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.
The service was impeccable. Everyone we spoke with was so knowledgeable about the food & alcohol pairings, & knew everything about the menu, what to recommend, etc., & did so with obvious passion, professionalism & enthusiasm. The ambiance is lovely, well decorated, & classy without being stuffy or arrogant.The staff are truly welcoming. I also appreciate that they don't cram tables too close together, so you can enjoy your conversations with your companions at your table without raising your voice & feel at ease without feeling like neighboring tables can listen in. Please keep up the excellent food, service & experience! I will definitely be back .I hope they continue in this fashion & I look forward to my next visit.
We had our wedding there & it was perfect. The rooms are beautiful, food was delicious & the staff was so attentive. Their event planners were super responsive & made everything so easy.
Experience tres superficiel, le service est expéditif, on est très loin de ce qu'on peut s'attendre d'une auberge "française". L'endroit possède un réel potentiel mais malheureusement pas mis en valeur correctement, le parfait exemple de ce que le "luxe" fait de pire ...
Une fondue au fromage bien chaude une bouteille de vin blanc excellente un service agréable une ambiance sophistiquée mais en toute modestie. C'est recommandé !
Nov 12, 2024
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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.
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!
Oct 22, 2024
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De la bonne cuisine , un service de qualité, il faut compter quand même plus de 120 dollars pour repas complet (entrée, plat , dessert) & un minimum de boisson
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 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!
Un endroit parfait pour les événements sociaux (mariage). Nous avons choisi cet endroit pour son charme mais, c'est surtout l'ensemble du déroulement de notre événement qui en a fait une merveilleuse soirée. Nous avons testé les menus offerts pour les événements: un délice. Le jour de notre événement, tout a fonctionné comme sur des roulettes puisque le professionnalisme des employés s'est avéré un atout par la qualité du service. Durant toutes nos démarches & préparatifs, la flexibilité du personnel & organisatrice a fortement contribué à ce succès; nous retenons ceci: simple & chaleureux. Ce n'est pas seulement notre expérience qui a compté dans notre évaluation: tous nos invités ont adoré l'endroit, la nourriture & le service. Je le recommande fortement si vous souhaiter avoir une belle soirée & de bons souvenirs.
nous avions un mariage ce vendredi & mon conjoint a pleins d'allergies! l'équipe lui a fait ses plats à part & nous avons vraiment été bien servi. que dire de la nourriture ...INCROYABLE . un endroit a ne pas manqué !merci a toute l'équipe
Sep 30, 2024
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What a great restaurant ! Oldest restaurant in North America as a matter of fact. The food was delicious. The wine. The service. The atmosphere exquisite! I highly recommend you visit this restaurant & when we go back to Montreal we will dine there then.