Le Violon presents a sophisticated market-driven approach to seafood, sourcing the freshest catches to showcase their inherent quality and flavor. The culinary team expertly transforms premium fish and shellfish into elegant dishes that highlight regional influences and seasonal availability. Patrons can expect a focused menu featuring expertly prepared seafood preparations, from delicate crudo to robust grilled entrees, all designed to celebrate the ocean's bounty. The environment is curated to provide a refined yet approachable setting for enjoying exceptional aquatic ingredients. It is a destination for those who appreciate the art of seafood preparation at its peak.
Le Violon offers a sophisticated culinary experience that is widely praised for its creative, high-quality tasting menus and beautifully presented dishes, with many guests specifically highlighting the gnocchi, lobster, and impressive desserts as standout elements. While the atmosphere is frequently described as vibrant, upscale, and trendy, some visitors find the space quite noisy and the seating tight. Service levels are generally considered impeccable and professional, though a minority of experiences report inconsistency in attentiveness or a feeling of being rushed. Although the restaurant is seen by many as a must-visit destination in Montreal that lives up to its reputation, a segment of diners feels the portions are small for the price point and that expectations set by its high profile are not always met.
Absolutely fabulous place. We had beef tartare, white asparagus, pork, ravioli, & for dessert we had marenque & citrus tart. Tried 2 different white wines & 2 different res wines. Excellent recommendations by the staff. Dong Ding tea was delicious, reminded me of oolong tea. High quality service & sooo comfortable ambiance & energy. Just fabulous!
I am very disappointed with my experience at Le Violon we had such high expectations. We got seated at the bar & right from the beginning the server was not friendly at all with us. We told her it was our first time in the hope to get some guidance, she told us we should get this specific amount of dishes, did not explained the menu we had to ask her what are the really good stuff, she goes on to mention every most expensive items on the menu without providing any additional details on the dish to help us make a decision while there are literally 3 ingredients listed for every dishes ?! Also sure the most expensive plate may be the best but like tell me more ?! Obviously with her attitude we didn't wanted to bother her with questions so we just ordered…
We ordered some wine & the wine came after we got the appetizers which I find unacceptable for a restaurant with such a reputation.
She set us up for the pasta dish with only a fork no knifes so we had to cut our ravioli with the side of our forks, which I'm sorry but why do I have to ask the server for proper ustensils with a 40$ pasta plate.
Food was good, maybe a little overrated, maybe I just had too much expectation, but the attitude the server had towards us completely ruined our night. I genuinely wonder if we did anything wrong because 2 people got seated next to us while we were having desserts & they got a beautiful smile from her so I'm clueless as to why we got this cold attitude since the moment we got sat.
Honestly most of the small issues could be totally forgave if it wasn't for the server attitude we really felt not welcome. 400$ for two people, I am never going back there.
SO impressed by this place!! i rly have to highlight the service first cuz it was seriously exceptional, our waitress was the best ever & made the whole experience super nice :)
for the food we rly enjoyed almost everything we got (personal ranking below), & the desserts were delicious too!! that basque cake is sooo decadent i love it. definitely recommend this spot ⭐?
would get again: tuna bruschetta > melon > gnocchi > beef tartare > lobster
maybe: seabream
probs not: guinea fowl > corn
Sep 3, 2025
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I thought the food, ambiance, & service were all phenomenal. I'm from NYC, the home of Michelin star restaurants & every cool place is a degustation concept now, but this one was phenomenal. Me & my gf shared 7 plates & 2 desserts & had drinks. Everything was excellent. Every server had a vast amount of knowledge on every dish served, what it paired well with, & the order the dishes were brought out & they explained why. Kudos to everyone there, but especially our server Melissa, she was phenomenal. My gf isn't really a wine person but felt like having a glass & Melissa went into detail about each wine & let her sample a few before she settled on one. Well done to everyone at Le Violon. I will absolutely be back.
A bit of an underwhelming experience to be honest. The highlight of the meal were the excellent desserts. Impressive choux & a very well-balanced spumoni cake. Props off to whoever is their pastry chef!
Perhaps this was an off night but although the flavours are generally there (except for the beef tartare), the sea bream & the gnocchi were overcooked . My suspicion is that without the supervision of the head chef Danny Smiles, the younger chefs may not have the experience to fulfill his vision.
A lot of the front of staff seemed young & inexperienced for a restaurant of this price point. Montreal is known for a more casual & friendly service, which I actually prefer, but having waiters just chit-chatting around about going out in the dining room bordered on unprofessional. Of note, there were two waitstaff who seemed more experienced, but we were not in their assigned zones.
It is a classically beautiful restaurant, but not at the top of what is available in Montreal.
Service comme nourriture correct mais pas de quoi garder un souvenir inoubliable.
J'ai mangé une pintade en ballottine & épinard … beau travail sur la ballottine, un peu moins sur l'épinard qui consistait à étaler de simples feuilles sur les ballotines (le travail sur la ballottine semblait avoir été d'un tel effort que l'épinard a dû être sacrifié).
En accompagnement, une salade verte… 21$ & je ne suis pas regardante sur les prix… mais à ce prix la on s'attend à avoir un minimum de travail dessus … c'était une simple salade avec vinaigrette (comme à la maison!)
Le dessert un affogato tiramisu qui en fait était une glace au café ni plus ni moins …
Le service était vraiment moyen, notre serveuse semblait commencer le métier … Donc de ce côté la, pas adéquat avéc une expérience gastronomique.
Bref un bon restaurant sans plus (en comparaison j'ai mieux mangé au Pégase & pour bien moins cher), du mal à comprendre les avis dithyrambiques que j'ai lu avant d'y aller ! Expérience qui nous a permis néanmoins d'accorder nos violons (Mon avis était partagé avec les personnes m'accompagnant)
Le Violon does not disappoint! The service was impeccable & you can tell that each person truly wants you to have a positive experience. It is evident that the staff works as a team to make this place come alive. The renovations to the building are fantastic. The interior offers 3 main seating areas, including the bar in which you can watch the chefs work. I was told by the staff that the art is one of a kind, which is neat. When you get a chance, check out the washroom as well - trust me. Of course the food was phenomenal. With Le Violon being rated as #11 in all of Canada (2025) & #1 best new restaurant (2025), I was not surprised. I asked for the chef to cook for me instead of picking items off the menu myself. Some items I had are the scallops, the beef tartare, the gnocchi dish, the tonata & a pastry dessert. Each meal was gorgeous to look at & taste. You can tell that all flavours & textures were carefully considered. I can't forget the bartender who whipped up an amazing cocktail to suit my dishes. THANK YOU to Le Violon team for giving me a memorable culinary experience. I will be back!!
Vous DEVEZ goûter aux gnocchis ainsi qu'aux asperges, deux plats de très haute voltige. Le reste est franchement délicieux mais ces deux plats se démarquent particulièrement.
Le dessert chou fraisé est à se rouler par terre jusqu'à la maison.
Suggestion pour un de leur vin blanc qui était impeccable: le radicalement blanc.
Le menu dégustation vaut la peine & le prix est tout à fait correct pour tout ce que nous avons eu (i.e. beaucoup beaucoup de bouffe).
Bonne dégustation!
Le service est super professionnel & la nourriture & EXTRA. L'atmosphere tamisée & intime, la déco est sympa.
Je recommande les côtelettes d'agneau & le Fraisier en dessert ! 😍
Food was great, tartare was delicious. Would recommend the affogato tiramisu for dessert. Very creative options. Ambiance is nice, staff are very friendly & attentive.
