Le Serpent opened its doors spectacularly on December 23, 2013 in Griffintown. Located in the Darling Foundry, an art-dedicated space, its name was borrowed from the former foundry, from the time when a massive pollution control duct crowned it. Today non-functional, this industrial artifact remains very present in the building’s architecture and the neighborhood’s urban landscape. Founded by Hubert Marsolais and Claude Pelletier, also creators of Club Chasse et Pêche and Le Filet restaurant, Le Serpent offers a menu with strong Italian accents in a contemporary brasserie spirit, with a strong personality and equipped with a unique, high-quality wine list. The team of associates is brilliantly completed by chef Michele Mercuri and sommelier Philippe Boisvert. Designed by architect Annie Lebel of atelier in situ in collaboration with Hubert Marsolais, Le Serpent enhances the industrial qualities of the space. Contemporary arrangements that contrast with the building’s raw and refined aspect, offering about 80 seats and a bar that can accommodate a dozen people. Wishing to be an accomplice to all occasions, Le Serpent is open in the evening from Tuesday to Saturday. Exclusive caterer for Darling Foundry events, Le Serpent also welcomes groups of different sizes.
Le Serpent is also a collector and integrates major contemporary artworks into the restaurant space that dialogue with the Darling Foundry.
Reviews describe Le Serpent as a standout with exceptional food and a warm, refined atmosphere. Many praise the pasta, especially the Bucatini and Paccheri, along with fresh seafood and well executed risotto. Desserts like tiramisu are highlighted positively, and dishes such as duck magret and octopus receive particular praise. Service is repeatedly described as attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly, contributing to memorable evenings, though a few observations note slower service or uneven attention during busy periods. The ambiance is described as elegant with an industrial chic design, high ceilings, and a bar that fosters an intimate feel, though noise levels can be high. Prices are described as steep, with some reviewers feeling the value matches the quality while others consider it overpriced for the experience. Several readers mention the restaurant’s Michelin star potential and recommend visiting with reservations, indicating it ranks among the top Montreal dining experiences. Occasional criticisms include small portions for the price, occasional misfires in the kitchen, and some nights when certain dishes seem underseasoned or cooler than expected.
The food was good, especially the pasta dishes. The service was not... We were given the wrong salad, (we receive a bowl of lettuce with no dressing, nothing instead of the summer salad). I asked for the menu & did not receive it so I got up & walked to the front to retrieve it. It was not taken off the bill & it took us 30 minutes to receive the bill. Our drinks also arrived after our main course. Overall, bad experience & would not recommend eating in.
Jul 2, 2024
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As an Italian, I will give my honest review; this is not an upscale Italian restaurant. Atmosphere: too noisy, tables have no cover, poor Ikea chairs, definitely not a place for a date. The only decent dish was the risotto, amazing taste. The other dishes had many cooking mistakes like chili on the seafood pasta or too much bell peppers on the octopus, the dessert was a tasteless disaster strawberry fronzoli. Total price for a couple with a bottle of Franciacorta 330 CAD. How about hire an Italian chef & have some real traditional Italian options like Ossobuco Risotto?
J'ai récemment dîné au restaurant Serpent & l'expérience a été délicieuse. Les plats étaient savoureux & bien présentés. J'ai particulièrement apprécié . Le personnel était accueillant & attentif, ce qui a rendu la soirée encore plus agréable. Je recommande vivement ce restaurant pour une excellente expérience culinaire.
Located in an old foundry in a very offbeat location, the atmosphere is quite nice. The service was efficient & attentive. The food was very good...a pasta & a risotto. The only negative was that the menu was very limited. Overall a positive dining experience.
Linguini is good, not as good as my friend Vadym does it. Burata is good too. I like burata with Italian bread or focaccia but that's wasn't an option.
It was my second time eating here (first time was last year). I came back because my first time was so good. I had lobster risotto both times, & both times it was delicious. Great food & great cocktails. Extensive wine list. Easily one of my favourite restaurants in Montreal! Reservations are recommended. My only wish is if they had more gluten free dessert options.
Very creative & delicious food. The menu is limited, but every dish is clearly innovative & complex. The dining space is hidden through a few doors & you would not expect a top quality restaurant here. Makes for a very cool dining experience
Excellente pâtes, notre serveuse était géniale, connaissais très bien les vins offert sur la carte ( son nom m'échappe malheureusement). Très belle soirée, je recommande!
By far one of the best dining experiences I've had. The food was excellent, the service attentive, & the atmosphere welcoming. I strongly encourage anyone interested to try this place.
Le Serpent in Montreal presents a pleasant dining space, yet the ambiance falls short of expectations. The cocktail offerings are adequate but not standout. Culinary highlights include a well-prepared octopus appetizer & a decent Angus AAA steak, though the steak's presentation & value might disappoint, particularly with the sauce not served separately. Overall, while the food is good, it may not fully justify the price, especially for the steak.
This is an incredible place! The food & staff are top notch. We always enjoy coming here & always look forward to returning. It feels like a hidden gem which I'm thrilled to have discovered.
