Montreal's Mon Lapin has all the right ingredients for a special night out. Named the top restaurant in the country by Canada's Best 100, it's proof of what happens when you pair exquisite food with a warm atmosphere and remarkable service. The Little Italy restaurant offers a dining experience that could be perfect for that date you've been meaning to plan.
On a Tuesday night visit with my partner, the venue proved delightfully eclectic. Mon Lapin isn't a dimly lit, intimate date spot — the vibe is bright and airy, but every bit as romantic.
A rabbit-shaped light. Right: Zamalek hibiscus juice with mint and a cucumber mocktail by the Mon Lapin menu.@w.princetagram | MTL Blog
Tables are spaciously situated and surrounded by farmhouse decor which creates an upscale ambiance. The restaurant's interior is a blend of modern design and quirky wall art. Warm lamps cast a flattering light on diners.
For a mid-week meal, the spot was active but didn't feel chaotic. The staff were animated and enthusiastic, floating around like choreographed dancers. Their knowledge of the menu was impressive, and each person who attended our table seemed to genuinely relish the food, sharing the details of each dish.
Your server can either choose a selection of shareable plates for you, or you can pick out a few for yourself. Right now, the Quebec seafood options are highly recommended.
To start off, we ordered a Zamalek, refreshing hibiscus juice with mint ($8.50), and a tangy cucumber mocktail with aquafaba and sage juice ($8). There's also an extensive wine selection and bottles start at around $65.
The croque petoncle sandwiches. Right: BBQ cucumber with grilled Matane shrimp.@w.princetagram | MTL Blog
Mon Lapin has a custom, daily-changing menu — that means there's always something new and interesting to try and the unusual flavour combinations will give you and your date something to talk about.
We ordered the croque petoncle, a scallop sandwich ($16), which was a satisfying mix of textures. The mashed scallop offered a velvety counterpoint to the crisp butter-fried bread. The BBQ cucumber with grilled Matane shrimp and homemade yogurt ($18), was a revelation, even for a sea bug-averse person like myself. Each bite was a sensory experience — the crunchiness of the cucumber, the softness of the shrimp, and the creamy yogurt were all tinged with smokiness.
The portions are made to share, which encourages dialogue and makes the meal a real bonding experience. The fresh Hochelaga oyster mushroom and asparagus plate ($24) was another showcase of contrasting textures, from crunchy to soft. A surf and turf dish followed, featuring mussels with chicken soaked in sourdough starter and stuffed with more chicken ($30), which offered a savoury punch paired with delicate seafood sauce.
The mushroom and asparagus dish. Right: Mussels with chicken.@w.princetagram | MTL Blog
To top it off, the cheese platter ($15) with local honey was an unexpectedly satisfying dessert. You get a selection of Quebec cheeses sweetened by a touch of honeycomb that you can enjoy with thin, crispy wafers.
Making a reservation at Mon Lapin requires persistence, but after having a meal there I would say the effort is worth it. Once you're booked, the restaurant staff's attention to detail and customer satisfaction shine (they'll even call ahead to offer you a better time slot if one becomes available). The restaurant also accommodates walk-ins, reserving a few spots for those with a bit of flexibility in their schedule.
If you're looking to splurge on a memorable date night, Mon Lapin checks all the boxes. Great food, warm atmosphere and top-notch service — it's no wonder the spot has been voted the best restaurant in Canada!