Grinder restaurant is located on Notre-Dame street, in the heart of Griffintown. Indeed, this neighborhood located in the southwest of Montreal is dynamic and promising; residential and commercial projects are already underway.
The original decor screams Zébulon Perron (Furco, Buvette à Simone, Philémon). He created a comfortable and warm restaurant, kitchen and raw bar. Grinder characterizes itself by vintage and modern elements such as glass and metal.
On the menu, raw & cooked items: tartares, tatakis, ceviches, carpaccios, etc. Also on the menu, steaks and grilled or braised pieces of meats, all to be shared. Grinder also offers a variety of fish and seafood, served cooked or raw as well. More than a simple steakhouse, all food lovers will find something to their liking among their selection of fresh products.
A 100% of their wine list consists of privately imported wines, always changing with the seasons, and of course focusing on wines produced while respecting nature.
Overall, reviews describe Grinder as a stylish, busy steak and seafood spot with a warm atmosphere that blends upscale and casual vibes, ideal for celebrations and group dinners. The food is repeatedly praised for high quality and generous portions, with standout steaks such as tomahawk and ribeye, well prepared fish and shellfish, and signature dishes like tartares and surf and turf; sides like mushrooms, aligot potatoes, fries, and oysters are noted with varying enthusiasm. Service is described as knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly with many memorable touches like complimentary desserts, birthday celebrations, wine tastings, and even valet, but some visits report slow or disorganized service during peak times. The ambiance can be lively and loud, especially on weekends, making it less ideal for quiet meals, yet the energy and decor are frequently cited as highlights. Overall value is considered strong for high quality meat and seafood, though prices are high and some patrons felt portions or pacing could be improved; in sum, Grinder is a top Montreal pick for steak lovers and special occasions, offering a memorable experience with excellent food and notable service, tempered by occasional service delays and a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
Great food & ambiance. The cream of tomatoe soup was good & tasted a bit like a rosé sauce. The focaccia that came with the burrata tasted like a good hot dog bread (a bit too thick), but the burrata had good flavours surrounding it. The vegetarian option was pretty good (mushroom meatballs). They tasted like a mushroom giant falafel, the pea purée & the apple salad & vinaigrette accompanied it well. Last of all, the dessert platter. Ice cream was regular but went well with the fudge brownie, which was decadent & the pudding chomeur (really good). The cheesecake was average. Overall, it is a good option for vegeterians but a bit pricey for the quality given.
I went for the first time last night & ordered the rib steak. Unfortunately this was the worst rib steak I've ever had - tough, chewy & flavourless. I really wish I had sent it back - for the price this should be an amazingly cut. My friends shared the tomahawk & it was way better - everyone tasted my steak & agreed it was terrible. I wish the server had come & asked how everything was & I would have sent it back but she never came. The pudding Chomeur & vanilla soft serve was noteworthy & delicious. I would come back again just for that dessert & the tomahawk I sadly watched my friends eat with envy. The vibe is great too & the manager was also exceptional, giving us a bottle of wine on the house & a complimentary dessert platter after our server spilled wine on my friend. Overall, Grinder is still worthwhile despite my bad steak & all my friends enjoyed their meals.
May 26, 2024
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Celebrated my 40th with 15 friends. At first the waiter seemed aggressively nice, which was off putting...but he softened up & became much more enjoyable. Had the salmon tartare, & the beef bavette. I understand the need for higher price sin trendy restaurants, but the price points were quite dramatic, although the food was quite good. The sweet potato fries were great. Hot summer night, so opting for open windows on the terrace over AC was a bit unfortunate. Would not make a point of going back, but would not say no if invited with friends.
Grinder's steaks are always great. Just like once you watch high-definition TV, you can never go back to the DVD era. Once you enjoy the taste experience of a real good steak, you can never go back to the VCD era. This is only a good steakhouse can bring a high-quality experience to foodies. Grinder's Tomahawk Steak is full of flavor, 40oz is quite satisfying, & comes with four classic sauces. The set price of the Tomahawk Steak already includes two side dishes of your choice. Happiness lies in this moment! & I really like its atmosphere. There is a DJ playing good songs for a great vibe. It is a restaurant that becomes more beautiful as the night goes by.(2024 Apr) Big enough to taste, To help you wipe out hunger.(2022 Dec)
Tonight was my first time here & this is a homerun! My girlfriend is a meat lover & I'm more of a plant-based lifestyle, & we were both pleased ! The Vegan Meatballs is not only the best plant-based I've ever had in Montreal, but also top 3 meals in general ! Odd coming from a place that prides themselves in their Meat (& butchery beside it)! It is a must try! My GF enjoyed her beef skirt as well ! Service is impeccable & staff very friendly ! It's a semi pricey outing , but worth every dollar !
This place has an amazing vibe, friendly staff, & delicious food-I've been here many times & have never been disappointed. It's the perfect spot for a night out with friends, where you can dress up & enjoy the ambiance. They even offer a tasty vegan option, which was surprisingly delicious. & let's not forget about the drinks; they're fantastic too! The food portions are generous, & while the price range varies depending on your order, it typically falls between $25 to $100. Checking the menu online beforehand is a helpful tip. + nearby parking & valet service for added convenience
Apr 8, 2024
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This review is more directed towards large groups looking to dine here with their "set menu" First to start off...the food & staff were amazing. Nobody had anything bad to say about the meals & the timing everything was brought out. What i have a BIG problem with, was the price for the set menu. Our set menu price was $75.00 a head. That gave a choice of 1 appetizer, 1 main & a communal dessert for the table. After looking at the standard menu, on the HIGH end if someone ordered the most expensive options it was $60.00...on the low end $41.00....that is a MASSIVE difference. Also, the dessert was 1 slice of cake...a bowl of ice cream, a small lava cake & a bread style pudding to share between 5 people..so what they are saying is that the dessert option is on average $15-$20.00 a head This is an AWFUL deal & i wish i would have known about this before i would have never chosen to come here for a group dinner. SO if you are planning on using one of their set menus for a group dinner..just be advised you are getting price gouged for getting absolutely nothing extra. My recommendation is to find somewhere else for your group outing...but to come just for a regular dinner off their regular menu, i would recommend Grinder.
Taste not worth the price. Tuna tartare is not as good as the kegs. Too sour & didn't like it's ginger taste. Colour of avocado looks oxidized. Asked to pack my $40 left over but they threw it out which why leaving a 2 star. We sat at the bar watching the bartenders using bare hand on everything, ice, mint leaves, lime, during the middle of omicron!
Came here for a work dinner. The food was great & the prices seemed very reasonable. All of the main meals (steak, fish, etc...) comes with your choice of a side included which seems pretty rare for a steakhouse-type restaurant these days. The vibe is more a young, hip, trendy one - not necessarily the place to bring your grandparents or for a formal business meeting. Free valet parking at the door is a huge perk since parking in the area is difficult. The staff were super welcoming & accommodating. I'd definitely come back here.
Dec 9, 2023
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I had a disappointing experience at Grinder restaurant. The prices were insanely high, the service was painfully slow, & it felt like we were being ignored by the waitstaff throughout our meal. I also couldn't help but notice that a single shot of cheap liquor cost a whopping $20, adding to the overall sense of being overcharged. This only added to my disappointment with the restaurant. Not a place I'd recommend unless you have money to burn.
