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.
Our wedding at Auberge Saint-Gabriel was nothing short of enchanting. Nestled in the heart of Old Montreal, this historic gem, established in 1754, offered the perfect blend of modern elegance, chic yet old-world charm & refined French cuisine. From the moment we began working with Tehanni & Valerie, we knew we were in expert hands. They brought thoughtful ideas, respected our vision, & made every step of the planning process feel seamless.
As a former chef & passionate foodies, our expectations for the menu were sky-high, & they exceeded every one! From the passed hors d'oeuvres to our signature cocktails & perfectly executed entrées (yes, the beef was a flawless medium rare!), the culinary experience was unforgettable. Our guests are still raving about the food, & we couldn't agree more.
The ambiance was pure magic: flickering candlelight, crystal chandeliers, exposed brick, & a quirky elegance that's uniquely theirs. Since our wedding was on a Sunday, we had the whole venue to ourselves, which made everything feel super intimate & personal. When the rain let up for a bit, guests wandered out onto the terrace with their cocktails, chatting & soaking in the vibe between dance breaks. Our DJ was amazing...he'd played at the venue before & knew exactly how to keep the energy flowing. The staff was so helpful making sure he had everything he needed to set up & connect our music throughout the space. While he spun tunes in the main room, our cocktail-hour Spotify playlist played through the lobby & bar, which was such a cool touch. It felt like every corner of the venue had its own little moment.
The service staff was impeccable, they were warm, attentive, & genuinely invested in making our day perfect. We also want to highlight the beautiful tasting experience they curated for my then-fiancé & family, a few months prior leading up to the event. It was personal, intimate, & left everyone in awe.
Though I didn't see the venue until just days before the wedding, Valerie's confidence & care, along with our amazing planner, Alison of AnneFinley Weddings, gave me complete peace of mind. & when I finally walked in, it was beyond anything I had imagined.
A heartfelt thank you to L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel for helping us create a day that was timeless, delicious, & deeply personal. We can't wait to return as dinner guests & relive the magic all over again.
Outstanding restaurant with an extra twist. Absolutely worth the splurge.
The Brioche appetizer was as fluffy as a cloud, the Snow Crab to die for.
The Scallions perfectly paired with the hint of bacon, best Magret de Canard we've ever had, & a very unconvient approach of the Pavlova.
Most fitting wine recommendation.
The atmosphere was just beautiful, a tasteful mix of the ancient charactère & modern details.
Very attentive & extra friendly service, catering to everyone's needs & respecting small special requests.
It was a special night for us. & the entire équipe de l'Auberge Le Saint Gabriel made it just that.
May 2, 2025
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Let's be real-this place has its strengths & weaknesses.
**Pros:**
The setting is absolutely stunning! As the oldest inn in Montreal, it's beautifully maintained & full of charm. The food presentation was vibrant, & most dishes were expertly cooked. The roasted cauliflower was a standout-perfectly seasoned & packed with flavor. & the bread? Simply out of this world!
Service was another highlight. The team was professional, attentive, & genuinely caring. Our waiter was exceptional, delivering top-notch service from start to finish.
**Cons:**
Unfortunately, not everything lived up to expectations. The salad arrived overly salty, but to their credit, the waiter immediately took care of it & replaced them all. However, the biggest letdown was the Cornish Hen. Two of us ordered it, & both dishes were disappointingly overcooked-the chicken was tough & dry, making it hard to swallow. The accompanying carrots were soggy, & the red sauce they sat in lacked flavour, leaving the entire dish bland & underwhelming. When mentioned to the waiter he seemed embarrassed.
**Final Thoughts:**
For our first visit, we left feeling disappointed. While the ambiance & service were excellent, the inconsistencies in the food made it a mixed experience. Would we give it another shot? Maybe-but only with hopes that the kitchen can match the quality of the service & setting.
For a truly unique & unforgettable dining experience in Montreal, look no further than L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel. Located in Old Montreal, this storied establishment exudes character & charm, blending centuries-old Quebec history with modern elegance & outstanding gastronomy. We visited to celebrate a birthday & could not have chosen a better spot. The ambiance immediately draws you in with its rustic stone walls, cozy yet grand spaces, & thoughtful design touches that honor Quebec's rich heritage. The decor is captivating & perfectly complements the storied past of the building, while also providing a modern & comfortable space for guests. The service was impeccable from start to finish. The staff's attention to detail, professionalism, & warmth made us feel valued & well cared for without any pretense. They navigated the entire dining experience with ease & grace, making sure we enjoyed every moment. The highlight, of course, was the food. Each dish was crafted with precision & artistry, delivering a flawless balance of flavors that exceeded all expectations. The culinary team at L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel has truly raised the bar, creating a menu that celebrates Quebec's culinary roots while adding fresh, contemporary touches. Every bite felt carefully considered & was a delight for the senses. While the price point is on the higher side for Montreal, it is more than justified by the exceptional quality, service, & unique atmosphere. For anyone seeking a memorable experience, whether for a special occasion or simply to enjoy one of Montreal's finest dining destinations, L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel is well worth it.
Let me start by saying, this was the absolutely most incredible meal that we had in Montreal over our 5 day stay. Just wow! The atmosphere, the music, the fireplace, & the food were outstanding! I had a small but special request in advance for the chef for my meal & they eloquently obliged this request. The wine selection was perfect. Let's talk about the filet! Perfectly cooked & so tender! Order the spit grilled cauliflower - absolutely to die for! The brioche buns with rosemary sage butter were a delicious treat! Also we loved the mashed potatoes with incredible sea salt flakes hitting the palate perfectly. We have been wanting to come here for more than 20 years & it did not disappoint! 5 Stars ✨ We shall return!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Culinary Gem with Rich History! L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel is a true treasure nestled in the heart of Montreal, & my recent visit left me absolutely enchanted! Dating back to the 1600s, the rich history of this restaurant is palpable the moment you step inside. The ambience is simply unmatched-charming, warm, & steeped in character, it provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable dining experience. The service was phenomenal; the staff were attentive & knowledgeable, making us feel right at home. Now, let's talk about the food! The appetizers were nothing short of incredible-each dish a delightful explosion of flavor that set the stage for the main course. I highly recommend trying their signature offerings; you won't be disappointed! The cocktail menu is a true work of art! Each drink was crafted with precision, showcasing unique flavors that perfectly complemented our meal. To top it all off, we indulged in a fine bottle of wine selected by their amazing sommelier, who guided us to the perfect choice to elevate our dining experience. Overall, L'Auberge Saint-Gabriel is a must-visit for anyone seeking a remarkable meal in a stunning historical setting. I can't wait to return for another enchanting evening!
We had our wedding at Auberge Saint-Gabriel in January. Working with Valerie was a dream for our wedding! Our day was perfectly executed from the ceremony to dinner to dancing. The food was delicious & cooked to perfection! Our guests are still raving about the quality of the food & the ambiance of the space.
Apr 4, 2024
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Lovely restaurant, lovely atmosphere, staff was great. Food was amazing delicate & perfectly made. We wished to see more on our plate as it was trully delicious. Recommended!
Checks all the boxes for a holiday meal(Christmas eve dinner).Atmosphere,fireplace, decorations great service & even better food.Be aware they had a fixed price menu,but that was probably for holiday. Foods we had:appetizers, halibut, osso bucco,chocolate log. All done perfectly.entre came with sides.
Nice place for dinner with outside seating. Our server was very attentive & friendly. We started with a nice French red, similar to a Pinot Noir. It needed to breath for about 10 minutes, but it was lovely. We ordered the Cauliflower appetizer that had onion, pinenuts, olive oil, sour cream & capers. It was very delicious. We also ordered dry aged steak for 2 that was on the Specials list. It is served sliced, great texture, & cooked perfectly. It could have used a little salt. The peppercorn sauce we ordered with it was delicious. Great experience. Try this place.