The 38 Essential Restaurants in Montreal

"An intimate dining room and savvy wine service set the tone for some seriously delicious Southern Italian fare at Nora Gray, a gem located at the crossroads of downtown, Little Burgundy, and Griffintown. Open since 2011 and bolstered by two acclaimed sister spots (Elena and Gia), it remains a top contender thanks to its thoughtful approach to pasta. Agnolotti filled with koginut squash, fontina, pearl onions, and kale; porcini cavatelli paired with Brussels sprouts, king oyster mushrooms, and Baluchon cheese; and other dishes seamlessly intertwine tradition with seasonal twists. Venture into the antipasti for potato schiacciata and deer tartare, or look to the secondi for offerings such as grilled sweetbreads and rib steak." - Valerie Silva