Stem Bar attracts attention for a beautiful ambiance, stylish decor, and a lively yet refined vibe, with a solid cocktail and wine program and consistently friendly service. The food is described as delicious and well executed, with favorites like burrata pancakes and Brussels sprouts, but several reviews warn that dishes can be very salty and portions may feel small when shared for the per person price. The place can be crowded and noisy, and Stem Bar does not take reservations, which means some guests settle for bar seating or shorter visits during peak times. Despite these points, many diners regard Stem Bar as a standout or hidden gem, noting high quality across the menu and a memorable overall experience ideal for a night out with friends or a date. Overall, Stem Bar is seen as a top option in the area for good drinks and well balanced dishes, with the best experiences highlighting the combination of creative eats, great cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere.
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.
The place is perfect for a night dinner with friends, good selection of wine & the food is exquisite, the croquettes, the burrata with hot cakes, the flank pork special was so good & the Brussels sprouts amazing !!! Don't skip dessert it's so good the peach one
Aug 11, 2025
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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!
great spot! really nice & chill vibes inside, not too loud, good wine list & good food. severs were helpful & friendly. nice & casual while still classy.
we went on a friday night around 8:30 & didn't have to wait for too long. we got martinis & shared a few apps. the apps were sooo good! you must get the burrata salted pancakes with truffle. fantastic. the chocolate pudding was also so so incredible. the tomato toast was great too - salty & a bit sweet. i'd come back again for the wine!
Love this place for its hip vibes & wine selection. The servers are very good at recommending options based on your likes. The food never disappoints. They don't take reservations & small tables for tapas is pretty inconvenient
Jun 22, 2024
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Interesting food, it was great to try some new dishes & I liked the set up they offered with many tapas style dishes. Lovely food gem! The drinks I would call interesting, the cloudy orange wine was actually nice but avoid the Quebec red wine they have on the menu.
One of the best restaurants that I have discovered in Montreal this year. The food is insane. The taste palates are unique & well balanced. The drinks, especially the martini, are perfect. The wine selection is extensive & well chosen. Must try.
Dec 17, 2023
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Not sure if I want to give this place a 4 or a 5 star since the food didn't amaze me, but the wine, service & atmosphere were great. The Brussels sprouts are probably the star of the show, being my favorite dish. The sauce & texture were excellent. The other dishes we ordered were good as well but not "wowing" enough for the price. They lacked a bit of flavour & texture. In the end I would recommend ordering the Brussels sprouts, anchovy toast, pot de creme & a bottle of wine for a pricier night out. They also don't take reservations so try to go later in the evening to grab a table right away!
