Le Garde Manger est une sorte de joyau culinaire qui, de prime abord, n'en présente pas les apparences. Il faut d'abord dénicher l'endroit, dans une ruelle quelque part près des quais du Vieux-Montréal. De plus, ce bistro sans prétention, situé près du centre des affaires, ne possède pas d'enseigne extérieure. Malgré tout, depuis son ouverture en juin 2006, il est devenu une adresse de choix auprès des professionnels branchés qui ont envie d'une cuisine de la Côte Est et d'une pinte de bière locale après une dure journée de travail.
Dans l’ensemble, les avis sur Garde Manger décrivent une expérience culinaire maritime exceptionnelle mêlant ambiance chaleureuse et service attentif. La cuisine est largement saluée pour sa fraîcheur, ses fruits de mer généreux et ses plats créatifs, présentés avec soin et équilibre. Le menu degustation est souvent un point fort, même si certains visiteurs trouvent les portions parfois petites et le déroulement des plats peu clair sans support imprimé. La carte des vins et les cocktails reçoivent aussi des éloges, avec des accords judicieux, même si quelques convives regrettent le choix au verre et préféreraient des options plus fruitées ou off-dry. L'ambiance est décrite comme vivante et accueillante, et le cadre du Vieux-Montréal est souvent mentionné comme un atout majeur. Des critiques signalent néanmoins des réalités pratiques comme une certaine confusion autour du menu, une arrière-salle bruyante et des tables serrées, ou des temps d’attente qui peuvent décevoir lors des soirs plus chargés. Malgré cela, l’enthousiasme demeure fort et beaucoup recommandent Garde Manger comme une expérience mémorable à Montréal, un lieu où la nourriture et le service s’accordent pour offrir une soirée exceptionnelle et inoubliable.
We didn't have a reservation, but they got us in. Everything was delicious. Sit at the bar & get the experience. Chef Chuck came out & shared stories with us.
Best meal we've had this trip to Canada. The focaccia gave with flavorful, salty butter & the snow crab appetizer was DELICIOUS - on a buttery brioche toast. The scallops, though a bit expensive, were divine served with roasted corn & honey butter. The zucchini side was also very well done - with a fried zucchini blossom on top. My co-diners had the salmon & also raved about it. For dessert, we had both the coffee cake with malted ice cream & the chocolate cake with sour cream/cream cheese mousse. Both were scrumptious.
Use Google maps to find the restaurant, because there is no signage outside. It's worth hunting for!!
This place was fantastic. The ambiance is fantastic, warm & cozy. The service was impeccable, at times it felt like we had the entire staff taking care of us. My wife & I did the Chef's menu which was tailored a little bit for her tastes. The Seafood platter portion of the meal was excellent, & contained a great variety of items. For appetizers we had the Striped Bass & the Cucumbers which were both excellent. The main courses were also very good. Don't miss out on the carrots which came with the Swordfish & Black Cod which were both outstanding. dessert included the Profiteroles which were delicious. The wine list is excellent. Expensive, but well worth the cost!
8 juil. 2025
sur Google
🍽️
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Got a reservation at the bar, & had a couple drinks each & the'one step up' meal. Everything was fantastic - the bartender was funny & handsome & the food was all splendid. It's definitely a splurge, but it was a great value.
Fantastic experience! The music, atmosphere & service was awesome.
We were celebrating our anniversary & took seats at the bar, had a blast chatting with the bartender. The food was phenomenal. The Snow Crab is an absolute must try! Get your wallet out cause it'll be an expensive night but totally worth it. 💯
Came here looking for the scallops when the friendly host David told me they were out & I was so disappointed. Then the awesome bar chef Ema came to my rescue! I told her to order me a seafood dish & I got the québécois swordfish which totally blew me away! As a snobbish New Yorker, Mon Latin goer this little place stole my heart. I don't eat meat, but I said this bacon tasted good. Spoiler, it was not bacon!!! It was swordfish belly smoked to perfection! The whole dish had crunchiness & delicious caramelized root vegetables. Ema also made me a super yummy mocktail, which was not too sweet. I'll definitely came back & bring my family in here as well. I had the mushroom side as my appetizer & that did not disappoint either. Thank you. Merci beaucoup
What was, isn't anymore
I had high expectations for this restaurant which features the'famous' chef Chuck Hughes. Unfortunately it didn't deliver on any account, most importantly the food. The 45 minute wait for the $58 plate of'fresh' coho salmon from BC with fava beans & caviar butter was served lukewarm & worse, was tough & didn't taste fresh at all. I should know as I am from BC & can cook a tender melt in your mouth salmon every time. This was a huge disappointment- upon returning the dish I received alot of apologies but really shame on this kitchen for not getting this right. The Chinese style grilled octopus also failed to deliver- tough & rubbery $38
My friend had the Hanger steak & found it to be'ok' a second appetizer: cauliflower mushrooms was actually pretty decent but by the time it arrived as a replacement for the salmon, I had lost my appetite
All in all the service was on the friendly side of ok, but I would have preferred a more mature & professional service. The whole experience really didn't justify the $250 tab for two & the reaction to my feedback was defensive & unsatisfying- this place had its glory days & I would say they are definitely over - food wise
Ambience is nice for a date but there are plenty places in Old Montreal I would choose next time
Exceptional food & service! The portions were generous, especially for fine dining, & the multi-course meal was beautifully balanced. Every dish was full of flavour & thoughtfully presented. The cocktails were top-notch-creative, well-crafted, & delicious. A truly memorable dining experience!
27 juin 2025
sur Google
🍽️
Sachez où manger à Montréal avant tout le monde.
Découvrez en primeur les ouvertures les plus branchées, des menus secrets et les coups de cœur de RestoMontreal.ca. Rejoignez plus de 50 000 foodies.
Superb. We returned again on our second trip to Montreal. Every dish was a revelation. We live in NYC & it was worth the trip just to eat here. The scallop crudo & the snow crab appetizers were incredible. The vegetable side dishes were delicious. They deserve Michelin stars.
Dès notre arrivée, nous avons été accueillis avec chaleur & professionnalisme. Le restaurant offre une ambiance à la fois élégante & décontractée.
Emma a été attentive sans être envahissante, toujours présente au bon moment, avec le sourire. Elle a su cerner nos goûts en quelques échanges & nous orienter vers des choix qui se sont révélés parfaits du début à la fin.
Le repas en soi était exceptionnel, chaque assiette était un équilibre de textures & de saveurs, joliment présentée.
We sat at the bar & had an incredible & memorable dining experience from start to finish. The space has a charming & welcoming feel that immediately puts you at ease. The menu is thoughtful & well-executed. The duck, in particular, was outstanding - complemented by the beets & bigarade sauce. Our server & bartender, Jihan, was attentive & personable, striking the perfect balance of care & professionalism. You can feel the intention behind every detail. So glad we came across this gem of a restaurant during our visit to Montreal!
