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.
Came here during a work trip; the food, service, & atmosphere was great. Everything tasted amazing, though my wine didn't pair well with my main but that was more user error on my part than anything. The staff were nice & made sure we were well taken care of. Would definitely recommend the Cornish hen & opera cake & will definitely come back to try the rest of the menu on my next trip to Montreal.
This place takes you back a few hundred years. It is a historical wonder, beautifully maintained. The fireplace on entrance level is a masterpiece. Loved being there. Looking forward to next visit.
Oct 21, 2023
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
October 2023 dinner. First, is the venue itself… not just historic as the oldest restaurant in North America (300 years), it is simply a beautiful place to dine. Two perfect Martinis (one with Basil oil), a dozen oysters with a glass of white Burgundy, roasted cauliflower, & Cornish game hens with a bottle of Cote du Rhone. Superb! Server Sam was efficient but not hovering, service was perfect. It is expensive, but if you want a real treat I highly recommend.
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.
Sep 16, 2023
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Accueil pas chaleureuse, personnels désorganisés, service très moyen, le vin nous a été servi en décalage avec le repas. Le vin suggéré en accord avec le repas principal n'était plus disponible. Concernant la nourriture, le potage était bon mais le cassoulet manquait de goût & les haricots n'était pas assez cuit. Pour conclure le portier nous a carrément crié dessus & viré de la terrasse.
Went there for a company holiday dinner. Service was great, staff was very friendly, the decor is inviting & comfortable. That was very good.
Then dinner started...
vinegrette on the salad was oily with barely any vinegar, bland.
Main course was described as a nice 7 hour slow braised beef with pasta. Turned out it was basically a bite or two of bland braised beef on top of pasta. Again... bland & a bit tasteless.
Sorbet was a white peach sorbet, with a splash of sweet liquor that tasted like perfume.
Dessert was a fresh apple clafouti with a sweet salty caramel sauce.
I wouldn't go back & certainly hope my boss will chose another place next year. Promising menu description turned out to be pretentious, cheap & tasteless.
Bon, mais trop cher..pour ce qu'ils ya dans les assiettes. En entre le fois gras en torchon aucun gout..si non pour le plat principal & le dessert tout était délicieux. .j'ai trouvé la facture un peu trop salé. 160.00 par personne 1 entrée par personne,1 plat par personne , 1 dessert a 2 partager. .2 coupes de vin par personne. .si non le service l accueil est irréprochable. .& l'ambiance superbe. .
Un des meilleurs lunchs que j'ai mangé à Montréal dans ma vie.
Tout était impeccable: les entrées généreuses & bien nuancées dans les saveurs, les poissons goûteux, pas trop assaisonnés: on goûte vraiment la saveur de chaque aliment dans ce resto!
Les vins sont recherchés (il faut mettre le prix par contre) & servis à la température parfaite.
Nous avons eu un service comme il ne s'en fait plus: des serveurs souriants, précis dans leurs explications, soucieux de la qualité de chaque aspect du repas.
En plus, le resto est magnifique. Le genre d'endroit & de repas qu'on n'oublie pas.