MTL Resto Rap - Part 11

Bar Otto is one of this city’s most compelling culinary experiences
Bar Otto blends Japanese cuisine with Montreal charm through exceptional sushi, seasonal dishes, sake, and warm hospitality in Little Burgundy.
The Bijou Resto Bar is the go-to dining establishment at Trudeau Airport
Bijou Resto Bar at Montreal-Trudeau Airport delivers upscale dining, free valet parking with qualifying meals, and a stress-free airport experience.
Baton Rouge Grillhouse & Bar Relocates from DDO to Complexe Pointe-Claire
Bâton Rouge moves to Pointe-Claire with a larger, modern space, terrace seating, and prime Highway 40 access, elevating the West Island dining scene.
The hottest new restaurant in Old Montreal is Hana’s Korean Steakhouse
Hana Korean Steakhouse in Old Montreal blends Korean BBQ with upscale dining, offering premium cuts, omakase tasting, and a refined communal experience.
Georges Sous-Marins et Pizza in Laval des Rapides has gained a loyal clientele
Georges Sous Marins et Pizza in Laval des Rapides serves classic subs, pizza, and comfort food with a strong family touch just minutes from Place Bell.
Lunch at Commodore Restaurant and Café is a “Honeyrose” of an experience
A memorable lunch at Commodore Restaurant & Café inside Honeyrose Hotel Montreal offers refined French bistro cuisine, elegant ambiance, and a perfect stop before Place des Arts.
Le Pois Penché Continues to Gain Notice as One of Montreal’s Finest French Brasseries
Le Pois Penché has become a standout Montreal French brasserie under owner Imad Nabwani, blending Parisian tradition, hospitality, and classic cuisine.
Breakfast News: Yolks Debuts, Orange Café Thrives, and Petinos St-Laurent Gets New Management
From Yolks’ Quebec debut to Orange Café’s steady success and new management at Petinos St-Laurent, here is a breakfast roundup worth waking up for.
Sterlings Steakhouse & Bar in Laval Remains a Culinary Delight Two Decades On
Sterlings Steakhouse & Bar in Laval delivers USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, charcoal grilling, and classic service in the heart of Centropolis.
Casa Madera highlights creative twists on traditional Mexican cuisine
Casa Madera Toronto brings modern coastal Mexican flavors to 1 Hotel with bold dishes, refined cocktails, and a vibrant immersive atmosphere.

Glenn J. Nashen: A Taste of Greece in Montreal’s West End

Restaurant Limeni in Montreal, led by owner Nikolas Tsarouhas, offers an authentic Greek dining experience with a focus on traditional flavors and fresh ingredients.
Glenn J. Nashen: A new Vietnamese experience at Tran Cantine

When it comes to a Vietnamese dining-out experience in Montreal look no further than the Tran Family. Following up on our recent sensational night out at the newly launched Hang Bar in Old Montreal, Judy and I, along with our friends Dana and Jeff accepted an invitation to Marilyn Tran’s diner in St. Henri, aptly named Tran Cantine.
India Rosa delights with unique Punjab-fusion creations and an unforgettable blend of tradition and innovation

With its refined and intimate atmosphere, unique cocktails, and delicious selection of classic Indian and fusion dishes, India Rosa is undoubtedly an amazing spot to impress a date, catch up with friends, or network with colleagues.
Review of Restaurant Hang: Glenn J. Nashen: Montreal’s Top-Notch Vietnamese Cuisine

What secret treasures await when a new restaurant opens? One can only imagine, until being lucky enough to be exposed to the sights, smells and tastes of Restaurant Hang. Such was the experience on a recent Thursday night when my wife and I made reservations at what has been billed as the “first haute cuisine Vietnamese restaurant” in Montreal. Sure, our city has plenty of upscale trendy places, but nothing quite like this new concept in Asian fine dining. It tantalized all of our senses, from the moment we walked through the doors and took in the sumptuous decor. Hang arrives as the newest restaurant in the renowned hospitality group JEGantic’s portfolio. Vietnamese cuisine will be elevated from its usual humble “mom and pop” eateries to a refined haute cuisine experience that celebrates the unique flavours of the Southeast Asian country. Montrealers will be fittingly welcomed to come “hang” and indulge in a culinary journey that reflects Vietnam’s rich heritage with an innovative spin on favourite dishes. We were greeted by Joyce Phanekham, the effervescent general manager, who was helpful and attentive to her guests throughout our two-and-a-half-hour dining experience. She promptly introduced us to one of the most personable restauranteurs we have yet to meet, Marylyn Tran. Marylyn teamed up with her husband Alain and the folks from JEGantic to create an experiential and uniquely Asian venue for traditional, authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a class of its own. And who better to know how to achieve this pinnacle other than the Tran family who already own several restaurants under the Tran Cantine banner? After all, Marylyn was raised in her parent’s kitchen where she acquired her unique taste, over at their St. Denis Street Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Tay Ho. The family started this business back in 1986 and it is still going strong. Indeed, the name Hang is a nod of appreciation to Marylyn’s mom. Marylyn grew up cherishing the culinary and cultural intricacies that captivated their family, friends and clientele and eventually branched out, opening her own chain of traditional Vietnamese restos. Located between Griffintown and Old Montreal, Hang will surely attract the young in-crowd, as well as tourists seeking a memorable night out on the town. Marylyn introduced us to her right-hand man, Marco, a knowledgeable and experienced server and cook who took care of us for our date-night. He described in great detail each dish served, with ease and familiarity as though he himself was the chef. We started out with, what else, Pho Wagyu Consommé, a classic noodle soup that Hang has enhanced with its elaborate preparation: 14 hours of cooking over at Tran Cantine. It had many delicate ingredients including Wagyu beef and fresh rice noodles. The aroma of truffle alone made this a mouth-watering winning choice. Judy’s Franco-Viet Salmon Tartare tasted “like the ocean.” This dish of salmon was served with old-fashioned mustard, crispy rice, shallots, green onions and long red peppers. My Five-Spiced Buttered Scalloped – Ngo Vi Houng consisted of three pan-fried scallops each nestled in its own Asian soup spoon and bathed in secret fish sauce. They were garnished with crushed nuts and a hint of lemon making them simply perfect. Judy enjoyed her main course of Vegan Red Curry, a locally sourced seasonal vegetable medley stewed in red curry paste, coconut milk, palm sugar and julienned taro. I literally licked my fingers while eating a homemade order of Banh Mi Foie Gras. Imagine pan-seared foie gras, caramelized onions, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, coriander, and homemade mayo with Hang special sauce on a soft baguette, an ode to Alain’s native city of Paris. It was served on a large banana leaf, and the garnish on all their plates was a work of art. So too was the elegantly designed cutlery. Joyce describes Hang as a chill environment to linger, drink, talk and share delicious dishes among friends. All the staff were extremely personable, friendly and helpful. The decor features exotic nature elements that mimic the dense greenery of Da Nang’s jungle. The soaring ceilings, leafy chandeliers and striking wood columns add an impressive grandeur to the place. There was a great vibe throughout our evening with lots of smiling, happy young patrons. Indeed, owing to the immersive bar environment diners must be 18 or older at Hang. Finally, our dessert was served. Gateau au Pandan was quite distinct and attractive but we both decided that the Creamy Coconut Flan with Banana was the clear winner. Hang has a flair for mixology. From our opening round of shots to our cocktails, and mocktails and ending with a Vietnamese Coffee Martini, they are pros at presentation, taste and hospitality. Marylyn and her crew may be new to the high-end market but the high-end market is also new to Vietnamese cuisine. They are truly passionate about their mission and are on a winning track. Our experience was delightful and our evening was enriched by their warm and hospitable demeanour. We felt like we were hanging out (no pun intended) with friends and family around an exquisitely prepared table of outstanding cultural cuisine. Who could ask for more? Hang is poised to become Montreal’s new must-visit dining destination. It is located at 686 Notre Dame Ouest in Old Montreal, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 5:00 p.m. Visit hangbar.ca or call 514 910-2227.
Glenn J. Nashen: Peruvian-Italian Night Out Review of Restaurant Les Deux Fours

Peruvian-Italian restaurant, Les Deux Fours, in the Villeray—Saint-Michel—Parc-Extension borough, my curiosity peaked and I jumped on the opportunity.
Glenn J. Nashen’s Five Alarm Culinary Adventure at Sushi Taxi

Not even a major shutdown of Notre Dame Street in Little Burgundy could keep us away from a gastronomic luxury take-out of sushi and Asian fusion at Sushi Taxi. No exaggeration! The fire department literally closed down the street for an emergency. However, the conscientious staff called to say, ‘stand by’. As soon as the ‘all clear’ sounded we headed into the bistro-chique locale.
Glenn J. Nashen discovers more than a good dinner at Casa Grecque in Chomedey

I was looking for a tasty, family-friendly take-out dinner and Casa Grecque in Chomedey was my next pick. My family and I love plentiful Greek salads and tangy appetizers, particularly during long, cold Quebec winters when delicious, plump red tomatoes are not in abundance. What I found at this spacious, well-decorated restaurant in Chomedey at the corner of St. Martin Blvd. and Daniel-Johnson Blvd. was far more than I could have imagined.
Nashen does Take-Out: Bistro Amerigo still heating up on Monkland

Bistro Amerigo may be a relatively small eatery, but during the pandemic lockdown the well-known West-End restaurant is doing large scale take-out and delivery. I last reported on Amerigo some two-and-a-half years ago and have returned numerous times with friends and family since then. The local “Garde Manger Italien” (or kitchen pantry) has maintained its flair for fine authentic dishes at reasonable prices, not far from home.
Glenn J. Nashen orders a birthday celebration from ChuChai

My wife Judy and I have been fans of ChuChai on St. Denis since it opened back in 1997. Indeed, I had been a regular at its predecessor eatery, Chao Phraya, which was around for nearly a decade before it transitioned into its present namesake.
Glenn J. Nashen grabs a kosher slice at PizzaPita Prime

PizzaPita has been going strong in the Snowdon area for more than 30 years. With their recent move across Decarie Boulevard to the former Pizza Hut location in front of Decarie Square, at the corner of Decarie and Vezina, they have a prime spot to garner the attention of thousands of commuters, shoppers and locals each and every day. Hence they’ve rebranded PizzaPita to PizzaPita Prime.

My “go-to” Red Lobster location in Ottawa continues to thrive

December 29, 2024

My “go-to” Red Lobster location in Ottawa continues to thrive

A trip to Ottawa isn't complete without Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd—your go-to for fresh Maritime lobster, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and seafood delights.

Ember becomes the newest “go-to” spot for dining in Ottawa’s Byward Market

December 26, 2024

Ember becomes the newest “go-to” spot for dining in Ottawa’s Byward Market

Experience Ember, a standout in Ottawa's Byward Market. Enjoy Argentinian charcoal-grilled dishes, wood-fired pizza, creative cocktails, and live music in a stunning setting.

French Brasserie Chez Lionel’s first location outside of Quebec is a hit in Kanata

December 22, 2024

French Brasserie Chez Lionel’s first location outside of Quebec is a hit in Kanata

French brasserie Chez Lionel in Kanata, the first location outside Quebec. Fine dining near the Canadian Tire Centre with classic French cuisine and cocktails.

Lulu’s Pasta Bar opens its second location in Montreal’s Latin Quarter

December 5, 2024

Lulu’s Pasta Bar opens its second location in Montreal’s Latin Quarter

Lulu’s Pasta Bar, a trendy Montreal hotspot serving quick, customizable pasta dishes with vegan and classic options. Now in Griffintown and the Latin Quarter!

Le Fou Fou Food Hall at the new Royalmount shopping complex is outstanding

November 28, 2024

Le Fou Fou Food Hall at the new Royalmount shopping complex is outstanding

Discover Le Fou Fou, Montreal's premier food hall! With 12 culinary concepts, 3 bars, groundbreaking tech, and vibrant events, it’s a feast for the senses.

Jimmy John’s is ready for Canada:

November 19, 2024

Jimmy John’s is ready for Canada:

Jimmy John’s opens its first Canadian location near Sherway Gardens, Etobicoke, offering fresh hand-sliced in-house sandwiches. Order in-store, online, or via app!

A new Lucille’s makes successful entry on to the scene across from the Bell Centre

November 10, 2024

A new Lucille’s makes successful entry on to the scene across from the Bell Centre

Lucille's Avenue des Canadiens, across from Montreal's Bell Centre, offers an upscale, welcoming vibe with seafood, steaks, cocktails, and a lively sports bar.

French bistro-style COMMODORE Restaurant and Café lights up the new Honeyrose Hotel

November 2, 2024

French bistro-style COMMODORE Restaurant and Café lights up the new Honeyrose Hotel

Experience Montreal’s Honeyrose Hotel by Tribute Portfolio in Quartier des Spectacles. Enjoy vintage-inspired design, French cuisine at COMMODORE, rooftop beehives, and local art.

Bernies Pizza Martini Bar is taking West Island Montreal by storm

October 27, 2024

Bernies Pizza Martini Bar is taking West Island Montreal by storm

Discover the rise of Bernies Pizza Martini Bar, a new sensation on Montreal’s West Island, a sit-down restaurant specializing in tavern-style pizza. A must-visit!

MangeDansMonHood: The Story Behind Montreal’s Smash Burger Buzz
MangeDansMonHood began as an alley pop-up and became a global smash burger sensation, blending nostalgia, hip hop culture, and great food.
Montreal Smoked Meat Prices Have Turned a Working-Class Classic into a Luxury
Montreal smoked meat sandwiches have risen 352% in price since 2001, transforming a once-affordable working-class meal into an occasional treat for many families.
Montreal Food Trucks: From 66-Year Ban to Big Success
Montreal food trucks returned in 2013 after a 66-year ban. Discover the city’s top ten best food trucks, success stories, permits, and street food culture.
Orange Julep: Montreal’s Giant Orange Time Machine After 60 Years
Orange Julep has been a Montreal icon since 1932, serving frothy drinks, steamies, poutine, and nostalgia beneath its famous giant orange.
Montreal’s Oldest Restaurants and Survival Secrets
Montreal’s oldest restaurants reveal how iconic spots survive fierce competition, blending history, tradition, and food culture in a cut-throat dining scene.
Why Poulet Rouge Is Taking Over Montreal One Bowl at a Time
Poulet Rouge is exploding across Montreal with customizable grilled chicken bowls, healthy fast-casual meals, and bold Quebec flavor.
Calgary Stampede 2026 Midway Food Is Completely Wild
Calgary Stampede 2026 midway food brings deep-fried chaos, UFO burgers, pickle pizza, ramen donuts, giant lemonade buckets, and outrageous carnival creations.
Arahova Souvlaki Brings Habs Fever to Mile End Terrace
Arahova Souvlaki in Montreal’s Mile End mixes Habs excitement, Greek comfort food, summer terraces, and unforgettable nightlife energy.

Casa Madera highlights creative twists on traditional Mexican cuisine
Casa Madera Toronto brings modern coastal Mexican flavors to 1 Hotel with bold dishes, refined cocktails, and a vibrant immersive atmosphere.
Cassius Cucina Contemporanea: A Bold New Italian Social Destination in Toronto
Cassius Cucina Contemporanea is Toronto’s newest Italian restaurant and social destination, pairing modern cuisine, cocktails, DJs, and refined design.
An extraordinary woman named Lana Duke: The story behind the rise of Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Toronto
From foster care to fine dining royalty—Lana Duke’s bold journey helped bring Ruth’s Chris to Toronto, serving sizzling steaks and empowering a legacy of women.
Black+Blue Toronto offers the magic of a classic steakhouse combined with a modern and energetic ambiance.
Enjoy premium steak and seafood at Black+Blue Toronto, a sleek steakhouse in First Canadian Place with A5 Wagyu, curated menus, and elegant private dining.
Is a Quebec franchise finally on the radar screen for Red Lobster?
Is Red Lobster eyeing a Quebec comeback? A Toronto visit reveals great service, fresh seafood, and hints of the brand’s return to La Belle Province.

Akira Back Lands in Ottawa at the Fairmont Château Laurier: a new standard for what upscale dining can look like.

Akira Back opens at Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa, bringing bold design, refined dishes, and a fresh new benchmark for upscale dining in the capital.
The Grand Pizzeria and Bar bakes its specialty in a custom-made oven

On my last night in Ottawa for what will probably be a while, I finally made it to The Grand Pizzeria and Bar. It is one of a handful of restaurants that came to life from the visionary John Borsten. His wife, Sofia, handles marketing duties for his group, which also includes Starling, The Metropolitan and several Zak’s Diner locales. The Grand was everything folks boasted about and more. Founded in 2009 and honoring the traditions of Napoli, the birthplace of pizza, they are baked here in a custom-made oven and cooked in extremely high heat for less than ninety seconds. The result is a malleable pizza that is soft on the inside and slightly charred on the outside. I could see after my first bite why they were voted the best pizza in Ottawa and beyond. Our server Fiona recommended the Mercanto, featuring mozzarella, arugula, parmesan and prosciutto. It was a good choice, preceded by some Laguna Blu mocktails (lemonade, pineapple juice, 7-Up and blue curacao syrup) and an appetizer of bruschetta. The latter included a generous portion of chopped tomatoes. The Sofia, named after the aforementioned Marketing Director, Sofia Santiso-Borsten, is a house favorite pizza. It comes with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and goat cheese, topped with arugula and parmesan. They also have different pastas, burgers, and salads. For dessert, I had the chocolate truffle cake, which came with some rich mousse and strawberries. Built in 1877 as a grocery store by Thomas Coffey, Sr., this building was the Grand Central Hotel from 1889 to 1907, and a Salvation Army hostel from 1908 to 1949. Every detail here, from their thoughtfully designed décor to an authentic Southern Italian menu, pays homage to its roots while celebrating the energy of today. It seats about 200 inside, including at the bar, and about 200 more on two separate patios. https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXYWICxUKs/ See my interview on Instagram with the manager, Courtney: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLXYWICxUKs/ The team at the Grand cares about the community, environment, and the future. Thanks to support from programs like the My Main Street Business Sustainability stream, they have invested in greener, energy-saving kitchen equipment. These upgrades allow them to preserve resources while enhancing their culinary craft. They have also expanded and beautified their iconic patio, providing a welcoming space for friends and families to gather. This commitment to sustainability reflects its values, blending traditional hospitality with modern responsibility. The dough here must be made with refined type 00 Italian wheat flour kneaded by hand. It is topped with raw, pureed San Marzano tomatoes from Italy and made from simple and fresh ingredients. They use mozzarella di Bufala cheese made from water buffalo milk, typically raised in the Campania and Lazio marshlands in Italy. Real Napoletana pizza comes in only one size: 10 to 12 inches in diameter / personal size. It has a soft, chewy crust with slight charring and leopard spots, with a moist and soupy center. Authentic Napoletana Pizza is very thin and soft. The Grand Pizzeria and Bar is located at 74 George Street in the Market. Walk-ins only here. Call 613-244-999, e-mail info@thegrandpizzeria.com and log on to https://www.thegrandpizzeria.com/menu
The iconic Dinty’s Restaurant in the town of Aylmer has been pleasing diners for decades

Dinty’s Restaurant in Aylmer, a family-owned icon since the 1930s. Enjoy Greek specialties, diverse menus, and a welcoming atmosphere just 15 minutes from Ottawa.
Cindy’s Restaurant is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch in the Ottawa suburb of Nepean

Cindy’s Restaurant in Nepean, Ottawa—a family-owned diner serving generous portions of classic breakfasts and lunches for 35+ years. Warm, friendly vibe!
My “go-to” Red Lobster location in Ottawa continues to thrive

A trip to Ottawa isn’t complete without Red Lobster on St. Laurent Blvd—your go-to for fresh Maritime lobster, Cheddar Bay Biscuits, and seafood delights.