Restaurant Mastard — Restaurant in Montreal

where the intersection of art and gastronomy creates an unforgettable dining experience. Recently adorned with a prestigious Michelin star, this gem redefines culinary excellence while remaining unassuming—truly a rare find.

From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in an atmosphere that exudes warmth and approachability. There's no sense of pretentiousness here; diners can leave their fancy pants at home and instead indulge in the exquisite offerings without the weight of formality. The restaurant's intimate setting, combined with its limited seating, adds a layer of exclusivity that fuels the anticipation and excitement of securing a reservation, which is open to book only once a month.

Having made the extra effort to book a table, we were eager to see if the experience would match the hype surrounding Mastard's Michelin acclaim. It was evident right from our first bite that the reputation was well-deserved. Each dish was expertly crafted, utilizing local products and ingredients. Every dish was a stunning visual presentation, where creativity met technique, leaving us captivated.

The artistry of the meal was, in itself, a celebration of the senses. An ode to flavors, textures, and seasonal highlights, every detail was perfection. Every layer of the dishes was meticulously curated, displaying not only the chef's technical prowess but also a genuine love for the culinary arts. We marveled at how each element was deliberately placed, inviting us to explore the harmony and complexity of flavors.

Moreover, the service further elevated our dining experience. Attentive without being intrusive, the staff at Mastard offered insightful recommendations and a deep knowledge of the menu. They navigated the delicate balance of professionalism and warmth.

In a city renowned for its culinary landscape, we felt fortunate to have experienced the elevated yet approachable dining that Mastard provides. It's easy to question whether such acclaim is warranted, especially in the face of hype; however, we can confidently say that Mastard is not just worth your time and effort—it is an essential visit for anyone seeking to experience culinary artistry at its finest.

It leaves an indelible mark on your palate and memory alike. If you have the chance to steal a reservation, do so (or try at least to)—this is a dining experience that you...

When a restaurant like Mastard carries such a strong reputation and recognition, expectations are naturally high — and the food did not disappoint. The kitchen demonstrated real artistry and technique throughout the evening. One dish element that caught my attention was a lettuce pie — not necessarily a showstopper, but something I’ve only encountered twice in my life. I even mentioned it to the chef who presented it — nice work, truly.

Mastard offers a blind tasting menu, and I’ve always loved that format. At the end of the night, you're handed a souvenir menu, which lists the ingredients from the courses you enjoyed. While thoughtful, it could be more personal. For example, apart from the date clearly stamped, including the name of the chef, and any extra dishes or add-ons you might’ve ordered would turn it from a simple list into a keepsake — something that reflects the experience and lets guests follow chefs they’ve come to admire.

As for service, there was one unexpected moment where a dish was cleared and some butter got rubbed on my shoulder — but the staff responded immediately with a Tide pen, and we all ended up laughing about it. Honestly, it's a fun memory. The banter from the staff? Genuinely warm and added to the hospitality. A surprise highlight: at one point we overheard the kitchen staff discreetly singing together — unplanned, but it brought a really joyful energy to the space.

The only sour note came from the sommelier. While she clearly knew her wines, her delivery was intense and breathless in French. A bit of breathing and a smile would have gone a long way. She also overexplained to the point where she was walked the fine line between knowledgeable and condescending.

That said, I’d absolutely go back — and wouldn’t mind sitting at the bar again. There’s just something intimate and engaging about the bar when it’s just me and my husband.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.

Was it worth the $500 we spent? Yes. Every bite, every pour, every detail — even the weird butter moment — made it a night...

This is a small creative eatery some distance from downtown.  I had done some research before arriving and was very interested based on what I had heard and read.   We arrived for the tasting menu with wine pairings.  Each course was served by the person who prepared it.  And so the evening unfolded as follows:

First wine was a white from Czech, Hibernal grape,  peach and citrus and very balanced.  This grape comes from the Riesling family.   Soon arrived raw scallops in browned butter with sliced cauliflower and cauliflower butter.

Soon came the 2nd wine,  a Chenin Blanc from South Africa, spicy, balanced,  peppery and bit of citrus afterwards.   Our 2nd course arrived with mushrooms,  shallots,  ginger and white bean; a bit salty and definitely spicy, the perfect pairing.

3rd wine, an Arneis from (Langhe) Piedmont, was simply an absolute delight.   It was very dry,  deep flavors,  more acidic than previous ones and  light stone fruit.  This was paired with a superb rainbow trout in buerre blanc sauce with fish eggs and smoked mussel.

4th wine,  a Larcin red from south of France was very elegant with sour cherry, lots of tannins and yet balanced and very dry.  This was served with perfectly cooked and sliced duck breast, duch sausage and eggplant fritters.  A most unusual combination,  yet masterfully constructed with care and expertise.

And finally we were served a brown butter cake with apples which was absolutely delightful and perfect with an espresso.

This fall trip had been about seeing beautiful nature colors and tastes discovery.   Restaurant Mastard delivered with taste,  expertise and a wonderful atmosphere.   I hope to come back to Montréal  for more in near...