Pigeon Café & Bar — Restaurant in Montreal

I went to see the new Pigeon Cafe on Cote Vertu.

I have been following the feel good story of Sean from Arthur's to NDB and now next door at the Pigeon.

Who would dare to call their restaurant with the name of a dirty bird known to leave droppings on cars without consideration for make or model ?

I didn't know that the Pigeon already had a roost on Monkland.

On arrival I asked to see the menu.  I blame myself for not bringing my reading glasses and the management for not having a larger font.

The interior is impressive and roomy with comfy couches, a spectacular Pigeon mural tastefully done, trees mid floor and a nicely segmented bar with plenty of potential..

I am ushered to a corner couch and shortly thereafter a young lady comes over to ask me if I need anything. I didn't see the portable computer slung behind her hip so I was momentarily on another page on which I won't pursue it!!

The menu is a combination of American breakfast staples and Middle Eastern /Moroccan favorites. Prices are high. I am from the old school where inflation was just a dirty word rather than an omnipresent reality.

I ordered a Mediterranean toast with a poached egg and a hold on the goat cheese $22 before tax. A latte would have made the bill $34.50 before tip.

Everything,the avocado,cherry tomatoes,radish and the goat cheese, which they forgot to hold, was flat. The pistachio nuts and the cornbread were the only memorable items.

Opinion: if one is to charge elevated prices, the quid pro quo is the heightened freshness of all that is served must be a constant like in the Middle East.

Otherwise the beautiful bird on the wall will soon turn into a turkey.

Parking and wait staff were good

The restaurant on Cote Vertu is only open 3weeks and last night was the first night open for dinner

Maybe I should be accused of being the Grinch that stole Christmas or guilty of an unfair opinion because of the short time that the restaurant is open.

Second Review.

So I went to try out the Pigeon Cafe on Cote Vertu for a second time to do justice to a less than complimentary review at the outset.

I went with a business associate. He is a finicky eater. No meat no this,no that!! To my amazement,. the place had a vibe in the middle of the afternoon.

My guest ordered a Mediterranean Toast consisting of smashed avocado,, chick peas,radish,tomatoes and goat cheese. The serving was a mountain of fresh ingredients that he devoured with a near clean empty plate as proof of his enjoyment.

I ordered a Pigeon Special,a grilled sandwich filled with smoked meat, salami and turkey heightened by a Russian dressing It was delicious though not for the faint of heart. Coffee was not memorable .I should have tried a cappuccino.

The bathroom and the floor were spotless.

As well I learned something after a visit to Cora' s two days later. Prices there are no different than at Pigeon Cafe.

Food inflation and a shortage of labor have resulted in big price increases on restaurant menus everywhere.

As such,I remind you that sticker shock is a take it or leave it...

Stepping into Pigeon Café feels like entering a cozy oasis. You're greeted by a charming interior adorned with plenty of greenery and, notably, live flowers adorning each table. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a meal. One of the highlights of Pigeon Café is the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Unlike many establishments, the staff here go above and beyond to ensure a personalized experience. Instead of simply seating us at any available table, our waiter kindly allowed us to choose our own spot. As for the food, it exceeded my expectations. My steak was cooked to perfection, boasting impeccable flavor and tenderness. The accompanying sauce was a true culinary delight, elevating the dish to new heights. And let's not forget the dessert selection, which offered a tantalizing array of options to satisfy any sweet tooth. Last but certainly not least, a mention must be made of the coffee. Rich, aromatic, and expertly brewed, it provided the perfect ending to an already exceptional meal. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Green Haven Cafe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its unique charm and excellent service make it a standout dining...

This is a humble request if you’re going to charge the prices you do, please make sure the food and service actually live up to it.

I’ve been coming here regularly because it’s close to my work, and honestly, I used to like the food. But the past couple of months? Everything’s gone downhill. The portions are smaller, the taste isn’t the same, and the service has been disappointing.

Today was the worst so far. I walked in wearing my work clothes and it honestly felt like I wasn’t welcome. No greeting, no acknowledgment nothing. I don’t know if it’s how I looked or what, but the vibe was off, and I felt completely ignored.

Also, if you’re charging $6 for a matcha latte, please use good quality matcha. What I got tasted watered down and not even close to what I paid for.

And I gotta say—after seeing all the amazing reviews online, what I experienced today didn’t match up at all. It felt fake. Like those reviews were written for a totally different place.

Yes, your cafe looks nice and cozy, but at the end of the day, looks don’t matter if the food and service aren’t there. I’m saying this with respect, but also with honesty. People want to support you but give us a...