A sampling of Montréal restaurants open on Christmas Day

During the holidays, December 25 is an important day for some, but an ordinary day for others. So if you observe Christmas or are just celebrating Friday this year, here are some of Montreal’s restaurants that will be open on December 25.

Chez Lévèque – 1030 Laurier Avenue West

Chez Lévèque has a Holiday Season Christmas Menu that features classic French dishes with a modern twist. With dishes like crispy veal sweetbreads and pan-seared scallops, celeriac mash, morel sauce and kale chips, if you weren’t sentimental about December 25 before, this may well inspire you.

Vieux-Port Steakhouse – 39 Saint-Paul Street East

Christmas day brunch is a tradition for many people and if you’re in town and want to keep the tradition going, visit this Old Port landmark, the Vieux-Port Steakhouse. From a classic “American Breakfast Station” to a meat station for prime roast beef, pasta and seafood, you can give the gift of a food-coma this year.

Verses Restaurant – 100 Saint-Paul Street West

Another option for brunch on the 25^th is at Verses Restaurant. Pick from dishes like a hearty Steak and Eggs Benedict with horseradish Hollandaise sauce, and Yorkshire pudding or a waffle slider with tomato and olive braised lentils, fried quail egg and Sloppy Joe sauce to start your day.

Restaurant Kim Fung – 1111 Saint-Urbain Street, #M05

Check out Restaurant Kim Fung for classic Cantonese cuisine as well as dim sum served daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Copious amounts of steamy dumplings will keep you warm during this holiday season.

Schwartz’s Delicatessen – 3895 Saint-Laurent Boulevard

You need to order Medium-fat, it’s the prized cut of the brisket that connoisseurs order to get the full Montreal smoked meat sandwich experience. Complete your meal with a can of Black Cherry cola and a half sour pickle and you’ve got Montreal on a plate. Opened until 5pm on the December 25.

Damas – 1201 Van Horne Avenue

Sample a delicious taste of Syria with Damas’s “Traditional Syrian Gastronomy Experience.” This tasting menu consists of 12-15 dishes of hot and cold mezzes, Syrian specialties, as well as delectable charcoal grilled dishes.

 Restaurant Le Taj – 2077 Stanley Street

Restaurant Le Taj is your Indian oasis in the heart of downtown that recently celebrated their 30^th anniversary. Check out their lunch buffet that consists of countless traditional Indian dishes that include their famous tandoori chicken and naan made to order – kids under 5 eat for free.

Khyber Pass – 506 Duluth Avenue East

Khyber Pass is a historical trade route that linked the Middle East to Asia and it’s the inspiration for the name of this local favourite Afghan restaurant. Sample Afghan specialties like the Kabuli Palaw – a lamb shank on rice – or some of Khyber Pass’ numerous kebabs. Bring your own wine!

Restaurant Park – 378 Victoria Avenue

This is the perfect spot for any discriminating sushi lover. With private imports of the freshest seafood available from around the world, let Chef Antonio Park take you on a gastronomic journey with his Omakase dinner service, a multi-course tasting menu of dishes selected by the chef himself.

Le Nil Bleu – 3706 Saint-Denis Street

A Montréal favourite for Ethiopian cuisine, Le Nil Bleu serves up memorable and exotic flavours from Ethiopia. Try the famous Tire Kitfo – a beef tartare seasoned with mitmita (chili peppers) and butter – or any of their savoury stews. Vegetarian and vegan menu items as well.