It’s been a good fall for local foodies, with a handful of terrific new restaurants opening shop. We combed through the recent arrivals, and present here our picks for Montreal’s best new restaurants.
La Montée
Plateau institution Montée de Lait has moved into bigger and better digs downtown. Contemporary French cuisine – like the crispy, milk-fed porcelet (baby pig) with mustard-yogurt sauce – is rendered perfectly in small plates, along with wine pairings from a phenomenal cellar. 3 choices, $45; 6 choices, $65. 1424 Bishop St., (514) 289-9921
La Salle a Manger
From the team behind Le Reservoir comes La Salle, featuring local up-market cuisine in a room marked by minimalist, stylish décor. Though the star here is the food – duck and venison tartars are killer – this is a lively place for an evening of drinks, too. Mains, $17 – $27. 1302 Mont-Royal Ave., (514) 522-0777
Barroco
In the charming Old Montreal stone building that once housed Cobalt, Barroco serves up a simple menu of comfort food with French, Spanish and Italian influences. Our favourite: a massive rib steak with chimichurri sauce, served on a wood chopping block. Mains, $24 – $28. 312 St-Paul St. W., (514) 544-5800.
La Fabrique
The latest venture from former CCPQ chef of the year Laurent Godbout, this bistro-style restaurant has its kitchen in the centre of the room, so diners can watch the action. The poached cod filet, served in a Tonkinese broth, is an unbeatable winter warm-up. Mains, $15 – $27. 3609 St-Denis, (514) 544-5038.
