Le Darling comes across as a bustling, stylish bar and bistro with a distinctive vintage, artsy vibe that makes it feel both cozy and festive. The drinks and cocktails are frequently praised for strength and creativity, with several items like oysters, beef tartare, popcorn chicken, burrata and focaccia highlighted as standouts, though some dishes are noted as hit or miss and portions can feel small for the price. The atmosphere is a major draw, featuring warm, attentive staff at times and occasional slow or uneven service and long waits during peak hours. The venue is described as ideal for gatherings with friends, dates or a lively brunch, and the terrace and interior decor receive frequent compliments, though noise levels and crowding can be high and some tables near doors or windows are less ideal. Overall, Le Darling is seen as a beloved, visually striking spot with a strong bar program and varied menu, offering great value on certain items but with some inconsistencies that depend on the visit and time of day.
This is my favourite bar in Montreal. I've dropped by in varying capacities over the past 8 years (recently on a solo wedding trip) & the staff/ambience are consistently en pointe. Toronto feels like a city of cliques (King W. attracts the usual froufrou crowd, Ossington similarly, etc.), but every charming spot in Montreal has a wonderful blend of everyone: artists, students, 30-somethings, dates, solo diners reading books, parents… it's heartwarming & makes you feel right at home, & one of the reasons I still want to move here. I could look at this space for a long time - lovely plants adorning the entrance, beautiful warm-neon lit carousel centrepiece bar, fun vintage paintings around the emerald wallpapered dining area.
Thanks for always being so welcoming. Stoked to come back soon to check out a Habs game + the patio!
Nous avons bu un verre & mangé sur la terrasse. Le service a été très mauvais. On ne nous a pas resservi d'eau alors qu'il faisait 30 degrés, on ne nous a pas demandé si nous souhaitions de nouveau un verre. Pour commander à manger, nous avons attendu très longtemps avant que quelqu'un vienne prendre notre commande. J'ai du appeler un serveur pour cela. À la fin du repas, on nous a tout débarrassé sans nous demander si nous souhaitions quelque chose d'autre & nous avons encore attendu tres longtemps le serveur pour pouvoir payer. Les cocktails étaient bon mais très petit pour le Spritz. Les plats chers pour ce que c'était. Le tartare de boeuf (servi seul sans accompagnement) était ridiculement petit.
Conclusion : très déçue par ce repas !
Aug 9, 2025
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Un lieu qui en met plein la vue 😍 ! La décoration est vraiment originale, avec un style éclectique & chaleureux qui donne envie de rester des heures. Belle sélection de cocktails & ambiance détendue, parfaite pour une soirée entre amis. Ou un date ;)
Le décor ici, c'est tout un poème.
Des maquettes miniatures de phares, de moulins à vent, de réservoirs d'eau - comme si un vieux collectionneur avait déversé ses rêves d'ingénierie sur les murs du bar.
Chaque objet semble sortir d'un souvenir d'enfance ou d'un conte marin oublié.
Un lieu où l'on boit, oui… mais aussi où l'on voyage.
Darling is yet another example of a St.Laurent bar with an over priced menu & subpar service. I would recommend this place for the oysters & drinks but that's about it. The waitress was icy with our table initially but she brightened up over the evening & became more friendly which was nice. It was disappointing to receive the oysters after our appetizers were already served which lead to having basically no room on the table, the kitchen should work on their timing skills. We had the tuna'ceviche' & the'bruschetta'. The bruschetta was on fresh focaccia with sliced up cherry tomatoes on top of it with two of the smallest & saddest basil leaves I've ever seen in my life. It's crazy to call that bruschetta, it was a fresh tomato open faced sandwich at best. The ceviche was also confusing as it was 4 thinly sliced square pieces of tuna & some dressing on top. More of a crudo than a ceviche. We also had to kill a mud wasp that was flying around our table. 3 rounds of drinks each, 12 oysters & two appetizers for a whopping 160$ before tip 🥴
I was looking for a place for lunch & stumbled upon this restaurant. It was decorated beautifully with a bright & energetic vibe. Keep in mind if dining with children you will be seated outdoors. The food & service was top notch. We have the Hallomi sandwich & the Darking Club. Both were incredible. The Darling club we had gotten the combo which came with the cantaloupe salad that was to die for! Very good value for your money with top notch service & food. Highly recommend!
I came here two weeks ago & unfortunately we arrived after the kitchen had just closed. Our server Olivier was kind extremely kind & brought me olives from the bar as he could tell I was hungry. Thanks Olivier! I'll never forget you! Thank you also for all the suggestions on what to do while in Montréal
Aug 3, 2025
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The staff are incredibly attentive even when it's very busy!
I only got a slice of cheesecake while I was here so only rated the food based on that. Twas better than your average cheesecake.
The atmosphere is really lively! But the noise levels were much more than you might expect. I assume it's because there's nothing to absorb at least a little bit of it.
The only'downside' I would say is that while I really like their washroom style, I noticed that a few of the loos needed some TLC-emptying of the bin, toilet paper refill, etc. at the time that I went.
Je n'ai pas testé la cuisine mais j'ai adoré les cocktails!
Un petit après-midi sur la terrasse qui donne directement sur St-Laurent!
Melon Electric & Gin avec poire ( pas certaine du nom).
Belle place, bel ambiance!
Ça vaut le moment!
A true taste of Quebec; such a great experience. Beautiful patio. Inside is the true gem, such a cool funky space! Food was perfect & service was amazing.
Great atmosphere & well decorated place. Menu was promising but smash burger had processed cheese & didn't come with any sides. For the price, it should have at least come with a bit of fries
My husband ordered the steak & got a few pieces of meat cut up on his plate. For thirty four dollars, we expected a bit more.
