Restaurant Grinder centers its culinary focus on high-quality cuts of beef and fresh seafood selections sourced for maximum flavor. The establishment prepares various steak cuts utilizing specialized grilling techniques to ensure consistent texture and charred exteriors. Beyond the meat offerings, the menu incorporates a diverse array of fish and shellfish prepared with classic French-inspired techniques that prioritize natural ingredients. Patrons observe an industrial aesthetic characterized by exposed brick walls and high ceilings that frame the open concept layout. The drink selection features a robust variety of craft cocktails and spirits designed to complement the heavy proteins and rich sauces found throughout the kitchen repertoire. This venue maintains a commitment to ingredient-driven plates that highlight the technical precision required for effective open-fire cooking and traditional preparation methods.
Restaurant Grinder is frequently praised for its exceptional food, particularly the high-quality steaks, surf and turf platters, and popular sides like the pudding chômeur. Many guests highlight the vibrant, moody atmosphere and the professional, attentive service provided by the staff, which often makes for a memorable dining experience. While the majority of visitors have a fantastic time and look forward to returning, some patrons note that the restaurant can be quite noisy and that table spacing may feel cramped during busy periods. Occasional inconsistencies in service speed and food preparation have been mentioned, but management is noted for being responsive to feedback and dedicated to ensuring guest satisfaction.
I really enjoyed the tomahawk steak that we had. The service was okay, we were sat with no menus, then asked if we wanted a drink which we did not have menus. Our friends ordered the porterhouse which was very good, a little closer to the rare side than medium rare but we made it work. We were warned that the kitchen was behind so we expected to be waiting which we did. The desserts were very good. Overall good experience & would come back.
Ate here our first night in Montreal & it really set the bar high for the rest of the stay. The food was amazing, had the Short rib, hanger steak, green beans, Brussels, & a side of 3 scallops. The short rib came with a perfect slaw which tasted similar to Vietnamese dishes Ive had before. Only call out would be drop the green beans, they lacked seasoning, especially when compared to the Brussels (which were delicious). For dessert we had the bread pudding & it was the perfect non-fussy finish to a very rich meal.
The service was great, very attentive & would 100% go back if we had time.
The only downside was the table location, we were 10minutes late so maybe thats why, but seated in a spot that you couldn't see much of the rest of the restaurant, which sucks for people watching. Didn't dampen the actual meal through.
The tomahawk steak iwas okay but when it comes to the seafood, the really lacked flavors. We took the surf & turf for 3 people & the seafood was... meh.. Good vibes & service was good overall, but i was disappointed with the quality & taste of the seafood, even the butter sauce had no taste..
Went with a large group last weekend, Jacob was our server & did a great job with helping us celebrate our friend's birthday. It was a busy night but the flow of the night was perfect, shared the surf & turf platter. Food was really tasty, scallops were a tad small but made up for it in flavour. Steak was super tender & perfectly cooked. Would go back.
Had the pleasure of checking out Grinder for a work dinner & overall had a really enjoyable evening. The restaurant itself is beautiful - stylish interior, very clean, & thoughtfully designed. They also offer coat check & valet, which is a nice touch. One thing that stood out is that the restaurant has a butcher shop connected to it, which adds to the overall concept & quality feel of the place.
I started at the bar while waiting for my boss, & the service throughout the night was excellent. Attentive, quick, & professional without feeling overly formal or pretentious, which I appreciated. The wine list is also extensive.
To start, I ordered the calamari, which was fantastic. The batter was crisp & light, & it came with a creamy jalapeno sauce that had a nice balance of tang & spice. Easily one of the better appetizers of the night.
For my main, I had the filet mignon with mushroom sauce & a baked potato. The steak itself was decent, though slightly chewier than I would normally expect from a filet. The baked potato, however, was the standout - loaded with a thick layer of cheese, sauce, & bacon. Very indulgent & delicious. The steak & baked potato came out on the cooler side but the loaded cheese made up for it.
For dessert I ordered pudding chômeur with soft serve vanilla ice cream. It was warm, moist, & comforting with a rich brown sugar base. The portion was perfect, though it did get a little sweet toward the end.
Overall, the vibe of the restaurant was great - lively but not stuffy. Service was excellent & the experience was really enjoyable. I'd definitely come back, & next time I might try the burger because it looked incredible on other tables.
We ordered a table for two to celebrate the birthday. Surf & turf for two is great, steak is so tasty, the sea fruit are good quality too. Next time we want to try the burgers, seems very good too.
On Valentine's Day, we reserved a table for two at Grinder for our first visit - & it truly exceeded our expectations.
When we arrived, a very kind gentleman named Etienne welcomed us warmly & showed us to our table. Shortly after, our waiter Devin took care of us with such professionalism & genuine kindness. The atmosphere was vibrant yet romantic - perfect for a special evening.
We started with the Wagyu beef carpaccio & fried calamari, both absolutely delicious & beautifully presented. For our main course, we originally ordered the 40 oz Côte de Boeuf to share. After our appetizers, Etienne kindly informed us that they had unfortunately run out of it & offered two 20 oz New York style steaks instead. We agreed, & the way he handled the situation was incredibly thoughtful & professional.
To make up for the inconvenience, Etienne generously offered us complimentary cocktails. He even came back to confirm our drinks & surprised us with three cocktails, personally joining us for a cheerful toast & wishing my boyfriend a happy birthday. That personal touch made the night so special.
Our steaks were outstanding - perfectly cooked & full of flavor. To end the evening, they brought us a dessert with ice cream on the house for my boyfriend's birthday, which was such a sweet gesture.
Everything from the service to the food & atmosphere was exceptional. A huge thank you to Etienne & Devin for making our night so memorable. We highly recommend Grinder & will definitely be back!
