If you’re a fan of Anthony Bourdain or just love discovering amazing food in Montreal, then Joe Beef is a restaurant you can’t miss.

Located in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighborhood, Joe Beef has gained worldwide fame for its bold flavors, local ingredients, and unpretentious atmosphere. But beyond that, it holds a special place in food history as one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite restaurants.

Here’s everything you need to know about dining at Joe Beef—from its legendary dishes to how you can land a reservation at this iconic spot.

Why Joe Beef is One of Montreal’s Best Restaurants

Since opening in 2005, Joe Beef has been a must-visit destination for food lovers. Founded by chefs David McMillan and Fred Morin, the restaurant is known for:

Farm-to-table ingredients sourced from local producers
Rich, hearty dishes like bone marrow, lamb loin & seafood specials
A cozy, laid-back atmosphere that makes you feel at home
A rotating chalkboard menu with new creations daily

The restaurant’s commitment to quality, creativity, and hospitality has made it a favorite among food critics, chefs, and travelers alike.

Why Anthony Bourdain Loved Joe Beef

One of the biggest reasons Joe Beef became world-famous was because of its connection to Anthony Bourdain.

Bourdain first visited Joe Beef in his No Reservations episode on Montreal. He was immediately drawn to its:

• Authentic, no-frills approach to fine dining
• Use of bold flavors and rich, indulgent dishes
• Passionate chefs who take food seriously—but not themselves

In the episode, he called Joe Beef one of his favorite places to eat in the world. His endorsement turned it into a must-visit destination for food lovers worldwide.

(Fun fact: Joe Beef even named a dish after Bourdain—“The Bourdain Special.”)

Joe Beef Montreal Menu: What to Expect

I’m the type of person who researches a menu before heading out, especially if it’s a restaurant I’m excited about.

Joe Beef’s menu isn’t your typical printed menu—it’s written on a chalkboard in the dining room and changes daily based on what’s fresh.

Average Price Range:

Appetizers: ~$20 USD
Main Courses: ~$40 USD
Desserts: ~$15 USD

Here’s a look at some of the signature dishes you might find:

Bone Marrow Appetizer – Served in a rich, savory broth with fresh vegetables
Lamb Loin & Merguez Sausages – A bold, spicy dish with deep flavors
Seafood Special – Often featuring fresh halibut, oysters, or scallops
Marjolaine Joe Beef – A famous layered cake with pistachio, chocolate, and hazelnut

Tip: The best way to experience Joe Beef is to ask your server for recommendations—they know what’s freshest that day!

My Experience Dining at Joe Beef

Now that you know the history, let’s dive into my experience, from start to finish! Since this was my birthday dinner, we decided to go all out!

Handcrafted Cocktails

We kicked off the night with some hand-crafted cocktails.

We got gin-based martinis while discussing what appetizer we wanted to start with.

We also visited two speakeasies in Montreal during our visit! Here is a look into Montreal’s Hidden Speakeasies: The Top Two To Visit.

The Bone Marrow Appetizer

We chose the bone marrow for our appetizer, and it was unlike any bone marrow I’ve had before.

The texture was light and fluffy, and let me tell you, the flavors really popped!

Instead of the traditional bone filled with marrow, this dish featured a silky, rich presentation surrounded by a savory broth and fresh vegetables.

We also added a side of homemade bread and bread, because bread is always a good idea.

Main Entrees At Joe Beef

For dinner, I naturally had to try the Lamb Loin with tiny merguez sausages, made from a blend of lamb and beef and stuffed into lamb intestines.

Seasoned heavily with cumin, chili pepper, and harissa, these spicy sausages packed a bold flavor.

Additionally, we ordered the fish special, which was halibut topped with fish roe and a vibrant broth—what a unique spin!

Each bite burst with flavor, showcasing the creativity of the chefs. I can see why Bourdain had such a fondness for this place.

Infamous Dessert

For dessert, I had the Marjolaine Joe Beef, and it was incredible!

Overall, this layer cake combines pistachio, chocolate, and hazelnut, creating a rich and delicious treat that was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday!

If you get the chance to visit, I highly recommend ordering this dessert!

We also visited a spa for my birthday near Montreal. Read about My Ultimate Spa Day at Spa le Finlandais in Quebec!

How to Get a Reservation at Joe Beef

Joe Beef is one of the hardest restaurants to book in Montreal, so plan ahead!

The only way I landed a spot was by keeping an eye on Resy in the month leading up to my trip.

I snagged a reservation when someone canceled, and it paid off!

Book your Joe Beef reservation here.

More Must-Try Spots in Montreal

Without a doubt, Joe Beef is one of the best restaurants in Montreal.

Between its legendary food, rich history, and Anthony Bourdain’s stamp of approval, it’s a must-visit for any foodie.

If you can get a reservation, go for it—you won’t regret it.

One of my favorite things that we did was explore the city’s hidden speakeasies. Here is a look at them: Montreal’s Hidden Speakeasies: The Top Two To Visit

If you are heading to Quebec City, make sure to dine at Bistro Hortus: The Best Organic Restaurant In Quebec City!

You can also visit Quebec City’s Elegant Speakeasy Is Hidden In A Hotel.

Making your way to Trois Rivierias? Dine at my favorite restaruant: Why La Bette is a Must-Visit for Foodies in Trois-Rivières

Read all of my Canada Travel Guides, or check them out below.