Chez Mathilde — Restaurant in Tadoussac

My girlfriend and I reserved a place for what was suppose to be a lovely anniversary dinner. Upon our arrival, we asked if we were going to be placed at a table with view on the street, like requested by phone three weeks earlier. The waiter responded with one of these attitudes that that was what he was about to tell us. When we took our seats, we had a table against a wall where a huge window was installed. On the other side of the window was another couple eating. The proximity between us was so close that it felt like we were on a date with them as well, along with some awkward eye contact between us. We tried to brush it aside, but it was just the beginning... When the waiter explained the menu, we asked if it was possible for the Chef to slightly adjust the 4 course vegetarian option into one without dairy products (my girlfriend has an awful intolerance to dairy, Ill spare the details, but you get the point). The waiter came back from an answer from the Chef that was basically saying that there was nothing he could do. The only alternative offered was a mere Salad with a few vegetables thrown in... We were insulted, speechless beyond belief. From all the critics and praise this restaurant recieved, we were astounded that the Chef was of this unbelievable laziness. We have visited amazing and renown restaurants across the province, where chefs were always up to the challenge to create a unique culinary experience to someone with dietary restrictions. Naturally we were baffled to hear that this lazy chef tried to accomodate us the way a restaurant like Mike's or Casa Grecque would for dietary restrictions (nothing against these restaurants, just not the same experience and $$$). We proceeded in leaving and eating somewhere else.

Note that we have not done or complained about a restaurant like this ever, this was my first review and felt it was worth sharing you this experience before you spend your $$$ here. Save yourself the trouble and go...

What an amazingly wonderful surprise this gem of a diner turned out to be! We were recommended this place by the clerk at the hotel we were staying at for out first trip ever in Tadoussac. We had seen old menus from the front desk and also viewed some online to give us an idea of what to expect. As we got near the actual restaurant, we were slightly apprehensive at the fact that there was barely anyone parked there. The place looked like a typical side road 'cantine' often found in small villages in Quebec. There was nothing impressive or original about the outside appearance of the place. Once inside however, we realized that it was quainter than it looked from outside. Once we were seated and brought the menus, we rapidly realized that what we were prepared for was NOT what was being served that night. Nothing from the website menu, or from the dated menus at the hotel was available. At first we were a little disappointed and hesitant. There were different choices, but what made us stay, I believe was that there was a blind menu, consisting of 3 alternatives. Blind meaning that we would not know what was being prepared for us, only general clues, such as meat and number of servings. We decided to splurge and took the 5 course meal. A little pricey, but satisfying and surprising every bite of the way! Each serving was presented to us individually by the waitress and explained thoroughly. Everything was inspired by local cuisine, from the fish, to the wild mushrooms, to the deer, to the desert! The presentation was immaculate and innovative! Our main course was smoked deer which was served with pine smoke on a glass platter! The unveiling of it was a spectacle in itself! And the homemade mushroom gelato with curried caramel was simply sensational! All in all, one of the best dining experiences we've had in a while! A must see/taste place if you're...

Seriously classy food, great friendly service, good but not overwhelming live jazz, interesting drinks list.

Make no mistake... this is proper fine dining, albeit in an informal place. If you want big portions and you want cheap, this is not the place. If, however, you like creative, beautifully executed food, Chez Mathilde is well worth a dinner booking.

For the quality of food of this style, the prices are pretty reasonable - this isn’t pub fare, it’s proper grown-up cooking.

The 4 course menu tonight was spectacularly good. The cauliflower couscous with a wonderfully sharp sauce made a great appetiser. The scallop and beetroot fish course was nicely balanced, the purée superb. Both the options for the third course, lobster risotto and venison, were tasty. The venison probably edged the win - the risotto could take the cayenne (we think?) being toned down a little to let the lobster sing louder, but that’s being pretty picky. The potato purée with the venison was gorgeously smooth and rich - chef clearly knows his way around a good purée. A reasonably priced French Sauvignon Blanc helped everything along splendidly.

The menu finished up with a wittily presented desert that looked like a black pudding, complete with butcher’s string, but was actually a deep, rich chocolate delight with nuts and something boozy. Talking of which, our lovely server easily persuaded us to try a Quebecoise maple wine as a digestif which was a revelation. Up there with a good sherry or port... rich and complex and sweet but not sickly.

We rolled out into the Tadoussac evening, with satisfied stomachs, broad grins, and tingling tastebuds. Which is what a good dinner should do...

If this sounds like your bag, get in there and you...