- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Moishe's Steak House
Category: Restaurants Steakhouses Steakhouses [Edit]
3961, bd St-LaurentMontreal, QC H2W 1Y4
(514) 845-3509
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mon-Fri 5:30 pm - 11 pm
Sat-Sun 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Price Range:
-
$$$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Has TV:
- No
31 reviews for Moishe's Steak House
Review Highlights
-
"Classy Old School Jewish Steakhouse." In 5 reviews -
"This place is the quintessential Jewish steakhouse." In 5 reviews -
"Rib Eye: OUTSTANDING." In 3 reviews
Loading...
30 reviews in English
-
Review from Matthew P.
Montréal, QC
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
Fiddler on the Main.
Moishe's has always been one of the best steakhouses in town but in the past year it has become one of the best deals in town as well. If you are ever looking for exquisite cuts of meat, some of the worlds best slaw/pickles and a warm environment with a welcoming feel, on The Main, this is the place.
It is as old as the hills but that is not the vibe. Newly appointed Chef Josh Fiddler has put a great spin on a classic menu with new presentations to their staples and additions that are critical in 'keeping up with the times'. Moreover, the 9-midnight menu, which is teetering on being the best deal in town, has the place busy till close Thursday through Saturday. Anytime you can get two courses, one being a steak, for $25, it is a good bet. To top it off, it is Moishe's beef and you can grab one at 11:15pm if you are so inclined...then paint the town...
I've hit up the 9-12 a few times and have never been disappointed, the Lobster roll was feckin' fantastic as are the tartars. Bottom line, you can go Moishe's whenever with whoever and have a excellent dining experience.
Waka Waka -
Review from Elleni T.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
They have mastered the art of steak. Only thing left to say is they give you bubble gum on your way out. Fantastic.
I could go on and on about everything I like about this place, but you really just need to go for yourself. -
Review from Neil B.
12/31/2011
A few years ago when I had a job with an expense account, I stopped at Moishe's for a late lunch in a driving rainstorm after my final sales call. If you like restaurants that bring you back to yesteryear, this is your place. From the paneled walls to the old-school waiters, the place oozes with history.
Now the food itself was not the best I have had ever tried, but it was quite good and because it was a slow day, I did not feel pressured to leave except that I had a plane to catch! And as others have noted the pickles and breads they bring are great.
Would I go when not on an expense account? It might depend on the exchange rate but it is worth at least one visit when you are next in Montreal! -
Review from Greg M.
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've been going to Moishe's since I was a baby. I know it is a steakhouse, but I always love to get a half order of the special chicken, which is always really yummy. A few years back they finally added windows in the front, which really adds to the place, especially in the summer. When you leave you get a handful of hubbabubba gum too! I usually hate coleslaw and pickles, but can't get enough of it at Moishe's.
-
Review from T J.
Montréal, QC
5/5/2012
Went for the $25 menu and was delighted! Had the fillet and dinner companion had the rib steak. Absolute PERFECTION.
If you want some drinks be prepared to spend some cash.
If you can do without you cannot get a better deal on gorgeous meat.
It was just delicious.
Really enjoyed the pickles and slaw and their salmon tatare was great.
next on my list is going the be the chopped liver and lamb!!
Please take yourself there after 9 on the weekends. -
Review from Mike S.
After years of putting it off, I finally made my long awaited pilgrimage to Moishe's. The holy land of steak.
I let a friend of mine order for me. Being an expert at Moishe's, I felt assured that he wouldn't steer me wrong. The order is placed, bone in filet mignon arrives, medium rare (to perfection). OMG... It was everything he said it would be. Probably the best meat I've ever eaten in my life (I hope this doesn't end up in Penthouse Forum;) anyhooo...
I found the wine list on the high side. And the decor is certainly intended to impress my dad. But if you want to have a great steak, GO! I now know why this place has been around for as long as it has. -
Review from Candace C.
11/12/2011
The Skinny: great complementary sides, so-so steak (3) lackluster service and ambience (1) value: even with the excellent side dishes, if you factor everything else, it's still really pricey (2).
Let me get preface this review. Do not come here if you want to impress anyone (unless he/she enjoys eating contests). Do not come here thinking you can have a coherent conversation. Do not come here in nice clothing. Do not come here in a large party (ie, greater than 4). And if you are a woman, do not get drunk here.
Okay. Now I can start the review.
So, a friend of mine made reservations for a party of 7 at Moishe's while we were in town. Some of our party would be arriving late (flight delays) but we asked if they would seat us (4/7 were there). They agreed to do so and ushered us to our table. Two of us ordered drinks in the interim while we waited. About 20 minutes later, the manager steps by inquires about the status of our party and informs us that if they did not show up soon that they would remove us from our table because they had a bunch of people waiting.
Now here's my beef. If you have a policy of not seating a party until everyone has arrived because you are busy then so be it. Just don't seat us. But to seat a party and then inform them that they would have to leave their table while they're ordering drinks consistently from the waiter... that's embarassing for the host of the party and it's definitely poor form.
In addition to this, the seating arrangements were horrible. We were seated in a long table propped up against a wall. Essentially, half of our party could not effectively get in or out of their chairs without bothering someone.
The ambience screams old school steakhouse with its brickwalls, sepia photographs, dim lighting, and white tablecloths. I think the sounds must bounce off the walls because you will be surrounded by an unbearable constant din. Ventilation is apparently poor because by the end of the evening, you'll smell like you've been basting in a delightful combination of your own sweat and dripping meat juices from the grilled steaks. So ladies, leave your couture at home.
Another unfortunate thing was the woman's washroom. All I can say is, it is an lawsuit waiting to happen. Located up a precariously steep staircase near the lobby area, it is potentially dangerous in combination with a little booze and heels. Therefore, watch the drinks, girls!
Servicewise, our waiter was MIA a lot of time. After our orders were placed, we didn't see him for a significant period of time. Often, we'd have to inform other staff about our drink orders which lead to even longer wait times. It also took well over 30+ minutes to receive our order. I cook at home and I can tell you for a fact: it does not take 30+ minutes to prepare a steak. Oh, and don't get me started on how long it took to get the cheque.
Okay, now that I've gotten most of the negatives off my chest, let's look at the positives.
When we arrived at our table, we were immediately served complementary plates of chilled coleslaw, warm bread and pickles. The coleslaw was a herb/vinaigrette version (ie, not the creamy kind). Light, refreshing, it was perfectly dressed and really hit the spot in the overly warm restaurant. The bread basket filled with warm crusty baguette, flavourful rye, and satisfying pumpernickel was wonderful as well. The pickles were also a lovely addition to the table to munch on while we waited for friends to arrive.
I'd ordered a grilled petit ribeye steak from the lighter side menu which comes with a choice of potato. Let me tell you there is nothing petit about this thing. It was massive! It was about the size of a standard dinner plate. I glanced over at my friend who ordered the regular version and it was a Flintstone-esque portion size.
Sadly enough, the steak itself was only okay in my books. I don't think the steak was aged enough or had enough fat content because it was a little tougher and less flavourful than expected. It also lacked that beautiful carmelized crust on top that you see with a good preparation. Certainly not worth the $39 pricetag.
The accompanying Monte Cristo potato however was a thing of beauty. Flavourful, buttery, fluffy, it was one of the best double baked potatoes I've had. The chives mixed in made it all the more satisfying.
Seriously, if it was just the sides, I'd give this place a 3.5 on the verge of a 4. But because I couldn't over look that so-so steak, this place gets a 3 for food.
All in all, if you follow the above advice and have lowered expectations in service and ambience, you could come here for a pretty good tuck in because the portion sizes are highly generous. However, if you're looking for a romantic dinner with high end service, trying to impress the boss or looking to eat with more than 4 people, go somewhere else. -
Review from Lana Z.
8/19/2011
In Montreal for the weekend, we were looking for dining recommendations. A coworker recommended Moishe's Steak House. I think, but we're in Montreal, shouldn't we be dining on crepes and poutine? Nonetheless, we made an 8 pm reservation for Friday night...one of the best meals I think I have ever had!
We were greeted by someone opening the door as we headed upstairs to be seated. It felt like we were transplanted into a different time. Old-school charm, dark wood interior, great, unobtrusive service.
We were seated immediately and greeted by plate of whole pickles, fresh bread (rye, and french and another kind), and a coleslaw. They had me at the pickles. My taste buds did a happy dance as we studied the menu for our entrees.
We had different cuts of meat and they were all cooked PERFECTLY and had the best flavor EVER. I had the steak frites and it was amazing. My husband had the filet which came with a double baked potato (which was really mashed potatoes, unbelievable!) We washed it all down with some Grey Goose cocktails.
It was definitely pricey (3 Grey Goose cocktails = $45...) but SO worth it! Next time we find ourselves in Montreal, we will undoubtedly re-visit. -
Review from Dean A.
Montréal, QC
11/16/2011
Whoever thinks this is the best steakhouse they've ever been to must live in Antarctica, because this place flatout sucks the bell-end. Moishe's is the classic paradigm of a restaurant running on the fumes of the reputation it once enjoyed eons ago in it's remote, cobwebbed heyday.
First of all, it's run out of a moldy second floor 1920's era building with knob and tube electrical wiring and dim, eye-searing light fixtures. The carpets haven't been changed since horses and buggies ruled St. Laurent. However, the wood panelling is delightful and the waitstaff is definitely trained to be as professional as possible.
The food? Whatever - nothing to see here, move along. I won't even bother with a description, it's just average run of the mill steak. Anyways, what the hell am I doing, writing a review for this place? Do yourself a favor - add another $100 to the budget and head over to Qeue de Cheval on Rene Levesque. -
Review from Veronique B.
Outremont, QC
12/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
Out of all the most famous steak house I've been, this is my favorite for many reason like the fact that they do not ask you what kind of water you want but they bring you water, they also have a little filet on the menu for ladies:) and there coffee are served in hot cup. The meat is delicious and service proper and and you can tell the history and profesionnel staff is also a part of a good steakhouse experience.
-
Review from Jessica R.
Montréal, QC
2/22/2012
It was my second time there and I LOVED it. The service was outstanding. The Maitre D and waiter really took care of us and the food was cooked to perfection. It is definately one of my favourites.
-
Review from Naomi H.
2/13/2012
Moishe's, I hate to say this, I wanted to love you like I did 10 years ago when I last ate at your restaurant, but sadly I was disappointed.
The room and ambience is great, sides were ok but my meat was just so-so and the waiter got my order wrong (my dining companion asked for medium, me for rare but seeing as we got different cuts of beef we couldn't simply switch and I don't believe in throwing out food so I ate it anyway). At the end of the day I come to a restaurant for the food and after this meal I think this will unfortunately be my last visit.
Please, bring back the quality of the Moishe's I fondly remember. -
Review from Johnny M.
3/29/2012
I came here as a young little kid with my uncle Peter in the 60s from the back door in those days he was a regular, knew the original family and he intoduced me to food decadence ,unlike the restaurants he and my dad owned in Montreal that were on the faster side luncheonettes and Diners ,Uncle Peter and I went there up until the late 70s when I would go with my dates and even my first wife.
This place is a classic and I remember being schooled in the art of the Maitre D ,there was no room for error because if there was a glitch it would be fixed ,fast with I am sorries and quick replacements. Ah What a place the last time I went there was with good old Jim S and Nico with some dates in 97 and Red Fisher of the old Montreal Star and at that time the Gazette came over as he new Jim and told us that we were the best decorated table he ever saw at Moishes . I had my usual T bone steak rare and a bunch of apps. I look forward to coming into Montreal again 1 day ,perhaps I will go to Moishes,maybe I will go with Angelo if his wife lets him. ,,true story,. -
Review from Gary W.
7/31/2011
Had to visit this steakhouse institution during our visit. So glad we did! This classic, old school steakhouse was exceptional...somewhere between a 4.5 and a 5...but certainly worthy of a visit (but be sure to go in very very hungry)!
Service was very good. You sit down and they serve you with mounds of pickles (excellent), home made cole slaw (outstanding) and bread (very tasty).
We ordered a variety of dishes, some outstanding, some just ok:
Rib Eye: OUTSTANDING! Order it medium-rare...just awesome
Filet: Good, not great
Onion-Rings: Sensational...worth ordering!
French Fries: Average...not great
Teriyaki Chicken: Very good
Shrimp: Excellent
Worth a visit...great restaurant! -
Review from Mathieu B.
Roxboro, QC
7/6/2010
It's the best Steakhouse I've been too. Maybe more 4 1/2 stars
Quickly: Not cheap, portions are okay, service is professional and quick. BEst Pickle ever, best service and clean. The decor is chic and has a old 40-50's montreal style.
the only down side, is that I've requeted a blue filet mignon. Blue is difficult to achieve it correctly because, a GOOD blue cooking is warm and slightly cook outside -
Review from Melanie K.
7/11/2009
Moishe's is THE Montreal Jewish Steakhouse, the way it's meant to be...
Great cuts of meat, the ambiance of an old Jewish boys' club, happy families, couples, men... you name it.
Moishe's tastes like the Montreal of my childhood.
It is pricey and the wait can be long... but for an authentic Montreal carnivore experience, make sure to spend an evening at Moishe's. -
Review from Hideki K.
5/18/2010
Classy Old School Jewish Steakhouse.
You definitely need to call in and make reservations for Moishe's. Even so, expect to wait.
My friends and I came here for dinner on Saturday night. I was impressed at how many people were waiting to be seated (it's not a small place in the least bit). The restaurant also had a doorman.
We ordered two bottles of California Cabernets, which weren't that great, but it's our fault for choosing not so great bottles. I thought it was interesting how they put ice on top of the butter for the bread. We had sauteed spinach and grilled oyster mushrooms as our appetizers.
I ordered the rib eye ($50-something) and it was a ginormous 22 ounce cut! Wish I had known b/c that's too much steak for even this steak eater. It's definitely enough to feed to grown men. The rib eye was charred on the outside and cooked on a charcoal grill (no need to order this baby "black & blue"). The steak was good. It oddly tasted even better the next morning as leftovers!Listed in: Best of Montreal
-
Review from Nancy H.
10/29/2010
This restaurant is a Jewish institution in Montreal. It's been around a long, long time. Places don't stay around this long arbitrarily; they last because they're good and they have a loyal clientele.
My grandparents frequented this restaurant, my parents go regularly to this restaurant, and I used to go here a lot growing up (and I still do, when I visit my hometown).
Do I think it's the best steak in the entire universe? No, not really. I think it's darn good, but it's not the absolute best I've ever had. My father would disagree with me, though. For him, this restaurant consistently serves the best steaks he's ever had, anywhere, hands down. I guess this difference in opinion is due to the fact that everyone's sense of taste (physically, literally) differs, and everyone's sensibilities differ. There's a great deal of nostalgia filtering our respective opinions as well.
I love this place, just knowing the history here, and the fact that so many generations of Montrealers have their family histories tied into this restaurant's history. I like how the waiters know my parents so well, and knew me when I was growing up and my dad when he was young, too. (How we miss Frank!). I love the coleslaw and famous pickles and fried onions. The martinis are always great. The service is always attentive. The steaks are very, very good (ranging to excellent or awesome, depending on one's taste). The plates of mandel bread (Jewish cookies) or choices from the pastry cart all make for a super dessert with coffee. Real coffee. In coffee cups. This is tradition. This is good. -
Review from C M.
Montréal, QC
6/19/2011
Terrible service, lacklustre food, place is cramped, and ridiculous prices for some items ($8,50 for pineapple??). The only decent thing about this place is the pickles. I know the prices are jacked up because you're essentially paying for the service, but hovering around the table like a nuisance for the first 10 minutes and disappearing until we have to wave you down to clear the plates that have been sitting in front of us for half an hour is not service.
-
Review from Tony L.
9/14/2011
Incredible steak!!
Unfortunately the wine menu was depleted and we had to select three bottles before our waiter confirmed that our third choice was available. The appetizers were ok but perhaps a bit heavy: chopped liver and caprese salad to share between two people. Then the steaks came: the rib steak and the rib eye, and boy were we blown away! Amazing flavor and tenderness, possibly the best steak I ever had. We did not order desert since we were stuffed. The service was relaxed and efficient and the atmosphere was great. The decor is not trendy but has its own style, a classic steak house setting with interesting elements. I would go back for sure. -
Review from Jon K.
1/4/2010
We came up for a long weekend and our friend suggested we stop by this old school steakhouse.
At around 5pm we easily secured a 7pm reservation on a Saturday night. This made me suspicious.
The place was surprisingly packed with families and children.
They begin by giving us bread, pickles and a vinegar based slaw.
I started with an order of chopped liver. An overly generous portion for one person. It was served with some fried onions. Unfortunately, not knowing it came with fried onions I had ordered fried onions to be served along with our mains. It would have been nice to have been forewarned by the waiter.
My wife started with a caesar salad that had an overly generous amount of shredded dried parmesan cheese on top. I am not one to usually be repulsed by generous amounts of cheese but was quite surprised by the amount on her salad.
We ordered some latkes to taste with our mains. Once again we were served a very generous portion of very deep fried latkes. They tasted slightly sweet in a carnival fried zeppoli kind of way. I think we each ate half of one and discarded the other 8.
I think I had a bone in ribeye steak. Not very memorable. Wife had a filet mignon that was trememdous.
It was interesting to go to an old school steakhouse on our first night in Montreal but I would not return.
I should have listened to the advice of several internet blogs and forums which suggested avoiding steakhouses in Montreal. -
Review from Garett N.
8/17/2009
The steaks here were so good and juicy. Among the best I've ever had. I went with my cousin and we were amazed by how good it was.
The only downside is that it is very pricey. But, if you can afford it or if you want to celebrate somewhere for a major occasion, this is the place to go. -
Review from Zack S.
Toronto, ON
12/6/2009
This place is the quintessential Jewish steakhouse.
Amazing service [waiters, busboys, waterboys, breadboys, front of staff, tableclothguys] etc.
The steak is one of the best I have had. So succulent and juicy. The bread at the begining comes with Pickles! [Also delicious]
This place is good, if you don't mind paying money for a steak [thanks dad for picking up the tab] and for seeing a very jewish crowd. It was great people watching. Generations of families from babies to grand grand parents. Celebrations, business meetings, anniversaries, it was all going down that night.
I highly recommend it, if you love steak, service, and a great atmosphere. -
Review from evan b.
10/12/2009
Old men serving steak. Wood paneling. Awesome attention to detail. Wood paneling. Gut busting charcoal grilled steaks. This is a steak institution. And every last morsel is worth it. Starve yourself before hand, and than order something. Yes it's pricey. But you're paying for something called Stupidly Amazing Red Meat.
Beyond that? Service is attentive. The scene runs the gamut between geriatric yentas, and young yentas in training. It's perfect. Have the chopped liver. -
Review from Stephane V.
Montréal, QC
-
Review from Dan P.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2010
Moishe's is the best steak house in Montreal. Period.
Every person who works there is impeccably trained, and extremely knowledgeable about their menu. Very fast, polite, and with just the right amount of conversation.
This place is old school. A wide open dining room and very nicely furnished. Lots of money in the room (definitely a high roller's place), and every table seems happy, and engaged in great conversation. Nobody ever seems to have a bad night at Moishe's.
I highly recommend trying the pickles, ordering the chopped liver to start, and whatever steak sounds best to you. The NY strip is at the bottom price-wise but is still perfectly done and delicious every time. -
Review from Amy N.
8/18/2010
Reservations is preferred . The decor is a bit old fashion and kinda classy. We dressed casual and didn't get good service. We went with another couple and they agreed too. My fillet mignon was okay and this place is very overpriced for the quality. We had better service and experience even at an expensive taste.
-
Review from Ari S.
Ottawa, ON
9/26/2008
I've gone twice and both times I wasn't paying. If I had to pick up the tab, I'd knock off a star or two cause having to pay 50 bucks for a steak out of my own pocket would feel like a shot in the gut. So it's the place to take your wealthy deep-pocketed relatives when you know they'll pick up the tab, a freeloaders paradise for the guiltless and shameless. Quite frankly no plate of beef in the world is worth that much(maybe Kobe?). But this old-fashioned Jewish steak house in the heart of the Main is the real deal. It's been around since 1938 and it's a staple of the old Jewish neighborhood (Leonard Cohen has reportedly been spotted there on numerous occasions). My ethnic pride tells me that's it a hell of a lot better than Montreal's "other" steakhouse, Queue de Cheval, although truth be told I've never eaten there. And unlike most steakhouses which generally have an off-putting and unappealing cigar-bar-like ambience of businessmen fresh from power meetings or the golf course, Moishe's screams old world authenticity (lots of wood paneling, wine racks, uniformed waitstaff).
-
Review from Roberta S.
8/8/2010
What a terrible experience--and the steaks weren't even that good, We had been told that Moishes was so great that we simply had to eat there. Well they must be coasting on their reputation because they sure weren't great. It took over an hour for us to get served and then our steaks did not come the way they were ordered, the owner didn't seem to care when we told him and the quality of the meat was very ordinary. DON'T BOTHER GOING HERE
-
Review from Nick W.
1/17/2010
A true classic. Everytime I visit MTL I have to go here.
Read more reviews for this business:
French (1)
