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.
Reviews describe Modavie as a warm, lively Old Montreal bistro with a welcoming vibe and memorable live jazz that enhances the evening. The menu is praised for classic French bistro dishes like mussels and fries, duck confit, lamb chops, steak frites, and seafood, with generous portions and fresh ingredients. Attentive, friendly service and a knowledgeable staff are repeatedly highlighted, helping guests feel cared for in a vibrant setting enhanced by a diverse wine list and craft cocktails. Overall, the atmosphere, food, and music combine to create enjoyable dinners for dates, friends, and celebrations, making Modavie a reliable choice in Montreal.
I didn't eat here. So when I'm saying That I'm reading this as a Four star. That's based off of my experience & the cocktail menu. So I can't speak to the food selection or anything like that.
That being said we came here with the hopes of watching live jazz. Unfortunately, we didn't realize that that ended at 10 PM. So we were a little bummed that we had just missed it. We decided to sit at the bar to have a cocktail anyhow.
I forget the name of the one I ordered, but it was a tequila-based drink with coconut milk. It was really nice but a little bit on the sweet side for me. I didn't end up finishing it. Which is a shame because these drinks are definitely very expensive.
My coworkers each had an old-fashioned & they said that there's were quite lovely. Also, expensive however.
The bar area was nice good vibe in there. The bartender didn't seem to want to converse with us so he was a little bit grumpy. It seemed when I go back? Yes as long as there was live jazz happening. No if there was no jazz.
Jan 16, 2026
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Always our favourite restaurant in Montreal.
They have terrific live band. About their food which was the most delicious one. Recommend for friends gatherineg👍🏼
We truly missed real European food especially French cuisine, then we found this place while visiting Montreal. We couldn't be more satisfied. The food in this place is magnificent. We had Foie Gras & Beef Tartare as appetizes then Confit Canard & Lamb chops.
They happened to have live band also & we could enjoy it although it was only for limited time to due availability of our table.
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.
Jan 2, 2026
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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!!
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.
Prix beaucoup trop cher pour ce qu'on nous a servi. Nous avons été servi le menu de groupe & les plats étaient généralement décevant. Le steak était carbonisé, les frites étaient sèches, la soupe à l'oignon baignait dans du gras & le dessert était beaucoup trop sucré. Je n'ai pas tendance à écrire des review négatif mais j'ai tellement été déçu par rapport au prix que je me suis senti obligé de faire part de mon expérience.
We had a great experience here, the food is so delicious & the staffs are friendly, smart & helpful, also with a lovely smile.
Remember to reserve the table in advance since it is so popular which there are so many people waiting while we are eating.
