MTL | Must-Try Seafood Paella Near Old Port – Pyrénées Review

After months of seeing rave reviews, I finally visited Pyrénées, a charming Spanish restaurant tucked away in Old Montreal. With 700+ glowing Google reviews (4.5⭐), this spot is a local favorite for authentic paella—and it absolutely lived up to the hype! 📍 Pyrénées 320 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montréal ⏰ Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM (Closed Mondays) 💰 Price Range: $40-$60 per person 🍽️ What We Ordered & Loved 1️⃣ Classic Seafood Paella ($42.95 + tax) Perfect for 2 (or one very hungry person!) Loaded with fresh seafood: Mussels, shrimp, squid, and more Saffron-infused rice with that coveted crispy bottom layer (socarrat) Pro Tip: Ask for extra lemon wedges to brighten the flavors 2️⃣ Complimentary Bread Crusty exterior, soft interior – so good we almost filled up on it alone Strong wheat aroma – tasted like it was baked fresh that morning ✨ Why This Place Stands Out ✔ Authentic Valencian Flavors – No watered-down tourist versions here ✔ Warm, Personal Service – The owner took time to explain the paella cooking process ✔ Unexpected Touches – Spotless bathroom stocked with amenities (even hairspray!) ✔ Perfect Portions – Left satisfied but not stuffed ⏳ Best Time to Visit Early Bird Advantage: Came at 4:30 PM and had the whole place to ourselves Sunset Views: If sitting outside, golden hour over Old Port is magical 🍷 Perfect Pairings Their house sangria is a must-try Local wine list features Quebec and Spanish options 🚗 Nearby Attractions Old Port Waterfront (5-min walk) Notre-Dame Basilica (10-min walk) #MontrealEats #SpanishFood #HiddenGems