VANDALE commands a bold presence through a menu centered on fresh seafood and expertly charred grill selections. The kitchen emphasizes high-quality market ingredients, transforming raw components into sophisticated plates with precise cooking techniques. Guests encounter a diverse array of oceanic delicacies alongside robust proteins seared over open flames to achieve perfect textures. The aesthetic reflects a modern approach to culinary preparation where natural flavors take precedence over unnecessary ornamentation. Every dish demonstrates a commitment to ingredient-driven cooking, ensuring that the essence of each element remains prominent on the plate. This establishment bridges the gap between traditional market sourcing and contemporary grill methods, creating a focused experience for those who appreciate direct, flavor-forward cooking. The environment supports this culinary philosophy by maintaining an atmosphere dedicated to the appreciation of fundamental food preparation.
Vandale is widely praised for its unique speakeasy atmosphere, creative decor, and consistently delicious, generously portioned cuisine that features French-inspired dishes. Visitors frequently highlight the exceptional quality of the cocktails and the specialized mixology workshops offered on-site. While most guests experience attentive and welcoming service, feedback regarding the speed and coordination of service is occasionally mixed, with some noting delays during busier periods. Despite these minor inconsistencies and the building's challenging stair access, it remains a highly recommended destination in Old Montreal for those seeking a memorable, immersive dining experience.
Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. The food was some of the best I've had in a long time, & the service made it even better. Kevin behind the bar was fantastic - friendly, attentive, & made incredible drinks. Mateo was equally amazing as our host/server & made us feel welcomed the entire night. You can tell the staff genuinely cares about giving people a great experience. This place deserves way more recognition & popularity than it gets. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for outstanding food, drinks, & service.
We enjoyed not only the cocktails listed on the menu, but our bartender Oliver was also able to craft a custom cocktail with Pisco (not commonly offered at bars), as we had explained we had recently returned from a trip to Chile & Peru. We also ordered the duck & the pear salad, which were both excellent. All the staff were friendly, & it was a clean & classy environment. We will definitely return - with friends!
Première expérience dans un resto-bar caché ! Wow! J'adore découvrir de beaux endroits où l'on déguste une cuisine surprenante ! Bravo à toute l'équipe !
Mar 17, 2026
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Nice time for our final visit of the evening. Had a few drinks (all delicious) & 2 rounds of bruschetta & focaccia which hit the spot! The speakeasy is closed in December I guess (not sure when else) so we just sat at the ba
We visited Vandale Speakeasy & were really impressed by the food - everything we ordered was delicious, well-prepared, & beautifully presented. Unfortunately, the service didn't quite match the quality of the kitchen. Our share plates arrived before our tasting plates & utensils, which made things a bit awkward. Our food even showed up before our drinks, despite the bar being fairly empty (we were told the bartender was backed up). Water glasses went unfilled all night, & there were long waits between each of the three courses.
What stood out most, however, was the nonchalant attitude of both our server & the bartender. There didn't seem to be much urgency or attentiveness, which dampened what could have been an otherwise fantastic dining experience. Honestly, it makes sense the place was empty on a Friday night.
The food alone makes Vandale worth a visit, but we hope the service catches up to the level of the kitchen.
Hidden gem in Montreal! Stopped in for the Atelier Mixology class in the basement of this restaurant (which was equally amazing). Had a drink at the bar before we started - absolutely delicious. The barman was kind, funny, & made the best drinks. These were not just generic beverages but rather artfully crafted, highly complex drinks. After the class, we decided to stay for dinner as it smelled SO good coming back up the stairs. We all opted for the 3 course meal - wow. Every course was more amazing than the last. I can't recommend this place enough! Merci!
Really cute spot surprisingly not too busy when we went. The restaurant has lots of space , cool decor, & great people watching if you are seated by the window. The servers & bar tenders were great, service was perfect we both got the 5 item options (would definitely have been fine with the three as it was lots of food) & enjoyed everything. I would say the least favourite would be the arincini & the broccoli Cesar salad , not because they were bad but perhaps just less exciting flavor wise. Collectively we had the Tiki drink (very light & tasty), caipirinha (delicate, light, depth of flavour), a glass of wine, Negroni(the strawberry infusion was a delightful twist) , & an old fashioned (well balanced & came with a small fire on a plate to roast a marshmallow on which was a fun feature). Also ordered spicey naked & famous but it was waaaaaaaaaay too spicy so we sent it back & they replaced it no questions asked but be warned it is truly habanero forward lol.
The food portions were generous & timing between plates well timed to enjoy the ambience , drinks, & company. Would definitely go again :)
Nous avons passé un très bon moment. Le personnel est très chaleureux, les barmans sont très compétents & proposent une carte élaborée & soignée, avec des saveurs raffinées.
Love me a good speakeasy. This one was a bit too easy to find but it made enjoying the delightful cocktails even easier. Thomas was a gracious host & Leo behind the bar a true mixology craftsman. I enjoyed the house negroni & based on that, followed it up with Leo's choice. He picked the Side Car for me. Direct hit! Way to go Leo!! Chill video, no pretension, amazing cocktails, $1 oysters for 5a7. Good spot for cocktails after work. Shared plates look delicious but I was solo & the plates would have been better shared so I skipped out for an excuse to come back. The Prix Fixe looks reasonable too. Come with a large party & share family style after work or before a night on the town.
