Virunga Restaurant is the story of two women passionate about African culture, who invite you to discover the gastronomic richness of this continent, which is so dear to them.
Through revisited traditional recipes, the restaurant celebrates the authentic flavors of sub-Saharan Africa, while showcasing local Quebec products.
Both simple and creative, this cuisine demonstrates, above all, a respect for ingredients and gastronomy.
Virunga Restaurant aims to be a warm and friendly place, offering professional and quality service.
Chef Maria and her daughter Zoya generously welcome you for a unique culinary experience, combining history, modernity, and heritage.
Le Virunga offers a bold African inspired dining experience in the Plateau, blending local Quebec ingredients with aromatic spices and bold flavors that feel thoughtful and special without being fussy. Guests praise flavorful, well seasoned mains and innovative entrées, and the atmosphere is described as cozy, elegant and intimate. The service is frequently praised as attentive and professional, with staff who know the menu inside out and a wine list that features a South African focus. Many reviews highlight the Pan African fusion concept and a small, carefully chosen menu that changes with the season, inviting a sense of discovery. While some notes mention small portions or occasional delays, the overall sentiment points to high quality, craft, and hospitality that make Le Virunga a standout option in Montreal's dining scene.
I always love bringing friends to discover the amazing food & creative menu that Le Virunga offers. Hands down, THE best African restaurant in Montreal !
I have been here 4 times so far & every time I am amazed by the quality of the food & service. The restaurant is over all great for intimate dinner. They do justice to high quality African food & local ingredients.
Nov 13, 2019
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We were three adults that had dinner at this restaurant on June 22, 2019. The restaurant is very tastefully decorated with African art, reproductions, objects etc. Very well done. In the background is African music. However, it is not loud at all. We had three courses: opening course, main course & dessert. Every dish that we had was beautifully presented. Everything was so colourful & delicious. All three adults loved their courses. In terms of wine, we chose a Pinot Noir from South Africa. Superb!! Unfortunately, the wine is a private import & not yet available in liquor stores. Service was excellent. Our waitress, Carolina, was professional, efficient & knowledgeable about the menu. Restrooms were small but spotless. Since this is a small restaurant, it is best to reserve. There's only 12-13 tables. We will certainly return!
Le Virunga was wonderful! We love trying new (to us) foods & everything here was delicious. We started with pan-African-inspired cocktails that were delightfully refreshing on a warm night....we especially recommend one named after Nelson Mandela. The appetizers & main dishes were skillfully prepared & subtle spicing perfectly complemented the flavor of the food. The restaurant is lovely & the ambiance calm & welcoming & service was very efficient & friendly. We're from Maine & come to Montreal each year to savor new experiences...& Le Virunga definitely provided a great new dining experience! We'll be back!
I wanted to discover something new & authentic during our recent visit to Montreal. While browsing eater, Le Virunga caught my attention & I decided to try it. While my diet is mainly vegetarian, I occasionally eat non vegetarian dishes. My husband & I were pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the dishes & a range of amazing new flavors at this neighborhood restaurant. We absolutely loved the fact that the atmosphere was very relaxing & comfortable yet sophisticated. I sincerely admire the mother & daughter team & their determination to bring a piece of their African heritage to this northern city. Thank you! I wish you all the best in your persuit of your dreams! PS If possible, please add more vegetarian dishes to your menu.
Last evening, I set out with a foodie friend to discover Le Virunga. Traffic woes, street closures & exasperating parking frustration almost changed my plans. But perseverance prevailed, & turned out to be well worth it. Tucked away in the heart of the Plateau, Le Virunga restaurant is cozy, intimate & tastefully decorated. A life-size, chalk-drawn map of Africa on the back wall faces the entrance; other walls are adorned with hangings depicting African art & culture. The table runners in hues of blue, brown & gold, some patterned, some plain, are an imaginative evocation of the African continent. Le Virunga features a Pan-African fusion menu with touches of French gastronomy, & highlights a few local Quebec products. Offerings are diverse, all very tempting & include vegetarian options. We particularly enjoyed the starter named after the resto itself, Le Virunga: spicy marinated shrimp showcased on a macedoine of fresh mango & papaya, lightly drizzled with pili pili vinaigrette & garnished with sprigs of arugula & slices of avocado: delectable. Suya – tenderloin brochette - was tender & tasty. For mains, ginger-&-cinnamon-roasted Marieville duck was flavourful, the plantain fries extraordinary. Veal sirloin topped with a mound of mashed mauve sweet potatoes, a layer of sautéed spinach & a plantain crisp as a finishing touch, melted in the mouth. Hot pepper sauce condiment served on the side. Dishes are creatively plated & presented to appeal to both sight & appetite. The background rhythmic music, at just the right volume, playlisted on Spotify created just the right vibe. Prices are eminently affordable. Service was warm, gracious & attentive. Definitely worth an encore visit, & an opportunity to explore the wine & dessert offerings.
Jul 30, 2018
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An outstanding meal, especially the knockout main dishes, but all the rest, the appetisers, the dessert & the fine African wines were, well, fine.
We will be back.
I had an amazing dining experience at Le Virunga. My previous encounters with African food have been with Ethiopian cuisine only, so this place was a real discovery. The service was excellent, & each item on the menu was explained by the waitress. The food itself was similarly excellent. I had the Poulet d'Amours à la Moambe. The chicken was tender & easily fell off the bone, & was complemented by the palm nut sauce. The desserts here are also unique & not to be missed (where else will you be able to find plantain doughnuts)? I cannot recommend this place more enthusiastically, & will definitely be returning in the future with more friends. This is a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Montreal.
What an amazing experience, it brought me back to this continent that I love ao much! Finally a good Restaurant displaying the delicacies of different African countries while still infusing the menu with local Quebec specialities.
We had a fantastic dinner in this intimate, upscale pan-African restaurant. Our waitress was eager to explain & translate the menu, with its amazing range of ingredients; she was so kind & efficient. Everything was absolutely delicious, especially the gorgeous Virunga salad, the lamb, & the terrific cocktails. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening & Le Virunga; I'd recommend it very highly.
Jul 21, 2017
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Amazing place! We had no idea what to expect, & it turned out to be even more tasty & unique. Subtle flavors of Africa is the best way to put it. The service was also excellent. Small, romantic setting with nice modern African music playing. If you are looking for something new, with a twist of adventure, check this place out. Don't forget to get the Poutine with goat on top! The soup is amazing as a starter too.
Outstanding! In a family run, comfortable, casual, & cozy restaurant, we had a lovely meal. The Pan-African influenced food was heady, but well balanced, beautiful, & deeply satisfying. The service was warm & gracious. I would recommend this restaurant to both locals & tourists.
Went for Valentines Day & had an amazing experience. Congolese chef incorporated various flavours across the African continent into delicious dishes. Definitely going back!
Fabulous place. Creative interpretations of pan African cuisine. Friendly knowledgeable service with a family touch. Intimate setting. I'm definitely coming back when I'm next in Montreal.
Dec 30, 2016
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Great little African restaurant in the east end. The food is of a very high standard, the reception we got was warm & friendly. A real neighborhood gem.
