Auberge Saint-Gabriel, North America's first inn and the country's first legal drinking establishment, was once home to the print shop that published the newspaper Le Patriote, and was even a fur-trading post before it became a highlight of Quebec's fine dining scene and a one of Montréal's hottest night spots. For 300 years, the Auberge has been a maker of memorable evenings, from cocktails on the patio and drinks at its intimate bars to meals in the opulent dining room and private events in its stunning halls.
Acquired in 1987 by the Bolay family, Auberge Saint-Gabriel has earned a sterling reputation. Its new owners, Marc Bolay, Garou and Guy Laliberté, turned it into a masterpiece, transforming this reminder of the past into a decidedly modern venue with playful nods to history. The Auberge was redesigned by Bruno Braën (Rufus Rockhead, Club Chasse et Pêche, Big in Japan), who had fun with the iconography associated with Quebec's history, honouring its heritage while remaining lighthearted. Brilliant!
Born in Sweden, Ola Claesson starts his culinary career at a very young age. Born into a family of chef, his first love is cuisine, which he discovers through the exploration of flavors and rich traditions.
Ola leaves Sweden in 2005. After traveling the world to discover new flavors, he settles in Paris and works at world-renowned, Michelin-starred restaurants like Meurice and Le Pré Catelan. It is only during his time working at Spring Paris that he discovers his true passion for market cuisine and local products – a culinary philosophy that would stay with him forever and inspires him to this day.
Chef Claesson, after a few years in London, at the head of a private gastronomic restaurant, leaves Europe for the beautiful city of Montreal.
Not ready to go home just yet? Head down to Velvet, a parallel universe in Auberge Saint-Gabriel's basement. Talk a walk down the long, candlelit stone hallway and step into the thick smoke surrounding the dance floor of Montréal's sultriest night club. Explore the wild cocktail list and discover top-notch DJs. At Velvet, there are no rules—it comes as a shock when it's time to leave at 3am.
Reviews highlight L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel as a historic Old Montreal setting with warm, attentive service, delicious dishes, and a versatile space that suits weddings, private parties, and intimate dinners, where candlelit interiors, fireplaces and a refined yet cozy atmosphere enhance every visit; the menu shines with comforting favorites like cheese fondue and seasonal specialties, cocktails are thoughtful, and the overall experience is described as memorable and seamless across planning, execution and hospitality, with notable notes of value and occasional comments on pricing or noise that reflect individual preferences.
Dining at Auberge Le Saint-Gabriel is an experience unlike any other in Montreal. Stepping into this 1688 building is like stepping back in time - the stone walls, exposed wooden beams, & warm candlelight create an atmosphere that is both intimate & truly unforgettable.
The food was exceptional. We shared the Swiss fondue & it was rich, generous, & perfectly executed. The wine list is outstanding, & our sommelier's recommendations were spot on. Every detail of the service was attentive & professional without ever feeling stiff.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want a magical evening in Old Montreal, this is the place. Highly recommend!
J'ai contacté l'Auberge Saint-Gabriel dans le cadre de mon travail il y a quelques mois pour l'organisation d'une soirée privée avec certains de nos clients. Je ne peux que remercier chaleureusement toute l'équipe de l'Auberge & particulièrement Léna qui était très impliquée quant à la réussite de cet événement. Nos collègues, clients & notre président on adoré la soirée : l'accueil, les plats, l'ambiance, le service, les attentions particulières pour les restrictions alimentaires, tout était parfait. Merci beaucoup Léna & toute l'équipe de l'Auberge à très bientôt probablement pour un prochain événement.
Très beau & authentique, par contre tout ce qui est mémorable par rapport à la nourriture ce n'est que le prix! Vraiment rien d'extraordinaire & les portions sont loin d'être généreuses..
Nous avons célébré notre mariage dans la salle Grenier de l'Auberge Saint?Gabriel & tout a été parfait du début à la fin. Un immense merci à Clémentine, Dominic & toute l'équipe. Leur accompagnement tout au long des préparatifs a été d'un niveau exceptionnel, & l'exécution ainsi que le service le soir de l'événement ont été tout aussi impeccables. La qualité de la salle, de la cuisine, des cocktails & du service a été unanimement appréciée par nos invités. Nous sommes très heureux d'avoir choisi cet endroit pour célébrer cette journée unique.
Mar 18, 2026
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Nous avons passé une superbe soirée dans un Dôme avec fondue suisse. C'était une expérience extraordinaire, chaque petit détail était parfait : le service, la nourriture & surtout l'ambiance! Nous avons adoré!
Spectacular restaurant! We made a reservation for our 10th wedding anniversary & it was such a treat. Fantastic food, excellent cocktails, attentive & thoughtful staff. They have good options for vegetarians.
Tout était parfait ! Quel beau & bon restaurant ! Nourriture succulente, service impeccable, ambiance chaleureuse. Feu de foyer. Recommandation 10/10. Nous y retournons, c'est certain.
The restaurant is beautiful, the host & servers were kind & welcoming. We went there for the cheese fondue & it was so good!! I recommend ordering the charcuterie plate with it.
Gorgeous restaurant. The stone, the fireplaces, the brown leather & the Christmas decor blend together for a perfect snowy dinner. It took a while waiting at the host stand & waited about 10 minutes past our reservation time but they offered to take our coats for us which was a nice touch. The wine was really nice, the fondue was amazing. Although $44 per person for it to just come with bread is a bit much. We added veggies & small charcuterie which I'm glad we did. It came out quickly & it was so so good! I would definitely come back for the fondue or even a cocktail at the bar especially during winter months for the cozy vibe!
One of the most delightful flavors in Old Montreal, served in a cozy, historic setting at the city's oldest restaurant, established in 1754. The staff are exceptionally courteous, & the warm, inviting atmosphere makes the experience truly memorable..