5 Reasons to Visit Auberge Saint-Gabriel
Nestled amidst the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, there exists a restaurant where history, culinary excellence, and a dash of the supernatural come together to create an extraordinary dining experience! Auberge Saint-Gabriel, located at 426 Saint-Gabriel, Vieux-Montréal, QC, H2Y 2Z9, was established in 1688 and was North America’s first inn to receive the first liquor license in the country! Today, it is one of the trendiest spots to sample Quebec cuisine with a European twist, and stands as a timeless monument to Montreal’s past, present, and future. I visited the restaurant in September 2023 and found out that it is so much more than a restaurant! Here are 5 reasons to visit Auberge Saint-Gabriel on your next date night or celebratory occasion!
Reason #1 to Visit Auberge Saint-Gabriel: Fascinating History
When you dine at Auberge Saint-Gabriel, you are truly stepping into a time capsule! The restaurant has a rich history stretching all the way back to 1688 when it was built by none other than the French soldier, Étienne Truteau. Notably, it holds the honor of being North America’s first-ever inn and claimed Canada’s very first liquor license in 1754. Through the centuries, this iconic establishment has witnessed numerous transformations and served an array of purposes, from a transformation into a private mansion to even housing the Beauchemin printing plant, responsible for publishing the renowned newspaper, Le Patriote! In 1989, Swiss-born Marc Bolay, a prominent figure in Montreal’s restaurant scene, breathed new life into Auberge Saint-Gabriel when he acquired it. The Auberge hosted Dinner Shows, Murder Mystery Evenings, and introduced an innovative song box, which soon became the stage for a myriad of talented artists, including the likes of Lynda Lemay, Plume, Kevin Parent, Dan Bigras, and Daniel Lavoie. Today, Auberge Saint-Gabriel is under the ownership of Marc Bolay, Garou, and Guy Laliberté. Together, they’ve orchestrated a remarkable transformation, turning this historic institution into an internationally renowned dining venue that blends the past with the present. And, as legends go, there is a 19th-century ghost that can be heard playing the piano from time to time, providing a whisper of the past to diners!
Reason #2 to Visit Auberge Saint-Gabriel: Sensational Food
Auberge Saint-Gabriel specializes in refined contemporary French cuisine, with Benoît Hinse as their Head Sommelier, and Amédée Bécherraz as the Executive Chef. Each dish is truly a masterpiece, made using locally sourced produce and elevated by an impressive selection of wines. For appetizers, you’ll be torn between choices like the Burrata Salad with honeyed squash puree & roasted pumpkin seeds or Princess Scallops, enhanced by Calamansi lemon vinaigrette, or even the Beef Tartare accompanied by smoked mayonnaise, pink peppercorn, and fingerling potato chips. For the main course, you’ll discover a diverse array of options. From the timeless 8oz Filet de Boeuf, the classic Duck Magret, or the flavorful Cornish Hen, Auberge Saint-Gabriel offers dishes that combine classic flavors with innovative twists. Each dish is cooked to perfection and is visually stunning as well as delicious!
(Left: Princess Scallops, Middle: Buratta Salad, Right: Oysters
Reason #3 to Visit Auberge Saint-Gabriel: Historic Ambiance
The moment you step through the doors at Auberge Saint-Gabriel, you’ll feel like you’re stepping through time. Renowned designer Bruno Braën’s expert touch has given the Inn a charming ambiance that beautifully blends its historical roots with a modern touch. The architectural elements, including ancestral stones, exposed wooden beams, black leather chairs, and wood-topped tables, create an elegant atmosphere that really makes you feel the inn’s 300 years of history!
Reason #4 to Visit Auberge Saint-Gabriel: A Place for Celebration
L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a place where special moments come alive. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, having a romantic dinner, or planning an event like a wedding, this historic setting offers the ideal setting. With four stunning halls for private events, including the spacious ‘Grenier’ on the top floor that can accommodate up to 250 guests, you have plenty of options for your next business dinner, cocktail party, or sit-down dinner. For a unique experience, you can even book one of their Dine at Dome igloos on the terrace during the winter months. It’s the coziest setting to enjoy Marc Bolay’s renowned Swiss fondue, adding an alpine touch to your evening under the starry skies. To find out more, please visit their official website here.
(Left: Mushroom Linguine, Middle: Cocktail, Right: Beef Filet)
Reason #5 to Visit Auberge Saint-Gabriel: The Night Club Experience
If you are not ready to go home after your meal, don’t stress, as L’Auberge Saint-Gabriel has its very own nightclub in its basement! Post-dinner, venture down a candlelit stone hallway that leads you to a parallel universe. There is a fantastic cocktail menu, great DJs, and a pumping dance floor. With a fantastic cocktail menu, top-notch DJs, and a dance floor that knows how to get the party going, it’s no surprise that this is one of Montreal’s hottest nightclubs.
(Left: Decor at Auberge Saint-Gabriel, Middle: Main Dining Room, Right: The Vault Night Club)
Auberge Saint-Gabriel remains a timeless tribute to Montreal’s past, present, and future. My visit in September 2023 revealed that it is more than just a restaurant: a portal to history, a gastronomic experience, and even a dash of the supernatural. These five reasons should be more than enough to convince you to explore Auberge Saint-Gabriel on your next date night or celebratory occasion or even your next event!
Details:
Price Point: Appetizers $17-$35, Main $40-$65
Open: Tuesday – Saturday, 5:00 pm onwards
Address: 426 Saint-Gabriel, Vieux-Montréal, QC, H2Y 2Z9
Getting There: Champ-de-Mars is the closest Metro stop (approximately a 7-minute walk away), which is serviced by the Orange Metro line. To plan your trip, please click here.
Neighborhood Details: For inspiration on what to do in Old Montreal before your dinner, please click here.
Reservations: Reservations are available here.
Official Website: https://aubergesaint-gabriel
