Restaurant Donalda — Restaurant in Sainte-Adèle

DONALDA – A Taste of Depth and Devotion (Personal Review)

On a quiet wendsday evening in Sainte-Adèle, just two streets away from our home, we stepped into Donalda, discreetly nestled on Valiquette Street. What followed wasn’t just dinner—it was a sequence of perfectly timed sensations, where every element felt curated yet unpretentious. A delightful discovery so close to home, it made us wonder how we had missed it until now.

The Setting The ambiance strikes a perfect balance between warmth and elegance. Wood accents, soft lighting, and calm, inviting energy make the space feel instantly comfortable. It’s a place that lets you relax without lowering the bar. You don’t feel rushed, nor forgotten—just welcomed.

Starters – An Elegant Opening We began with a crème de champignons that was truly exceptional. Silky and luxurious, it captured the essence of fresh forest mushrooms with a depth that lingered. A gentle richness that never overpowered—just enough to coat the palate and awaken the senses. It was, without exaggeration, a comforting masterpiece.

Following this, two refined starters arrived: The foie gras au torchon, delicate and buttery, with a refined balance between richness and subtlety. Served chilled, it melted on the tongue, offering depth without excess. The roasted octopus (pieuvre rôtie) was tender and charred just enough to add complexity. Its natural flavor came through beautifully, elevated by careful seasoning and confident restraint.

Main Courses – Crafted with Care Each main dish continued the story of finesse and intention:

The carré d’agneau was juicy, perfectly pink inside, and full of character. Accompaniments were thoughtful and enhanced the dish without stealing the show.

The bavette de bœuf 1855, served medium-rare, was rich, tender, and deeply satisfying. Its bold flavor was matched with elegant sides, and the cut itself was of unmistakable quality.

The linguini with shrimp (linguini aux crevettes) was bright and balanced, with generous, perfectly cooked shrimp and a silky sauce that tied the dish together without overwhelming it.

Desserts & Closure We ended with two classics presented with poise:

The tiramisu, layered with precision, offered the perfect balance of creaminess and espresso. No twists—just honest, traditional execution.

The chocolate fondant, warm and indulgent, delivered a molten center that oozed with depth and comfort. Paired with two expertly made lattés, it was a sweet, slow finale.

Our mineral water kept things light and refreshing—no alcohol needed for a meal that already felt celebratory.

Service & Atmosphere The service was graceful. Discreet but present. Questions were answered with honesty, and everything—from timing to plate clearing—was done with a quiet rhythm that made us feel truly cared for. The staff treated our non-alcoholic order with the same respect as a wine pairing. That alone speaks volumes.

Cleanliness & Details Immaculate surroundings. Thoughtfully designed restrooms. No clutter. Just clean, calming, and consistent attention to detail from start to finish.

A Hidden Gem Nearby The most surprising part? This quality of food and service is just a short walk from home. Donalda feels like a culinary retreat tucked into everyday life—effortless to access, impossible to forget.

Final Thoughts Donalda doesn’t rely on flash or fame. It offers something far more valuable: food with soul, service with heart, and an atmosphere that lets it all breathe. And yet, despite its humble presence in Sainte-Adèle, this little gem could confidently stand shoulder to shoulder with some of Montréal’s finest restaurants. In taste, in care, in spirit—it absolutely belongs among the best.

We’ll return, no doubt. With friends. With family. Or simply on another quiet evening when we need to be reminded that excellence often lives just...

There aren't enough kind words to bestow on this absolute gem of a restaurant and bar.

My wife and I had the pleasure of dining here twice during our honeymoon and each time the service was fantastic and the food was magnificent.

It's the second time that really got me. After a truly horrible experience at another restaurant around the corner, my wife and I traveled to Donalda to see if they had a table. We had eaten there a couple days prior and it was that or a fast-food joint. It was our last night in Quebec before heading home and we were completely demoralized when we walked in. The place was happening, but the owner came over and told us she had a place for us at the bar.

We took our seats, placed our orders, and I mentioned how grateful we were to be having a better experience here than the last restaurant. Oh my, did she go above and beyond to make us feel welcome and valued, including belting out Bruno Mars "Marry You" with us.

I have never had a better experience at a restaurant than I did this evening, and I will remember that meal and this experience for the rest of my life. My wife and I are truly grateful for the hospitality, the delicious food, and for making us feel like we were truly welcome. We can't wait...

Exceptionnal! Wow it’s been a long time since we had such a good meal.

Word of mouth is that it is delicious, nonetheless we were very impressed with the kitchen. Plating is exquisite. We had different items and all were very pleased. Starters: Accra de morue, pieuvre rôtie, (…) Mains: Foie de veau, Loup de mer, (…)

We were four guests with a reservation and they assigned us a great table (center). The service was perfect: our server knew his menu, and other staff members were courteous and professional.

$-Worth mentioning that the menu is well priced unlike most restaurants. I can say that I would have paid more because the quality was there. I’ll be back very soon.

Also: Live music on Friday and it was sound-level appropriate.

*bémol—AC was blasting for our entire meal. To a point where my boyfriend wearing a t-shirt had to get his coat…we mentioned it to staff but they...