6 Best Restaurants in Montcalm

Renowned chef Laurent Godbout has taken the helm of Café Québecor, an eatery with a premium location in the bright glass hall of the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion at Québec’s fine arts museum, Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. Drawing inspiration from current exhibitions, chef Godbout crafts an ever-changing series of colourful, artistic dishes. If there’s pasta on the menu, that’s your ticket. It’s Godbout’s latest obsession.

Recently renovated and transformed from a wine bar into a Corsican bistro, Petits Creux is Kim Colonna's homage to its Corsican roots. They take on a traditional, yet innovative approach to their home island’s Mediterranean cuisine. Cream décor, light textures and an imposing yet colourful painting by Pierre Bouchard set the tone. Private imports selected with care to highlight Corsica’s incredibly charming and unique terroir.

Part delicatessen with a catering service and ready-to-eat Mediterranean delicacies, part restaurant where brunch is as colourful as Tuscany, Morena is owned and operated by Vito Natrella, former chef of international star Charles Aznavour. Start the day with an authentic Italian espresso paired with a generous ricotta and chocolate chip cannoli delivered straight from the famous Alati-Caserta bakery in Montreal. 

This side project from the Mezze team is a food counter that serves two styles of gyros: a Chicago-style doner with a meatloaf-like filling, and a traditional Greek gyro made with a mix of lamb and beef. I love the loukaniko with lemon sausage and xtipiti sauce (made with red peppers, feta and yogurt), topped with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and French fries. Other notables include the pork souvlaki, the fresh Greek salads, and of course, the baklava.

Where diner-style burgers and local beer on tap are as popular as the poutine. It’s actually one of the best poutines you’ll eat in the city! Frite Alors! is like walking in a cartoon where the decor and staff liven every meal. I love their discreet sidestreet terrace in the summer.

Enjoying a meal at Mezzé is like travelling to a small village of Greece. Each mouthful brings you to close your eyes and easily imagine yourself at chef Andreas Papadeas’ family table. Some recipes are from his 93-year-old grandmother! The grilled squid and marinated octopus shine brightest for their divine texture, complimented beautifully, and simply, with citrus and olive oil.