You have probably noticed by now that we don’t exclusively talk about new restaurants in this column, but also the ones which have been part of Montreal’s landscape for a while and deserve to be mentioned. There are so many new restaurant openings every year in this city that sometimes, we tend to forget about our trusted go-to list of places.

In my opinion, Les Enfants Terribles is part of that particular list. A friendly place with a smiling and dedicated service team and an appealing menu that’s not too fancy. In addition, the huge terrace on St-Bernard street is so much fun that you just won’t want to leave. Always crowded with fun people on warm summer nights, it is the best spot to have a drink and great meal with a group of friends.

The rustic and industrial decor is simple and effective. Barn wood is the main material used in the design and it’s highlighted by the black bar, chairs and a few walls. One black wall is decorated with painted white frescos which bring a beautiful contrast and an artistic touch to the room. The central bar creates a lively atmosphere in the dining room built around it. In short, you feel right at home as soon as you come in and you want to stay for the evening.

Obviously, you can’t start a great evening without a great drink. And what you want, they surely have! The wine list has a beautiful selection of private imports and organic wines from all over the world. You can also envoy sparkling wine, champagne, ice wine, cider, port and a complete list of spirits. Not to mention house and classic cocktails, cocktails and bottled and draught beers. A masterful job done by the head barman: Maximiliano V. Valetta.

To eat, you have the choice between their well varied à la carte menu or the daily specials displayed on the blackboard. This wasn’t my first visit, so I decided to go for things I haven’t tried before.

This time, I began with the half-cooked albacore tuna, served with tonnato sauce, confit tomatoes, parmesan and arugula. I absolutely loved it! My guest enjoyed the fish soup with rust and croutons. It was comforting dish especially with the cold evenings we’ve had this year.

I continued with the fish of the day, which was a pan-seared trout fillet with cod accra on rutabaga and bacon puree, mussels, kale and candid lemon. Delicious!

As for my friend, he went for what I usually order when I come here: the salmon tartare. It’s prepared with fresh and half-smoked salmon, coriander, jalapeño, lime, avocado purée and tostada. A simple yet tasty and refreshing recipe.

As always, I couldn’t leave without trying at least one dessert. I opted for the chocolate flavoured crème brûlée. I’m a fan of the classic vanilla recipe, but I have to admit that it was absolutely yummy and the portion is big enough to share.

Next time, I intend to get one of the house’s t-shirt that says: «Je suis un enfant terrible», which means I’m a bad kid.

Big news! On April 28th, famed Chef Éric Gonzalez will make his debut at Les Enfants Terribles as Executive Chef, Kitchen Director and partner.

Bon appétit!

Les Enfants Terribles
1257, ave. Bernard
Montréal, QC, H2V 1V8