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.
L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel is described as a beautiful historic setting in Old Montreal with candlelit stone walls and crackling fires that create a warm, intimate atmosphere. Reviews consistently highlight exceptional service and attentive staff, paired with a menu of delicious, shareable dishes like cheese fondue with breads and vegetables, charcuterie, and standout mains, along with refined cocktails and thoughtful wine recommendations. The ambiance is perfect for romantic evenings or celebrations such as weddings, combining old world charm with modern touches to create a memorable dining experience. While some mention the price and occasional noise, the overall impression is one of high quality, care, and a magical visit that makes guests eager to return.
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!
Dec 24, 2025
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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..
Title: Overpriced, Extremely Salty, & Too Loud for Dinner
?I visited this restaurant hoping for a quality dining experience but was very disappointed. The service was adequate, but the overall experience was poor.
?Atmosphere & Timing: We went to eat at 9 p.m., & the venue felt completely unsuitable for dining. The music was excessively loud, making conversation impossible. This is clearly a spot best suited for drinks & a party crowd looking for'action,' not for enjoying a serious meal.
?Food Quality & Value: The food is generally overpriced for the quality provided. The advertised large signature steak looked noticeably smaller when served & was pre-cut on the plate, which felt deceptive. The cheese fondue was also difficult to enjoy; the portion was heavy & far too large, yet the accompanying vegetables were shockingly insufficient-barely enough for one person. To attempt to compensate for our dissatisfaction, we were offered a small amount of extra steak as well as desserts to share. Despite this, the primary dishes were extremely salty. The excess sodium made it unpleasant to eat & kept me up all night needing water.
?If you are looking for action & a party, this spot is probably fine for a drink, but I cannot recommend it for a quality meal.
Gorgeous classic venue in Old Montreal. Classic world class service & old school rustic charm.
A perfect combination!
Edit: I gave this review years & years ago & I continue to be blown away by the service & amazing staff of this venue, Dominic & his team are just fantastic!
Oct 13, 2025
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This place is an absolute staple - every time I visit Old Montreal, it's the first stop on my list. Whether I'm with family or friends, everyone ends up falling in love with it just like I did. There's a reason for that.
From the moment you step inside, the candlelight flickers against the stone walls, the fireplaces glow, & the history seeps through every corner - all creating an atmosphere that feels both timeless & intimate. The staff are always kind, attentive, & genuinely welcoming, which makes the experience even more special.
& the food? Absolutely delicious, every single time. You can taste the care & consistency in every dish.
If you haven't been yet, please go - & see for yourself why it becomes everyone's favorite.
Endroit sorti d'une autre époque, mais avec un menu très actuel. Le chou-fleur rôti vaut le détour! Toute l'expérience était fabuleuse (nourriture, ambiance & service). Cinq étoiles!
It was a private party, but amazing service, great food, nice atmosphere overall. It's impossible to find parking nearby most of the time, the staff is doing amazing job.