Overall, Buvette Nicole comes across as a warm, intimate French bistro in Old Montreal with a welcoming atmosphere, chic yet cozy decor, and a team that is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and helpful. The menu earns praise for comforting French classics and standout dishes such as fondue, beef bourguignon, duck, gnocchi, and tartare, complemented by well crafted cocktails and thoughtful wine pairings, with brunch and happy hour also receiving high marks. Service is frequently highlighted as fast and personable, though a few visits note occasional slow pacing during busy times and occasional missteps that affected the flow of the meal. The value is a point of contention for some, with several diners calling prices steep or portions variable, yet many reviewers regard the quality and presentation as exemplary. Most reviewers intend to return, describing the place as a gem, a spot to linger with friends or family, and a destination that captures the spirit of a neighborhood French bistro in Montreal.
The food was amazing from the starters, including ceasar salad & foid grass, to the mains that we shared. I had the roasted duck (medium rare was perfect), & my friend had the braised beef. The wine we selected was perfectly paired. The portions were so amazing that there was no room left for dessert. We arrived at 19h00, but by 20h00, the place was packed & alive. Our two staff members were very helpful & chatty. By far, the best French bistro experience we could have hoped for in this area.
My drink was delicious, my server was lovely.
It isn't the most scenic street for a patio, but the inside was really nice. Was disappointed with the charcuterie- everything on it tasted like I could have bought it a regular grocery store.
Probably one of the best restaurants to open up in the Old Port in the last year. Food was incredible, perfectly portioned, beautiful to look at & gets better after every bite especially the salmon crudo that left myself & my fiancee (who usually does not eat/like any raw fish dishes) left us wanting more. Steven, the manager, made our experience THAT much better providing excellent service & making us feel welcome before we even sat down! All in all, highly recommended if you like small & intimate spots where you will feel like you become part of the Buvette family!
Nourriture époustouflante, service ultra convivial, endroit de quartier agréable, je suggère sans hésiter…burrata exquise & gâteau au fromage digne de mention
Jun 8, 2025
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Unfortunately, the quality of food & service was not even close to satisfaction. We ordered entrée, the charcuterie was a semi-authentic(!) 5$ cost Costco board which they charged us more than 20 dollars for. Also charged 64 dollars for a low quality 20$ red wine.
Worst part was the waiter's rude attitude which implied'you don't know French cuisine' with a condescending humiliating smile. Also, be alert that google photos are not real, most of them belong to previous ownership of the restaurant.
I will NEVER GO BAC, but I hope they reconsider their attitude towards customers at least.
The restaurant had a lovely & unique ambience that made for a memorable setting. Our server was incredibly nice & welcoming, which really added to the experience. We had requested outdoor seating & were promptly ushered to a table outside.
As a group of five, we ordered a variety of lunch dishes including the beef tartare, beef sandwich, & black garlic gnocchis. While everything was presented well, the food itself was unfortunately a bit mediocre & didn't quite live up to our expectations.
That said, the sunny weather made for a pleasant outdoor meal, although it did start to get quite hot. Overall, it was a decent experience with standout service & atmosphere, but the food could use a little more refinement.
Wonderful service & banter from the moment we walked in. We spoke French of course but sprinkled in some English with staff easily. Arrived 10min before our reservation & it wasn't an issue seated a min or two later. Food was delicious from the escargot, beef tartare to the duck. Perfection. Note I was asked & notes were taken for allergies , favoured water & language choice. Also asked multiple times if the music was too loud but we loved the ambiance. The large windows also helped for a great view hustle & bustle of the city. Will return again !
This place exceeded our expectations by a mile. The service & food were both excellent for its price point. Our server Andrew was amazing, he was friendly & interacted with us throughout. We let him picked all our courses & we almost licked the plates clean. Sometimes the service is just as enjoyable as the food.
Had an amazing night at buvette nicole, the staff alone made the night so memorable & will definitely come back. The food was delicious & made a great first impression on food that I've never tried before. Our server gave us amazing recommendations. Andrew was amazing best server ever!!!!
We had the most wonderful brunch at Nicole, & a huge part of that was thanks to Callum, our amazing server. He was incredibly sweet, kind, & attentive, & made my bachelorette brunch feel truly special for both me & my bridesmaids. From the moment we sat down, Callum made us feel so welcome & cared for - it was like being served by a good friend.
His calm, warm energy was the perfect complement to such a fun day. Oh, & the food was absolutely delicious, too! Everything was perfect.
Thank you, Callum, for adding so much joy & making great recommendations. We're so grateful!
