Otto
Judging by the nightly swarm at the mighty Otto, someplace special has slid into the base of the W Hotel. Certainly the resto's decor is sufficiently hip to tempt hungry hipsters who hanker for the expensive heat of this hot restaurant. With much hullabaloo on Otto and the boutique hotel to which it is attached, kinks still remain to be worked out. But for the most part Otto retains syrupy charm while simultaneously attempting to make a name for itself and live up to initial expectations as the most expensive eatery in town. Well-deodorized waitresses scurry about, eager to deliver dishes like lobster-stuffed ravioli, roasted Cornish hen and other unholy mutations - no one should be surprised to get precisely the sum of their vague expectations. In a place as smart, stylish and fun as Otto, it’s easy to suspect that it will retain in its competitive draw for quite a while - mostly because of the ways it excels in pumping some fun into hotel dining. R.L.
901 Victoria Square (in the W Hotel), Montreal, QC, 514-395-3184, $$$$$



Pop!
Scandinavian style melds with a sprawling selection of wine inside bistro Laloux’s adjoining brethren Pop. Clean and sharp lines define owner Jean Duval’s homage to Danish interior décor from the 1940s to 1970s. So passionate about his collection, Duval spared no indulgence in decking Pop’s interior with many of his own Danish antiquities; bowls, bookshelves, ice buckets, fruit trays, and green, yellow, and teal vases are all meticulously placed inside Pop. Meanwhile, a jazzy soundtrack, matted hardwood flooring, a marble bar-top, and logo-encrusted wine glasses add some much needed panache. The wine, food, and service however, are first rate and attract a like-minded crowd. - ML
250 avenue des Pins Est, Montreal, QC, 514-287-9127, $$$



Primadonna
Trendy professionals, or young hipsters wannabes whose credit card leads to mommy and daddy's bank head to Primadonna where they can feel like the primadonnas that they think they are. The food is simple and unextravagant, yet surprisingly scrumptious – a steady cash flow is necessary to avoid anxiety at the sight of the bill at the end of the night. Dimly lit and sleek with neutral tones and hints of deep, vibrant purples and greens that say – "hey, I'm trendy and fun!" In reality, the trendy is overpowering, mainly because of the tremendously suit-and-tie, well-mannered clientele. The second floor, called The Wax Lounge, lets full-bellied clients relax and sip an overpriced martini (or cognac… or whisky on the rocks – whatever the affluent drink). - MK
3479 Saint-Laurent Blvd., Montreal, QC, 514-282-6644, $$$$



La Terrasse Magnetic
If heat waves are emanating up from the scorching pavement of downtown’s concrete jungle, duck into L’Hotel de la Montagne and head straight to the roof for some very cool relief. On the 20th floor you’ll be met by a blast of fresh air and a spectacular panoramic view of the city, all part of the rooftop pool bar. So what’s so cool about a rooftop pool bar in the middle of downtown? Hang onto to your plastic cups! With the high-altitude wind, you might have to, but at least there is an abundance of plastic patio chairs around the pool. Light fare for lunch is offered and the music is a non-committal mix of taped fare. Note that you can only order nachos at night. Regular cocktails and the usual suspects for beer are on tap, but surprisingly Sangria is their specialty. La Terrasse Magnétic constantly attracts jet setters and celebs (Sly Stallone swam here) from around the globe, especially during Grand Prix season. Postcard city view aside, there is usually an additional eye catching distraction of French Riviera type bikini clad goddesses and golden, muscled Adonis types sun tanning, drinking, or dining in the two levels. There is only one small, coveted gazebo that shields from the ever-present breeze, which can suddenly turn into a gale force wind. Hang onto to your plastic cups! And don’t count on snagging a lounge – they go fast. - SC
1430 de la Montagne Street, L’Hotel de la Montagne, Montreal, QC, 1-800-361-6262



Time Supper Club
Not unlike all the other supper clubs in Montreal, Time is swarming with good-looking lads and classy gals who either have an inheritance coming their way, or save up their paychecks all month (and maybe only eat KD) for this wondrous night out so they can pretend to be part of the it-all-comes-so-easy-to-me crowd. The plush beige seating is towering and comfy so you can feel as exclusive as your meal is expensive. Don't expect warmth and sincerity, but rather blindingly white, exaggeratedly large smiles and double-cheek kisses with someone you maybe met once. Dress your best and look the part because people don't go to Time to be themselves, unless they are exactly who Time wants them to be. – MK
997 St-Jacques, Montreal, QC, 514-392-9292, $$$$