Cabaret L'Enfer offers a bold, intimate dining experience with an open kitchen and counter seating that many reviews describe as energetic and engaging. The menu is inventive and expressive, blending coastal, Latin and Asian influences with intricate plating and strong wine pairings that often complement each course. Dishes like otoro and handmade pastas regularly receive praise for creativity and balance, while the atmosphere is repeatedly noted for candlelit warmth and a lively, showlike vibe. The staff and sommelier are frequently highlighted for knowledge and hospitality, though service can be slow and pacing uneven on some nights, and portions are sometimes considered small for the price. Reservations are essential due to the small space, and the experience can feel like a night out rather than a traditional fine dining meal, with some guests embracing the spectacle and others wishing for more restraint. Overall, Cabaret L'Enfer is seen as a standout culinary adventure that rewards an open mind and may inspire a return visit, despite occasional inconsistencies and cost considerations.
Probably one of the best restaurants in Montreal. Lots of flavors & effort in each plate. The staff were on point & very polite. Good wine selection. Portions are a bit small but the experience was perfect. Thanks Massimo!
Cuisine audacieuse & intéressante! On aurait souhaité des plats un tout petit peu plus généreux. Le service était difficile par contre. Nous sommes restés 30 min à table avec un verre d'eau avant que l'équipe de service vienne nous voir... 45 minutes avant d'avoir un apéro & un amuse-bouche. On sentait qu'il manquait de staff sur le plancher & les chefs jasaient avec les clients vip plutôt que d'avancer le service. Je ne pense pas retourner pour cette raison. Dommage car il y a définitivement du savoir-faire dans l'assiette
Nous sommes allés ma conjointe & moi ainsi que ses enfants. Ce fut une belle soirée. Très grande précision dans l'exécution de la plupart des plats. Mention spéciale pour le pain au levain, le mozarella di buffola, l'agnoletti, les pétoncles & en terminant les fameuses sauces. Massimo est le dieu des sauces. Il nous a reçu avec classe, il est venu plusieurs fois à notre table & nous a tous salué à notre départ. Un chef & sa brigade qui savent très bien prendre soin de leurs hôtes. Est-ce qu'on recommande ? Bien sûr pour l'ensemble de l'oeuvre.
My husband & I went to have dinner at cabaret l'enfer & our experience was incredible! The food was exquisite: flavours were on point, & portions were generous. We were full after the 2nd plate! The chefs, sommelier & other staff were so lovely! We were sitting at the counter & were interacting with them all night long & it made our experience a hundred times better. We would recommend this place without hesitation & we will definitely be coming back!
Feb 9, 2024
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Be prepared for a gastronomical experience...this is not a place to go out for a quick bite but to take your time to enjoy all the thoughtful flavors assembled by a team of chefs for your culinary delights...literally! Cabaret L'enfer offers an outstanding service of very small portions, prepared & presented over an extended period of time...usually coupled with an excellent wine paring. Just know that this meal takes time...budget around 2 1/2 hours to fully enjoy the experience (see below for more). The set menu was presented to us as we sat down...with 7 included courses & the option to add on two others (for an additional charge). Note that everything is prepared in house (bread, purees, etc...) so it is super fresh. The wine pairing is an additional $85 but includes a 100ml glass for almost each dish so it is worth the value. The starter is the Anti-Pasti board (a mixed of meats & purees with a side of bread), then a pasta Agnolotti with Hazelnuts, then a Scallop & Potato service, then a Cardeau fish serving, then a Hazelnut Tetela Mexican tarte, the Lemon Parsley Granita palate cleanser, the meat service in a Bordelaise sauce, followed by two dessert dishes, Meringue Skull with Black Apple & Blackberry Mille-Feuille. As mentioned, the portions are relatively small & we did not feel stuffed or overwhelmed in any way & everything truly tasted wonderful. Although I commented on the length of the meal service, in fact it was barely noticeable because of the company I had. We had a chance to catch up with each other & re-connect as it were in a perfect setting. So it made our meal that much more enjoyable...& that would be my point; go with a small group 2-4 people where you can spend quality time together. It will be well worth the visit & create a warm, loving memory. Enjoy!
Incredible experience - easily one of the best meals my wife & I have ever had. Each course was beautifully presented & full of unique, delicious flavors. The smell & flavor from the Japanese style, wood-fired grill were particularly delicious. The wine pairings were spot on as well. Also, my wife is vegetarian the substitutes she received in place of the meat courses were excellent. We live in New England but I'd happily make the drive to Montreal every time their menu changes - it's that good. Thank you so much to Massimo & team for a great experience, we cannot wait to return!
C'était ma toute première expérience culinaire & je suis extrêmement satisfait. De la nourriture délicieuse, un service incroyable, l'attention aux détails, tout était parfait. On ressent la passion & l'amour des chefs lorsqu'on mange. Je reviendrai sans aucun doute ici, je le recommande à n'importe qui!
Jan 28, 2024
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J'ai eu l'immense plaisir de m'assoir à l'une des quelques tables du Cabaret de L'enfer & je n'ai pas été déçue de mon expérience. L'accueil chaleureux comme à la maison dans un décor punk/rock moderne fait toute la différence. Le rythme & la qualité du service étaient impeccables. J'ai d'autant plus apprécié la présence des chefs lors de la réception de chacun des plats pour présenter leur travail. J'ai eu un IMMENSE coup de coeur pour les agnoloties & le carbeau qui etaient tous deux à tomber parterre. J'ai savouré chaque bouchée comme si cétait la dernière. & que dire des desserts.. sublimes !
J'ai beaucoup aimé, c'était très bien exécuté, saveurs subtiles , mais vraiment trop cher & beaucoup d'attente entre les services... Coup de coeur sur les ris de veau & le dessert au cassis !
Honestly, I think this is the best restaurant in Canada. Impeccable food, attentive & knowledgeable staff, I love love love this place! (Pictured was the dessert!)
We had the best experience at Cabaret l'enfer. To the food & impeccable service, everything was perfect. The chef & his team went above & beyond to accommodate our group. Thank you for the personal touch, we could not have been more pleased with our special night.
What a culinary experience. From start to finish, brilliant! Best seat in the house is definitely the chef's counter. Watching chef Massimo Piedimonte along with his team, prepare flawlessly each dish & interacting with us added to the experience. Also recommend the wine pairing. The only reason I gave 4 stars is because we found the portions very small.
