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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 2026-04-04
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 2 of 2 - 25 Reviews
via Other
1 Review
5.0

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!

Jun 23, 2019
via Other
1 Review
4.5

Le Virunga – a visit well worth it!

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
via Other
1 Review
5.0

It has been a long time since we had not gone to a restaurant where all the dishes we order were not only amazing from starters to dessert. They were original , well presented & mixing ingredients in a different way.


The service was equally efficient & courteous.

The minus will be the wine list- but definitely a most return.

Completely recommend to go discover.

Apr 2, 2018
via Other
1 Review
5.0

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.

Mar 24, 2018
via Other
1 Review
5.0

An incredible intimate spot with lovely service & the absolute best food. Interesting & superb blends of spices & food. Great wine pairings. Perfect presentations with perfect size. Definitely check it out!

Nov 16, 2017