I tried this famed Old Montreal restaurant for the first time and felt like French royalty
Fine dining in Montreal is a buffet of options. Whether you're in the mood for Italian, Mediterranean or a Latin twist, the city's roster of impressive restaurants has got you covered.
When the chance came to try one of Montreal's most renowned French restaurants, I didn't think twice.
Restaurant Bonaparte, a fixture in Montreal's Old Port since the '80s, serves up decadent French cuisine. Though it was my first time dining there, it's safe to say I'll be back for special occasions.
As part of its 40th anniversary celebration, Bonaparte invited me to try its not one, not two, but seven-course dinner. I gladly accepted, chose a fancy enough 'fit and made sure to arrive hungry.
Here's how the experience went.
I was immediately taken aback by the class and sophistication Bonaparte exudes. It's a feeling you get right when you step foot into the Bonaparte Hotel lobby.
After moseying my way over to the dining room, I was seated beside a window looking out into the streets of Vieux-Montreal. A charming view? Fancy atmosphere? And a seven-course dinner awaiting me? I was in French heaven.
Our server, Mathieu, who was beyond a pleasure the entire evening, guided me through the tasting menu, explaining which dishes the chef had prepared and any and all wines that paired best with each. All while wearing a pair of Habs-branded cuff links that I couldn't help but notice right away.
To start, I opted for the seasonal salad with pine nuts and Parmesan shavings. This was an easy appetizer and while the combination of ingredients blended effortlessly together, I'd consider it a more deconstructed version of a salad, so there was some work involved in ensuring you got a balanced bite each time.
Next up was the home-smoked salmon with truffle oil — mind you the portions were small, so while seven courses may sound like a lot, each dish was just the right amount of food so you don't get too full too fast.
The plate of smoked salmon in the shape of a rose was delicious and matched brilliantly with the truffle oil and fennel (at least I think it was fennel). Either way, I finished the plate and was ready for more.
The mushroom ravioli flavoured with fresh sage was my third and easily the best course. The chef prepared four delicate stuffed pasta, plated stunningly in a creamy sauce. I ate the first of the four and immediately melted in my seat.
The flavours were beyond anything I'd eaten before. The mushroom filling was just enough to not overpower the dough or the sauce, allowing the ingredients to mesh and complement one another perfectly. To say this was easily one of the best pasta dishes I've had in Montreal would be an understatement.
While I'd already fallen in love with the mushroom ravioli and could have easily downed another plate (or two), it was on to the next.
To cleanse the palate, I was then given a pear and tarragon sorbet with bubbles. This mini-break from the hearty dishes was very much welcome and offered a refreshing break from the savoury mix of dishes I'd just inhaled.
I opted for the filet mignon with five peppers and cognac as my fifth dish (yes, fifth) and it was prepared exactly to my liking. I don't know exactly what sauce was used, but it was unreal. The savoury taste matched with a subtle sweetness blended superbly with the peppercorns and filet mignon, allowing it to practically melt in your mouth each and every bite.
At this point, I was getting full and was slightly worried that I wouldn't be able to continue, but with only two courses left, comprised of a dessert and a beverage, I knew I'd make it through.
I was given the pastry chef's selection, which was made up of a mini-crème brûlée, macarons and an assortment of fresh fruit. With five savoury dishes, the sweetness was a welcome change and I was elated by the smaller portion size, considering finishing a dessert too big would have been tough.
To finish, we were given the option of tea or coffee. However, as someone who doesn't love a warm beverage (and who just consumed copious amounts of food and drink), I passed on the final serving. A choice I (and my waistband) don't regret.
With delicious dish after dish, you're probably wondering how much this costs. Considering it was a seven-course tasting at one of the fanciest French restaurants in Montreal, the price was well… pricey.
The tasting menu was $124 without the wine pairing. With the pairing, you're looking at a total of $192, before tax and tip.
Now, while this experience was up there, I've spent far more on a night out or during a munchies craze on UberEats, so for special occasions, a fancy date night or a once in a while visit, Bonaparte is definitely worth it.
As a thank you, I parted with a Bonaparte gift bag with 40th anniversary engraved wine glasses, which was truly the cherry on top of an extravagant foodie experience.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
- I tried Tim Hortons' new savoury pinwheel pastries and this one was better than sex ›
- I went to Montreal's Café Cleopatra and it's way more than a strip club ›
- I tried Montreal's new Spaghetti Western bar and it's not just for country music fans ›
- 12 of the best halal restaurants in Montreal - MTL Blog ›
- 11 Montreal restaurants every local needs to visit this summer - MTL Blog ›
- A new cocktail bar opened in Montreal's Plateau serving Indian-inspired tapas - MTL Blog ›
L'Hexagone grocery store.Courtesy of L'Hexagone grocery store.
L'Hexagone grocery store.Courtesy of L'Hexagone grocery store.