1855 steakhouse Prime — Restaurant in Mount Royal

I had a Greek salad starter, medium-well NY strip loin, Tuscan style asparagus, chocolate cake and a café au lait. The food was phenomenal, everything was perfectly cooked and delicious. The table bread was a little on the stale side.

The music was a repeat of 5 or 6 songs (40’s and 50’s crooning music) at an enjoyable volume, the lighting was soft and perfect, the art on the walls was tasteful, the chandeliers were a beautiful touch and looked like fairy lights. All tables were set with white linen, wine and water glasses, with salad fork, dinner fork and butter knife tucked into white linen napkins. The chairs were so very comfortable and upholstered in what I think was leather. The bar looked a bit crowded but with the alcohol bottles well lit up. The wine cellar was barely noticeable behind the aging meats display showing off multiple cuts of dry aging beef with subtle red lighting. The kitchen is open concept, giving onto the dining room and people can see the chef preparing the food. All the appliances were gleaming and looked spotless.

I walked in as a single diner, dressed with a black T-shirt, black jeans, an umbrella and a backpack (I just came from an acupuncture and physio appointment not too far from the location). I felt somewhat judged from the get go, even more so when I asked for the beer selection. There was only one on offer, which I declined as I need to be particular about what drinks I can have since I have a food allergy to grapefruit and oranges (some beers are brewed with citrus peels). Unless the person recommending wines is a sommelier, I cannot have wine (again, brewing issue) and I personally don’t enjoy cocktails with diner. The server offered all of those choices and without getting into why, I simply opted to stick with water. From then on, the server’s demeanour changed.

There was another table of diners, 2 ladies sitting near me who ordered a bit after I had. The server was very attentive to them, asking how their meal was going at every stage, if they needed anything else, bringing them salt and pepper unprompted. There was also a gentleman eating alone, as I was, seated near the kitchen. He also received more attention from the server than I did. A party of 4 men came in during my meal and again, the server pulled all the stops for them.

I was asked once, at the end of my entree if everything was to my liking. The chef stared at me throughout my meal, making me feel uncomfortable. I was not offered a refill for my water, nor was I offered salt or pepper. I had to wait until I was close to finishing my steak to ask for more water. The thing that made me most uncomfortable was that chef and server seemed to have had a small conversation about me after my desert plate was taken away, right at the kitchen counter.

The server gave the ladies dining next to me their cheques in a black folio but brought mine out simply printed out and curling on itself. As I was paying, he asked me if I was from Montreal, again, making me feel judged. People usually don’t ask that question unless they feel their interlocutor sticks out.

I left an 18% tip on a 145$ bill (I’m not a monster, servers pay 8% of their tips in taxes and have to tip out the kitchen). I usually tip 20-30% when service is good to amazing. The server left while I was busy with the POS machine to serve a party of 6, and did not come back until 5 minutes later to wish me luck and to stay dry with the rain.

I have a fancy dinner out once a month with myself and a good book, because life is short and being alone doesn’t deter me from enjoying life. I have a rotation of good restaurants that I patron more often regardless of price (on a biweekly basis) and was hoping to add this one to them for the occasional lunch or dinner because of the proximity to my various providers.

Because I felt at best uncomfortable, at worst discriminated against, due to my attire or because of something else, I will not be going back. Shame, since the food was fantastic and I quite enjoyed everything else but...

Just left the restaurant and I wish I was back already. Made a late reservation and when we showed up 2 men were making the tables. I asked if they were open and they said of course and seated us right away. Service was 10 outta 10. So friendly and accommodating. This was the best steak I've ever had. Got the 28 Oz porterhouse and at 115, it's such a steal. Ordered medium temperature and it was cooked so well. Steak was beyond tender, and the dry age provided such a beefy flavor bomb. The charred edges was the stuff of gold. As were were paying, it turns out the 2 men were the owners and I believe head chef (could be wrong). They were the only 2 in the restaurant and are the ones who prepared our food. They saw that we were out of town and said they couldn't turn us away. If that doesn't speak to the integrity of this restaurant I don't know what would. The frites and Monte Cristo potato were also phenomenal. I'd drive back to Montreal just to eat here. Please make sure you take a chance...

I ordered the filet mignon with fries, and a chocolate cake with ice cream for dessert.

They started me off with some bread. Fresh and hot. Crunchy crust and soft on the inside.

My filet mignon was done exactly how I liked it, which was a treat. A lot of chefs cook it "their way", but they listened to me and did it the way I like. I definitely recommend dipping it in the peppercorn sauce. Changes the flavor in a nice way.

The fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It had that perfect amount of crunch with each bite. Would highly recommend.

The chocolate cake with ice cream was the perfect end to a meal. Sweet and tasty without being overly sweet or overwhelming of the senses.

I know many might say it's too expensive, but the quality makes the price worth it.

The owner and his wife were a delight. Very friendly and listened to me.

My only complaint is that I would love to be able to eat...