Earlier this year food critic Alan Richman made a bold statement, something that we are not going to argue. He said that Montréal is the New Food Capital of North America. One thing is certainly true: the locals have an unshakable love affair with food. Restaurants across the city are affordable, and we eat out often.
Montréal restaurants make ideal settings for special events. Food is served fresh from the kitchen, extra help is never far away and, oftentimes, technical requirements — such as a stereo system or Wi-Fi — are readily available. Here are a few of our favourite restaurants that offer space for private events.
Maggie Oakes. The menu, conceived by Top Chef Contestant and local cuisinier Derek Bocking, lets simple ingredients sing in a manner only the kitchen maestro could. House-cured charcuterie and dry-aged steaks balance out with an arsenal of colourful vegetables. Part of the new stunning Hôtel William Gray. www.maggieoakes.com
Le Richmond. In a refurbished industrial building from the 1880s, guests can appreciate a glass of wine with antipasti at the bar, enjoy a full meal in the bistro, and find exclusive products as well as a selection of foods to take home. Le Richmond Marché Italien has over 2,000 high-quality products either imported from Italy or found locally. Catering service available. www.lerichmond.com
Atelier Argentine. This 4-star restaurant is considered to be Montréal’s best Argentinian steakhouse. Group menus, bar packages, and private rooms can be customized according to your needs. Tapas de Asado and hanger steak are among the specialties, and the wine list includes private imports, Latin American greats, and Old World classics. www.atelierargentine.com
Bistro Laurentien – La Coupole. Serving dishes inspired by Québec culinary traditions and Aboriginal ancestral cuisine, the restaurant can accommodate 120 people on two floors. A 2nd-floor terrace provides the perfect setting for a private/corporate event, Happy Hour, or a meal among coworkers and friends. www.lacoupole.ca
La Queue de cheval Bar-Steakhouse. A celebrated Montréal dining establishment, renowned for its signature “dry-aged” beef, succulent seafood and comprehensive wine list, all served in a luxurious setting. The private “Montréal Tea Room” is the ideal place for important conferences and evenings. www.queuedecheval.com
La Société Montréal. Situated in the Vogue Hotel Montreal Downtown, this bistro brings Paris to the heart of Montréal. The ambiance is plush, featuring a hardwood bar and a glass dome ceiling that illuminates the venue’s interior. The oyster bar makes a fun evening for a small team. www.lasociete.ca
Osteria MKT. Menus change on a daily based on the fresh items from local markets. Armed with over 25 years of experience, Chef Marino Tavares works with local suppliers to offer the best fruits, vegetables, fish and seafood available to provide customers with the unique flavours of Italy and the Mediterranean. Now in a new location within the the former rectory of Christ Church Cathedral located in the heart of the business district, the new Osteria MKT has an increased capacity of up to 100 people. www.facebook.com/osteriamkt/
Ristorante Beatrice (Bice). During the summer months, patrons can enjoy an exceptional Italian dining experience in the restaurant’s magnificent European-style garden: Il giardino della Bice. An impeccable catering service is also available, and two spacious floors are reserved for group events. www.ristorantebeatrice.com
Au Bistro Gourmet. A charming, bring-your-own-wine French restaurant, Au Bistro Gourmet has been a downtown favourite for over 25 years, offering quality cuisine at reasonable prices. It can host business meals, seminars, birthdays, and other events. Groups can take advantage of the restaurant’s private room. www.aubistrogourmet.com
