In the spring of 2023 the Grandio Group, which already owned Moishes Steakhouse, La Cage Brasserie Sportive and a number of other restaurant properties, purchased the two Gibbys locations in Old Montreal and Saint-Sauveur.
At the time Grandio Group President and CEO Jean Bédard pledged to operate the iconic brand, known as a premier celebration venue and a popular destination for those who want to enjoy high-quality steak and seafood, with the same care and attention to detail to honour its founders.
Bédard stated that entering this partnership with the Grandio Group was a natural fit, as was the acquisition of Moishes and its distribution brands in 2018.
The founders, brothers Gibby and Allan Rosenberg were true foodies who traveled the world discovering world-class restaurants. Carefully curating the ideas from their finds, they opened their first restaurant in Saint-Sauveur in 1969. Their initial success boosted their confidence and prompted them to open their second location in Old Montreal in 1972.
“Gibby and Allan worked in their father’s business selling office and restaurant supplies,” said Soryl Shulman Rosenberg, widow of Gilbert (Gibby) Rosenberg.” They had a front-row seat to the excitement of Montreal’s culinary scene and gained invaluable experience. At the time, they frequently complained about the lack of good places to eat in the area, so the first restaurant was founded in the Laurentians. By selling Gibbys to the Grandio Group, our family is ensuring the continuation of the restaurant’s legacy and the magic of its unique dining experience.”
For over 50 years, Gibbys has gained notice for offering the finest seafood, including fresh, succulent oysters, a wide array of fresh fish, and its expertly aged and carefully grilled steaks. Generations of diners have enjoyed sumptuous meals in its iconic locations—Old Montreal, located in a historic former stable on Place d’Youville, and Saint-Sauveur, still located in its original premises, a charming Laurentian cottage.
I recently had my first opportunity to experience Gibbys under the new ownership just as I did a few weeks earlier with Moishes. It certainly was all very familiar to me starting with Joe and his team at the free valet parking service. Joe has now been with Gibbys for 20 years. Not only does he remember most of the clients, but he also provides great banter at drop-off and pickup. Then there is Sylvain Gaucher, one of the hands-on veteran managers who has a fabulous rapport with clients. Adil Akil is one of the newest arrivals managing the dining room. He checked in on our table and others repeatedly that night.
There is seating here for 325 people spread over two levels (Sauveur can accommodate close to 300). Portions are very large and they do not charge extra for sharing, nor side orders. For birthdays and special occasions, they will provide a cake and photo free of charge. Guillaume Briere, the director of operations for Gibbys and Moishes, said that they wanted to introduce a terrasse in their sprawling courtyard but they ran out of time in terms of the permit process with Montreal. They hope to have this in place for 2025.
We were seated in one of the smaller side rooms and greeted by our server Sarah. If you can ask the person to take care of your table, she is an excellent choice. Sarah has been with Gibbys for several years, but before that, she worked for many of the city’s favorite restaurants so she knows the meaning of good customer service. Adil, the manager on duty, visited our table numerous times during the evening to ensure everything was to our liking.
Sarah started us off with the signature freshly baked bread with butter, along with crunchy dill pickles and when then proceeded to review the menu, which has changed under the new ownership and certainly for the better. We had some drinks and proceeded directly to their newest feature, the seafood tower. It featured eight shrimp cocktails, two lobster tails, 12 oysters and an octopus salad. It was indeed a meal unto itself. Everything was absolutely delicious.
For the main course, there was only one choice for me: the rib steak, better known as a Gibbys cut. It was superb as usual. My dining partner chose the Youville rack of lamb, Alberta lamb, marinated with fine herbs and garlic. For sides, we both opted for the Monte Carlo potato, accompanied by fresh asparagus. The Monte Carlo potato is twice baked with bacon with, sour cream and chives on the side. You can also have a baked potato or rice pilaf. They also brought some wild mushrooms to the table.
Since we were celebrating a special occasion that night, Sarah brought us the trademark vanilla and peach cake and took our photo with an instant camera. It does not matter how full you might be; that cake melts in your mouth.
Needless to say, we had a nice collection of leftovers to take home which made for a splendid dinner the following evening.
You can order each menu item a la carte or pay for a group menu in which a set price will land a several-course meal. Main courses also include a 36-ounce double-cut rib steak called the Cowboy, a sirloin, filet mignon, roasted Cornish hen, eggplant parmesan, grilled salmon, baked halibut, Arctic char, wild shrimp, broiled Canadian lobster tails. There is also a host of other appetizers, from clam chowder to crab cakes. Gibbys boasts a vast wine collection and dessert selection.
Gibbys is indeed a Montreal landmark. Stone walls, beamed ceilings and a cozy fireplace make it a romantic backdrop for any night out. It is beyond popular with locals and tourists alike. And on a given evening you never know which celebrity you might run into. CHANGES??
Briere said that since assuming ownership, more than $2 million has been spent on renovating the kitchen equipment. The cutlery and tablecloths were changed and new lighting was introduced to each table. While they did add a new item like the seafood platter, Briere said there is no intention of changing any of the classic menu items. “Any future changes will be based on the creativity of our kitchen staff,” he said. Gibbys is located at 298 Place d’Youville in Old Montreal, for reservations call 514-282-1837. In St. Sauveur you can find the restaurant at 414 Principale St. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 5:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 5 pm. Log on to www.gibbys.com for more information.
Mike Cohen, born and raised in Côte Saint-Luc, has long been active in the community as a volunteer, journalist, and consultant. He profiles restaurants in Montreal and beyond.
mikecohen.ca