Montrealers can be wary of celebrity chefs, but Daniel Boulud’s Maison Boulud has received a warm welcome from this foodie city. Located in The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal, which reopened after a $200 million renovation in 2012, Boulud leaves his contemporary market-fresh menu in the very capable hands of executive chef Romain Cagnat.
Far from intimidating, the upscale restaurant manages to create a beautiful balance between luxury and comfort. You’re just as likely to find local artists and fashionistas gossiping over lunch as wealthy businessmen making million-dollar deals over dinner. And is there anywhere more romantic than dining beside The Ritz’s famous duck pond?
The menu itself is inspired by Boulud’s European background with the boldness of his famed New York City location merged with the panache of Montreal. Expect high-end ingredients prepared with creativity and a touch of whimsy.
Far from intimidating, the upscale restaurant manages to create a beautiful balance between luxury and comfort. You’re just as likely to find local artists and fashionistas gossiping over lunch as wealthy businessmen making million-dollar deals over dinner. And is there anywhere more romantic than dining beside The Ritz’s famous duck pond?
The menu itself is inspired by Boulud’s European background with the boldness of his famed New York City location merged with the panache of Montreal. Expect high-end ingredients prepared with creativity and a touch of whimsy.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- Diners can order à la carte, choose from the seasonally inspired daily menu that features locally sourced ingredients or put their meal in the hands of the chef's five-course tasting menu.
- Be sure to order dessert. No one tastes the Chocolate Coulant with liquid caramel, fleur de sel and caramelized milk ice cream without raving about it for weeks.
- With an open kitchen, light wood walls, a modern, gas-burning fireplace and ambient music, the atmosphere at Maison Boulud is designed to feel welcoming, offering a casually elegant flavor that encourages conversation and conviviality.
- Whether you’re tucked away in a private room or booth or sharing a meal in the natural light in the greenhouse, you’ll feel comfortable talking with your fellow diners without concern of being overheard.
- If you’re looking to see and be seen, you’ll certainly find plenty of Montreal’s tastemakers on the scene, but the true focus here is on fine dining without pretension. Well, that and admiring the famous ducks parading about the wading pool in the outdoor dining area.
Things to Know
- Maison Boulud is located on the first floor of the recently renovated Ritz-Carlton Montreal. The restaurant faces onto Sherbrooke Street West at the corner of Rue de la Montagne, right in the heart of Montreal’s Golden Square Mile, the city’s central shopping and business district.
- Maison Boulud is open all year-round, though you will want to be sure to reserve your table well in advance during Montreal’s summer festival season.
- Breakfast is served daily from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., lunch is offered between noon and 2:30 p.m., and dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10:30 p.m. on weekends.
- And for a decadent brunch, drop by Maison Boulud on Sunday between noon and 2:30 p.m.
- The establishment welcomes customers of all attire, ranging from casual elegance to cocktail wear, depending on the event and personal taste. Expect to see anything from summery dresses and sandals to suits and sequins and everything in between.
The Food
- In classic French style, Maison Boulud offers a prix fixe menu so you can fully enjoy the art of a multi-course meal, served for the whole table.
- The housemade pastas are rich and decadent. The potato gnocchi, for instance, is served with fresh lobster from the Madeleine Islands and a coral emulsion.
- The duck is another locally sourced treat, prepared to French culinary standards. The tender meat is complemented by pan-seared foie gras and a bigarade sauce.
The Design
- The Montreal restaurant's warm earth tones and copper detailing are an inviting reprieve from the cold outdoors. A sleek glass fireplace adds a modern touch and provides a comfortable amount of heat.
- Large dining chairs with armrests and cushions are a luxurious perch after a long day in the city. You’ll feel a sense of relief the second you sit down that will only increase as the attentive wait staff caters to your every need.
- The wall of windows by the entrance is a perfect place to people watch. As the city bustles around you, Maison Boulud is your relaxing yet upscale urban escape.
Getting There
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