This is the kind of resto that makes Montreal such a great foodie city. It's small, tucked away in a nondescript building on St-Paul, and has the usual overly protective hostess that refuses to speak English - good thing this resto isn't in an area...popular with tourists. From out of town. That don't speak French. Enough said.
Luckily the server was more open to Shakespeare's chosen tongue and got our entire party through the dinner. I'm a perfectly bilingual Montrealer, but my guests? No, so as tourists in my fair city, I would expect restos that depend on tourists to at least make an effort.
Service was attentive and informed, the room is small and cozy, and the menu is broad with a little something for everybody. The menu leans seafood, but there was enough for our Vegan guest and Vegetarian guest to make a good meal of it.
We ordered many many of the appetizer portions as if we were eating tapas, and they were all great - the sea smelts and the oyster platter in particular were tasty. We also ordered a few of the entrees, the risotto (very standard), the ricotta cavatelli (reliable and tasty) and the Lobster Taglietelle (good but heavy, best to be shared).
We also took up the server suggestions for local wine and spirits and were not disappointed.
The dessert of Bombolino and Tres Leches were so-so, clearly not the strong point of the entire evening, but still enjoyable.
Overall nice dinner spot, nice room, reliable food, they just need to be a bit more open to non-French speaking patrons.More