This cozy 50-seat Montreal eatery was just named Canada's best new restaurant

One of Montreal's rising food stars just hit the big leagues.

Le Violon, a 50-seat restaurant in the Plateau, has officially been crowned Canada's Best New Restaurant of 2025, according to Canada's 100 Best. The site dropped its annual rankings on May 5, and this small-but-mighty spot topped the list of new openings across the country.

The restaurant launched in June 2024 and is run by renowned local chefs Danny Smiles and Mitch Laughren, along with a tight-knit team that includes Andrew Park, Dan Climan, Sara Raspa, and sommelier Esme Millar. Together, they've created what one critic calls "an elegant neighbourhood restaurant" with "an ingredient-driven, seasonally attuned menu and stripped-down cooking that showcases great products, solid technique and an enticing mix of Italian, French and Spanish culinary tradition."

One of Canada's 100 Best's culinary experts noted how Smiles and Laughren are rewriting culinary rules "with intent and drawing on their Irish, Italian and Egyptian roots through a modern Québécois lens."

Some menu highlights mentioned in the award write-up include a Quebec beef tartare inspired by Lebanese kibbeh nayyeh, and a rich spin on potted shrimp made with Newfoundland mussels and cheddar custard.

The space, which was previously by Maison Publique, is minimalist and cozy, filled with locals and regulars, and anchored by Mid-century modern furniture and a giant Dalmatian painting. It also features a wine cellar in the middle of the dining room, with bottles starting at $70.

Le Violon wasn't the only new spot to be highlighted by Canada's 100 Best. Juliette Plaza, a new St-Hubert Street hotspot was also featured in the top 10, landing in seventh place.

As for the 100 best eateries in the country, the following 26 Montreal spots made the cut:

• Mon Lapin - #2
• Beba - #7
• Le Violon - #11
• Monarque - #17
  
• Montreal Plaza - #20
• Alma - #24
• Pichai - #25
• Bar St-Denis - #27
• Casavant - #31
• Parapluie - #35
• Mastard - #40
• Mastard – #40
  
• Salle Climatisée – #44
  
• Joe Beef – #46
  
• Sabayon – #48
  
• L’Express – #61
  
• Gia Vin & Grill – #64
  
• Toqué! – #67
  
• Au Pied de Cochon – #76
  
• Juliette Plaza – #77
  
• Heni – #83
  
• Kitano Shokudo – #85
  
• Nora Gray – #90
  
• Damas – #91
  
• Claire Jacques – #100