Holder

Holder: 407 McGill street #100a Montreal, QC H2Y 2G3

Mike wanted to take me to a nice restaurant for a special dinner to celebrate a milestone birthday. So he talked to the South Florida Eats team and decided on Holder in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. We were met by the manager as we walked in. He originally was going to put us at a table towards the back but then came over and offered to move us to a table by the windows with a view of the street, which we gladly accepted.

The Restaurant:

Holder is located on the first floor of an office building. As you walk in, you are greeted by a host or hostess who will show you to your table. Most of the restaurant is filled with a long bench-like booth on one side of the table and chairs on the other.

The ceilings are high and accented with very modern lighting. The lighting is dim but bright enough to see everything without needing the flashlight on your phone. It’s a very cozy environment, and the staff is attentive and efficient.

Holder’s Food:

Holder started us off with some fresh, warm bread, which I think I devoured in no time. Next up was an appetizer of fried calamari with a parmesan and panko breading. The accompanying tartar sauce and marinara enhanced the flavors and made this one of my all-time favorite appetizers.

For the main dishes, Mike chose seafood. He chose Holder’s Paella, which includes cod, chorizo, shrimp, and mussels on a bed of saffron rice. While this is not your traditional style, he was very happy with each and every bite and smiled a few times while enjoying his meal. He would recommend checking it out when you visit.

I went with a more traditional in the form of filet mignon with fresh hand cut french fries. Holder definitely did this plate right. The steak was cooked exactly like I ordered and melted in my mouth with every bite. I had asked for grilled onions on top as I love the flavor they add to the meat when eating a good filet.

I could have also eaten just a plate of French fries. They were perfectly seasoned and crisp with each bite. This is how all restaurants should serve their French fries. It’s so easy to do, but it really elevates the meal that they accompany.

Pricing $$$—$$$$: Holder’s menu is reasonably priced for an upscale casual restaurant. Then you remember that the prices are Canadian, which means it’s an even better deal for Americans. Drinks and dessert will increase the cost, but both are well worth it.