The Best of Montreal’s Bring Your Own Wine (BYOW) Scene

Bring your favourite bottle—or five—to these top restaurants

Let’s drink to time with friends and family over a delicious meal! Whether you’re gathering a big group or celebrating a significant moment for two, BYOW restaurants in Montreal make it easy to uncork a bottle that’s as special to you as the people around the table. Bring a case of your crew’s favourite grenache, or celebrate an anniversary with the same vintage you sipped on your first date. Do you really need an excuse to customize your culinary experience while saving money skipping by-the-glass prices? We didn’t think so. But, with the number of BYOB options growing by the minute, we want to give a shout-out to some of the top and up-and-coming eateries in BYOW Montreal.

When You Want to Skip the Corkage Fee…

If you love tapas and don’t like corkage fees, get a table at Carambola in Hudson. The ambiance is cozy and modern and the food offerings are artful and inventive. Watch Chef Scott Geirings and his team work their magic in the open kitchen, and go straight for the popular braised beef poutine, or dine on the lighter side with fresh tuna poke. The small plates menu is extensive, and each dish is prepared with attention to detail. Plus, the chefs are happy to work with your allergies and dietary needs. Whatever you order, keep the corks popping, because you don’t have to worry about the fee, which can cost up to $30 per 750 mL bottle.

When You’ve Got a Crowd…

We love La Trattoria for several reasons. Of course, most of those reasons are listed on the menu—penne primavera, grilled salmon and risotto—but authentic Italian dishes aren’t the half of it. Ample dining space makes for fun and flavourful gatherings. Book a table in the main restaurant to meet up with old friends or host an elegant event in one of the private reception rooms. Oh, and did we mention La Trattoria doesn’t charge to cork your party’s wine? We told you there were plenty of reasons to love this place.

When You’re Feeling Romantic…

Montreal is one of the most romantic cities in the world and fine dining options are an embarrassment of riches around here. When you want an intimate atmosphere and original flavour profiles, book a table at the tiny but mighty Restaurant Grenadine in the Latin Quarter. The French-Asian fusion cuisine is as colourful and creative as the productions at nearby Places-Des-Arts (another great date idea, by the way). Start the meal with your favourite vintage and save room for a house-made dessert. The selection changes with the chef’s whims.

When You’re Vegan…

Vegans and vegetarians rejoice! Vegano is here to tackle your strongest cravings for Italian comfort foods with a cruelty-free menu. During the week and weekends, Vegano serves breakfast and lunch, but Friday nights feature the prix fixe dinner menu. Dip into unique dishes like avocado mac and cheese and the classics, including polenta and ratatouille. Chef-owner Alessandro Monteferrante cooks up your favourite Italian flavours with 100% plant-based ingredients. We’ll drink to that!

When You’re Sipping Solo…

Did you know that it’s perfectly legal to take leftover wine home with you from BYOW venues as long as you start the meal with an unopened bottle and have it packaged properly after your meal? All the more reason to enjoy a glass of your fav sauv solo. The open-air setting at Les Héritiers is unassuming and sophisticated—perfect for some quiet time after work. Ask for a table on the patio, weather permitting, or sit at the bar, and order one of the amazing seasonal risottos. Follow the restaurant’s social media for the latest food offerings and plan your wine selection accordingly.

Making your dinner reservations right now? Don’t forget to bring your own wine, Montreal!