Pizza Bouquet — Restaurant in Montreal

I used to believe this was the best pizza in all of Montreal. The food is excellent, and the owner has always come across as a very kind and respectful gentleman.

My family and I — including my wife and brother — have been loyal customers for over a year. Unfortunately, after our last visit this past Sunday, we’ve decided we won’t be returning.

During our visit, my brother and I walked in to order two pizzas. We greeted the young man at the counter, but as soon as we mentioned our first pizza choice, he abruptly turned and walked into the kitchen without a word. We were left standing there confused. From the kitchen, we heard him tell the staff, “One Margherita pizza,” and then he returned to start calculating the total. When we clarified that we wanted two pizzas and began to state the second one, he once again turned away before we finished speaking and told the kitchen “Two Margherita pizzas.”

We had to stop him and say, “Sir, we don’t want two Margheritas.” His response was dismissive and irritated. I politely suggested he take the full order first and then verify with the kitchen if needed. Instead of acknowledging our concern, he became even more annoyed and told us he had to check with the staff first. When I tried to explain the importance of good customer service, both he and his female colleague laughed and said, “If you’re upset, you’re welcome to leave.” That’s exactly what we did — and with us, they’ve lost not only our business but also that of our friends and extended family.

Sadly, this wasn’t the first disappointing experience. Just a week prior, another cashier handled cash from the customer before us, and then touched our pizza directly with the same hands while adjusting it in the oven. At least in that case, he apologized when we pointed it out.

This place used to be a favorite, but it seems that the quality of service has gone downhill. I hope the owner reconsiders the hiring and training of staff, especially those who show no regard for basic customer...

This is a place i have mixed feelings about. I have been pretty often, maybe 20-25 times over the last 2 years. On one hand, it can be one of the best slice counter in the city; but it's not saying much, giving the poor level of slices in Montréal. However, on a good day, a fresh slice is usually quite satisfying. The dough is slightly too hard and thick, and the amount of toppings is slighlty too little for that style, so each bite doesn't have the correct balance, can feel pretty dry. Still, it feels like it's made with good ingredients and some love - which is better than 90% of Mtl pizza. Cherry Bomb is a stand out for me.

Now the big problem is the service at the front counter. Service is a lost art in Montreal, and that place is no exception. Slow, nonchalant, cynical attitude, usually by someone with neglected hygiene and looking mildly depressed (last time i went, the counter person was wearing some ironic vintage cap crusted with black dirt, and not from working in the kitchen, it's concerning). Consistent with that anglo hipster-gentrified part of town, serving in french seems to be low on priorities, so if you're a francophone, expect a sort of panic reaction if you address in french. That could be forgiven easily with the right attitude, but with that careless, sloppy energy, it's off-putting. Pies are not identified on the front counter slice tray, which means each new customer will ask which pizza is which. The clerk will answer with the most annoyed, blasé expression and voice, since they've likely been repeating the same info all day.

All in all, a good spot, but one which could be way better.

3 stars until the service attitude and hygiene...

This place knows exactly what they’re doing and they know how to do it WELL. We checked it out last Saturday during dinner rush and the customers did not stop rolling through the door. We ordered a pepperoni and ate it on the spot and my GOD was this pizza out of this world. The crust was a perfect thickness and cooked perfectly, so crispy but not burnt. Toppings are generous and the pepperoni ends up as a delicious mix of crispy and greasy. We sat in the place for a while and noticed how the staff and owner interacted with customers and themselves - these guys clearly love what they do, with a special nod to the owner who is serious about quality control (entirely scrapping a pizza because it was too overcooked). So many people coming in seemed like friends of the owner or regulars that have become friendly, which was amazing to witness. These guys, in addition to making INSANE pizza, have created a sense of community inside their small shop. Kudos to these guys. Will be back asap (please put that pickle pizza from your Instagram on the menu, I am...