Le Local
Old Montreal | $$$ | Website
Located at very western edge of Old Montreal in what looks like a large home, is Le Local, En Route Magazine’s #2 Top New Canadian Restaurant. Walking into the bar with soaring high ceilings and an enormous wine cellar wall, this really is, as the name suggests; le local or “the place to be.” The lighting is low and the decor is a mix of brick, concrete grey and red tones that lead the way to a large, stainless steel kitchen. With a seating area in the open kitchen, large outdoor terrace seating and a new cozy “Côté Maison” (house section), Le Local can seat about 140 people. The Côté Maison has oversized beige leather booths, comfy armchairs and heavy wood tables. The lower ceiling in this section makes it a much more intimate place to dine compared to the open “be seen” kitchen section.
Just a year old, Le Local’s instant success on the Montreal culinary scene can not only be attributed to its funky atmosphere, but to its talented team of Chef-Owner Louis-François Marcotte (author of well know French cookbook Simple et Chic), champion Sommelier Elyse Lambert and young chef of 26 years old, Alexandre Gosselin. The wine list is extensive and reasonably priced, and the food is innovative and prepared with local ingredients. Friendly, knowledgeable service and its growing reputation is probably why Le Local was so busy at 8pm on a Monday night – reservations are highly recommended.
Le Local cuisine is creative, fresh and tasty, serving such starters as braised octopus with chorizo entree and the delicious beet salad with panko-crusted poached egg. Emphasis is on Quebec flavors, like the onion soup with strong cheese and the wonderful spiced venison tartar with a 50/50 side of Yukon fries and salad. Le Local also really shines in the dessert department; don’t miss the insanely delicious molten milk chocolate cake with pistachio gelato.
Le Local has everything going for it – great wine, impeccable service, and an atmosphere of laid back luxury.
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Visits
| Total Visits | 0 |
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| Total Reviews | 2 |
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| Business Avg. | 88% |
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| Taste | 80% |
| Creativity | 80% |
| Atmosphere | 100% |
| Value | 80% |
| Service | 100% |
| Montreal Restaurants | 77% |
|---|---|
| Taste | 83% |
| Creativity | 70% |
| Atmosphere | 75% |
| Value | 72% |
| Service | 83% |
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Member Reviews
(Montreal - Restaurants)
Trendy restaurant to consider in Old Montreal
I had a little trouble finding Le Local during my first visit just because it’s tucked away off McGill street. You get the feeling that you’re almost dinning at someone’s house which is cool. Guv and I dropped by last Sunday after soaking up some sun in Old Montreal.
I decided to try their onion soup as an entre and ordered the salmon tartar as the main. The selection of local beers and wine list was respectable. Overall though I have to say I really wasn’t impressed with the food. I like my salmon tartar for example freshly chopped up, theirs looked like it was prepared earlier in the day. When I put a fork in my tartars I like seeing the cubes come a part…..I’m not down with wrestling with it to get a mouthful.
I liked the service and the fact they had a fully bilingual team. I’ll often purposely speak English during the beginning of a meal at the restaurants I try to see how they respond…..but then go into French mode so I can practice my French.
This was my second time at Le Local, the atmosphere and service are the main positive points in my view. I will probably go back again but they need to raise the bar with their food. I know that expectations can sometimes be high in Montreal and I was really hoping that Le Local would meet them…..Try the restaurant and let me know what you think!
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(Montreal - Restaurants)
The Place to Be
I loved the funky décor and the “buzz” of a busy kitchen, sexy people and happy conversation. I was surprised that prices were much more reasonable than I expected. The bill for two with wine, appetizers, main and dessert came to $140 before tip.
The calf liver with caramelized shallot marmalade was great but next time I will ask for it to be more well-done as it was a bit too rare. Ask for extra spice on the venison tartar – unbelievable .
I had heard from a co-worker that the food was outstanding but that the whole place smelt like latrines. Not so for the main restaurant but the inside of the washroom, despite the chic décor, did have a strong smell of bleach cleaner.
I think Le Local is a sexy spot not only for great food but also for drinks especially on the outdoor terrace. I will definitely be visiting Le Local again.
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Comments
Should have tried the Venison Tartar instead - spiced up, I think it is a better option compared to the Salmon