Lucille’s Restaurant Group is in expansion mode, having opened up its sixth location recently in the strategic location downtown across the street from the Bell Centre. This is a spot formerly occupied by Madisons New York Grill and Bar.
Nicholas Samoissette is the general manager, working closely with Emilio Mastrosanti to steer the ship. Both are veterans of the Lucille’s family. The other locations are in NDG, Laval, Pointe-Claire, Laval, Brossard and Mont Tremblant, with a summer pop-up at the Atwater Market, not to mention a few food trucks and a catering division.
This newest edition is suitably known as Lucille’s Avenue des Canadiens, adding a unique touch to the group’s signature experience, and offering the perfect place for everything from business dinners to pre-game get-togethers. With a dynamic menu, a chic yet accessible atmosphere, and a prime location in Montreal’s bustling downtown, Lucille’s Avenue des Canadiens is fast becoming the place to be for professionals, sports fans, and anyone looking to enjoy happy hours, girls’ nights, date nights, and more. That was evident to me when I arrived for their already exceptionally hot lunch hour.
Whether it’s Atlantic lobster, wood-fired chicken, or Angus beef tartare, the menu offers something for everyone, with an impressive selection of seafood, steaks and exclusive cocktails.
There is a lively bar, with screens for sporting events, creating a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Meanwhile, the intimate dining area is perfect for business meetings or special evenings.
The place can seat 300 people spread over two levels. There are seats at the bar, high tops and regular tables. In addition, there is a completely standalone sports bar.
A friend and I loved the lively ambiance. Their special lunch menu is served Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting at $28. With popular dishes like fried squid and cedar plank salmon, it offers the perfect balance of flavor and sophistication for any occasion. We chose to order from the regular menu. To start I opted for the tuna tartare, tuna with a mix of watermelon, avocado, ponzu, sesame sauce and a spicy rice chip to scoop it up. My friend had a salad. Turning to the main course, I went for a surf and turf combo that included a lobster roll, a rack of juicy ribs and thin-cut fries. My friend had his eye on the rib steak, with the same fries. Now this is a fellow who travels around the world and he declared the steak to be one of the top three he has tasted anywhere.
We had just enough room for dessert. I could not resist the dark chocolate and caramel dome. Each bite revealed a harmonious contrast: the deep, bittersweet notes of the dark chocolate melded beautifully with the sweet, slightly salty undertones of the caramel. The texture was equally enticing—the firm outer shell contrasted with the smooth, molten interior, creating a delightful play on the palate. My friend savored the tiramisu.
“We are beyond pleased with how the clientele has embraced this new location,” said Mastrosanti. “There are already regulars for lunch and before a Bell Centre event it is crazy busy.”
Not surprisingly, members of the Canadiens front office, coaching staff and players have already taken a liking to this place.
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