Last spring I told readers about a new trendy restaurant in Griffintown called Lulu’s Pasta Bar. This is the brainchild of the husband and wife team of Jimmy Petropoulos and Anthy Siounis. It is a truly unique concept. Customers approach the pasta bar and place their orders. There is a wide choice of pasta and sauces, including classic, special creations, vegan and vegetarian options. The turnaround is very quick. You can grab a drink from the fridge and either select a dessert or wait until you have finished your meal. Each dish comes in a large crafted cup and you can take a cover to easily take home the leftovers.
The moment I experienced a meal at Lulu’s Pasta Bar I just knew that this place was ripe for expansion. Griffintown only opened in January 2024 and it became an instant hit. Interestingly, so many teenagers whom I know in the West End of town are consistently making orders via the delivery apps. In November 2024, the Latin Quarter became the home of the second location. It is conveniently located at the corner of Ontario Street and St. Denis where foot traffic is heavy, notably because of the French CEGEP and university as well as the CHUM hospital right nearby.
Jimmy and Anthy made me a very generous invitation to come try their new digs. I invited my pal Steven to come along as I wanted the take of a “first timer.” There are 32 seats inside and next summer a large terrasse will be built. We arrived at noon and the crowds kept coming steadily for the next two hours. The process for ordering is seamless. You go to the cash and make your order and as you move down the line your pasta is ready rather quickly. While there were a lot of students, I met local police officer Ramsey Nached who has already become a fan of the brand. He took some takeout to enjoy back at the station.
Here you can choose from one of their Classic recipes, a Delulu creation, or have fun and build your own bowl.
Come behind the scenes at Lulu’s and watch my interview with Anthy:
I went for the creamy cheeseburger (rosée sauce, ground beef, pickles, cheddar cheese, parmigiano reggiano, parsley) while Steven opted for the Bolognese (bolognese sauce, parmigiano reggiano, parsley ). Anthy surprised us with two more: the Mushroom Truffle (Lulu’s sauce, mushrooms, truffle oil, parmigiano reggiano, parsley) and the Chicken Tarragon (Lulu’s sauce, chicken, mushrooms, tarragon, Parmigiano reggiano, parsley). There were plenty of forks and smaller bowls, so we got to share a little from each. Needless to say, we had a lot of leftover and split them up to take home (in my case back to work for one heck of a sensational lunch the following day). The portions are very large.
Among some of the other choices are pistachio pesto (creamy pistachio pesto, Parmigiano reggiano and parsley); Tuscan chicken (LuLu’s cream, chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomato pesto, parsley topped with cherry tomatoes and parmigiano reggiano), parmesan bacon (Lulu’s sauce, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, mushrooms, parmigiano reggiano and parsley), Chicken Chipotle (chipotle sauce, chicken, cheddar cheese, green beans, parmigiano reggiano, parsley). They also have several salads.
We both had some fresh lemon cake for dessert. They also have Nutella cornetto and cannolis. There are soft drinks, cocktails, juice, beer and wine.
“LuLu” is Anthy’s nickname. It also comes from the word “luludi,” which is a flower in Greek. The restaurant uses Semolina flour, derived from durum wheat, which boasts numerous health benefits. Rich in essential nutrients like iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, it provides a high protein content, supporting tissue repair and immune function. Its complex carbohydrates release energy steadily, aiding blood sugar regulation and offering a sustained energy source. The fibre in semolina promotes digestive health, preventing constipation. With low saturated fat and cholesterol, it contributes to heart health, featuring antioxidants and nutrients like magnesium and potassium. In addition, its versatility in culinary applications, such as pasta and bread, makes it a staple worldwide.
The couple have three children. Their eldest, Constantine, is already part of the team in Griffintown. Anthy, a social worker by profession, is so passionate, enthusiastic, and deeply invested in the new Lulu’s brand.
So what is next? Talks are underway to open a third location at Carrefour Laval while the NDG area is also on their radar screen. “We hope to open at least three more in the next year,” says Anthy. “No franchises are planned yet. This is our baby and it is best to take things slow.”Lulu’s Past Bar in the Latin Quarter is located at 365 Ontario St E. You can call 514-303-0249, e-mail 365@luluspastabar.com or log on to https://luluspastabar.com. Hours of operation here are 11 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday and 1 pm to 10 pm on Sunday.