As the year 2019 is coming to an end, you might think that the restaurant business is slowing down but it is the absolute opposite. Numerous (good) restaurants opened their doors just in time for one of the busiest season. If you want to impress your colleagues or family by organizing a “Christmas dinner” at a brand-new address, check out this list of New Montreal restaurants to try before the New Year.
New Montreal restaurants to try
Le Boulevardier
After the beloved Lili.Co restaurant closed its doors, we were all wondering if and where chef David Pellizzari would come back. It was a pleasant surprise to find out that he was taking over the kitchen of the new Germain Hôtel Montreal restaurant, which (the entire building) recently reopened after being closed for a year-long renovation. Le Boulevardier is an intimate space designed by superstar designer Zebulon Perron whose decor was inspired by Montreal’s Expo 67. There you can enjoy Pellizzari’s twist on French-inspired classic dishes, with of course unbeatable views of the Montreal skyline.
Bazarette
Let’s all agree there was missing “refine dining” options around The Bell Center. With the recent opening of Bazarette, a classy wine bar that serves a well-thought wine by the glass list and well-composed sharing-style dishes, our prayers were answered. With its vibrant ambiance, professional and knowledgeable staff and delicious menu, Bazarette should be your next stop before or after a show at the Bell Center, or simply after a day of downtown shopping (or any other day because, you don’t really need a reason to go, it is that good and fun).
Farsides
The group behind Montreal hotspot Bord’elle recently inaugurated their latest project, the restaurant Farsides in Old Montreal, just a few blocks from the popular burlesque supper club. Coined as a Thaiwaiian restaurant and tiki bar, Farsides blends together 90s nostalgia music with eastern Thai flavours and the shores of Hawaii. The result? A first-of-its-kind dining experience that combines, again, food and fun in a tropical vibe this time. Perfect to fight the winter blues.
Chifa
After the undeniable success of restaurant Tiradito, Chef Marcel Larrea took the space next door to open Chifa, which serves a Chinese and Peruvian fusion cuisine (the culinary style is also named Chifa). If you liked Tiradito, you will certainly appreciate Chifa, where you will recognize chef’s Larrea style and the same bar/sharing-style restaurant with an ambiance that made Tiradito famous.
And, of course, let’s not forget that Time Out Market recently opened inside Eaton Center. There you will find, 7 days a week, 40,000-square-foot of culinary and cultural destination and a handpicked selection of 17 restaurants and chefs that serve a “high-end take out” version of their restaurant specialties.
Le Central is also a relatively new food hall in the heart of Le Quartier des Spectacles (hallelujah! we have new dining options before or after seeing a show) with chef Danny St-Pierre as a consultant, you can be sure the 25 stations reflect the best of Montreal, and some interesting new food and drinks discoveries.
by Catherine Maisonneuve
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