When it comes to summer time dining, my family loves the experience at the Vieux-Port Steakhouse (www.vieuxportsteakhouse.com). Located at 39 St. Paul Street, right in the heart of Old Montreal, it is the ideal spot to enjoy a fabulous meal on their picturesque outdoor terrace.

We made a reservation for a recent Saturday evening and requested outdoor seating. Now this establishment is huge, with the capacity to accommodate up to 1,000 diners at a time. For the seasonal terrace, there is room for 250. If you have not reserved your spot and want to eat there, then go the side entrance where the hostess will tell you how long the wait is.

It had been a year since we had been at the Vieux-Port Steakhouse. Not only did we get the same waiter in Angelo, but he remarkably remembered where our exact table was and what we ordered as an appetizer.

The menu here is extensive to say the least. You can start off with some cocktails, such as an excellent glass of Bellini (sparkling white wine with peach schnapps) and then consider the seafood platter as did as a starter.  We had just returned from our summer holiday in Wildwood, New Jersey, where this was commonly on the menus so it was wonderful to be able to order it in our own backyard. It is generally prepared for two people, but we did so for three. There was shrimp, king crab scallops, half a lobster tail and fried calamari. We had a desire for oysters, something else we enjoyed having on vacation. You can order them individual here and we asked for eight. They were terrific.

Appetizers include salads and a homemade crab cake, salmon tartar, escargots au gratin and roast beef poutine. I enjoyed my house salad, with honey mustard dressing.

Steaks are served with garlic mashed potatoes and vegetables. I ordered the 16 ounce rib steak, with some mushroom sauce on the side. It was cooked to perfection. All of their beef is AAA Canadian Certified and aged for at least 30 days.

Vieux-Port Steakhouse

The Vieux-Port Steakhouse has a cozy fireplace
– ideal in the fall and winter

One of the dishes we enjoy most here is the miso-glazed black cod. That is because you really cannot find it on too many menus. The other two members of our party opted for that. It came with rice and asparagus.

There are also pasta options, rack of lamb, pork osso buco, burgers and other fish options. As for seafood you can choose from fresh lobster, grilled shrimp, roasted halibut and a grilled salmon fillet. For dessert, we shared the crème brûlée and the apple pie with ice cream.

The restaurant, which has been in existence since 1983, also has a five station Sunday brunch for $32 per person ($16 for children aged 10 and under) and if you come either before 6 pm (and order at that time) or after 9:30 pm you can get a full course meal for only $23. This is actually a very popular spot year-round and has customers from all walks of life. This includes many tourists.

Vieux-Port Steakhouse greets customers via old stone walls, wood floors, cozy fireplaces and an attentive staff.  There are four celestial banquet spaces. This is also a popular venue for groups, corporate gatherings, weddings and other social gatherings.

Hours of operation for lunch are 11:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Sunday and 4 pm to 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and 4 pm to 11 pm Friday and Saturday. Sunday Brunch hours are 10 am to 3 pm.

For reservations call 514-866-3175. You can also email [email protected] for group requests.

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Vieux-Port Steakhouse is part of the Antonopoulos Group. Since arriving in Canada more than 30 years ago from their native Greece, brothers Tony and Costa Antonopoulos have built a portfolio of elegant restaurants and boutique hotels in historic Old Montreal. Over the past many years, the group has been recognized on several occasions for its exceptional contribution to regional tourism. Its hotel, bar, restaurant and spa holdings include: Auberge du Vieux Port, Terrasse sur l’Auberge, Taverne Gaspar, Lofts du Vieux-Port, Hôtel Nelligan, Terrasse Nelligan, Verses Restaurant, Méchant Bœuf, Le Place d’Armes Hôtel & Suites, Terrasse Place d’Armes, Suite 701, Rainspa, Le Petit Hôtel, BEVO Bar + Pizzeria, Kyo Bar Japonais, Modavie and of course Vieux-Port Steakhouse. I hope to explore more of their restaurant over time.

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