We named our restaurant Bistro Nolah, an acronym for New Orleans, out of a love for the style of comfort food they serve down south. This style of food will be the inspiration behind some of the dishes we will be serving at Nolah.
Bistro Nolah is described as a warm, intimate spot with a small but lively dining room and a vibe that nods to New Orleans. The food receives high praise across the board, with standout dishes including gumbo, jambalaya, shrimp and grits, fried chicken, brisket, catfish, hush puppies, bread pudding, and beignets, noted for rich flavors, generous portions, and thoughtful presentation. Brunch is a major draw, offering inventive southern favorites and a few guests calling it among the best, though the restaurant can be busy and reservations are often advised due to limited space. The service is repeatedly described as attentive, knowledgeable, friendly, and accommodating, contributing to an overall welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like a special occasion without being overly formal. Several reviews mention a charming interior and, in good weather, a terrace experience that enhances the mood. Occasional notes of spice balance and timing show that the kitchen can be very busy on weekends, with a few patrons noting long waits or specific dishes that could have more heat or variety. Overall, Bistro Nolah is seen as a top choice for southern comfort cuisine in Montreal, delivering consistent quality, strong hospitality, and a dining experience that fans are eager to repeat.
I absolutely enjoyed every single meal at Bistro Nolah! First of all, I had no reservations & was assuming I could just show up & be seated as it might not be too busy on a Sunday night but to my surprise it was full! Regardless & irrespective of the fact that I was not expecting them to accommodate us, they were able to make it work! The service was great & the food was even better. Everything was so hot & fresh when it came out. We started with the Mac & cheese, fried chicken, jambalaya & gumbo. Everything was delicious, I found the gumbo a little strong on flavour for my preference but the fried chicken was decadent. Perfect amount of chicken to batter ratio, very fresh & delicious honey glaze to top it off. For mains, we went with the jerk shrimp grits & braised short ribs. Both were delicious! Lastly, for dessert we enjoyed the bread pudding which was also delicious! Overall I would go back over & over just for the amazing food & service. It was beautiful to experience a little bit of NOLA here in Montreal!
X-cellent. Period. Lobster, shrimp'salad' ain't a salad, eats like one of best tartares around. Superb gumbo, crab cakes, oysters, bread, fried chicken, jambalaya, desserts etc etc...Plenty of parking, great staff, brunch equally good....one of best in west, enjoy. We do.
Dec 1, 2025
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I've spent a fair amount of time living in New Orleans & was trained to be a half decent Creole cook for large groups. Needless to say, these experiences made me very good at recognizing what is quality Creole & Cajun cuisine (& yes, there is a difference between the two). I would say that this was probably one of the closest that I've had comparing to what I've I've enjoyed in New Orleans & definitely a noteworthy meal in itself on its own merits, especially when comparing this place to 20 years of seeking & hunting down Cajun & Creole restaurants across Canada. The gumbo is more Creole than Cajun & I don't mind that a bit, as it with some really nice Smokey undertones. The fried Chicken was spot on & the spicy Creole shrimp was an absolutely. The jambalaya was decent & I really enjoyed the Hush puppies. The duck confit was absolutely perfect. It was very well seasoned, incredibly tender, & fabulously tasty notes throughout. My creole shrimp was nicely spicy & tender & paired nicely with the jambalaya, though there could have been a little bit more kick to the jambalaya. My father's smoked brisket was also nicely tender & topped with an assortment of mushrooms & such which gave it a nice variation on textures. The brisket was of course cooked perfectly. & of course, while it might have been more customary to have the bread pudding, it had been years since I had professionally made beignets & this was one opportunity I wasn't going to miss under any circumstances. Very nicely done. My standard of comparison is with Café Du Monde which is A very high standard to match as I would spend literally every morning in New Orleans enjoying my early breakfast of their their coffee with a plate of beignets before work. I didn't even blink at the bill & neither did my parents who are normally quite economy minded, which means that they thoroughly enjoyed the meal so much so much that they thought it was an absolute steal. Considering that my mom is a foodie who had her first experience with Cajun by having a full formal dinner at the commander's Palace in Nola, his restaurant had a lot to live up to to match her standards & they exceeded it easily. I visit Montreal about twice a year & this will very likely be one of my regular stops in my trips especially as I have to try their $65 tasters menus on Sundays. Laissez les bon temps roullez!
My husband & I went to Bistro Nolah for our anniversary dinner. As soon as you walk in, you feel like you're in a different place. The atmosphere is so zen, the decor brings you to New Orleans.
We have the grits & jambalaya as appetizers. I always wanted to try grits, but never had the chance. These grits will make you slap your mama. They are tasty, smooth & full of flavour. I could eat it morning, noon & dinner, with snacks in between. If I could, I would've sneaked in the kitchen to take the rest of it home.
The jambalaya has the perfect blend of spice & flavour.
Main course: brisket & catfish. The brisket comes with mashed potatoes & mushrooms, surrounded by two different types of sauce.
The catfish lays on a bed of mashed sweet potatoes.
Again, both dishes are packed with flavour & a right size portions.
Desserts: chocolate torte & bread pudding. One word: Decadent.
What I loved about the menu is the amount of gluten free items.
The food is well worth the price. Bravo Chef Richard! We will definitely return for brunch.
Realizing why this restaurant is so highly rated! Definitely deserved!
Partners Chris & Richard are totally invested in the smooth running of this great place. We sat at the bar, which was only available shortly before leaving work. Lucky us as we enjoy eating out, we were able to get a real feel for the place & chat with Chris. Myself, I realized I was in a little trouble ordering the jambalaya appetizer - really tasty but a little heavy for me. I ate too much. So when my entree came'blackened catfish'served on a bed of mash sweet potato accompanied with lovely fresh beans etc, I could barely finish. My bad. Food is amazing. Service great. Ambiance ; top notch. So, make sure you call & reserve - then enjoy
Monica & Jeff
So 2 years ago I wrote the review above - thought it was time to update !
We have found our favourite go-to place when we need to feel spoiled ! Ahh the food is wonderful & the staff is really attentive & accommodating. Being Gluten Free- I present challenges which are quickly solved with absolute success- a big thank you to friends who keep us happily fed!!!
Absolutely spectacular! From the service to the food. Only two really minor things. The ambience was nice though to cancel out a bit of the ambient noise the might turn their great soundtrack up. Also my friend was lacking water though with only two on staff, it was a Wednesday after all, kindof understandable. But the food!! OMG THE FOOD!!! Five very satisfied customers. Duck confit, Mac & cheese, Jambalaya balls, mussels, short ribs, brisket & creole shrimp!! All to die for! Doggie bags please! & it will not go to the dog!!
Just went a second time. One again blown away. Sitting outside on a warm summer night is a bonus! Again, excellent food, sooo tasty, ambiance is better outside where it's not too noisy. Service was wonderful left us alone when we didn't raise our heads & came promptly when signalled. Bravo!!
We visited Bistro Nolah, a refined restaurant inspired by the rich & soulful cuisine of New Orleans, Louisiana. The name'Nolah' is a nod to NOLA (New Orleans, LA), & it's a fitting tribute-the flavors truly capture the spirit of the region.
The space is small & cozy, with a vibrant, energetic atmosphere. The lively background noise adds to the charm, creating a warm & animated dining experience without feeling overwhelming.
The menu is compact, but each dish is thoughtfully crafted. We began with the jambalaya arancini, served with a deliciously spicy sauce that lingered pleasantly on the palate.
For our main courses, we had the smoked brisket-exceptionally tender & beautifully seasoned-& the shrimp & grits. The shrimp had a bold, spicy profile, perfectly balanced by the smooth, comforting grit. Each bite was both satisfying & refined.
To finish, we shared the banana cheesecake flambéed with Jack Daniel's-rich, indulgent, & the perfect finale.
Bistro Nolah offers a more upscale dining experience, & while it comes at a higher cost, the quality, attention to detail, & overall atmosphere make it well worth it. I would gladly recommend it for a special occasion or a memorable evening out.
May 26, 2025
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It is an unforgettable & amazing experience from appetizer to dessert. We had Jambalaya & Southern fried chicken as appetizers. We had southern style beef short rib & Duck Conflict in dirty rice as main. We had Banana Pecan Cheesecake & Bread Pudding in Bourbon sauce as dessert. We emptied everything & we will definitely visit again.
J'ai adoré mon expérience dans ce restaurant ! Le service était impeccable & d'une grande courtoisie. Les plats, aussi savoureux que raffinés, mettaient en valeur des produits de qualité.
Pour commencer, j'ai opté pour le jambalaya en entrée, suivi de la délicieuse croquette de crabe. En plat principal, j'ai choisi la côte de boeuf braisée, accompagnée de son gruau de maïs - un véritable régal ! Les saveurs étaient harmonieuses, & la présentation soignée.
Sans hésiter, je classe ce restaurant parmi les meilleurs que j'aie pu découvrir sur l'île de Montréal. J'ai déjà hâte d'y retourner & de le faire découvrir à ma famille. Un bistro à recommander sans réserve !
First time dining here & the experience was excellent. The food was very good & yummy. Highly recommend the shrimp & grits as well as the jambalaya special. Also the service by our host, Mathew was top notch & made the experience that much more enjoyable. Will definitely come back again. Highly recommend!
Laid-back atmosphere, great food, & great service. Jambalaya balls & sausage gumbo are an appetiser must. Lots of great main dishes like shrimps & grits, blackened catfish, fried chicken chorizo, & brisket mac & cheese. For dessert, try the beignets & the key-lime pie.
Jan 25, 2025
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Didn't have any reservations on a weekend & was quickly accommodated. Service was very good & the atmosphere was lively. The food was a let down. The jambalaya rice balls were missing a punch & pretty dry. The hush puppies were bland, the sauce that it came with made up for it. The crabe cake was meaty but it had a very strong smell to it. The fried chicken was ok but not crispy. It's sad that they use already peeled shrimps for the shrimp & grits. In any case I'd come back for the service we received in hopes of having a better experience food wise.
Magnifique petit resto intime, avec des créations originales aux cocktails & la table. Tout est bon. On recommande de prendre plusieurs plats & partager. Gumbo & jambalaya au top. Ne pas manquer les desserts non plus. On se retrouve ici comme dans les restos du Vieux Carré à la N.O. Service souriant, courtois & efficace. En famille, entre amis ou en couple. Toutes de bonnes options. Prix justes. Highly recommend 👍👍
Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in Montreal. The boulettes jambalaya with jalapeno sauce as appetizer, shrimp & grits as a main, & *divine* bread pudding dessert are a must. The banana cheesecake dessert is a must try when they have it on the menu. Cocktails are perfection & the staff is lovely... can't recommend more!
I LOVE this restaurant. The food is incredible. I ordered the Creole shrimp & the mac&cheese. Everything is soo flavorful. The Creole shrimp has the right amount of spicy & it pairs soo well with the jambalaya rice. Overall I highly recommend it!
Jan 21, 2024
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Bistro Nolah is a New Orleans delight! From mouthwatering fried chicken to the flavorful jambalaya, every dish screams authenticity. The charming ambiance, complete with jazz music, transports you to the heart of Louisiana. What truly made our visit exceptional was Chris, our waiter, who provided the best service we've ever experienced. A must-visit for an authentic taste of New Orleans with impeccable service.
November 2023: the short ribs were well presented, a good portion, & well cooked but kinda tasteless except for the surface. Jambalaya boulettes were delicious but if there was meat it was invisible. Great service. Nice decor at atmosphere. Enjoyed the Nebbolini wine we got. Past experiences: Definitely one of the best restaurants in the West Island overall. Excellent service. Nice cocktails but they could stand to be more creative with them. Gumbo & jambalaya are always solid choices. The beignets are very filling. The lobster mac & cheese wasn't really for me, it felt like it was missing something. Brunch was great pre-covid, haven't checked since.
Our dining experience in Montreal has been somewhat disappointing recently, with restaurants charging very high prices for sub-par quality. I'm absolutely happy to pay for good quality food, & I understand the difficulties restaurants are facing post-pandemic. That being said, we went to Bistro Nolah tonight & were blown away by how wonderful everything was. Ambiance was lovely, really loved how cozy the restaurant is, the jazz music & the decor. Tables are spaced well enough apart & music is a good volume so that you don't have to yell over any noise. My partner & I definitely plan to come back for another date night. The service was great. I almost wished they came less frequently to our table, but we arrived at 5 pm when it was initially less busy. Still, it was not overbearing by any means. We were given plenty of time to relax after getting our check without us needing to search for our waiter to pay. & our waiter clearly knew the menu really well - we really appreciated his input when we were choosing our meals. Finally, the food & drinks were fantastic. I had a Dark & Stormy which was double the size of a cocktail I'd get in the city. Great value, well made. Nothing special on the cocktail menu front, but still very much enjoyed my drink. Started out with some nice warm bread rolls with some very addictive smoky/sweet butter. We shared the sausage gumbo appetizer. Really tasty & notably the texture of the rice in the gumbo was perfect, but can't speak to how it compares to gumbo from Louisiana. Not particularly spicy, as someone who eats a lot of spicy food, contrary to what some reviewers have said, but flavorful. I would recommend trying it, but will skip it next time & try out the fried chicken or mac & cheese, as a matter of personal preference. We shared the brisket & creole shrimp mains. Brisket was phenomenal, especially the barbecue sauce. Love oyster mushrooms, but could take or leave the ones on top of the brisket. Felt like they could use a better sautée & that they didn't mesh that well with the dish. Mashed potatoes were also delicious. That said, it was my favorite dish we ate, as well as my partner's, but was very closely followed by the creole shrimp. If you don't like heat of any kind, the creole shrimp might not be for you. We love spicy. The shrimp was cooked perfectly & the flavor was fantastic. The tomato sauce was also incredible & had the perfect amount of heat. The side of jambalaya & veggies were good too, but not the star of the show. To be fair, I was incredibly full & saved them for last - a testament to the nice portion size for what we paid & my mistake of eating a pain au chocolat an hour & a half before dinner. For me, what makes a restaurant stand out is attention to detail, & Bistro Nolah does not disappoint in that regard. I can't wait to come back & try some dessert next time! If you're like us & live nowhere near the West Island, I hope this convinces you to make the trip. My only regret is not coming here sooner.
Been meaning to go for a few months/since opening. No reservation, still was able to sit at the bar. Service was very good, great attention from our waiter(maybe owner/manager) & the bar staff. We ordered Mac & cheese & Jambalaya balls (special menu) & they were amazing, took shrimp creole & braised ribs for mains, both great dishes, shrimp creole was perfectly spiced, I am always worried when ordering shrimp but in a creole restaurant it's a must & was not disappointed. Braised ribs was tender & delicious. Drinks were made with fresh citrus juices & very tasty. Unfortunately no room for dessert. Atmosphere was welcoming nice music & good vibe. Would go back & would recommend. Did not take picture too existed to eat.
Dining at Bistro Nolah is an experience not to be missed if you appreciate superb & unique cuisine, excellent service, fair prices, & a friendly, but classy bistro setting. I have dined at Nolah on several occasions, & each time it just gets better! Their menu includes New Orleans-style dishes like beignets, hush puppies, jambalaya, gumbo, & so much more, with specials that change nightly. Last night my wife & I enjoyed a leisurely, romantic evening at the bistro; we had the best fried chicken either of us had ever tasted, as well as incredible hush puppies & a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly appetizer. We savoured every bite of our generous entrees of delicious shrimp & grits & blackened catfish. The Cajun flavours were complex & exciting, but not overpowering. Chef Richard has been tweaking his culinary skills & his knowledge of this style of cooking for over 30 years, & believe me, he has it down! A gem of a place to visit on the West Island!
