My husband and I enjoyed dinner at Vino Rosso the other night. We live in the Plateau area of Montreal and tend to go out in our neighbourhood, but I had a won a gift certificate to this resto so we drove to St. Laurent to put it to use. The restaurant is beside a banquet facility - so definitely not anything like the little hole in the wall charming places you find in the Plateau. What it lacked for in "location/ambiance" for us, it certainly made up for with the food! A nice bottle of Chianti was selected for us. It was perfect for our meal. We found the soup and salad to be generous portions and the mains too. We had never before ordered grilled sardines but felt adventurous - they did not disappoint! The osso buco and seafood raviolis were both delicious! I love tiramisu at Italian dinners and theirs was certainly a 10 out of 10. The waiters were charming and the whole experience made for a nice night out.

I took 3 girlfriends of mine who were visiting from out of town to CoBa this month after reading about it as a great BYOW resto. It did not disappoint! The sushi choices were unique/exotic and fabulous. The "CoBa" and "Rock Star" were our favorites. We started with sushi and then split 2 of their thai curry dishes which were also nice (but the sushi was more memorable). Since we were there to relax and get caught up, the service (which was a bit slow) did not bother us. A very clean and nothing-fancy interior in a great location on beautiful Laurier street.

I agree with the other review for Jardin du Cari. A small place with what looks like Christmas lights hanging in the windows and a TV on high up in a corner. Not posh is right! But the food is delicious!!! I've been several times for casual dinners with friends and there has never been anything to complain about. Especially not the prices! Wonderful flavourful meals, fantastic hot sauce, tasty milkshakes, and yes - if you're asked about having pumpkin on the side, just say yes :)

Chez Doval is a great neighbourhood gem! Always vibrant and busy! I have had the pleasure of eating there 3 times in 2008. Each time was great! The restaurant has 2 sections: if you like noise & chaos - sit in the "tavern" section, if you like a bit more quiet - sit in the front part. You can't go wrong here with the chicken - and be sure to use the Piri Piri sauce they have on the tables. Ask for it if you don't have it at your table when you are seated. The cod, if you like a salty taste, is also cooked perfectly. Calamari and other grilled seafoods are always a safe bet here. My one warning - the house red wine ... not so great. But sit back, enjoy the live guitar player who strolls around after 8pm, and have a Portugese meal with friends.