After a long, cold winter, Montrealers don’t just desire to dine al fresco, we downright deserve it.

L’Autre Version’s stunning vine-covered terrace offers an urban oasis in the heart of Old Montreal. We dined on a duo of taratare ($17), featuring succulent ostrich and savoury smoked duck, followed by a melt-in-your-mouth filet of deer with Guinness cheddar potato puree on the side ($35). Challenged by the owner, we tried to determine the seven secret ingredients in the l’Aphrodesiaque cocktail. No one has ever done it (we guessed five), but if you do, your meal is free.

Now that’s what we call getting your just desserts.

L’Autre Version, 295 St-Paul St. E., Montreal, 514-871-9135, www.restoversion.com

A girl has the right to choose her polish colour, and we think the same goes for summer drinks. 

No need to settle for just one shade of sangria at Origine Bistro.  This breezy riverfront patio offers three refreshing pitchers (from $28), including tarty white, sweet rosé and a divine port sangria that will have you swooning with delight.  Pair yours with soups and salads made from organic, locally sourced ingredients and the only red you’ll be seeing is that of the pretty umbrellas shading you from the soleil.

Origine Bistro, King-Edward Pier, 2 de la Commune W., Montreal, 514-807-0162, www.origine-bistro.com

The window-boxes are blooming, Bixi bikes line the sidewalks and pretty people are everywhere.  Don’t you just adore Montreal in June?

For some serious people watching, throw on vintage wraparounds and park yourself on the terrace of Parisian-style brasserie Le Pois Penché. Nibble on shrimp cocktails ($22), sip pink champagne (from $35), and sample a dozen Malpèques from the fresh oyster bar.

No good looking hunks around?  Close your eyes and imagine you’re sitting in the 14th arrondissement.

Le Pois Penché, 1230 De Maisonneuve W., Montreal, 514-667-5050, www.lepoispenche.com

Every summer it’s a never ending debate: For the best views of the International Fireworks Competition does one stand on the Jacques-Cartier bridge or Ile Sainte-Hélène?

We think fireworks are best enjoyed with scampi terrine and a fine glass of red. Narcisse Bistro + Bar is offering a special seven-course menu served on its roof top terrace with panoramic views. The meal is accompanied by live jazz, until dessert when official music starts the light show ($100 per person).

It’s far more civilized than holding a flask on a windy bridge.

Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7 p.m, until August 8, Narcisse Bistro + Bar at Auberge du Vieux Port, 97 de la Commune St. E., 514-392-1649, www.aubergeduvieuxport.com