Montréal en Lumière, taking place from February 27th to March 9th, 2025, with a gourmet program starting February 20th, returns for its 26th edition and invites food enthusiasts to explore a world where flavors and creativity come together. This internationally renowned festival offers an exceptional gourmet program this year. With over 60 participating restaurants and 90 guests from eight countries, the gastronomic segment stands out as a must-see event.
The spotlight is on two captivating themes: women in gastronomy, representing 70% of the invited artists, and a focus on pastry, featuring unique collaborations between restaurants and master pastry chefs. These creations showcase refined desserts that delight the senses and add a sweet touch to the event.
Air France Finest Tables presents a variety of exclusive menus, while the introduction of Afternoon Tea offers an elegant and comforting experience. To complete the offering, Brunchs en Lumière and Apéros on the 2nd floor of the Maison du Festival allow for even more exploration of gourmet delights.
This edition also features educational workshops, immersive events, and meetings with sommeliers, producers, and renowned chefs. Visitors will have the chance to discover international flavors while celebrating local talent and the culinary diversity that makes Montréal a sought-after gastronomic destination.
This festival goes far beyond a simple gastronomic event: it is a celebration of talent, innovation, and the richness of flavors.
Whether you're looking to discover bold dishes, unique desserts, or thoughtfully curated food and wine pairings, Montréal en Lumière will awaken your senses and satisfy your appetite for adventure.
The Unmissable Air France Finest Tables
1257 Rue Atateken, Montréal, H2L 3K9
Available dates: February 28th and March 1st
Price: $100 per person
Since 2004, O'Thym has stood out in the Village as a beacon of modern and thoughtful local flavors. For Montréal en Lumière, Chef Moonhyung Lee from London's Silo restaurant joins forces with Noé Lainesse to create a tasting menu inspired by zero-waste principles. Each dish showcases a deep respect for the environment and an uncompromising sense of creativity. In a relaxed and character-filled setting, O'Thym invites guests to explore a table where innovation and the celebration of local ingredients come together harmoniously. The "bring your own wine" option adds a personal touch, allowing each diner to enhance the experience effortlessly.
355 Boul. de Maisonneuve O, Montréal, H3A 1L6
Available dates: March 5th and 6th
Price: $150 per person and $65 for the wine pairing.
As part of Montréal en Lumière, Commodore is hosting an exceptional two-night event. Michelin-starred chef Vincent Arnould, Meilleur Ouvrier de France, joins forces with José Mettler and Alexandre Joubard to craft a unique menu that showcases Quebec's finest ingredients through the lens of French refinement. Set in the elegant HONEYROSE Hotel, this menu promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience: Calvisius caviar, Canadian duck foie gras, scallops prepared two ways (raw and cooked), Quebec milk-fed veal filet, and a surprising raspberry and beetroot vacherin. A remarkable fusion of expertise and creativity, this event highlights the richness of local flavors with brilliance.
1050 Rue de la Gauchetiere O, Montréal, H3B 4C9
Available dates:
- February 27th to March 1st with Beatriz Gonzalez
- March 6th to 8th with Nadia Sammut, accompanied by Muriel Aublet-Cuvelier
- March 8th for a brunch featuring Muriel Aublet-Cuvelier's pastries
Price :
- 5-course dinner with Beatriz Gonzalez: $85
- 6-course dinner for other evenings: $99
The Lloyd restaurant, nestled in the prestigious Marriott Château Champlain, is set to dazzle as it welcomes three renowned chefs for Montréal en Lumière. Three talents, three distinct styles, one stage: the Lloyd transforms into a culinary spectacle like no other.
Beatriz Gonzalez, a Franco-Mexican chef who trained under Pierre Gagnaire, has gained recognition for her refined cuisine, seamlessly blending the bold flavors of Mexico with the finesse of French gastronomy. Founder of several acclaimed restaurants, she reimagines her culinary heritage with both modernity and boldness. She will present a five-course menu, featuring delicacies such as smoked eel paired with tangy pomelo and crispy veal sweetbreads elevated by a delicate vin jaune sauce.
Nadia Sammut will take over. As the first Michelin-starred gluten-free chef in France, she has made inclusive and liberated cuisine her hallmark. Her reinterpretation of Mediterranean traditions shines through in daring dishes like marinated Arctic char with shio koji and her signature chickpea ice cream, challenging conventional culinary norms. Parisian pastry chef Muriel Aublet-Cuvelier will enhance this experience, joining Nadia Sammut.
Finally, Muriel Aublet-Cuvelier will conclude the event with a decadent brunch. A finalist on Le Meilleur Pâtissier, she is known for her expertise in textures and bold flavor pairings. Her menu will showcase comforting tastes, blending toasted vanilla, raw cacao, and caramelized pecans, offering a sweet and refined finale to this exceptional culinary celebration.
4005 Rue Ontario E, Montréal, H1W 1T1
Available dates: February 20th with Constance Tassé Gagnon, and February 26th and 27th for Racines Boréales.
Price: $79 + taxes and services
As part of Montréal en Lumière, État-Major is hosting three exceptional evenings, showcasing two distinct events that celebrate unique visions of local gastronomy. Racines Boréales, led by Marie-Philippe Mercier Lambert and Kevin Lavoie, presents a five-course menu inspired by the treasures of northern regions, blending creativity with respect for nature. On another night, Chef Constance Tassé Gagnon elevates Quebec ingredients with her bold and innovative approach. Located in the Hochelaga district, État-Major, with its elegant and inviting atmosphere, provides the perfect setting to explore the richness and diversity of local products in an ambiance that seamlessly combines warmth and sophistication.
6778 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2S 3C7
Available dates: February 20th (Marble NYC), March 1st and 2nd
Price: to be announced.
In the vibrant neighborhood of Petite-Italie, Ratafia welcomes Montréal en Lumière with three unforgettable evenings featuring world-renowned chefs. The first evening brings together Maya Sittisuntorn and Mauro Pompili from the acclaimed Marble NYC. Maya, originally from Bangkok, blends her expertise gained at Eleven Madison Park with boundless creativity, while Mauro, shaped by experiences with luminaries like Gordon Ramsay and Alain Passard, infuses modern French and Japanese influences into his dishes. Together, they present a four-course menu divided into two savory and two sweet courses, delicately reflecting their unique styles in perfect harmony.
For the following two evenings, Martine Bauer, a Mauritian chef leading the Pompette establishments in Toronto, showcases her contemporary take on French classics. With an extraordinary career spanning Mauritius, Matignon, and Paris, she combines local ingredients with refined techniques, bringing a feminine and accessible touch to her cuisine. Her creations celebrate seasonality and indulgence, all within the Art Deco elegance of Ratafia's setting.
With its festive atmosphere and unique selection of wines and cocktails, Ratafia provides the perfect stage for these exceptional culinary encounters.
1255 Rue Jeanne-Mance, Montréal, H5B 1E5
Located on the sixth floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel, Le Bivouac is a must for exploring the richness of Quebec's terroir in a setting that is both intimate and spectacular.
The Bivouac Refuges
Several evenings are available.
Price: $150 for 6 courses/ Wine and food pairings; $50 in advance or $75 on-site for the Refuges.
Discover a timeless escapade thanks to the Bivouac's flagship event: Les Refuges. Created by resident chef Xavier Dahan, these dinners under illuminated domes plunge guests into an enchanted forest. Xavier Dahan, whose career has been inspired by collaborations with local producers, revisits the flavours of the boreal through subtle, refined creations. Each dish showcases the raw beauty of Quebec ingredients, accompanied by stories that resonate with the local landscapes.
Bivouac
Available dates: 5th and 6th March
Price: $90 for a 4-course menu (excluding tax and wine pairings)
In a collaboration that promises to leave a lasting impression, Xavier Dahan joins forces with Matthias Germain, chef at La Délicatesse, an address renowned for its mastery of Mediterranean flavours. Together, they have created a four-handed menu that oscillates between the sunny flavours of Provence and the woody accents of Quebec's forests. Matthias Germain, known for his delicate approach and obsession with product quality, brings a luminous, resolutely modern dimension to this dialogue between two culinary worlds.
340 Rue de la Gauchetière O, Montréal, H2Z 0B9
Available dates: 21st and 22nd February
Price: The price for the tasting menu, without pairings, is $200.
Located on the second floor of the Humaniti Montreal tower, Restaurant H3 has become a sought-after destination for lovers of local flavors. Under the guidance of Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère, this establishment offers a refined experience deeply rooted in the seasonality and diversity of Quebec's terroir.
François-Emmanuel Nicol, chef and co-owner of the renowned restaurant Tanière³ in Quebec City, is an emblematic figure of modern Quebec cuisine. Named Chef of the Year 2023, he excels at transforming local products into bold creations and will present a seven-course menu paying tribute to Quebec's rich terroir. In perfect harmony with Jean-Sébastien Giguère, resident chef at Restaurant H3, they promise innovative dishes blending tradition with modernity. The latter is known for elevating local flavors with a contemporary and refined touch. Completing this experience, visionary Oregon winemaker Bee Maloof will select her finest vintages. Her wines, brimming with character and crafted with passion, will pair seamlessly with the dishes to create a perfect harmony, making this evening truly unforgettable.
Photo Credits: Les Festifs
851 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, H2J 2H9
Available dates: February 21st and 22nd with Sandy Duperval and March 8th with Marie-Louise B. Mumbu
Price: With Sandy Duperval and with Marie-Louise B. Mumbu: 5-course menu - $120, wine pairing - $65
Located in the vibrant Plateau-Mont-Royal, Le Virunga is much more than a restaurant: it's a declaration of love to sub-Saharan Africa and its reinvented culinary traditions. Run by two women with a passion for African culture, the restaurant invites visitors to explore authentic flavours in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
With a unique background that combines music and cuisine, Sandy Duperval creates unique experiences by combining her two passions. Trained at George Brown College in Toronto, she brings a modern technique to the table while honouring the memories passed down by her grandmother. At Montréal en Lumière, she will be presenting a five-course menu inspired by her Ad Vitam EP, with each dish accompanied by a live musical performance for an immersive experience.
At the same time, the "Once upon a time' event, orchestrated by Marie-Louise B.Mumbu, a Congolese author and playwright known as Bibish, will pay tribute to five black women who have often been forgotten in history. This moment of remembrance invites reflection on heritage and transmission, further enriching the experience offered by Le Virunga.
438 Rue McGill, Montréal, H2Y 2G1
Available: February 26th
Price: 6-course menu for $180
Helena restaurant, located in Old Montreal, offers an immersive experience in Portuguese cuisine with a vibrant setting and refined dishes. As part of Montréal en Lumière, Chef Helena Loureiro partners with Louise Bourrat, a guest chef from Portugal and winner of Top Chef France 2022, to present an exclusive six-course menu that seamlessly blends the flavors of Quebec and Portugal.
Helena Loureiro, renowned for her expertise leading some of Montreal's finest establishments, will elevate traditional Portuguese dishes with a contemporary twist using local ingredients. Louise Bourrat, celebrated for her creativity and modern approach, will bring a fresh perspective with bold dishes that reflect her roots while incorporating innovative techniques. Together, they will craft a captivating dining experience where each dish is enriched by a narrative revealing the inspirations behind their creations.
Please note that an exceptional evening will also take place at Portus 360 on February 25th, featuring both chefs. This event promises to celebrate creativity and expertise in a setting with a unique panoramic view of Montreal.
The Must-Try Brunchs en Lumière
Brunchs en Lumière return on March 2nd for a second edition, offering an ideal opportunity to round off the Nuit blanche with exclusive creations from over 25 restaurants across Montreal.
5308 Boulevard St-Laurent, Montréal, H2T 1S1
Price: $36
In the lively Mile-End neighborhood, Caribou Gourmand offers a unique twist to Montréal en Lumière with a brunch that reinvents the classics. Artfully composed sweet-and-savory plates showcase irresistible combinations: crispy bacon, gin-infused gravlax, maple-sweetened scrambled eggs, and golden breakfast potatoes. For those seeking vegetarian options, an equally imaginative alternative is also available. Each dish reflects a harmonious blend of Quebec's local flavors and the French roots of the founders. To complete the experience, a champagne mimosa is included in the price, perfectly complementing this feast of creativity. The event unfolds in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, ideal for closing the festival on a high note.
Multiple locations
Price: $79
When India meets Montreal, India Rosa crafts a vibrant symphony of colors and flavors. During Montréal en Lumière, chefs Indejeet Singh and Arnaud Glay transform the art of cooking into a celebration inspired by the Indian festival of Holi. Each dish tells a story, blending exotic spices with modern techniques. In a chic and lively setting, let yourself be surprised by bold cocktails that awaken your taste buds, enhancing plates that are as elegant as they are unexpected. A feast for the senses not to be missed.
3900 Rue Wellington, Montréal, H4G 1V3
Price from $20 to $30
On the renowned Wellington Street, Janine brings a unique energy to the art of brunch. This warm and inviting café delights with its generous plates, where every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen. Picture fluffy pancakes, perfectly golden pastries, and flavorful dishes elevated by local touches. In a setting that blends elegance and relaxation, every detail is designed to please the senses. Janine is more than just a café-it's a celebration of authentic flavors and shared moments.
Please note that Régine, located in the Rosemont neighborhood, is also participating under the same conditions. This second establishment, guided by the same vision as its counterpart, offers an equally memorable experience.
Afternoon Tea: Our Top Picks
209 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, H2Y 1T4
Price: $54 adults / $25 children under 12
In the enchanting setting of Old Montreal, Paparmane reimagines the art of afternoon tea with a festive and elegant touch. Served on a three-tiered stand, golden scones, delicate canapés, and exquisite pastries come together harmoniously, accompanied by a diverse selection of 25 teas and herbal infusions. Located on Notre-Dame Street, just steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica, this tea salon captivates with its spectacular rococo décor. Candy pink and velvet dominate the space, where Louis XIV chairs, majestic chandeliers, and whimsical paintings create a refined and unique ambiance. Behind heavy pink velvet curtains, the salon reveals an intimate atmosphere, offering around fifty seats and a welcoming grand bar. Paparmane transports its guests into a world where indulgence and sophistication blend seamlessly.
4545 Rue St-Denis, Montréal, H2J 2L4
Price: $50
On the Plateau-Mont-Royal, Lady Porcelaine whisks guests away to a timeless world where elegance and whimsy converge in a pastel rococo setting. Visitors can don hats and bow ties to embody ladies and gentlemen of yore before savoring an exquisite selection of locally crafted treats and carefully curated teas. Founded by Lady Jennifer Mallin, this tea salon blends British traditions, Quebecois creativity, and a touch of "eso-TEA-ric" charm with tea leaf readings. Every detail, from plush pink velvet banquettes to antique chandeliers, evokes an atmosphere of refined enchantment. Lady Porcelaine offers more than just tea; she crafts a magical escape where history and modernity intertwine with grace.
More information about Montréal en Lumière can be found here. For details specifically about Air France Finest Tables, click here.
Cover photo credit: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin & Victor Diaz Lamich.
