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Le Virunga Cover Image
Le Virunga RestoMontreal.ca
Le Virunga RestoMontreal.ca
Le Virunga RestoMontreal.ca
Le Virunga RestoMontreal.ca
Le Virunga RestoMontreal.ca
Le Virunga RestoMontreal.ca
Restaurant Top Pick

Le Virunga

Stylish, cozy bistro plating braised goat leg, slow-cooked oxtail & other African-inspired dishes.
Le Plateau-Mont-Royal
4.8$$ & $$$
CLOSEDOpens Today at 6 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
AfricanHealthyGrillExoticGluten-free OptionsFine Dining / Upscale

About us

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.

100% South African wine list

Our Specialties

Sub-Saharan Pan-African gourmet cuisine.

Amenities, services & more

We accept:  Master Card, Visa, AMEX, Interac

Menus (1) QR Code

Menu
5★
74%
4★
21%
3★
4%
2★
1%
1★
0%

Reviews for Le Virunga

Food
Service
on Google4.7 (400+)
*as of 2026-04-03
5★
74%
4★
21%
3★
4%
2★
1%
1★
0%

Review Summary

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.
Page 1 of 2 - 33 Reviews

Le Virunga is an African inspired spot in the Plateau that pairs local Quebec ingredients with aromatic spices & bold flavors, it feels thoughtful & special without being fussy. Expect well-seasoned mains & tasty entrées, plus a wine list with a South African focus, which makes it a great pick for a date or a small celebration. A great little find.

Feb 5, 2026
on Google

A gourmet restaurant with flavors & dishes that are explosive & surprising in a cozy & hushed atmosphere. Perfect for foodies. I would like to test their entire menu.

Dec 28, 2025
on Google

Came from NYC back to Montreal just to eat here again. Our favorite meal in the city. A truly unique dining experience, amazing flavors, & first class service.

May 3, 2025
on Google

Lovely food, lovely service. This is a fantastic little restaurant serving unique & flavorful dishes, deliciously prepared & beautifully presented. Very friendly & accommodating staff. Highly recommended!

Oct 14, 2024
on Google

I can't tell you how much I am blessed to experience the love & joy that comes from this place. This mother-daughter run business has demolished barriers & showed that through taste, flavor, craftmanship & passion that you can create something amazing & share it with those who are willing to look past bias & see something beautiful. Merci Zoya & Maria pour votre dévouement & votre passion. Je vous aime & je suis chamceuse de vous connaître & d'avoir eu le privilège de partager ton histoire. Vous êtes magnifiques. Dont ever stop ❤️🩷🧡🤎💛💜💚💙

Jun 12, 2024
on Google
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Lovely meal, complex & interesting flavors.

Feb 2, 2024
via Other
1 Review
5.0

I'm a regular. Cheffe Maria is a magician of flavors, always surprising & delicious! & Maitre D Zoya is attentive, knowledgeable & so welcoming!

Jan 28, 2024
via Other
1 Review
5.0

5 star all the way! Food was excellent, wait staff wete very attentive & knowledgeable & the atmosphere was intimate & comfortable. I recommend the mutton - incredible flavor! Treat yourself to the Elephant Tree cocktail! Delightful :)

Nov 28, 2023

Surprised by the rich & abundant flavor of each plate. The display is also on top, very well balanced African restaurant, highly recommending!

Nov 4, 2023
on Google
via Other
1 Review
5.0

We had a wonderful experience at Le Virunga! Excellent & unique flavors & dishes. The service was TrueType outstanding. A memorable evening. I would recommend this restaurant for any special occasion!

Aug 20, 2023
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Beautiful small restaurant! The flavors were really different & delicious. You get to try not so common ingredients in beautifully inspired dishes. We will definitely put it on our list of favorites neighborhood restaurants.

Jul 7, 2023
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Never disappoints! Plates are full of flavor, great service, elegant atmosphere!

Jul 1, 2023
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Absolutely loved everything. All dishes had nice flavor combinations. Excellent all around.

Aug 4, 2022
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Wonderful dynamic flavors, excellent wine list, beautiful ambiance & care taken by the owner of all patrons!

Jun 18, 2022
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Very refined & delicate food & attentive service. Sort of a French version of African food, dishes had many flavors that all went together very well. Be sure to try one of their drinks, the Elephant Tree. Yum

Dec 31, 2021
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Delicious meal, very flavorful, cozy atmosphere, great service! Room temperature can get pretty hot but still very much worth it!

Oct 17, 2021
via Other
1 Review
5.0

The food is excellent, you can really taste every flavor. The atmosphere is beautiful, very cozy. Great service.

Jul 1, 2021
via Other
1 Review
5.0

The food & drink were all very good, with flavors & spices that tasted deliciously unique. Loved the Mandela cocktail. The wait staff was welcoming & efficient.

Aug 27, 2019
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Five stars is not enough. There are literally NO words to describe the ecstasy brought in by every single bite. So much flavor! I was still sitting in the resto last night while planning my next visit over. Hard for me to imagine anyone not liking this place. It is quaint & intimate. It is beautifully decorated & the cocktails are divine! I had the Mandela & Tonic. I highly recommend!!!

Dec 14, 2018
via Other
1 Review
5.0

Excellent cozy in a warm & welcoming ambiance.
Friendly & knowledgeable staff.
Authentic, well-prepared & flavorful dishes.
A must!

Sep 26, 2018