Stem Bar operates as a refined bistro focused on the execution of seasonal plates and curated botanical infusions. The kitchen emphasizes ingredient integrity, utilizing fresh produce to construct dishes that prioritize natural flavors over complex preparations. Polished surfaces and minimalist interior design define the physical space, creating an environment centered on clarity and architectural precision. The menu features a rotating selection of small plates designed for shared consumption alongside a focused program of natural spirits. Service remains efficient and objective, ensuring that each interaction prioritizes the culinary components above all else. This establishment provides a calculated approach to modern bistro fare, blending accessible culinary techniques with a rigorous attention to detail in every prepared item presented to the guest.
Stem Bar is widely praised for its vibrant atmosphere, stylish decor, and consistently delicious menu, with the burrata pancakes, beef tartare, and Brussels sprouts frequently highlighted as standout dishes. While many guests enjoy the creative cocktails and well curated wine list, experiences with the staff are mixed, ranging from exceptionally friendly and attentive to occasionally impatient regarding table turnover and seating policies. Although the quality of food is generally considered high, some visitors have expressed frustration over small portion sizes for the price, excessively salty dishes, or rigid reservation and service limitations. Overall, the establishment remains a popular local destination known for its great energy and flavorful offerings, making it a recommended spot for those who appreciate a lively social environment and refined sharing plates.
Stem Bar has a beautiful ambiance, great decor, & a really nice vibe. The cocktails & wine list were solid. I love September Cafe, so I was really hoping to love Stem Bar just as much. Unfortunately, the food was extremely salty across the board, which made the meal hard to enjoy. It's unfortunate because I had high expectations, but based on this experience, I wouldn't recommend it.
Fabuleux ✨ une des meilleures adresses où il m'a été donné de souper (& pas juste au Québec). Outre le service qui était impeccable, les plats & cocktails étaient délicieusement exécutés. Nous avons passé un excellent moment au Stem Bar. Merci pour tout ! Une adresse exceptionnelle à ne pas manquer si vous êtes à Montréal. Ps : il est recommandé de réserver si vous souhaitez être installé à une table sinon vous serez au comptoir ce qui a été notre cas mais ça nous a parfaitement convenu.
Amazing spot! Chris & the team crushed it with great cocktails & food & even gave us a list of ~15 restaurants to check out while we're here for the week. Super awesome vibe & great bartenders!
TOUT SIMPLEMENT DIVIN! Quoi dire de plus. La qualité des ingrédients, tout est savoureux du cocktail, mocktail, entrée, plat principal jusqu'au dessert.
Exceptional from start to finish. STEM does not take reservations, but when we arrived on Friday at 7pm, we went straight up to the bar, where there was plenty of seating. We were greeted warmly by the staff who were very helpful in recommending what to eat & drink.
Although STEM appears to be a bar first & a restaurant second, everything we ate was truly exceptional-well presented dishes which were original & the perfect sharing portion.
The cocktails are straightforward & no-frills, but prepared well. The wine selections by the glass were the perfect pairing to the meal, a light crisp red perfect for summer nights.
We sampled the smoked trout fritters, which were topped with caviar-crisp on the outside & creamy in the middle. Next we had a pile of crisp brussels sprouts which had a great balance of flavour & texture. This went well with the unique salted pancakes with burrata. Underneath the burrata was a pile of delicious truffle shavings which elevated the dish, it was truly delicious. Finally, we had the spinach rotolo which sat on a pool of delicious & creamy tomato sauce. The meal was filling & the perfect portion for sharing.
There are many more dishes on the menu that we would like to try & we will most definitely return again!
Overall, the atmosphere, cocktails, wine & high-quality dishes make STEM bar an excellent value & a great date night locale in a neighborhood known for excellent eateries!
We arrived at 6:20 because last time we went at 8:00 was a 1 hour wait, so make sure to arrive early since they don't take reservations.
The burrata truffle pancakes were our favourite dish.
We also had the tuna tartare (a tiny bit bland), trout croquettes (crunchy & flavourful), cavatelli (comforting & filling), & brussel sprouts (a lot of sauce, though they could have been more crispy). Overall everything was good! However the cocktails were disappointing (amaretto sour, espresso martini, dirty martini). The atmosphere is great & the staff is really friendly, & we appreciated that they weren't rushing us out after eating.
