Bring your own wine restaurants are all the rage, especially in times of inflation when bills keep climbing. While we don’t usually go there for memorable culinary experiences, some of these establishments are worth a visit for the quality of their dishes. Here are my favorites where the food will delight you as much as the bill.
The Girolle: French classics in the spotlight
This French restaurant has been one of my favorites for a long time, whether it’s for a romantic dinner or a family birthday celebration. We go there for the classics, like sweetbreads, snails, filet mignon, duck breast or even foie gras crème brûlée.
A plate of salmon tartare.
Photo taken from La Girolle Facebook
But the menu, beautifully presented on a slate, also has surprises and reinterpretations of traditional dishes. One thing is certain, the cuisine is always impeccable, as is the service. A consistency that has been maintained for almost 25 years, rallying a loyal clientele.
1384, Sainte-Foy Road
At Home in China: authenticity at the rendezvous
Since my friend Valérie introduced me to this temple of Chinese cuisine nearly 20 years ago, I have lost count of the number of times I have been there with friends. In fact, I find that it is in a group that we enjoy the many specialties based on chicken, beef, shrimp or vegetarian. I recommend ordering several dishes to share as well as dumplings as a starter.
There are many duck dishes available, like this one, with five flavors.
Photo Marianne White
Don’t miss the Peking duck – which you have to order in advance because it requires making thin pancakes that are filled with the bird – or the crispy Sichuan chicken. The food is authentic, as are the owners Fang Qi Wu, who serves, and his wife Hong Shen, who cooks.
27, Sainte-Angèle Street
Flavors of India: comfort at its best
This restaurant in Sillery has become a true reference in Indian cuisine in Quebec in 20 years. In my eyes, it is the best in town in this category, and by far. You can’t go wrong with the butter chicken or the lamb curry.
The dishes at Saveurs de l’Inde restaurant are comforting, like this chicken curry.
Photo Marianne White
But don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone to make discoveries, like the balti chicken, served in an Indian skillet with cucumbers, tomatoes and fresh coriander that help to calm the rather spicy spices. I also love the onion bhajis, very soft under the frying, not to mention their fabulous naan bread. We don’t go there for the decor or the atmosphere, but for the tasty and generous dishes as well as for the affable service.
1275, avenue Maguire
Tokyo: passion sushis
Tokyo Restaurant has been delighting sushi lovers for 40 years. I love the fact that you can still eat on traditional tatami mats if you wish. On a recent visit, I noticed that the new owners have made improvements in the last year, not only to the menu, but also to the careful presentation of the dishes.
Tokyo specializes in sushi.
Photo Marianne White
In addition, the starters on the slate charmed me, including delicious dumplings filled with wagyu beef.
Tokyo has a wide selection of appetizers, like these wagyu beef dumplings.
Photo Marianne White
The sushi selection is vast, but those who don’t like raw fish are not left out with their bento lunch boxes or poke bowls. I really like the one with flambéed salmon and topped with nori chips. A beautiful marriage of tradition and novelty.
401, rue Saint-Jean
The Signature: featured grills
I’ve already told you about the restaurant La Signature, in Limoilou, which offers delicious brunches highlighting local and organic products. Well, in the evening, this bistro transforms into a “bring your own wine” restaurant. The menu offers many grilled dishes, as the owners also have a butcher’s shop.
Dishes on the slate, like this asparagus tartare served with cherry tomatoes, bacon, prosciutto, homemade tomato chutney and burrata.
Photo taken from La Signature’s Facebook
In addition to tartares, steak and fries or beef cheek, dishes on the slate concocted by the chef are also added to the menu. It’s a change and it’s well executed.
