I Visited One of Canada’s Most Beloved 100 Restaurants: My Full Review and Guide to Modavie

In the heart of Old Montreal, nestled among the cobblestone streets and historic architecture, lies a classic French bistro called Modavie. Modavie made its debut in 1997 as a humble neighborhood bistro that quickly captured the hearts of both locals and visitors. Over the years, it evolved into a beloved Montreal institution, thanks to its exquisite French-inspired cuisine, live jazz music, and vintage ambiance. It has even been dubbed one of the top 100 beloved restaurants in Canada by OpenTable diners! Today, it is the perfect place for a romantic date night, a special occasion dinner, or to bring visitors from out of town to showcase Montreal’s amazing cuisine. I visited the stunning restaurant on Friday, September 15, for my Birthday Dinner, and here is my full review & guide.

Meet the Mastermind Behind the Magic: Chef Jean-Michel Luc Chef Jean-Michel 

Luc is the culinary genius behind Modavie. He embarked on his gastronomic journey at age 12, instilled with a love for cooking by his mother and grandmother. With dedication and a Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS) training permit in hand, he traveled to culinary competitions in Lyon, France, and contributed to prestigious events such as the G7 summit and collaborations with Rougié Foie Gras. In his two years at Modavie, he has created a menu fusing traditional French classics with his personal touch, utilizing local ingredients, resulting in a mouth-watering array of dishes. His personal favorites are the Garlic Snails, Duck Confit, and his famous Apple Pie, which I highly recommend trying while you are there!

Setting the Scene: Modavie’s Charming Ambiance 

As you step through the doors of Modavie, you’re greeted with live jazz music, which the restaurant is renowned for. The restaurant’s interior features exposed brick walls and wooden furnishings, creating a rustic setting, while the warm lighting sets an intimate vibe. Lively conversation and melodic music fill the two-story space, and the bistro-style tables are adorned with candles, adding to the romantic feel. The vibrant ambiance and vintage-inspired decor create the perfect backdrop for a cozy evening of culinary delight, and that’s why I highly recommend visiting for a date night or a special occasion.

Modavie’s Exquisite Menu

 Modavie’s elaborate dinner menu features a fusion of French classics infused with inventive twists, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients. To begin your meal, indulge in a selection of hot and cold appetizers, including French staples like Beef Tartare, Garlic Snails, and Foie Gras, or savor Canadian influences with their Braised Lamb Poutine. For the main course, Modavie offers a tempting range of house specialties, from Rack of Lamb to the timeless Steaks Frites, Basque Chicken, and Mussels & Fries, complemented by a delicious array of sides. Vegetarian options, such as Butternut Squash Ravioli, provide something for everyone. And if you’ve saved room for dessert, you won’t be disappointed with choices like Tarte aux Pommes à la Mode featuring ice cream and caramel or the Crème brûlée with Madagascar vanilla (my personal favorite). Modavie’s brunch menu offers delightful variations on Eggs Benedict, including options like smoked salmon, florentine, and homemade ham, as well as classics like the humble Ham & Cheese Croissant or Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese served on the famous St. Viator bagel. There is also an extensive cocktail menu, featuring seasonal delights like the Boozy Pumpkin Spiced Latte with Smirnoff, Tia Maria, Baileys, Pumpkin Spice, and espresso. To complement your meal, Modavie has an extensive wine list, predominantly sourced from the Loire Valley, Rhône, and Bourgogne regions. To explore their full menu and start planning your visit, click here: Modavie Menu.

An Unforgettable Experience: My Evening at Modavie 

In September 2023, I had the pleasure of visiting Modavie for the first time, on a Friday evening, to celebrate my birthday with my family who had just arrived from Australia. My parents had already visited Modavie for lunch earlier that week and loved it so much they wanted to come back to experience the dinner service.

We were seated at a high-top table near the kitchen with a perfect vantage point overlooking the bustling dining room and bar, allowing us to soak in the lively atmosphere. Our server was incredibly friendly and went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable night! To get my parents into the Canadian spirit, we started with a round of Caesars, which were delicious but potent! Our attentive server promptly brought over house-made bread and butter, and we shared a variety of appetizers, including a Cheese Platter, French Onion Soup, Foie Gras, and Fried Octopus & Brussel Sprout Caesar Salad. My personal favorite was undeniably the Caesar Salad, which had generous amounts of pancetta, parmesan, and house-made croutons combined with a divine Caesar dressing and roasted brussels sprouts. The majority of our party opted for mouth-watering steaks, which were perfectly cooked and accompanied with creamy mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and pepper sauce. I opted for the Mushroom Risotto featuring shaved truffle, a medley of seasonal mushrooms, and parmesan cheese, which was perfectly rich and prepared all’onda style!

Each bite at Modavie was incredible and made better paired with a bottle of Camille Giroud Bourgogne Chardonnay while listening to the live jazz performance. Although none of us had any room left for dessert, we finished the evening with a round (or three) of Espresso Martinis and Old Fashioneds, a fitting finale to an exquisite dining experience. The food, service, and ambiance at Modavie were flawless and one of my most memorable dinners in Montreal. I highly recommend visiting Modavie on your next date night or special occasion, as it guarantees an unforgettable experience.

Reservations & Opening Hours 

Modavie is open Monday-Sunday from 11:30 am – 11 pm. 

• Brunch: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 
• Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Dinner: 4:00 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

Reservations can be made on their official website here: Modavie Reservations

Experience Live Music 

If you want to visit Modavie for its live music, you have two windows to enjoy it: 

• Weekend Brunch: Every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Evening: Every night from 7:00 p.m. onwards, setting the perfect mood for your evening. 

For a peek at the talented artists playing, check out the lineup & schedule here: Modavie Live Music.

Price & When to Visit to Save 

Appetizers at Modavie range between $15-$25 while main courses range between $30-$55. While on the pricier side, I actually found the prices compared to other steakhouses & fine dining restaurants in Montreal to be quite reasonable, especially considering how high quality the food and service were! The restaurant does offer a table d’hôte (fixed-price menu) from Monday to Friday from 11:30 am – 4:00 pm where you can choose one appetizer, one main, and a dessert starting at just $28. This November, they are also offering a reduced price menu for MTL à Table, which is a great opportunity to dine at Modavie without breaking the bank. From November 3 – 19, 2023, you can enjoy a 3-course menu at just $68. To explore the full details of this offer and stay updated on their upcoming events, please visit: Modavie Price & Specials.

Location & Getting There 

Modavie is centrally located at 1 St Paul W, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 1Y6 Canada. It is located in the heart of Old Montreal, with no shortage of activities to do before or after your dining experience. The location is easily accessible by the orange Metro line, with the closest station being Place-d’Armes. To plan your public transport trip, please visit STM – Société de transport de Montréal. There is also paid parking in the surrounding area, which you can plan here.

Whether it’s a romantic evening, a special celebration, or simply a desire to experience the best of Montreal’s cuisine, Modavie has something exceptional to offer for locals and tourists alike. With its diverse menu, impeccable service, and live jazz music, it’s a dining experience unlike any other. What are you waiting for? Book your table now for an unforgettable gastronomic experience; make your reservation today at Modavie Reservations.