Essence

Vibrant Mediterranean flavors meet the refined elegance of a downtown Montréal bistro.

Downtown

CLOSEDOpens Monday at 11 am

Monday	11 am - 2:30 pm
Tuesday	11 am - 2:30 pm
Wednesday	11 am - 2:30 pm
Thursday	11 am - 2:30 pm
Friday	11 am - 2:30 pm
Saturday	Closed Today
Sunday	Closed

Mediterranean Bistro International Market Fusion Tartare Grill Pasta Pizza Seafood/Fish Vegan Options Vegetarian Gluten-free Options Catering Great selection of cocktails Great selection of wines Resto-Bar Tasting Menu

Reserve

Location & ContactError?

2001 Boulevard Robert-Bourassa, Montreal, H3A 2A6

Downtown, Montreal

(514) 845-2002

Book a table

About

Essence offers a classical international cuisine with a modern twist. Our team of talented chefs is inspired by Quebec's finest seasonal produce to offer clients the best events possible; a business lunch or a corporate dinner. We have your setting for a night out on town with friends or a romantic evening for two. Our bar and lounge offer you the perfect surroundings to enjoy the good moments of life.

Details

Our Specialties

Tartare, Flank steak, Grill, Pasta, Pizza, Seafood, Homemade desserts, Cocktails & Beers.

Amenities, services & more

Capacity: 180 We accept: Master Card, Visa, AMEX, Interac

Catering Delivery Good For Groups Great selection of cocktails Great selection of wines Happy Hour Live Entertainment / Shows Lounge Parking Available Private Room Reception Services / Private Events Resto-Bar Sports on TV Takeout Available Tasting Menu Terrace Wheelchair Accessible Entrance

45 seats at the bar.

25 seats perfect for Happy Hour!

Paying parking under the restaurant.

Semi-private room available.

The restaurant is available evenings and weekends for your private events.

Loading affiliated restaurants...

Menus (2) QR Code

Menu Menu service bouteille / Bottle Service Menu

Photos (18) View More

4.3 434 ratings

5★

51%

4★

32%

3★

2★

1★

SpecialsView More

Table d'hôte du midi
Du lundi au vendredi à partir de 22$

Lunch Table d'hôte
Monday to Friday starting at $22

Table d'hôte du soir
Du lundi au vendredi à partir de 24$

Evening Table d'hôte
Monday to Friday starting at $24

Loading nearby events...

Loading related links...

Reviews for Essence

Food

Service

on Google3.8 (600+)

*as of 2026-08-29

4.3 434 ratings

5★

51%

4★

32%

3★

2★

1★

Write your review

Reviews often mention

lunch(23) prix(13) groupe(12) saumon(11) rapide(9) qualite(9) salad(7) midi(6) frais(6) club(6) professionnel(6) tartare(6)

Review Summary

Essence offers a pleasant atmosphere and a variety of dining experiences ranging from fresh, high-quality lunches to refined brunch options. Visitors appreciate the tasty, well-prepared food and the cozy setting that allows for comfortable conversation during business dinners. The venue is also a popular spot for guests looking for a lively environment with upbeat music to enjoy an evening out.

Page 5 of 18 - 180 Reviews

Joelle

4.0

Un plat consistant pour le dîner, mais un peu limité pour moi, & pour les autres aussi du reste....le cadre est agréable, la décoration originale.

Oct 21, 2023

on Google

via Other

1 Review

4.5

Excellent service & très bon repas, cependant le restaurant avait perdu son permis de boisson & je n'avais pas été avisée, c'était une situation quelque peu malaisante surtout que je recevais des invités.

Oct 18, 2023

via Other

1 Review

3.5

J'ai commandé un tartare de saumon & le saumon n'avait pas un goût de "frais". De plus, les croutons étaient trop durs (pas frais encore).

Oct 4, 2023

Luisa

5.0

Incredible!

Sep 28, 2023

on Google

Benjamin

5.0

I appreciate my lunch at Essence. Gods food, good service ant great server. You should be to come here.

Sep 28, 2023

on Google

MONKÏ

5.0

Très bon restaurant, j’ai voulu tenter l’expérience avec des amis. Les plats sont très bons, le menu d’hôte est un très bon concept (entrée & dessert inclus dans le prix). L’atmosphère est très calme & agréable. Le personnel est à vos petits soins, au top, toujours le sourire! & les prix restent abordables. Je recommande très fortement si vous cherchez un resto downtown!!

Sep 25, 2023

on Google

via Other

1 Review

4.5

Excellent linguini au homard. Bravo au chef

Sep 20, 2023

Ahmed

5.0

We visited the resto with my family.. food,service & vibes were AMAZING!.. our baby got hungry. & they were kind enough to arrange an isolated place for our baby to be breast fed, we were very grateful for this. Also the place is accessible for strollers. Highly recommend this place!!

Sep 5, 2023

on Google

Cedric

3.0

Restaurant bien situé, au cœur de Montréal ; cadre sophistiqué & confortable ; service de qualité. Du coup, je m'attendais à mieux au plan gastronomique, mieux qu'une assiette du pêcheur se résumant au final à un duo de saumon & cabillaud avec timbale de riz safrané aux petits pois, précédé d'une salade. Je ne me souviens même pas du dessert! Juste que le pain était bon, ce qui n'est pas évident hors de France.

Sep 2, 2023

on Google

via Other

1 Review

4.0

Enjoyed some time with colleagues here for lunch. Fast & friendly service. Food was pretty good (Bavette & Fries). My colleagues had the Gnocci, & Salmon. They enjoyed as well. I tried the Gnocci - very, very nice dish. Menu is expensive & unfortunately the one dish that 3 of us wanted to order was not being offered. That started the experience off a little low since we had looked at the menu before & were quite set on that dish. Other than that, I enjoyed my lunch!

Aug 25, 2023