Régine Café

Regine Cafe is one of Montreal's most popular brunch spots, serving upscale breakfast dishes all day in a hip, retro-styled space. The food is creative and indulgent — think pancakes with mascarpone, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, and savory crepes with unexpected fillings.

For families, the appeal is straightforward: this is breakfast food elevated beyond the ordinary, served in a space that doesn't take itself too seriously. Mismatched velvet chairs, vintage touches, and a colorful interior create an atmosphere where kids feel at home rather than like they need to be on their best behavior.

The menu has plenty of kid-friendly options even without a formal children's menu. Pancakes, french toast, eggs, and bacon are all done well. The portions are generous — an order of pancakes can easily feed a parent and a young child, which is worth knowing before you over-order.

The major caveat is the weekend wait. Regine Cafe doesn't take reservations, and weekend brunch lines regularly hit 30-60 minutes. With hungry kids, that's a tough ask. The smart move is either arriving before 9 AM or coming on a weekday when you can walk in and sit down immediately.

The space is cozy — maybe 40 seats — which means strollers need to be compact or folded. The tables are close together, which actually works in your favor because the general energy is sociable and a bit chaotic. Nobody notices kid noise.

Located on Rue Saint-Denis near Sherbrooke metro, the restaurant is in the Latin Quarter with plenty of street parking on side streets and good transit access.