Le Chien Fumant — Restaurant in Montreal

We dined here over the weekend and had such high hopes for this place but unfortunately left here with a very bad taste in my mouth and will not be recommending this to anybody.

I had booked a table for two 1-month in advance and yet the waiter directed us to the bar trying to convince us that this was the best "VIP" seats in this very small restaurant. When we insisted to the waiter that we wanted to sit at a table instead of this VIP area where we are just staring at cups/plates, they refused to move us to a table unless we were willing to spend $150 PER PERSON for their chefs tasting menu. Absolutely ridiculous. We heard great things about this chef's menu so we decided to move forward with it so we can sit at a table, but this had already left me feeling very unwelcomed as a customer when we had a small request to sit at a table (which I very clearly booked) and it ended up costing us a bill with a minimum spend of $300.

The food was good, but was absolutely not $400 good (including tip and a couple of drinks). The first small appetizers on little crackers were great and we enjoyed the small crackers with fish roe. We also enjoyed the fresh crab and fish tartare but it wasn't mind-blowing by any means. The main dish was a crab gnocchi which was decent but again, the flavours were not mind-blowing and nothing to rave about. I've definitely had better pasta that did not cost an arm and a leg. The portions were small and we still left the dinner hungry.

Overall, I felt like this restaurant was trying to upsell us at ANY opportunity without even giving us a welcoming, enjoyable, and positive dining experience. They encouraged us to get a bottle of wine multiple times which we declined (given that we were already prepared to spend that $300 plus cocktails).

We left very very disappointed in this restaurant and the whole dining experience. The food was a 3/5 AT BEST and was extremely over-priced. Additionally, the cancellation policy is ridiculous. They will absolutely charge you the hold fee no matter what even if plans change and you can't attend so be absolutely 100% sure you can go on the day of reservation.

I do not recommend this restaurant and will not be...

This is THE best restaurant in town. I have probably been there about 50 times since it has opened if I recall about 12 years ago. It has never disappointed and it has just gotten better, even if that seemed impossible at times, it is that good. The Chef is an absolute raw talent, and is nothing less than an artist, creating dishes with a fusion of flavors, leaving you speechless at every bite. Execution is as perfect as the dishes are original. Having gone there many times over the years, I have tasted almost everything, but they still surprise me with new creations each time. One of their classics is the Korean Tartar, which I can easily say is the best tartar I ever had. Their tasting menu is absolutely insane, and you can trust the Chef to give you a nice variety of dishes and flavors that will make it a night to remember. But what makes it really an exceptional experience all around, is the combination of a talented and creative Chef in Maksim Morin, along with a beautiful location, a warm ambiance playing classic hip-hop from the 90s, and last but not least, one of the best waiters I have ever had in Ben. This man knows how to take care of his guests, treat them like royalty, in a simple, yet friendly and elegant way. This place feels like home, and the only downside is not yet knowing when will be the next time I will visit them. Sincerely, you biggest...

The place was full, as usual on a Friday evening; reservations required, but fortunately we had one. It's quite small with a few tables, a bar overlooking the open kitchen where many are seated to eat and large windows on a corner location. Gemütlich!

We split two starters, the lobster and foie gras 手巻き (temaki), which though delicious would have benefited from a less spicy mayonnaise, obscuring the finer taste of the lobster meat. The beef carpaccio (they call it seared beef, but that's what it is) was divine.

Following that, I had the sirloin steak, and though very satisfying, do not expect anything light. The mushrooms, small potatoes and sauce are a hefty and worthy accompaniment to the meat, cooked to a perfect chef's recommended medium rare.

My tablemate had the homemade ricotta ravioli (small portion) and I didn't hear any complaints. He's quite the fine bouche, so that's an excellent comment on his part!

No complaints about the mille-feuilles à l'érable (seasonal and décomposé) that we shared either. I'd go back just for this piece of heaven. The textures and taste were just right! Crunchy layers and gooey maple crème.

Wine: Le Combal 2014 (red, French, Cahors, 50$)

Total : 180$ for two, taxes and...