I wasn't quite sure what to expect when reading a fact in my guidebook to Montreal that this restaurant featured three levels and could literally seat hundreds of people.
Would this prove to be a land-based cruise ship of bland, ordinary food served en masse? Would people be lining up for slop?
Fortunately my exaggerated concerns did not come to fruition. On the contrary, we were seated right by the window with a stunning view of the beauty that is Vieux Montreal. Quite a few happy strollers licking their ice cream cones marked our meal.
Upon entering this restaurant , you'll observe fairly dim lighting in a bar area with a flight of stairs leading to the other levels. Yes, there are levels but that's no reason to worry. The overall space is large but each room feels comfortable, cozy and exists in its own self-contained world of carnivore treats.
The Table d'hote is a French phrase you should commit to memory. It's a meal with several courses where some of the key components change on a daily basis. Sort of like prix-fixe but with an element of surprise.
My $30 dinner consisted of a mesclun salad with a honey dijon dressing, lamb chops and a slice of chocolate mousse cake. (Although technically the menu said "lamb shops". What does a lamb shop for? I won't complete the punch line. )
Now the salad was a mere footnote to the delicious lamb chops. Three juicy chops with enough meat on them to satisfy my cravings. Obviously, this is a steakhouse so you could just as easily order Angus pride AAA Canadian beef cuts like t-bone, tenderloin, striploin and bavette steak.
Besides the flavor of the lamb chops what sticks in mind most clearly was the exceptional service. Our waiter had no trouble showing us several lobsters so my wife could identify the perfect specimen. It was like Goldie Locks and the three lobsters-- 2 and 1/4 pounds was just right!
The chocolate mousse cake was an enjoyable way to end the meal.
There's a traditional cocktail menu as well, mainly of classics without that much experimentation. Think black russians , margaritas and manhattans. The wine list is geographically dispersed with choices from Canada, France, the US, South Africa, Italy and more.
If you are staying in Vieux Montreal or just passing through for the day, a stop by the Restaurant du Vieux Montreal is tres bon.