Au Comptoir MarCel emphasizes a market-driven approach that prioritizes the natural integrity of coastal ingredients and Mediterranean flavor profiles. The menu showcases locally sourced produce alongside expertly prepared seafood selections designed to highlight seasonal variety. Patrons engage with a culinary presentation that balances traditional techniques with contemporary preparation methods, ensuring that each dish remains focused on primary flavors. The environment utilizes a deliberate layout that facilitates clear visibility of the kitchen output, maintaining a strong connection between the raw components and the finished plate. By concentrating on ocean-based proteins and fresh vegetables, the kitchen delivers consistent results that reflect a commitment to quality ingredient procurement. This establishment maintains a rigorous standard for ingredient sourcing, ensuring that the final selection represents the best of available regional and Mediterranean-inspired resources.
Au Comptoir MarCel is frequently celebrated as a premier culinary destination in Magog, offering sophisticated and inventive Portuguese-inspired cuisine that consistently delights visitors. Many guests praise the high quality of the food, particularly the seafood dishes, tasting menus, and expertly curated wine pairings suggested by a professional and knowledgeable staff. While the atmosphere is generally described as cozy, charming, and perfect for special occasions, some diners have noted that the seating can feel cramped and the noise levels occasionally rise depending on the crowd. Although the vast majority of experiences are marked by exceptional, personalized service and memorable flavors, a few reviews point to occasional inconsistencies in meal pacing, portion sizing, or the preparation of certain dishes like steak and overcooked seafood. Despite these minor discrepancies, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many patrons viewing the restaurant as a refined, must-visit gem that provides an elevated dining experience worth returning to repeatedly.
We were very much looking forward to having dinner at Au Comptoir MarCel, but left disappointed. The tables are incredibly tight & close to each other. We were against a wall in the'outdoor' area & the table next to us was inches away. We were served a very good amuse-bouche & then waited a good half hour or more for our appetizer, a shared calamari dish, which was quite tasty. I ordered the Caldeirado di Marisco, a shellfish/fish dish in a'bouillon' . It was heavily mussels, a few pieces of fish, 2 clams & some calamari rings. It was just OK, not hot enough & a bit bland. My husband ordered the steak bavette, which was too well-done & tough. The accompanying vegetables were very good. No fewer than 3 servers asked if we wanted dessert. The organization of the staff seems rather disordered. The bill was brought & left on our table with no one telling us that we needed to pay as we left the restaurant. We had high expectations & were very disappointed. Nothing we ate was bad, but nothing really stood out.
It was a weekday so quieter. We had a choice of tables in the back terrace. It's covered so no worries for mosquitoes. Waitress is so knowledgeable on the menu & wines. She is so professional & polite. Amuse-bouche & focaccia bread were the included starters. We got a salad & oysters, followed by grilled sardines. I had the first dish on the main menu, Cardeira I believe which looks to me like a seafood bouillabaisse. He had a steak. We both enjoyed our mains very much. Desserts we had were beignet & a nata. Delicious!
Une expérience décevante, les plats servis étaient très ordinaires alors que leur description sur le menu les présente comme de la haute gastronomie. Sans parler du prix beaucoup trop élevé pour la qualité de la nourriture. Le plat de tagliatelles aux crevettes était insipide en plus d'être servi tiède tandis que le poisson du jour était surtout salé. Pour finir, le beignet au bleuets goûtait tout sauf un dessert maison. En plus du repas insatisfaisant, une facture salée & indigeste! Nous ne reviendrons pas.
Apr 5, 2026
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Une expérience de resto comme on les aime! Service de Keven impeccable. Suggestions de vins délicieuses & on nous a même proposé un menu pour les enfants. Les calmars & le beignet en dessert sont dans notre top 1 :) Équipe de feu, continuez votre beau travail!
Exquisite surprise when trolling along Magog Main Street. Excellent service along with very savory & very appealing dishes… dessert sampler a must! Fresh quality ingredients nicely put together!! See you guys soon for another experience @AuComptoirMarCel
Expérience un peu decevante. Les portions sont minuscules & fades .La bavette, coupée en 6 petites bouchées, était acompagnée d' une demi- carotte crue & sans aucun assaisonemet & d' un demi oignion grillé.Tout ca pour 37$ ( plus taxes + pourboire), je trouve exagéré.Le dessert était bon, les boissons interessantes & le serveur trés professionnel gentil & sympa( il est une perle & il a sauvé la mise).Je n' ai pas retenu son nom , mais il avait une moustache à la Dali.
Déception samedi soir. Nous étions 4 & avons tous & toutes choisi le flétan. Ce poisson délicat aurait mérité une meilleure attention à la cuisson. Trop cuit, ou cuisson inégale, pour 3 d'entre nous il était sec & à peine tendre au centre de la pièce. De plus, les portions étaient petites. Les accompagnements ( mousseline de céleri-rave & asperges) étaient vraiment trop salés. À 37$ l'assiette, on se serait attendu à mieux. Quant aux 3 desserts, ils ont été tout simplement oubliés. Après environ 30 à 45 minutes, nous avons demandé s'il y avait un problème. Après vérification, on nous a dit que la commande n'était pas entrée dans le système & qu'ils s'excusaient. On nous a finalement servi les desserts qui nous été offerts gratuitement. Quant à l'ambiance, tout était parfait jusqu'à ce qu'une tablée de 6 s'installe à côté de nous. Ce fut alors très bruyant & la difficulté à s'entendre parler était un peu exaspérante. Un bravo quand même pour le professionnalisme de la sommelière & la gentillesse de notre serveur.
