Le Violon — Restaurant in Montreal

We were all really excited about this spot since it came highly recommended by mutual friends of the place, but unfortunately, the experience was a major letdown. We arrived five minutes early for our 9:00 reservation, only to be told the table wasn't ready. They stuck us in this cramped little nook where staff kept passing by, and we were left there, totally ignored, for more than 20 minutes. Then they moved us to the bar, where we were greeted by one of the most unfriendly people I’ve ever met. They then offered us a complimentary glass of wine which like ty but, the hostess kept apologizing, which is fine like we get it, it happens, but it doesnt make up for the fact that we had to wait over an hour there before finally being seated around 10:20.

When we finally sat down, we were rushed to order. We asked for recommendations and were told to share 5-6 plates, after which we could order more if we were still hungry. The portions were tiny, and honestly, the food was pretty unremarkable and one-dimensional. We were still hungry, so we flagged down a server to order another dish, only to be told the kitchen was closed—no warning at all, which was pretty insulting. They offered us dessert instead lmao. We went ahead and ordered two deserts, and it's sad to say, but the ice cream was the best thing on the menu. The other desert — the cake take that off your menu lol it was so, very standard.

The atmosphere was also a huge downer—bougie-ass boomer vibes (maybe just that night idk but staff seemed like these were regulars), buncha people who looked like they just came from like a golf club or like Osheaga. Lotsa sorta plebs in white lol. Don’t wanna judge but def made it all extra meh. The staff was mega unfriendly and seemed really stressed out, and the music was tasteless, boring, mainstream garbage. No soul, no vibe, no curation. Just mind numbing dull mediocre rock-ish tunes you’ve heard hundreds of times. And also this place kis so gd loud idek wtf is going on here—with that metal pipe in the room making it worse, you guys really need some acoustic treatment and taste cuz people yelling overtop unbearably mundane tunes coming out of what sounds old pc speakers in an untreated restaurant room, ain’t it. Decor is pretty nice tho.

All in all, y’all got a lot to work on. Sad to say, we won’t be...

I really miss La Maison Publique and was so pleased when I had heard that Danny Smiles was taking over the location. Came in with high expectations and was left somewhat underwhelmed. At first, I had to make a paradigm shift as I loved LMP's charming rustic interior and to see the space transformed into an elegant dining space full of light with a clean white and beige colour scheme took a few moments to adjust.

First off, everything was really nice and pleasant: the service, drinks, food and atmosphere. But nothing really stood out in an exceptional way. The ingredients were fresh and of good quality for my fennel salad and fish, and the flavours were subtle and pleasant (yes that word again). So there was never really a "wow" moment where I was wow, this is sooo good!

It was also very expensive. My friend and I had cocktails, starters, a glass of wine with our main dish, and shared a dessert. My portion was $112 including tip. Yet I was left still feeling slightly unsatisfied. I've had similar meals at places like Le Majestique where I left feeling I had a deliciously satisfying meal and the bill was a good $25-30 less. Just the week before, I was at Osteria Elio Volpe (Vancouver), and the dinner service was EXCELLENT (my portion: only $76), so again, I couldn't help but compare that to my underwhelming experience at Le Violin.

I would say the food exactly reflected the interior design: elegant yet safe, minimalist and beige, as if saying: here at Le Violon, there is nothing too bright or colourful to pop out and jar you from the tranquil yet slightly bland surroundings. I know I keep comparing it to Le Maison Publique, but it's as if Le Violon was intentionally created to be in stark contrast to its predecessor. The problem is that it all feels somewhat self-conscious and soulless, like a younger person's idea of what a fancy, upscale restaurant should be for a 30-something clientele.

This is really a place one would go to impress a first date (most of the clientele seemed to be straight couples), and it's not really a place where you'd go regularly, like a neighbourhood joint (what LMP used to be), unless you have a fat pocketbook! I'm glad I gave Le Violon a try, but I don't have much desire for a return visit, unless I have a lot of money to throw for a...

I had such high expectations for Le Violon and I was quite dissapointed. It has been sitting in a prime spot on my restaurant list for so long because it's Danny Smiles, because their bread is Automne, because it's in my neighbourhood and the place looks wonderful but it just made me sad for all the expectations I had put in it. The place is so beautifully renovated after the dark decor that Maison Publique had before. It is chic, intime, with really nice art work, well chosen chairs, and the dark wood bar. So decor is 5/5. The service was just terrible for an upscale restaurant. No welcome to the Violon, let me explain your menu for the evening etc etc. She just burst in with: what are we drinking tonight? and throughout dinner it was this poor behaviour. I also expect the people that come with the dishes to explain the dishes without any mistake, there were many. 2/5. The dishes are perfectly executed but they are not wow. I had the legumes and crudo for the entrée (delicious), but the main dish was missing so much oomph, lotte with french pomme de terre and beurre blanc, the sauce was blunt, the fish was average. The dessert was impeccable, chou fraisier, perfectly...