Review & Guide to Lulus Pasta Bar: Where Convenience meets Cuisine

In the heart of Griffintown, Montreal, a new haven for pasta enthusiasts awaits—Lulu’s Pasta Bar. This newcomer to the Montreal food scene is not just about serving pasta; it’s about redefining the fresh pasta experience. I visited Lulu’s for lunch for the first time on Thursday 8 February 2024 and was blown away by the friendly service, warm ambiance and above all – the delicious pasta! Here is my review & guide to Lulu’s Pasta Bar

About Lulu’s Pasta Bar

Lulu’s Pasta Bar opened in January 2024, offering patrons an interactive dining experience. Here, customers are empowered to curate their own delicious pasta by selecting their preferred pasta type, sauce, and toppings—a process that results in a uniquely tailored and freshly prepared dish. In alignment with their mission to ‘redefine the fresh pasta experience’ Lulu’s aspires to be the go-to destination for those seeking a harmonious ‘blend of quality, variety, and convenience’—a mission that, following my initial visit, they undeniably fulfil!

Decor & Ambiance

Stepping into Lulu’s Pasta Bar feels like uncovering a hidden gem in Griffintown – even before you set foot inside, the pasta machine working its magic in the exterior window teases your taste buds. I first spotted Lulu’s during a walk, and that inviting window instantly caught my attention and left me eager to explore what was inside.  Once through the doors, the cozy and welcoming atmosphere awaits you. A hip vibe exudes from the exposed brick wall while on the flip side, the open kitchen draws you into the heart of the action. I loved watching the chefs effortlessly cook up pasta creations, infusing the space with an authentic and vibrant energy. 

What caught my eye just as much as the delicious aromas was Lulu’s sleek logo and bold red branding. It’s undeniably memorable and brings the promise of indulging in mouthwatering pasta. In my book, a restaurant’s ambiance is just as crucial as the menu, and Lulu’s strikes the perfect balance between trendy aesthetics and a laid-back, inviting atmosphere. 

The Menu

Lulu’s pasta experience is all about simplicity and personalization. The concept is straightforward: pick your pasta, select your protein, and choose your sauce.

1) Pasta options: Rigati, Campenelle, and Casarecce.
2) Sauce choices: Tomato & Basil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Rosé, Creamy Pesto, or Parmesan.
3) Protein choices: Crispy bacon, Chicken, Ground beef, Taco-style Ground beef.

To enhance your creation, there’s a range of extras like caramelized onions, spinach, rapini, feta cheese, basil, and more. The pasta is fresh and made using semolina flour, which offers a plethora of benefits, while the inclusion of fresh ingredients enhances its overall quality and authenticity.

If building your own pasta isn’t your preference, Lulu’s offers classic options like the ‘Tuscan Chicken’ with Lulu’s creme, chicken, spinach, sun-dried tomato pesto, parsley, cherry tomatoes, and Parmigiano Reggiano. For the adventurous palate, there are ‘Delulu’ pasta creations like the ‘Creamy Taco’ with taco-inspired sauce, ground beef, parsley, cheddar cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, and cherry tomatoes, or the ‘Creamy Cheeseburger’ with rosé sauce, ground beef, pickles, cheddar cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, and parsley. Beyond the pasta, the menu features fresh salads, desserts, and a selection of non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages.

During my visit, I decided on the ‘Tomato & Basil Pasta’ with Campenelle, and my boyfriend opted for the ‘Parmesan’ with Rigati and bacon. The tomato sauce in my pasta was vibrant and refreshing, featuring a well-balanced blend of flavors. The addition of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese contributed a creamy and satisfying dimension to the dish. On the other hand, the Parmesan bacon pasta had a rich and indulgent taste, with the bacon adding a savory element. Both pastas were cooked to perfection, with an ideal al dente texture. Overall, the pastas were delicious and flavorful, with the generous serving sizes leaving us thoroughly satisfied.

Vegan & Vegetarian Options

Lulu’s excels in providing a diverse array of options for vegans and vegetarians, which is made even easier by the build-your-own pasta feature. There is an assortment of vegetarian choices, from classics like ‘Tomato & Basil’ to more indulgent options such as ‘Mushroom Truffle’ or ‘Pistachio Pesto’. Additionally, there is a dedicated vegan-friendly menu featuring options like ‘Vegan Rosé’ and ‘Vegan Parmesan’ for those adhering to a plant-based diet.

Service

The service at Lulu’s was an absolute standout. As soon as we stepped into the restaurant, a friendly server extended a warm welcome and introduced us to the establishment. Given that we were first-timers, the server guided us through the concept of building our own pasta. Her enthusiasm was contagious as she patiently addressed our queries. After ordering, we watched our customized pastas being created right before our eyes and in less than 10 minutes!  As we visited during the lunch rush, we anticipated getting our pasta to takeaway, as all of the 8 or so tables were occupied. However, just as our pastas were ready, a table conveniently opened up and we enjoyed our pasta at Lulus, enjoying the lively atmosphere and community vibe during the lunch rush. Overall, the service at Lulu’s was exceptional and one of the many reasons why we can’t wait to revisit.

Price Point

Our order, which included two pasta dishes and a San Pellegrino drink, tallied up to a wallet-friendly $29.15 (excluding tax or tip). With tax and tip factored in, you’re looking at approximately $20-$25 per person. The generous portions also ensure you’ll likely have enough leftover pasta for a snack later as well.

Ordering Online

Lulus also offers online ordering where you can visit their online platform here at and place your order ready for pick up at your preferred time. Rest assured, the online ordering system mirrors the same premise and menu offered in-store, providing you with the flexibility to customize your own pasta and explore their selection of desserts and drinks.

Location and Getting There

Lulus is nestled in the heart of Griffintown at 1346 Notre-Dame St W, Montreal, offering a central and easily reachable spot. Getting to Lulu’s is a breeze with multiple transportation options:

• Public Transportation: The Lucien-L’Allier Metro station is just a short 3-minute walk away, providing convenient access via public transportation. For transit planning, visit STM’s website.
• Bixi Bikes: A Bixi station is conveniently located nearby at de la Montagne / Notre-Dame. Explore more details and plan your ride at: https://bixi.com/fr/ 
• Parking options: If you prefer driving, there are on-street parking spaces and paid parking facilities available: https://www.bestparking.com/montreal-qc-parking/neighborhoods/griffintown-parking/.
  

  Opening Hours

  Lulus is open Monday-Saturday 11AM-10PM & Sunday 1PM-10PM

  

I highly recommend Lulu’s for a convenient quick lunch, a cozy dining experience, a date spot, or even if you’re visiting on your own. With mouth-watering pasta, warm service, and a chic atmosphere, Lulu’s Pasta Bar stands out as one of the most affordable and delicious pasta options in Montreal. Check out their official website here https://luluspastabar.com/ to plan your own trip to Lulus or their instagram here for some serious pasta inspo: https://www.instagram.com/luluspastabar/

For more inspiration on where to eat & what to do in Montreal, check out my January highlights here!