Montreal: Cool Spots for Hot Days

By now you’re long out of hibernation, reveling in Montreal’s short but glorious sun-filled months. As always, this season brings a few new additions to the city’s restaurant roster. We’ve sorted through them to bring you three gems, perfect for summer.

Lucille’s Oyster Dive
Monkland Avenue has long awaited a hip eatery like this small, perpetually packed hot spot. Highlights of the seafood-heavy menu include lobster rolls, a lobster BLT and, of course, a terrific selection of oysters. Sit at the bar to watch the shucking.
Summer Love: Grab a sunny spot on the terrace, sip champagne and slurp back PEI oysters.
Mains, $20-$30. 5626 Monkland Ave., 514-482-1471.

Bouchonné
This Mile End wine bar has relocated and received a makeover, doubling in size and expanding its kitchen. It’s still perfect for the indecisive oenophile: 30 wines are available by the glass, as well as tapas-style delicacies, including Greek-style scallops and a delectable warm chorizo and bean salad.
Summer Love: For a light Sunday brunch, try ocean-fresh salmon, Fairmount bagel chips and caper cream cheese, along with a chilled glass of 2003 Christian Moreau Chablis.
Tapas, $5-$22. 5171 St-Laurent Blvd., 514-273-8846.

Gepetto’s
St-Henri’s newest Pizzeria cooks up paper-thin crispy pies in a wood-burning oven. Daily chalkboard specials reflect seasonal produce, and specialty pies include the Mazzarina (basil, cherry tomatoes, proscuitto, arugula and ricotta) and the Diavola (pepperoncino, spicy salami, mozzarella and fontina cheese).
Summer Love: Watch artsy St. Henri babes from the street-side terrace as you nibble on antipasto and sip a pint of Hoegaarden.
Mains, $11-$18. 2504 Notre-Dame St. W., 514-903-3737.

Image courtesy of avlxyz.