June 2022 - The Montreal Cafe Shortlist

French Cuisine

21Jun

ONoir

ONoir provides a sensual dining experience unlike any other. Located in the center of downtown Montreal just south of Bloor Street, this establishment has been keeping visitors in the dark for more than a decade.

To begin, it should be mentioned that dining in the dark is not a gimmick, nor is it the only thing Onoir has to offer. The cuisine is fantastic on its own!

Because the dining room is completely dark, ordering would be difficult. Thus, food is ordered in the foyer, where soft lighting highlights the wood finishes of the bar, chairs, and stools, and a vast bookcase displays a plethora of antique volumes.

Choosing a drink to have in a group should be easy in ONoir. A table serving drinks is accompanied by hors d’oeuvres to eat while relaxing in a pleasant setting.

The waiting staff takes note of all your allergies, and you’re good to go. The menu’s surprise section mixes the chefs’ surprise meals with a drink. Aside from that, this business caters to vegetarians.

Everyone should go and see what ONoir has to offer its clients. Good food, nice drinks, and friendly service all contribute to an experience you will never forget.

Address: 124 Rue Prince Arthur East, Montréal

Phone: (514) 937-9727

French Cuisine

6Jun

Le Kube

Le Kube is a lobby resto-bar at Montreal’s historic Hôtel Bonaventure. The easygoing atmosphere makes this a great place to have a meal or a cocktail.

This place presents a diverse menu with international influences, showcasing innovative dishes with simple and seasonal specialties. The cuisine attracts both hipsters and bankers, who mix and lend to the colorful atmosphere of the restaurant.

If you’re looking for a Parisian-style bistro experience, Le Kube is a must-visit in Montréal. Its beautiful style and delectable menu easily capture the hearts of young and old guests.

The food has seen very few modifications since the new chef took over the kitchen. To develop absolutely unique dishes, the chef takes inspiration from all over the world. We appreciate the wine list even more because it is so reasonably priced.

Seafood pizza on a crunchy rice cake, Cornish duck with braised potatoes, and veal paillard with organic asparagus and plum tomatoes are among the signature dishes. And, Le Kube is the greatest when it comes to French Onion Soup!

In this comfortably stylish resto-bar, modern meets classic. Come to relax, take in the ambiance, and catch up with friends or coworkers over a meal or perhaps a drink. Le Kube is open seven days a week, from daylight to midnight.

Address: 900 De La Gauchetière Street West, Montréal

Phone: 514-878-2332

Asian Cuisine

5Jun

Chez Tomio

Chez Tomio serves a healthy mixture of Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisines. Menu items range from traditional street dishes to a great fusion of flavors such as a pho-like soup and tortilla.

Chef Long Chiem started this company after noticing a growing market for Asian food among hotel guests. He then started a homemade sushi food service for the metro’s major hotels.

Mr. Chiem wanted to expand his services after seeing its popularity skyrocket, offering weekly lessons, in-home cooking, and partnering with huge corporations such as Las Olas.

Chez Tomio street truck began roaming the streets of Montreal in the early summer of 2017, delivering economical and tasty Asian-Quebecois fusion cuisine.

The year 2019 was quickly emerging to be an amazing one for the brand. The addition of dedicated fusion cuisine restaurants, the extension of the buffet meal, and the addition of a new Asian cuisine station allow the Chez Tomio personnel to deliver the best service possible to its clientele.

Chez Tomio would then reopen a new counter on Avenue Papineau in 2021 to welcome back its enthusiastic patrons!

Address: 5161 Avenue Papineau Montreal, QC

Phone: (514) 508-8898

Asian Cuisine

5Jun

Tô Comptoir Asiatique

Tô Comptoir Asiatique is a delightful boutique ready-to-eat Asian food restaurant located just adjacent to McGill University.

This place makes insanely wonderful poke bowls that you should try, as well as vegetarian options like their fantastic tiny Banh Mi sandwich with silken tofu and fresh mayonnaise.

The sheer size of Tô’s location is endearing. Inside, there are twelve seats provided. It is close to a charming terrace with eight seats, ideal for enjoying the sunny weather while avoiding the heat.

The establishment’s décor offers a pleasant and welcoming ambiance. The space is open, offering a view of the kitchen.

Some of Hien’s works are also displayed on the room’s walls. These add warmth and personality to the little restaurant.

This Nicolas Delrieu and Hien Tran’s initiative launched on April 1, 2018. The name Tô means “bowl” in the Vietnamese language, and the restaurant originally specialized in pokés and other equivalent dishes. Then, within a few months, demand surged, and Tô broadened its product in response to client requests.

Hien is a driven individual who has spent years on the counter’s menu. This results in a variety of healthful options that provide a unique twist to the standard formula.

Address: 212 Rue Milton, Montreal, Québec

Phone: (514) 543-8086