Le Violon is a neighbourhood restaurant tucked away in Montreal's Le Plateau. The menu by chefs Mitch Laughren and Danny Smiles and team focuses on seafood-forward dishes and seasonal Quebec produce. Our wine list is refined and approachable, plus find new spins on classic cocktails.
Le Violon in Montreal is widely praised for inventive, beautifully executed dishes and attentive service in an elegant, cozy setting, with standout items like lobster, beef tartare, gnocchi, seabream, and lamb chops frequently cited; the bar and the kitchen view add to the experience, though noise levels can be high and some nights show inconsistencies in dish execution or portion sizes for the price. The dining atmosphere, wine and cocktail program are highlighted, and many guests say they would return, with several calling it one of the top experiences in Canada, while a minority note that portions are small and service can be uneven during busy periods.
What a wonderful experience! Everything was perfect from the service to every dish. All the ingredients were fresh & savory. I really loved the mix of flavours in every plate. I'll definitely come back
every dish was more delicious than the last. Fresh high quality ingredients, fun textures, lovely presentation. We absolutely adored the mushroom gnocchi & the cheesecake, chocolate basque cake, which were the highlights of the evening. Service was impeccable & the atmosphere & decor are just lovely.
Sep 23, 2025
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Very cozy atmosphere, vibrant & cheery! Wonderful cuisine.
The lamb & lobster dishes were cooked to perfection & bursting with flavour. Salad crispy & fresh!
Impeccable service, homey yet classy ambiance & a menu that takes you on a journey. A combination of flavours & creativity offered through hyper fresh seasonal ingredients make Le Violon a must on everyone's list.
It exceeded all expectations! The food was beautifully presented & absolutely delicious, with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The service was impeccable, & the ambiance warm & elegant. Highly recommend for anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience!
We had an incredible dinner here! The food was absolutely delicious, & we love that they use fresh, local ingredients that really stand out in every dish. The service was top-notch, & the atmosphere was warm & inviting. We can't wait to come back for another wonderful experience!
New favourite diner spot. We're spoiled with great restaurants & food in Montreal but this just made it to the top of the list! Freshfresh ingredients, tasty & exceptional service! Thank you!
Sep 7, 2024
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The food, service & atmosphere at Le Violon are all wonderfully refined. The flavours of each dish were delightful, you can tell they use really fresh high quality ingredients. The dining room is also really nicely decorated/curated, & makes for a very pleasant calm evening vibe. It literally feels like they got a sound engineer to help design it because you have that nice restaurant ambiance without it being too loud. I would love to go back & try more of their food!
I really miss La Maison Publique & was so pleased when I had heard that Danny Smiles was taking over the location. Came in with high expectations & was left somewhat underwhelmed. At first, I had to make a paradigm shift as I loved LMP's charming rustic interior & to see the space transformed into an elegant dining space full of light with a clean white & beige colour scheme took a few moments to adjust. First off, everything was really nice & pleasant: the service, drinks, food & atmosphere. But nothing really stood out in an exceptional way. The ingredients were fresh & of good quality for my fennel salad & fish, & the flavours were subtle & pleasant (yes that word again). So there was never really a "wow" moment where I was wow, this is sooo good! It was also very expensive. My friend & I had cocktails, starters, a glass of wine with our main dish, & shared a dessert. My portion was $112 including tip. Yet I was left still feeling slightly unsatisfied. I've had similar meals at places like Le Majestique where I left feeling I had a deliciously satisfying meal & the bill was a good $25-30 less. I would say the food exactly reflected the interior design: elegant yet safe, minimalist & beige, as if saying: here at Le Violon, there is nothing too bright or colourful to pop out & jar you from the tranquil yet slightly bland surroundings. I know I keep comparing it to Le Maison Publique, but it's as if Le Violon was intentionally created to be in stark contrast to its predecessor. The problem is that it all feels somewhat self-conscious & soulless, like a younger person's idea of what a fancy, upscale restaurant should be for a 30-something clientele. This is really a place one would go to impress a first date (most of the clientele seemed to be straight couples), & it's not really a place where you'd go regularly, like a neighbourhood joint (what LMP used to be), unless you have a fat pocketbook! I'm glad I gave Le Violon a try, but I don't have much desire for a return visit, unless I have a lot of money to throw for a special occasion.
NY fine dining in Montreal. Charming, bright, fresh, friendly atmosphere. Food is superb. Many unique combinations, spices, etc. Chef Danny Smiles on prem, active in preparation. I can recommend.
Awesome new restaurant in Montreal. We tried it within the first few weeks of opening, & everything was impeccable. The decor & vibe really set the mood for the culinary experience to come. Fresh, meticulously prepared ingredients with great flavours. On the pricier end of the spectrum, but don't let that stop you from trying it!
Jul 9, 2024
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Great experience! Located on a really cute corner in le Plateau. The friendliest service. Really was that neighborhood feel as described. Cozy with elegance. Attention to detail. Food was delicious really yummy & quality fresh ingredients!
Right out of a Parisian neighborhood, Le Violon takes you on a beautiful voyage of taste & sight. The decor is stunning, fresh & welcoming. The original artwork of Dan Climan is a feast for the eyes & the incredible, fresh dishes a feast for the palate! Congratulations to the entire team.
