Recent Bites
Casavant: On an unassuming corner lot Casavant manages to feel refined and relaxed at the same time.
The menu leans French with a modern, confident hand. The beef tartare is a standout, clean, perfectly seasoned, and deeply satisfying without trying to reinvent itself. The sea bass is elegant and balanced, light yet full of flavor, while the duck delivers that rich, comforting depth you hope for, crisp where it should be and tender where it matters.
Service is polished but genuinely warm, keeping the evening flowing at an easy pace. Casavant is the natural next step after drinks across the street at Polari, the kind of dinner that feels considered without feeling heavy.
Cabaret L’Enfer: Tucked away in Montréal’s buzzy Plateau neighborhood, Cabaret L’Enfer is part dinner party, part fever dream. At the helm is top chef contestant Massimo Piedimonte. The service was exemplary and each dish was a hit. It’s no wonder that this is one of Canada's top restaurants. The menu will change seasonally.
Don’t forget to excuse yourself to explore the dark and moody restrooms that are a vibe of their own.
Damas: Located in the vibrant Outremont neighborhood, Damas is a celebrated Lebanese restaurant that transports diners straight to the heart of the Middle East. From the moment you step inside, the warm decor—featuring intricate mosaics, colorful textiles, and ambient lighting—sets the tone for an unforgettable experience.
Our must try items:
Kibbeh nayyeh
Labneh
Mouhammara
Grilled Octopus
Shish Taouk
Henri Brasserie Française
Located within the historic Birks Building in downtown Montreal, Henri Brasserie Française offers a refined dining experience that seamlessly blends classic French cuisine with Quebecois charm. The restaurant’s grand, high-ceilinged dining room, adorned with 19th-century French-inspired décor, sets the stage for a wonderful meal. The foie gras was a standout and all of the meat dishes at the table were outstanding. The service did leave something to be desired but great company and ambiance made up for this.
Mikado: Walking into Mikado, you’re immediately greeted by a sleek, minimalist design that reflects Japanese aesthetics—clean lines, warm lighting, and an inviting ambiance. Mikado excels in balancing tradition with innovation. Its dedication to quality ingredients and attention to detail ensures every bite is memorable.
https://www.mikadomontreal.com/
Our Must Try Items:
Vegetable Gyoza
Salmon Sushi/Crispy Rice
Black Cod
Kamikaze
Polari Vin: is the kind of wine bar you stumble into and immediately want to keep to yourself. Cozy without trying, softly lit, and buzzing with an easy warmth that makes strangers feel like regulars. The room feels intimate in the best way, like a neighborhood secret that welcomes everyone in without question.
The vibe is openly inclusive and refreshingly unpretentious. Come as you are, order something interesting, and stay longer than planned. There are small bites which looked appetizing though we unfortunately did not have the time for a formal taste test. Everything feels curated but relaxed, like someone with great taste set the tone and then stepped back.
It also happens to be perfectly placed. Polari makes an ideal first stop for a drink or two before crossing the street for dinner at Casavant. Start the night here, let the mood settle in, then carry it with you across the road. It is a smooth handoff and a very good plan.
Toquè:Helmed by the visionary Chef Normand Laprise, this esteemed establishment has been redefining Quebecois cuisine since 1993, emphasizing local, seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques. The vibe is that of an old school upper east side eatery with a traditional and classic feel. The foie gras was divine and a mix of fish and meat dishes did not disappoint. While we did not have a chance to try the extensive tasting menu we found the à la carte dining options were More than sufficient to satisfy all our needs with consistent and well portioned dishes.
Toqué also offers an extensive wine list and seasonal cocktails crafted from local ingredients, ensuring each meal is complemented by the perfect beverage. The warm, professional service and elegant ambiance make it an ideal destination for special occasions.
Mama C: Where Old-World Charm Meets Culinary Bliss
Tucked into the cobblestone charm of Montreal’s historic Old Port, Mama C is a seductive blend of elegance and Mediterranean soul. The space stuns on arrival—arched stone walls, soft golden lighting, and plush banquettes that whisper romance and refinement. The interior design choices, lighting and atmosphere are perfection.
The menu is a journey in itself. Start with the dips: pillowy house-made pita or fresh baked sourdough paired with velvety fava beans and a whipped feta that’s downright addictive. The salads are crisp, vibrant, and perfectly balanced, while mains like the lamb, whole fish and halibut are all amazing.
For a night that feels like a getaway, Mama C is the heart of the Old Port you didn’t know you were missing.
The Whole Fish at Mama C
Mon Lapin: Montreal’s Former #1 Dining Gem
Tucked away in Little Italy, Mon Lapin is a cozy, stylish spot that’s made a big name for itself—ranked the #1 restaurant in Canada in 2023 and 2024. Originally part of the Joe Beef group, it's now run independently by chef Marc‑Olivier Frappier and sommelier Vanya Filipovic.
The menu features seasonal, shareable plates with French-Italian flair—think handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and veggie-forward dishes—paired with an expertly curated natural wine list. The vibe is effortlessly chic: lively, intimate, and unpretentious.
With its accolades, warm service, and vibrant flavors, Mon Lapin remains one of Montreal’s most beloved dining experiences. Reservations are a must.
Restaraunt Coba:
My first foray into Montreal’s sushi scene began with a quiet evening at Coba Sushi, and it was nothing short of a revelation. Tucked into a refined corner of the city, Coba is an oldie but a goodie—low-key in presence, but outstanding in flavor and precision.
This wasn't just dinner—it was a redefining moment. As a longtime devotee of NYC sushi, I wasn’t expecting to be so thoroughly converted. But Montreal had something else in store. From the ultra-crisp, indulgent sushi pizza to the decadent foie gras roll that melted on the tongue, every bite was thoughtfully composed. The fish was pristine, the rice perfectly seasoned, and the creativity balanced by impeccable technique.
If you're looking for understated luxury, exceptional craftsmanship, and a place that subtly but firmly tells you Montreal sushi just might have the edge over New York—Coba is your place.
McKiernan Rôtisserie:
Set along Montreal’s Lachine Canal, McKiernan channels peak Brooklyn vibes—airy industrial space, communal tables, and a laid-back buzz that feels straight out of Williamsburg.
But let’s talk food. The rotisserie chicken is a standout: juicy, crisp-skinned, and dripping with rich gravy. The pork schnitzel is perfectly golden, and the weekend-only prime rib roast is a tender, flavorful showstopper. All of it pairs beautifully with their divine hand-cut fries—crispy, salty, and addictive.
And just when you think you’re done, fresh-baked doughnuts arrive. Don’t miss the Boston cream—pillowy soft, filled with luscious custard, and topped with a dark chocolate glaze that’s pure decadence.
McKiernan isn’t just a meal—it’s a vibe. Bold, comforting, and effortlessly cool.
Park: This is not a sushi sprint. It is a slow, intentional meal where every detail seems considered, from the lighting to the cadence of each course landing on the table.
The wagyu hand torched nigiri is the moment everyone talks about, and for good reason. Warm, barely kissed by flame, impossibly rich, it dissolves before you finish forming an opinion.
Do not skip the black cod. Silky, deeply savory, and balanced in that way only Japanese technique can pull off, it anchors the meal and reminds you this kitchen understands restraint as well as luxury. Park is not trying to impress you. It already knows it has.
Le Violon feels like the kind of place you dress up for without really meaning to. Warm lighting, a low hum of conversation, and a room that invites you to settle in rather than rush through courses. It has that rare balance of polish and ease, where nothing feels stiff but everything feels intentional.
Yes, this is the spot that briefly became tabloid famous thanks to a Katy Perry and Justin Trudeau date night, but the real allure is far more timeless. The service is attentive in a quietly confident way. You are guided, not hovered over. Plates arrive with perfect timing, explanations are thoughtful, and you never feel like you are being sold a moment.
The food is classic with just enough modern intuition. Elegant without being precious. Rich but never heavy. Every dish feels like it belongs exactly where it is on the menu. Le Violon is not chasing trends or headlines. It is doing what great restaurants do best, creating an evening that lingers long after the last glass is cleared.
