Old Montreal: What’s new in 2021?

In spite of the complexities brought on by the pandemic, Old Montreal remains fertile ground for local business, and the historic neighbourhood has effectively retained its status as a foodie destination. For proof, look no further than the many new restaurants that have opened over the past few months! We would like to welcome them to our beautiful neighbourhood, and take the opportunity to show them to you!

New Menus And New Tastes; 7 Restaurants Hit The Scene!

Benny & co, 201 Saint-Jacques Street

This Quebec franchise is launching a new, more urban concept that still retains the family style that has defined it since its beginning! With its affordable menu, quality ingredients, and happy hours set in a relaxed atmosphere, we bet that proprietor Samuel Séguin will begin to see his share of regulars before long.

Burger fiancé, 417 Notre-Dame Street West

Félix Gagnon’s challenge was to introduce a vegan diet to his family members, who did not like this cuisine prior. Proud of having won over these skeptic gourmands, he discovered a true passion for plant-based cuisine which he has pushed over the past few years, culminating in the opening of his own restaurant. Decadent and vegan? Say no more!

Le Polisson, 171 St-Paul Street West

They deftly show off their colours in their slogans: “Le Polisson, the devilishly fun restaurant” and “if your partying goes overboard, rent a room in our Epik Hotel”. Its menu rings with notes of European brasseries, and we love the playful side of this business and their reimagined classics, like their Ravi-au-lit, Ceasarus Saladus, and more. We’re smiling before we’ve even had a taste. Here, they may not take themselves too seriously, but their cuisine is serious business!

Open Tuesdays through Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Pincette, 94 Saint-Paul Street East

With this lobster bar, you no longer have to drive hours towards Gaspésie to enjoy the taste of local seafood. We also love the natural wines that marvelously pair with our favourite crustacean. Lobster is Pincette’s star, whether it be on a roll, in their mac & cheese, or just plain grilled, but their entire menu is definitely worth the detour to the seaside décor of this very successful restaurant.

Buvette Pastek, 290 St-Paul Street West

Maybe it’s the name, the bright colour scheme, or the novelty of it all, but whatever the case, we are absolutely fawning over their cocktail menu arranged by colour and their lunch menu that really trims the fat by offering options based on the size of your appetite! We also like their weekend brunch which revisits the traditional “two eggs and bacon” as a sandwich or on toast.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for now. Dinner menu TBA.

Sauvage, 52 St-Jacques Street

With its Mediterranean inspirations, its impeccable décor, its massive terrace, and an all-star team behind its menu, you will not be disappointed in dining here. This concept pushes excellence and modernity to their heights on the plate and its architectural heritage rounds out its perfection. Le Sauvage is an absolute must-try restaurant.

Open Wednesdays to Sundays, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Babacool, 140 Notre-Dame Street West

Look no further! The coolest eastern tapas in town can be found here. If the Spice Routes were to pass by Montréal, then Babacool would surely be a major stop. Its modern, yet warm décor is the ideal place for a lively and intimate evening, and their dishes and flavours will take you to another world. And their cocktails? We don’t know whether they’re more pleasing to the eyes or the taste buds, but we’re all in for sure!

Open Wednesdays to Saturdays, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

As For Sweets, We’re Welcoming 3 New Businesses!

Ca Lem, 315 Place D’Youville

The third location of this creamery opened in le Vieux during the spring, and ice cream fans have already noticed! We love their classic and unlikely flavours both, and everyone agrees: they make summer the best season of the year!

Dulce, 250B Saint-Paul Street East

Ice cream, churros, crepes, and more; the desserts of this newly opened business are as remarkable as its candy pink storefront, its lively décor, and its signature neon “la Vie est Dulce” sign. Saint-Paul Street East is now even more festive and colourful, and we are here for it!

Cave à manger, 386 St-Paul Street East

You can see on their Facebook profile that they describe themselves as a wine cellar/bakery, but let’s be honest, it is much more than that – it’s a paradise for the hedonistic gourmet, those who enjoy the marvels of baked goods from sunup to sundown: including viennoiseries, sandwiches, and traditional breads that pair well with a coffee, beer, or wine, depending on the meal in question! Plus, their grocery section includes sausages, pastas, cheeses, and single-serve desserts, perfect to bring back home… if they can make it that far!

Open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Coffee, coffee, coffee!

49th Parallel, 488 McGill Street

This shop’s first location outside Vancouver has settled in our neighbourhood! Coffee fans know this brand for their specialty coffees and the choice to expand here was only natural, considering Quebec was the first destination outside of British Columbia where their coffee brand was sold via their website or local distributors. This little gem from the West Coast is on its way!

Micro Espresso Café, 417 Saint-Pierre Street

Decked out in art déco, boasting huge black windows, and filled with equal measures humour and caffeine, we love the concept behind Micro Espresso! They also sell viennoiseries from Chez Potier, another recent neighbour to the area. And just so you’re aware, your poochy pals get a free “puppuccino”, so bring them along when you come by for a coffee!

A New Grocery Opens Its Doors

Chez Potier, 630 Wellington Street

Beyond the excellence of this store’s products, it also has pastry chef Olivier Potier, who offers Montrealers some of the most highly prized desserts in the city. To everyone’s great delight, his cuisine has been expanded in the form of a grocery store, newly opened in Cité du Multimédia and wonderfully filling out the neighbourhood’s gourmet landscape.

A Concept Perfect For Summer

Vamos, 216 Notre-Dame Street West

“Urban and Conscious Mobility” are the first words you’ll see on their website. This young business offers electric scooter rental for neighbourhood exploration! After all, there are so many treasures among our old stones and discovering them astride an electric scooter will add a bit of zest and some fresh air to your visit! You can get a $10 discount on your first reservation, so as their name says, “Let’s go”!

***********

N.B.: Have you also just arrived in the neighbourhood? If your business has recently opened and is not yet mentioned in this list, write to us so we can include it! info@sdcvieuxmontreal.com