Modavie is a timeless place that brings us back to our roots, where ladies & gents gather and eat in a lively atmosphere caused by great conversation, live music and the wooden scents of a vintage room. Born in 1997, it quickly became popular among locals & visitors, and is now considered a Montreal institution.
Treat yourself to refined French fare in an antique & dimmed corner locale spawning two floors. From the classic beef tartare, to tasty sweetbread, to the famous ratatouille, your cravings will be easily satiated.
Modavie is a standout destination in Old Montreal, celebrated for its warm, inviting atmosphere and the consistent quality of its French bistro fare. Guests frequently highlight the excellent lamb dishes, onion soup, and duck confit as menu favorites, often paired with an impressive wine selection and well-crafted cocktails. The live jazz and blues music adds a unique, sophisticated charm that diners find both lively and memorable. While service can occasionally be busy due to the restaurant's popularity, most patrons describe the staff as attentive, professional, and welcoming, with many praising the personalized care provided during special occasions. Making a reservation is highly recommended to fully enjoy the experience in this classic, bustling establishment.
We went as a party of 4 for new years eve. The location is great & the atmosphere upstairs was very well done with the live jazz singer & the double bass player. The music was not overwhelmingly loud & complemented the experience in an elegant way. We found the service to be excellent. So kudos to the waiter that served us. We had a 5 course dinner with the wine pairing. I didn't find the wine really complemented the flavors of each dish so can't say whether or not a sommelier was involved in the selections. The dishes were good but not outstanding. I could not say that I found myself weak in the knees on first bite of each dish as I had hoped. The food was ok, I still finished everything on my plate. Overall I found the prices was fairly for the quality but nothing outstanding that would entice me to return.
We had an absolutely wonderful dining experience here. The bouillabaisse was perfect - rich, aromatic, & full of fresh seafood, with a beautifully balanced broth that was both comforting & refined. Every bite was packed with flavour & clearly made with care.
The presentation was elegant, the portion was generous, & the overall quality far exceeded the price - truly great value for money.
Service was pleasant & attentive, making the entire experience even more enjoyable.
Went to Modavie for a birthday luncheon. The lunch table d'hote was so delicious! We started the experience superbly being greeted by Lorenzo & his team. Our waiter was super friendly & knew the menu very well. The building is a classic Old Port old timey building & the decor accentuated that.
The cocktails were well crafted with beautiful garnishes.
Will be coming back for dinner time to be able to enjoy the live music!
Thank you Lorenzo!!
Dec 31, 2025
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It is rare to find a venue that manages to be both a'see-&-be-seen' social hub & a destination for high-end gastronomy, but What a Catch! delivers on both fronts. The live music creates a festive backdrop for what was an undeniably superior meal. The steak & risotto were the highlights of the evening-the former being one of the best cuts I've had in a decade. The multilingual service was seamless, attentive, & remarkably efficient given how crowded the room was. It is clear that the staff, musicians, & patrons all contribute to a uniquely positive & welcoming energy. I look forward to my next visit
Nous sommes allés bruncher à Modavie suite aux recommandations sur internet. Un peu déçus par les plats … plutôt bons mais en quantité limitée… cuisse de canard « miniature « , 2 petites gaufres… … rien à voir avec les photos placardées à l'entrée du restaurant ou diffusées sur le site, crème brûlée tout petit ramequin … service décevant … serveurs peu avenants … surprise par l'état des toilettes s'agissant d'un restaurant reputé … vétustes, sales, pas de papier WC … c'est dommage !
Everything about this place was spot on. The food was outstanding, & the ambiance made the experience truly memorable. The staff were warm, attentive, & genuinely welcoming, which took the service to another level. If you're craving genuine French cuisine, this is absolutely the place to go.
Merci, Modavie!☘?
Modavie in Old Montréal is a quintessential French bistro experience that delivers across cuisine, atmosphere, & character. The space itself feels timeless & inviting, with warm lighting, exposed brick, & nightly live music-typically jazz or blues-that enhances rather than overpowers conversation. ?
The menu showcases classic French-inspired bistro fare executed with care. Signature dishes like the lamb chops & duck confit consistently earn praise for rich, well-balanced flavors & satisfying portions, while French onion soup & escargots make excellent starters. The wine list is broad, spanning Old & New World selections, & cocktails are thoughtfully crafted. ?
Service strikes a great balance between attentive & unobtrusive, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide pairings & recommendations. Many guests highlight the personable hosts & excellent waitstaff as part of the overall experience. ?
Whether for a date night, celebration, or memorable dinner after exploring Old Montréal, Modavie's combination of refined bistro cuisine, lively live music, & classic charm firmly earns it a 5-star rating.
During our trip to Montreal, we had the chance to enjoy lunch at Modavie, & it was a wonderful experience. The food was excellent, & the atmosphere was warm & inviting. Lorenzo & all the staff were amazing in both their service & welcoming attitude. We truly felt well taken care of & would happily recommend this place.
