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.
The staff at Le Violon were incredible - welcoming, attentive, & effortlessly on point. They created the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger just a little longer. & the food was unreal.
Our waitress Mel gave exceptional service & played a huge role in our amazing experience!
Food was 10/10, would definitely come back & recommend to anyone
Aug 6, 2025
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I really loved my experience here from the reservation to the welcome to the food. Staff & chefs were top notch. Nothing stuffy about the place. It's a five-star restaurant that feels like a comfortable neighborhood eatery. We went there to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Never mentioned it to the staff but they treated us as though they knew & made us feel special & very welcome. Food did not disappoint either. For appetizers, we had a Quebec cheese plate served with melons & almonds & Nova Scotia tuna which was prepared as a tartare/bruschetta both were super. Main, we had Sea Bream & Lamb shanks again both excellent. Smokiness on the sea bream & the tenderness & seasoning on the lamb shanks were perfect. Portions are small but satisfying overall. Weren't going there to get stuffed but really enjoy unique flavors. That is what we got. Don't want to overhype it but I know it exceeded my expectations from an overall experience.
Literally the best meal I've had in my life. Hosts, service, everything was absolutely perfect. Food was to die for. Wife was beyond happy. Would not hesitate to go back the next time I'm in Montreal! Thank you for an amazing evening!
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)
Jul 21, 2025
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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!
I had such an amazing experience here with my friends. Everything from the ambience, to the wine list, & good was perfect. Our server, Mel, was so friendly & helpful with suggestions. She didn't miss a beat. Our overall experience here is impeccable. I have no notes, & I'll be back.
Jul 8, 2025
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Beau décor , bel accueil …ce fut mes hightlight de la soirée. Ma serveuse était sympathique & enjouée , rien à dire sur son service . Par contre celle qui venait porter les plats & les présenter , je ne comprenais absolument rien …sûrement un niveau de stress , de timidité car ce n'est pas sa langue , & le fond de bruit ….je pigeais rien du tout . Pour ce qui est de la nourriture , c'était bon , je vois la recherche , les produits locaux etc …mais pour les portions , le coût & le goût , rien n'était remarquable . J'aurais aimé avoir un coup de coeur , mais hélas ce ne fut pas le cas . Formule plat à partager , mais si petit que je restais sur ma faim , sans WoW en bouche.
Very cozy atmosphere, vibrant & cheery! Wonderful cuisine.
The lamb & lobster dishes were cooked to perfection & bursting with flavour. Salad crispy & fresh!
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 ! 😍
Jul 3, 2025
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très bon! cependant, les portions étaient petites. les côtelettes d'agneaux fondaient dans la bouche. je comprends que ce sont des produits plus chers, mais pour 40$ le
plat, je m'attendais à plus que deux côtelettes plus petites que ma paume de main! :-) sinon le service était très bon & le restaurant est très beau
La nourriture était délicieuse, l'ambiance est sublime & le service est hyper attentionné. Ayant un gros appétit je ne suis pas sorti rassasié mais j'ai beaucoup aimé l'expérience! À refaire
I was so looking forward to trying this place . Overall , it was good but nothing more than that . I was expecting to be wowed , unfortunately I wasn't , I think because I had very high expectations cause it's so highly rated & recommended . The portions are very very small & not very filling & when my main dish was delivered (the monkfish ) it was cold . The highlight of the night was the sourdough bread with their whipped local
butter . We had the green salad , i
I do appreciate simple but there was
nothing special about it . The
melon & cheese appetizer is a must , the lamb chops were cooked perfectly (2 chops in a plate ) & their tiramisu was impressive The place is modern but has an old charm , it's small & very pretty . The big issue here was the noise level , we had the speaker underneath us , the music for this type of resto was unusually loud & the back ground chatter made it very difficult to have a conversation at our table , my partner & I kept repeating ourselves Service was friendly , the host at the door was very welcoming & we appreciated the Happy
Birthday wishes at the beginning of our meal by our waitress .
Experienced a great evening with friends at our first visit to Le Violon. Food & ambiance was perfect & service ( shout out to Renaud, who was fabulous) was top notch. Voted best new restaurant in Canada for a reason, superb!
We were 6 people total & decided to get the tasting menu. It was a delicious & well rounded meal, all dishes were delightfully presented & the wine we had was a perfect match. Thank you!
