Joe Beef
Joe Beef 2491 R. Notre Dame O, Montréal
4.5
85 evaluations
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Review summary

What guests say about Joe Beef

Joe Beef is often praised for the quality of its food, with rich, flavorful, and sometimes very decadent dishes. The service is generally described as attentive, warm, and knowledgeable, and the atmosphere as lively and comfortable. On the other hand, a few reviews mention small portions, high prices, waiting, or uneven service. It is especially a good choice for a special outing if you are looking for a memorable gourmet experience.

Summary based on 72 reviews.

Reviews / Ratings for Joe Beef

Photo of Jimmy Johal
29 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Lives up to the hype. Must go if in Montreal.

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Photo of Noah Emerson
29 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

A Montreal INSTITUTION! Absolutely phenomenal. Top tier service - attentive, professional, and personable. The food is divine, especially their iconic lobster spaghetti - and I’m not even a big lobster guy.

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Photo of Scott Dorcas
28 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

All around great experience. Superb food and service in a very comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. We were celebrating our daughter’s graduation and our experience at Joe Beef enhanced this special occasion.

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Photo of ama
27 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

AMAZING service, the best service you could ask for. So sweet and kind. The atmosphere wow, my favourite restaurant that I went to while in Montreal, and the food WOW! Oysters were to die for and the Lobster Spaghetti wow. Wish I could take the chef home. The whole experience was just amazing, a big thank you to the host/server/chef, everyone.

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Photo of Ryan F
26 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

One of the best meals I had in Montreal. Fantastic service, great drinks and food. The lobster spaghetti is rich and decadent, the croquettes were stuffed with Montreal smoked meat and were delicious.The oysters were fresh and tasty and the steak tartare was particularly flavourful. My wife ordered the duck which was accented with the perfect sauce. We ended with two desserts to share with the table. It was quite busy and I would highly recommend making a reservation in advance but well worth it.

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Photo of Alan Mo
25 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Overall the food and service was good The only reason why i gave 3 stars because when i reserve a table it mention bar or table so i do reserve for a table. When i arrive they set me to the bar and then i need to ask the waiter to change for a table. The manager told me all the table are take and i mention to him i reserve to be sitted for a table not at the bar. Then he gave me an option stay at the bar or go on the terasse(20th may night time was very cold outside) i told him no we have no jacket on and its cold. I have to argue with them for getting a table after 20 minute. All the appetizer was very good. But the main dishes are very salty I will go back for sure but i hope i wont get that experience again.

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Photo of Simon Chen
24 May 2026
Source: Google
4.0

Food was flavorful but very heavy. But space between seats were too crowded.....I think this place is a montreal classic so first time is an experience but just the food probably won't get me go back again

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Photo of William Geoghegan
23 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

OMG!!! Amazing food and service… let the staff lead you to a wonderful meal!

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Photo of frida cano
22 May 2026
Source: Google
3.0

The restaurant is super cute! The appetizers were a little mid, but the entrées were absolutely delicious — honestly some of the best steak I’ve had. With that said, the consistency in service was lacking. We saw servers taking shots with guests at the table next to us, and at one point we also saw the chef outside drinking wine with guests. While that atmosphere can definitely be fun and adds to the vibe, it seemed to impact the flow of service because our food ended up taking over two hours to come out — and when it finally arrived, it was cold. I completely understand it was a busy weekend, especially with Grand Prix crowds, but consistency is key. If staff has time to socialize and drink with guests, the kitchen and service timing should still remain a priority for the rest of the restaurant. Great food and a fun atmosphere can absolutely coexist — but service still has to feel organized and consistent.

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Photo of Rendell Persad
22 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Expensive but good food

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Photo of cloe learn
20 May 2026
Source: Google
3.0

Overpriced bad food! The filet mignon’s texture is mushy, dried, and cold. It feels like some low-quality, unfresh meat. For $89 per 6oz serving, I expect the meat will be cooked perfectly and of top-notch quality. The bread served with escargot is hard and chewy; scallop soup is lumpy and lukewarm; the double down foie gras is just two pieces of hard bread which barely has any foie gras; duck breast sliced into 6 thin pieces serves with breakfast sausage; the meat is cold, covered by a gluey sauce; the presentation is disastrous. Asparagus is cold, and the cheese sauce on top is cold too. Maybe it’s supposed to be cold? But it is weird to serve as a side of a meat course.

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Photo of Matthew Marcilhacy
17 May 2026
Source: Google
3.7

Quality to price is too far off. You will get better quality, at a better price, at the Keg.

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Photo of Robert D'Souza
17 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

It is pure decadence. The scallop was fresh and meaty. The foie gras with rhubard three ways was amazing. The main dish I had, I cant even pronounce but was distinctively French was decadent. The season veg; asparagus was perfectly cooked. The marjolaine was the perfect end to the meal. The lady next to me had the lobster spaghetti and it was huge. The guy next to me had the foie gras double down and it felt naughty just seeing it. The staff were knowledgeable and proud of montreal, giving me several recommendations that I am able to tick some off my list while still in town. I know it was blown up by Bourdain, but it really is worth the hype.

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Photo of Michelle English
14 May 2026
Source: Google
4.0

We were very anxious to dine @Joe Beef and the meal did not disappoint- only negative comment is that the hostess swooped up our wine glass off the table - as she did this she didn’t acknowledge us in any way - I am sure that I still had a sip left in my glass - she did this three different times without a word to us or glancing at us which we were left feeling insignificant on many levels. Our server and the food were everything we could have expected from this sought out restaurant in Montreal. I would hope that management would have a word with her after this review. It’s important as a customer to feel acknowledged.

Photo of Nick S
7 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

It lived up to its reputation - the food was awesome. We started with oysters and clams as well as the smoked meat croquettes - all tasty. We ordered 3 mains (lobster spaghetti, cod and beef filet) and they were all very delicious. Finished off with a cheese plate featuring some great Quebec cheeses. Recommend.

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Photo of Andrew Crick
4 May 2026
Source: Google
4.3

Alot of people told me to come here and try it, I wasn't disappointed per se but it wasn't as good as everyone made it out to be, I had the duck, foie gras, and tar tar, I found the portion of duck to be small for the price point. The foie gras and tar tar were good sized I shared them with my partner, but I found the prices of the mains to be much on the higher end. Good food and service but not sure I'd come back due to the prices

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Photo of RoadTrip da Manuu
3 May 2026
Source: Google
5.0

This was the best restaurant of my LIFE, the atmosphere is super pleasant and airy. The staff are lovely people, I really enjoyed the experience, and the price was very fair for the service. ❤️

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Photo of Angie Vasquez
29 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Spectacular! The food was amazing and we were beyond pampered! We loved everything about this experience!!❤️

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Photo of Craig
28 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Wonderful food and service. Had the lobster spaghetti and a duck dish along with steak tartar and bone marrow as well as scallops and shrimp scampi. Staff was so gracious and the food was delicious. 10/10 would recommend it.

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Photo of Dominick W
28 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Been coming to Joe Beef since it opened and last Friday was another reminder of why it stays at the top for me. The bone marrow with escargot is still one of the best things I've eaten in this city, and they never seem to mess with it. The room feels lived-in in the best way — tight tables, a warm buzz, and staff who actually know the menu inside out. If you haven't been, just go; if you have, you already know.

Photo of Nisi Arel
28 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Best seafood platter, steak, etc etc... we ordered a feast! So great. Service is outstanding

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Photo of Silpa
26 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

I always love going to Joe’s Beef when I visit Montreal. The food can be heavy, so don’t order too much at once, although it’s great food! I love getting the oysters 🦪 and lobster 🦞 spaghetti. The steak is great as well!

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Photo of Marta Karaś
24 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Foie gras double down was nothing short of incredible. Enjoyed all other dishes, too. The service was excellent, and so it was the atmosphere. I am really looking forward to being back.

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Photo of Kathy Lester
24 Apr 2026
Source: Google
3.7

Maybe it was because we aren’t used to French food, but the rabbit and the veal dishes were almost an edible. The halibut I had personally was quite good though a very small serving for the price. The drinks were great! The service was excellent! And it was a quirky, comfortable atmosphere and not too terribly loud in a small space.

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Photo of Jessica
24 Apr 2026
Source: Google
5.0

Very cool experience, staff were amazing! Food was delicious. There are so many spots to try in Mtl probbaly wouldn't go a 2nd time.

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Reviews are also available in French.

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Opening hours

Dining room
  • Sunday Closed
  • Monday Closed
  • Tuesday 17:00 - 22:30
  • Wednesday 17:00 - 22:30
  • Thursday 17:00 - 22:30
  • Friday 17:00 - 22:30
  • Saturday 17:00 - 22:30

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