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.
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.
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.
Jan 30, 2025
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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.
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.
The place is magical , loved everything in it , except the food lol. Chicken was so dry & tiny that I couldn't find something to eat in it. The server was nuce & courteous, friendly staff.. Loved the experience but I would pay the this amount again when there is other option with better food quality.