Dandy operates as a sophisticated bistro that emphasizes the intersection of artisanal culinary techniques and market-driven ingredients. The interior design reflects an industrial aesthetic characterized by high ceilings and expansive windows that illuminate the open dining area. Menu offerings focus on elevated classic dishes, featuring thick-cut sourdough toasts topped with seasonal produce and house-made ricotta. The kitchen consistently utilizes fresh, locally sourced components to construct balanced plates that favor structural simplicity over complex plating. Patrons experience a lively atmosphere where the focus remains strictly on the quality of the prepared food and the functionality of the workspace. This establishment balances the casual nature of a market-inspired café with the technical precision of a focused bistro kitchen. Every element, from the beverage selection to the curated seasonal vegetables, demonstrates a commitment to ingredient-led preparation methods.
Dandy is a popular brunch destination in Montreal known for its vibrant atmosphere and signature ricotta pancakes, which many patrons consider a highlight of their visit. While the restaurant frequently draws long lines and can be quite noisy due to its busy nature, a large number of visitors find the high-quality, fresh ingredients and flavorful dishes, such as the crispy fried chicken sandwich and seasoned fingerling potatoes, to be well worth the wait. Service is generally described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, though experiences can vary during peak hours when the dining room feels cramped or service slows down. Despite some mixed opinions regarding pricing and wait times, the majority of guests appreciate the unique menu and consistent quality, often expressing a desire to return for another enjoyable meal.
Service was friendly, attentive, & efficient. Place is designed to look spacious which is nice. Food was good but nothing special, especially for the price. I would say the cocktails are the highlight. My sister was of the same opinion for her food. Sausage roll could be better seasoned, mushroom toast was good but a little sweet for some reason, lots of mushrooms though which was great. Presentation could be better, putting the egg on top everytime doesn't make for the best photos. My sister got the fried chicken sandwich & she felt it was just alright, & I agree from the piece I tasted. The pistachio matcha drink initially tasted mostly like Bailey's. Make sure to mix in the pistachio topping to get the full experience which was delicious. Tiramisu latte with Kahlua was great. They do not skimp on the Kahlua.
First impressions: we were 2 people & arrived on a Monday at 11:30 am & saw about 7 or 8 groups ahead of us in line. We were expecting a 1 hour wait & would have been fine with that (we even brought out books to read in line). Nice surprise to see we got seated within 15 minutes. Service: waiter was very friendly & quick & came back several times to refill waters, even during the lunch rush. It took about 40 minutes to get our food after ordering, but again it was the lunch rush Drinks: my wife's $7.00 orange juice tasted suspiciously Tropicana (boo!), but my maple latte was great. Very sweet & tasted more like maple candies than maple syrup. Got an Americano after that which was nice. Food: started with the Chicken sandwich, which was huge & delicious. Fried chicken thighs (not breast) on a fluffy brioche with a herby creamy sauce on a bed of slaw that included granny smith apple. We cut it in half & shared. We added a side of fingerling potatoes which were crunchy & well seasoned with herbs & salt. Came with a side of garlic sauce, & went well together with the sandwich. Last we had the stack of pancakes which remained warm by the time we got to it. The pancakes were dense (not as fluffy as Arthur's) but intentionally so I think. The pool of maple butter at the bottom was awesome & did not get sponged into the bottom pancake. Came with lemon infused mascarpone on the side, which added some bitter to offset the sweet. I liked it, but my wife could have done without (but she still didn't give me her portion!) Overall was a great experience & would return to see what else Dandys has to offer!
Great brunch spot! Absolutely loved the buttermilk fried chicken & the pancakes are also delicious. Be prepared to wait in line for a bit though on busy days!
Aug 8, 2024
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Disappointing. I heard about the ricotta pancakes & had to try them. I make anginetti cookies with ricotta & they are super soft & light so I was imagining something similar. These were dense, with visible clumps of dry, bland ricotta. The syrup they were sitting in was a must. Restaurant was full on a Thursday at about 11 am - we were seated right away but the tables were so close together along a long bench that I had to move the table to sit down. No carpet or soft surfaces so sounded like a typical loud, busy diner. I tried to order a scrambled egg to get some protein with my pancakes & learned they would not serve their eggs scrambled, only poached or fried. I ordered hard over because I don't like a wet yolk. Came out so salty I could barely eat it. Maybe the chef was offended by my order? The experience just didn't live up to the the hype.
With the line we had to wait in before getting in, the hype around Dandy made me excited for what was to come. I ordered the Buttermilk Fried Chicken & accompanied that with a Mimosa. I really enjoyed the Buttermilk Burger, the bun was soft & the chicken was full of juice & flavour, my only gripe was that the bacon that i had as a side was dry & brittle. The Mimosas were pretty good as well. The day I was there the place was very packed but the service was still good, but not great, because we had a bit of a wait time. The atmosphere is nothing to write home about, during my time there, the place felt crowded & small.But this place would be a nice spot to go on a Sunday Morning for brunch.
Great spot in Old Montreal! Glad our hotel recommended it. We had the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich & the sourdough half avocado dishes. Both were excellent! You can't go wrong.
I went for brunch & the brunch menu was simple, but very original, sophisticated & delicious with good portions. There were three of us & I ordered the yummy salad which is fantastic & definitely filling.. my friends' orders included the pancakes & the fried chicken. Wow, both amazing as I got to sample theirs as well. The service was impeccable. The atmosphere is lively ands bustling but we could hear each other talk. It said it would be 20 to 40 estimated price however I found it to be more in the $40-$60 range. Each person if you include drinks & tips. So more steep price than the usual brunch, nevertheless, I highly recommend this place for brunch. It's too bad they don't take reservations because I would go there a lot more. PS, the mimosas & margaritas are wonderful. We didn't have any desserts, but I can tell you looking at it, it looked good.
