Yesterday, as my friend & I were on our way to grab a matcha at a nearby cafe, we passed by L'Inconnu. We both realized that we were craving something heartier than just a drink, so we spontaneously decided to pop in & check it out - & I'm so glad we did!
Video Review will be posted on Tik Tok @Foxy.appetite & Instagram @Foxyappetite soon
In depth review:
Ambiance
From the moment I walked through the door, I was immediately struck by the warm, cozy atmosphere. The space is perfect for a relaxed brunch, with soft lighting, simple yet charming decor, & a laid-back vibe that makes you feel right at home. It's intimate, but not cramped - perfect for both solo visits & catching up with friends. There are also plenty of mirrors around, which makes for some great selfie opportunities! The ambiance is ideal for a casual gathering, but it could easily be a great spot for a classy birthday brunch or a special celebration. The staff were incredibly friendly, attentive, & genuinely knowledgeable about the menu, which made our experience even more enjoyable.
Menu & Food Quality
Drinks:
I went for the Jus au Fruit de la Passion ($6.95), & my friend opted for the Jus de Corossol ($6.95). Both juices were fresh, vibrant, & packed with flavor - the perfect refreshing start to the hearty brunch we were about to dive into.
Main Dish:
In the mood for something comforting & hearty, I ordered the CÔTES LEVÉES STYLÉES ($24.95), & wow, this dish blew me away. The pork ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender, perfectly cooked, & seasoned with ginger in a way that was spot on. The balance between sweet & spicy was impeccable, & the meat practically melted in my mouth.
The dish came with poached eggs, which added a rich creaminess that paired wonderfully with the savory pork. The homemade walnut bread was a lovely addition, & the roasted potatoes were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside - the perfect contrast to the richness of the rest of the dish. The salad, with its fresh greens & sweet citrus dressing, offered a light & bright contrast to the heavier elements on the plate.
& then there was the hot sauce on the table. It was absolutely delicious - the perfect kick without overpowering the flavors of the dish. I loved it so much that I'll definitely be back to buy a bottle to take home!
This dish was hands down the highlight of my brunch, & I can't wait to go back for those ribs again. If you love flavorful, hearty dishes, you simply can't go wrong with this one.
Dessert:
Since it was brunch, I couldn't resist indulging in something sweet, so I ordered the Choco-Oreo Crêpe ($10). It was everything I hoped for - rich, indulgent, & the perfect way to end the meal. Definitely worth saving room for!
Service
The service was top-notch. Our waitress, a sweet Madagascan woman, was warm, friendly, & attentive. She made sure we had everything we needed without being overbearing. What really stood out, though, was how passionate she was about the restaurant & the food. That kind of genuine enthusiasm really enhanced the whole experience & made it feel more personal. It's rare to get such thoughtful, authentic service, & it made our time at L'Inconnu even more enjoyable.
Pricing
The pricing was very reasonable for the quality & portion sizes. It's in line with what you'd expect for a great brunch spot in Montreal, & I definitely felt like I got my money's worth. The portions were generous, & I left feeling fully satisfied, without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
I'm so happy I stumbled upon L'Inconnu. The food, service, & atmosphere came together to create an unexpectedly wonderful brunch experience. I'll definitely be going back soon to try more dishes - especially the shakshuka! If you're ever in the area & craving a fresh, satisfying meal, I highly recommend giving it a try. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty brunch or something sweet, L'Inconnu has got you covered!
Mar 7, 2025
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