To be honest, I tried this restaurant because it was the only one recommended that was actually open on a Monday. Yes, the French Canadians lack our puritanical desire to work seven days a week and most restaurants are closed not one day but two (typically Sunday & Monday). Take note of that when planning your visit.
That said, Montreal Plaza is certainly worth a visit even on other days of the week if for no other reason than there’s no other place like it. What makes it different? Well, kind of everything.
The décor can best be described as hipster diner. If that sounds weird, it’s only the beginning. Apparently they throw random parties with themes like Dinosaurs on Cocaine that the staff dresses up for (though not on the night I was there).
The menu is also unusual. There are no descriptions of the dishes given, just one or two words. Some of them are even less descriptive like ” fish + ??” Presumably this allows the staff to change up preparations nightly without printing new menus. Or maybe they just like messing with people. Whatever the reason, if you want more details you pry them out of your server although the final result will always remains somewhat of a surprise. Which is fine because everything the came out of the kitchen was delicious.
Below is a look at what we tried. Note that it’s very heavy on the seafood and particularly shellfish so if that’s not your thing options will be pretty limited.
Foie Gras & Chicken Liver Mousse Montreal is paradise for foie gras lovers (at least in North America). Plaza is no different with the only disappointing aspect of it being that my photo didn’t come out.
Arctic Char Sundae It’s unclear why they call this a sundae when it seems very similar to a tartare (also on the menu). Nevertheless, it’s excellent with the crispy rice puffs adding some texture to the tenderized fish.
Ribeye for 2 The “meat for two” option this night was a ribeye covered in kimchi, shaved foie gras and some vegetables to make it respectable. The combination sounds a little strange, but tastes more than a little amazing. And it was actually less rich than you might excpet. If they offer anything close to this when you’re here jump on it.
Right Amount for 2? 4-5 dishes
Montreal Plaza
6230 St-Hubert
Montreal, QC, Canada
