Le Chien Fumant receives widespread praise for its exceptional tasting menu and inventive dishes, with reviews highlighting impeccable service and warm hospitality in an intimate, authentic atmosphere that makes every visit memorable from start to finish. Many diners describe it as an iconic neighborhood gem with high quality ingredients, precise execution, and creative wine pairings, and reservations are often encouraged given how quickly the small venue fills up; some experiences note seeing the kitchen up close at the bar as a plus. The tasting experience is frequently hailed as a journey of surprising and enjoyable flavors, including personalized menu options, though a few guests felt portions could be larger and the price point high for what is offered, with occasional mentions of upselling and a desire for more desserts or beverage choices. Overall the consensus leans toward an extraordinary gastronomic encounter, a welcoming yet refined vibe, and strong reason to return for lovers of French inspired cuisine in Montreal.
What did we eat? Whatever the chef decided. I love taking the tasting menu, having no expectations, & enjoy the food so much. The restaurant is very small, so be sure to reserve. We wanted a table but ended up at the bar- which ended up being a good experience as we were able to see all the action in the kitchen.
If you like great food with a neighborhood restaurant atmosphere then you'll love this place. Not noisy, not a scene, just a chef & his crew cooking very tasty French inspired food. We were on vacation so we went for the $150 tasting menu. We didn't know exactly how many dishes or how much food we would get but it was at least 6 courses. Nothing was in writing so we just went with our chef/host suggestions. Everything was good but I was so full at the end I couldn't really appreciate the last course. The wines by the glass were excellent too. I would definitely come back here. We sat at the bar & watched them prepare the food. Fun!!
Jun 25, 2025
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We dined here over the weekend & had such high hopes for this place but unfortunately left here with a very bad taste in my mouth & will not be recommending this to anybody.
I had booked a table for two 1-month in advance & yet the waiter directed us to the bar trying to convince us that this was the best'VIP' seats in this very small restaurant. When we insisted to the waiter that we wanted to sit at a table instead of this VIP area where we are just staring at cups/plates, they refused to move us to a table unless we were willing to spend $150 PER PERSON for their chefs tasting menu. Absolutely ridiculous. We heard great things about this chef's menu so we decided to move forward with it so we can sit at a table, but this had already left me feeling very unwelcomed as a customer when we had a small request to sit at a table (which I very clearly booked) & it ended up costing us a bill with a minimum spend of $300.
The food was good, but was absolutely not $400 good (including tip & a couple of drinks). The first small appetizers on little crackers were great & we enjoyed the small crackers with fish roe. We also enjoyed the fresh crab & fish tartare but it wasn't mind-blowing by any means. The main dish was a crab gnocchi which was decent but again, the flavours were not mind-blowing & nothing to rave about. I've definitely had better pasta that did not cost an arm & a leg. The portions were small & we still left the dinner hungry.
Overall, I felt like this restaurant was trying to upsell us at ANY opportunity without even giving us a welcoming, enjoyable, & positive dining experience. They encouraged us to get a bottle of wine multiple times which we declined (given that we were already prepared to spend that $300 plus cocktails).
We left very very disappointed in this restaurant & the whole dining experience. The food was a 3/5 AT BEST & was extremely over-priced. Additionally, the cancellation policy is ridiculous. They will absolutely charge you the hold fee no matter what even if plans change & you can't attend so be absolutely 100% sure you can go on the day of reservation.
I do not recommend this restaurant & will not be returning again.
This place feels like a neighborhood spot but the food is an elevated, five-star experience. The food was beautiful to look at & magical in your mouth. They were very accommodating of dietary restrictions & helped us design a menu that worked around ours. We sat at the bar (which is also the kitchen) which enabled us to watch all the action - highly recommend for added fun! & customer service? Imagine leaving your hat behind at the restaurant, & the bartender dropping it off at your hotel the next morning! Extraordinary. This was an overall stellar dining experience & the perfect end to our trip to Montreal.
Expérience culinaire exceptionnelle J'ai eu l'immense plaisir de découvrir ce restaurant & je suis tout simplement ravie. Dès l'entrée, l'ambiance calme & feutrée vous transporte dans un cadre apaisant, idéal pour savourer un repas d'exception. Le service est impeccable, attentif & chaleureux sans être envahissant, ce qui contribue à une expérience des plus agréables. Côté cuisine, c'était un véritable régal. Les couteaux de mer, délicatement agencés avec du caviar, étaient un pur délice. Le bar, parfaitement cuit & savoureux, fondait littéralement en bouche. & que dire du braisé accompagné de choucroute fondante... Un plat réconfortant & riche en saveurs qui m'a complètement conquise. Je recommande vivement cet établissement à tous les amateurs de gastronomie fine. Une adresse à ne pas manquer !
Superbe expérience, top cuisine, du personnel fort agréable, à faire & recommander. Si possible réservez une place au bar : pour l'ambiance & la vue sur les cuisines
Amazing food & service! Every bite was bursting with flavor & the ingredients were thoughtfully combined. Fine dining food in a casual/bar type setting.
Oct 29, 2023
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Absolutely one of the best meals & experiences we ever had. We were lucky sit at the bar & engage in conversation with our professional waiter & also the owners/chefs. I did put trust in our waiter to design the meal according to his recommendations, & I was. not disappointed. We essentially did a quasi tasting menu. When I saw a beautiful truffle, being shaved over the most creamy gnocchi, I knew I'd be reaching deep in my pocket, but I just didn't care. He recommended a wonderful bordeaux in the mid price (not highest) range, & it balanced perfectly with everything. We were lucky to be there towards closing & that allowed us to talk to both the owner & some regulars sitting at the bar. We listened to them debate the restaurant scene in Montreal with energy & passion, all for our benefit. I know I'm gushing over this restaurant, but it is for good reason. Do not miss this one.
Succulent & accueillant. Ce bistro qui peu sembler traditionnel sera vous surprendre par la façon innovative qu'ils ont de de la revamper. La cartes de bar est inspirée & regorge d'ingrédients frais & alléchants.
