Garde Manger is described as a vibrant seafood focused standout in Old Montreal with a warm, lively atmosphere and consistently attentive service; the tasting menu and chef's selections are repeatedly praised for creativity and generosity of seafood, with many dishes described as memorable, though a few guests note pacing issues and that portions can feel small for the price; the bar and wine program receive strong praise for thoughtful pairings, while a minority comment that wine by the glass options lean dry or lack off dry fruity choices; the front of house and kitchen staff are frequently singled out for their energy and hospitality, making the experience feel welcoming and celebratory, and many diners say that Garde Manger offers one of the best seafood experiences in the city and is worth returning to, even if some evenings feel busier or louder and a few reservations about value remain.
Food here is amazing! Its opened by the celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. The octopus & tuna tartare was so good . As for the mains, the artichoke & scallops were done so well . The desserts are not on the menu so it could be different every night & the ones I got were delicious as well!
The staff & vibe was impeccable . We had the tasting menu & it was such a lovely experience. Fresh seafood, rich tender beef, delightfully prepared vegetables. I cannot overstate how much I loved the experience. The pistachio profiterole & amaro meletti pairing was indescribably perfect. I cried it was so good. The only negative of the entire night was in the final course. It was a plate of small bite desserts that was just too much after such a decadent meal. The brown butter macaron was so overpoweringly sweet that it turned my stomach & I couldn't eat the rest of the options on the plate. My partner said the rest (salted dark chocolate wafer, a fruit gelée, & a petit four) were delightful. I don't want this to dominate this review, so I'll just leave it at-maybe avoid the macaron but absolutely devour everything else. The oysters were perfectly shucked & cleaned. The mignonette served with it was nuanced yet bold. The cocktail sauce with the shrimp was familiar yet surprising (super fresh horseradish & perfect Worcestershire) I could have eaten just that & left happy. The bathrooms smelled like maple syrup. Every detail has been thought about here. It's obvious the staff cares deeply.
Jan 4, 2025
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I recently had the pleasure of dining at Garde Manger in Montreal, & I can confidently say it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The restaurant's ambiance perfectly blends rustic charm with a vibrant energy that makes it feel both intimate & lively. The food was outstanding-a true testament to the skill & creativity of the chefs. Every dish was beautifully presented & bursting with flavour. Highlights for me included the fresh oysters, which were impeccably served, & the scallops that were cooked to perfection, accompanied by a deliciously balanced sauce. The dessert, especially the tiramisu, was the perfect end to an unforgettable meal. Equally impressive was the service. The staff were attentive, friendly, & knowledgeable, making excellent recommendations for both food & wine pairings. Their professionalism & warmth added to the overall experience, making me feel genuinely welcome. Garde Manger is a must-visit for anyone looking for top-tier dining in Montreal. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is a spot where you'll not only enjoy an incredible meal but also leave with a memorable dining experience. I can't wait to return!
Très bonne expérience au restaurant Garde Manger hier soir. Je n'avais pas trop d'attentes mais j'ai été agréablement surprise. Nous avons pris le menu dégustation 5 services. Le menu était très copieux & de très bonne qualité. Il ne s'agit pas d'un restaurant de fruits de mer ordinaire, la cuisine y est raffinée & les plats originaux. Le service était impeccable, malgré que le restaurant était très occupé. La femme à l'entrée qui semblait être la gérante s'assure que tout se déroule bien dans son commerce. La barmaid s'est aussi bien occupé de nous, étant donné que nous étions assis au bar. C'est un restaurant assez dispendieux mais en vaut la peine pour les foodies. Je recommande!
Dec 23, 2024
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Had a great time yet again at Garde Manger; I think this was our 4th visit at least, & it was great to have some variations, with the same level of quality on all fronts. The seafood tower & A5 Wagyu beef were the key highlights! We also had the chance to meet Chef Hugues, who was super friendly.
The staff were so incredibly friendly & knowledgeable. Chefs menu was outstanding & on the coldest day so far , the warm & cozy atmosphere was perfect. Will return hands down.
An absolute Gem of a spot. Thank you so much for the staff that was with us last night & thank you to David for permitting us to hang around & sing for a while. It was truly a special evening, the place was full & David still found us *special* seating! We were exceptionally well taken care of & will certainly make this a regular stop when I'm in Montreal.
Dec 8, 2024
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I tried to Dine at this restaurant every time I visit Montreal. I have now been there about seven times & have never been disappointed. My most recent visit was in October & this was A whole other experience. I asked the waiter to do something special & create something along the lines of all our favorite meals from their restaurant. What the chef created was nothing short of perfection. I travel based on culinary experiences, & this is probably the best experience of my life. This is not a cheap restaurant by any means, but if food ambience & service is as important to you, as it is to me, you will gladly pay for perfection I'm sure.
We really enjoyed our experience at the Garde Manger. Coming from San Francisco we have had some amazing food, but Garde was next level. The seafood starter blew us away. David & Chuck were gracious hosts that explained the menu & provided an unforgettable night. From one'Hughes' to another we truly appreciate the night we had & can't wait to visit again! Thanks so much for the time for a fun night out!
Garde Manger exceeded expectations. Every bite was delicious across all the courses & the cocktails were incredible. Highly recommend the Pour Georgette. Food wise, we absolutely loved the octopus appetizer & the combination of ingredients in the sea bass. The coffee cake was an amazing way to top off the meal. My only complaint - I wish the focaccia was warm :)
Nov 24, 2024
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Certainly a bit of a "splurge" when it comes to their menu, by the end of the next expect a lighter wallet but to be absolutely satisfied & full of delicious food.
Bonjour, Je tiens à exprimer ma déception concernant mon expérience lors de ma visite chez vous hier soir avec ma mère. Nous étions chez vous pour célébrer un grand monent & avions opté pour le menu de dégustation à 105$. Lorsque nous avons demandé si le steak pouvait y être inclus, on nous a confirmé que cela était possible en acquiescent avec un: OK. Cependant, à notre grande surprise, un supplément de 40$ a été ajouté à notre facture sans que cela ne nous ait été mentionné au préalable. J'aurais apprécié que cette information soit clairement communiquée, afin d'éviter toute confusion. Nous avions choisi votre restaurant avec enthousiasme & ce malentendu a terni notre expérience. Ce qui est dommage, car le reste de notre expérience était vraiment à la hauteur de nos attentes. L'ambiance, le service attentionné & la qualité des plats ont été très appréciés. Ce détail concernant le supplément de 40$ est donc d'autant plus regrettable, car il a laissé une impression mitigée sur un repas par ailleurs excellent. Merci de prendre le temps de considérer mon retour. Cordialement, Claudia
Arrêter d'aller ailleurs, c'est impossible de manger mieux ailleurs🫶🏼. Taylor EXCELLENT SERVICE. Cuisine a la table nous voulions pleurer tellement que c'était UN DÉLICE. L'ambiance rien demandé de plus. COCKTAIL PARFAIT! Dommage d'habiter aussi loin
Garde Manger exceeded our high expectations. We took a chance & popped in on a Wednesday night before a show. We were received so warmly, as though this is just a small family run restaurant. The food was phenomenal. The oysters were the best we have ever tasted. We took our server's advice & tried the octopus & radicchio appetizers. The octopus is tender & delicious, but also pleasantly different. The potatoes that are served with the octopus are amazing. My only wish here is that we had ordered the sourdough bread to soak up the sauce in the plate. The warm salad had cheese & grapes in it- perfect combination of flavours. We would have loved the food & come back even if the service had been terrible. In this case David was wonderful & made the experience perfect. Really looking forward to our next visit.
Visiting from the US for 1 night, needed a bite to eat & had a couple locals recommend Old Montreal area. Came across this place as an option based on the vibe, food, & historic feel. It did not disappoint. Delicious food, great vibe, & a memorable evening. The service was fantastic, fun, & sincere. Would love to come back someday. Thanks Julian & team!
