La Buvette Chez Simone — Restaurant in Montreal

My partner and I had high hopes for this restaurant from a close friend’s recommendation. Unfortunately the evening there was disappointing and we felt we were treated poorly. We did not get to eat! The host was not communicative with us at all. We arrived at 9:30 and no tables were available outside, so we waited at the bar for a table to open up. The bartender was lovely and we enjoyed some wine. We did not receive any update after an hour so we got the host’s attention and asked again. No table available. A while later we asked the bartender about getting a table and the host came around and said a table outside had just paid - we said we’d wait a little longer. Finally it rolled around to 11pm and we were very hungry by this time so we decided to take a table inside. We sat down and made our selections from the menu, only to then have a server come over and tell us the kitchen had closed at 11 (at this time it was 11:07). The server felt very badly and was kind. The host however did not seem truly sorry; they said we could order some cheese but by that time we were so hungry and also hurt by these events. We asked for the check. We paid for our bottle of wine, tipped our...

We were in Montreal to view the eclipse, see old friends, and generally take in the city’s history. Looking for a place to sample some excellent Quebec cheeses and smoked meats served with style and creativity, we read on-line about La Buvette Chez Simone and it seemed like a good place to try. This intimate wine bar did not disappoint, with a menu as varied and eclectic as the clientele. Here, the crowd dictates the mood and the food is the star, with the friendly and knowledgeable wait staff only too eager to assist two anglophones with what might be the best items for them to try. They were correct. Nowhere else could we have had such a delicious and varied assortment of true charcuterie that was likely to be among the best in the city. A full menu of creatively prepared cuisine and desserts round out the offerings. A late night place that takes on a vibrant vibe in the evening when the adults come out to eat and play.

Special thanks to Rafael from Marseille who was chatty, helpful and friendly. We’d go back often but we live in West Palm Beach and so will have to be content with the memory of a wonderful meal and evening...

This place used to be my favorite resto & bar but I have noticed a great decrease in both quality and service during and after the pandemic. This last menu is something out of a Harry Potter movie: mushroom tacos, porc heart ... really? So, I'm sitting there, having an "ice-tonic" and trying to explain these weird food choices to my anglophone girlfriend while waiting for other people (yeah, they can't even get a menu in english). But the waitress comes to see us 5 times in 5 minutes to rudely ask us if we are ready to order. It felt extremely pushy. Also she noticed my girlfriend didn't speak french and she didn't make an effort to translate what she was saying (you earned your 0$ tip, honey). So yeah not anglo-friendly place, shrinkflation infested drinks (and probably food), rushed service ... it didn't take us long to figure this was not the place where we wanted to spend...