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 receives widespread praise for inventive seasonal French inspired cuisine, made with fresh ingredients and beautifully presented dishes. Service is described as impeccable and the atmosphere as warm and intimate, making it a memorable spot for dates or celebrations. Some guests note high prices for relatively small portions and occasional inconsistency across dishes, and a few nights are described as loud or busy, but overall the experience is described as outstanding and many say they will return, with standout items including lobster starters, gnocchi, beef tartare, seabream, and the Basque cake.
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.
The mark of a truly exceptional restaurant lies not only in the quality & originality of its cuisine, & the warmth & charm of its ambiance, but most importantly in the genuine care & attention shown by its staff. Our recent dinner at Le Violon checked every box - & then some.
From start to finish, it was a memorable experience, thanks to the thoughtful attention & gracious hospitality of Andrew, Jenna, & Dylan. You made our first visit truly unforgettable. Thank you!
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!
Jul 22, 2025
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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!
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.
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 ! 😍
