ll feel that signature Dorsia touch: elegant but never rigid.
Why Dorsia Is the Oyster Lover’s Secret in Vieux-Montréal
Old Montreal has no shortage of restaurants with charm: cobblestone streets, flickering candlelight, and that hum of conversation in two languages. But Dorsia stands apart for how it balances refinement with warmth.
Inside, light filters through tall windows, bouncing off stone walls and soft brass fixtures. The room feels alive yet intimate, like a conversation you don’t want to end. There’s no rush here; oysters arrive when they should, cocktails flow just right, and every plate feels considered.
Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe brings a thoughtful rhythm to the experience. His cuisine blends French and Italian influences, but it’s rooted in Quebec’s best ingredients. It’s generous, precise, and made to share. You can taste that philosophy even in something as simple as oysters.
And while many oyster bars lean into the loud and lively, Dorsia keeps things softly seductive. It’s a place where you can talk, listen, taste, and feel; all at once.
How to Enjoy Oysters Like a Local
If you’ve never had oysters in Montreal before, here’s how to do it right:
Start slow. Order half a dozen to begin. Notice the temperature, the brine, the way each variety carries its own story.
Pair thoughtfully. Dorsia’s wine list includes crisp whites and sparkling wines from both local and international producers. Champagne or Chablis is a natural match: bright, mineral, and alive.
Trust the chef. Opt for the “choice of the chef” garnish. It changes with the season and always complements the shell’s subtle flavor.
Don’t rush. Oysters are best enjoyed when time slows; a pause between bites, a laugh, a sip, a look.
There’s no one way to eat oysters at Dorsia — and that’s the beauty of it.
The Menu Beyond the Shell
Dorsia’s oyster course is just the beginning. Once you’ve had your fill of the sea, the rest of the menu unfolds like a quiet symphony.
Lunch
Gaspacho à la fraise — A chilled strawberry gazpacho that tastes like summer in a spoonful, drizzled with olive oil and a hint of basil for balance.
Steak tartare — Finely cut, seasoned just enough to let the beef speak, finished with sunflower and crisp rice chips for a little texture and contrast.
Mozzarella de Bufflonne — Creamy and cool, paired with ripe peach, tomato, and a whisper of balsamic — simple, but quietly decadent.
Dinner
Grilled octopus — Tender and smoky, served with leeks and barley; each bite is grounded yet bright, the kind of dish that lingers.
Bottoni stuffed with scallop and truffle — Silky pasta filled with sweet scallop and the earthiness of truffle — indulgent without ever feeling heavy.
Carte Blanche Tasting Menu
Menu Carte Blanche du Chef — An eight-course journey curated by Chef Pundsack-Poe himself. Seasonal, spontaneous, and deeply personal — a story told through flavor, texture, and timing.
Where to Find the Best Oysters in Old Montreal
Old Montreal is known for its oyster bars; some are hidden behind old stone facades, others bright and buzzing near the waterfront. You’ll find everything from casual happy hours with dollar oysters to candlelit dining rooms where the shells arrive on crushed ice like jewelry.
But if you want the full experience: the setting, the wine, the service, the sense of occasion, Dorsia is the place. It’s where luxury feels effortless and every detail hums in tune.
Nearby, a few other spots shine for their oyster offerings too: cozy brasseries, wine bars, or hotel lounges that open late into the night. But none capture the same blend of elegance and intimacy that Dorsia does.
Here, the focus isn’t just on what’s on your plate, but how you feel while you’re eating it.
Pairing Oysters with the Perfect Pour
Dorsia’s wine list reads like a love letter to terroir as it’s thoughtful, romantic, and full of stories waiting to be poured.
For the Classics
Crisp whites and sparkling wines — Bright, clean, and mineral-driven. The kind that echoes the sea’s salt and sweetness and lets the oyster shine.
For a Touch of Elegance
Vouvray Moelleux, Domaine Huet — Soft and honeyed, there’s enough sweetness to melt into the brine.
Ratafia de Bourgogne — Rich and layered, with a quiet depth that lingers long after the last sip.
For the Playful Palate
Fine Calvados — A warm, apple-scented finish that turns the end of a meal into a small celebration.
Neusiedlersee Reserve dessert wine — Lush and silky, the perfect contrast to the crisp salt of the oyster.
At Dorsia, pairing isn’t always about rules. What matters most is how the glass in your hand makes you feel, and how long that feeling lasts. See our extensive wine list.
Booking Your Oyster Experience
Oyster nights in Montreal fill up fast, especially on weekends when locals flock to the cobblestone streets for dinner and drinks.
To make sure you don’t miss your spot, Dorsia recommends reserving in advance through OpenTable. The restaurant keeps a refined dress code; elegant and sophisticated, in line with its space. Sportswear, shorts, sweatpants, or sandals aren’t part of the vibe. Think tailored, effortless, and timeless.
Here’s a more evocative, cinematic, and sensory rewrite of that closing section — with a title that fits Dorsia’s tone (intimate, slow, refined, a little seductive):
The Night, Served Cold
Old Montreal has its share of oyster spots, but none hold a candle to Dorsia’s quiet kind of magic. You come for the oysters, but you stay for the rhythm; the laughter between pours, the candlelight on glass, the hush that follows the first taste of the sea.
If you’re searching for the best oysters in Old Montreal, let this be your moment to linger.
Reserve your table at Dorsia, order a dozen, and let the night unfold; slow, sensual, and entirely your own.