This place is incredible! We read about it in "36 Hours in Montreal" and were intrigued by the fact that it used to be a church. The staff were so welcoming from the moment we walked in. They decided to close the patio because of lightning and potential rain, and were so apologetic about that. The menu changes every month and is a four course prix fixe menu. Our first course was a bean and kohlrabi salad with a yogurt dressing with some other goodness. It was so bright and a great summer salad! The second course was tomato, eggplant, and clams with some greens in a clam broth. Absolutely fantastic and we were so glad that we had bread to soak up the excess broth! We had two options for the third course (a pork dish with garlic and ginger, and a pasta dish with chanterelles, corn, and cauliflower), so I ordered the pasta and my partner ordered the pork so we could try both of them. Both were delicious, but we both agreed that the pasta was the better of the two. We had two options for the finale (a goat cheese with nectarine, and a strawberry, raspberry, and pepper dish with vanilla ice cream), so we each ordered one of them. Both were great -- hard to pick a favorite! We also had pour over coffee. They get their coffee from Dispatch (a Montreal coffee shop), and we enjoyed it a lot. Make yourself a reservation (easy to do on Resy) and dine here! You won't regret it. read more

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Had a business team dinner on our trip to Montreal. We had reservation and was seated outside on the patio on this gorgeous day as preferred seating. We started out with cocktails, which were very nice! The restaurant was enchanting, rustic and cozy featuring elevated farm-to-table cuisine located in a converted basement of a church that serves a 4-5course tasting menu. You can also request for a wine pairing. The service was incredible, seamless, stressed-free and was not rushed. We may have been there for 4 hours at least. The menu was nothing short of genius, and the execution of the meal was done with such care and precision. You are able to watch them prepare every course. The level of work, and artistry, that goes into each dish was a joy of excitement. This was my favorite meal on my visit to Montreal. Overall, a must try if you love French cuisine! read more

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Good but not great. Small and cozy atmosphere. We sat at the bar which gave us a firsthand glimpse of the kitchen. Things I liked: - use of and focus on local ingredients - Brussels sprouts salad was great - leek, yogurt and mussel appetizer was amazing - friendly service - informal atmosphere - wine pairings Things I didn't like: - prix fixe menu only (with 2 choices for main and dessert) - dishes were a bit one-note (too smokey) - oysters were not very memorable ($4 each - they were pre-shucked and then re-plated on shells - radicchio on my main was too bitter for my liking - plating was tidy, but also a bit too uniform and mechanical almost - dessert was also not very impressive (pear, honey, ginger cake was too dry) Maybe the day's menu just didn't appeal to me. I would probably be willing to try again, but does not compare favorably to restaurants like Bouillon Bilk, Hélicoptère and Mon Lapin in my opinion. read more

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Went here as the first dinner on our trip to Montreal. Had a reservation and was seated at the chefs table, where you're able to watch then prepare every course. The level of work, and artistry, that goes into each dish is always a joy to behold. We started out with cocktails, which were very nice. Can't remember exactly what we ordered but they were nice. The amuse bouche was a shrimp dish served in these little make shift shells, so you can wrap each one and eat it like a mini taco. So flavorful. Next came a little gem salad with a Herring sauce and grated cheese on top. So many flavors going on in each bite but they paired so well together. After that came snow peas in a yogurt sauce with crab. That yogurt on the bottom was so yummy, and the crab sauce (I don't remember exactly what it was) was amazing. Peas were perfect. I got the Arctic char and the skin was probably the best tasting fish skin I've ever had. Perfectly seasoned, very crispy, perfectly contrasting the juiciness of the fish itself. The pork dish was also very good but the char was the main entre hands down. For dessert you had the option of the goat cheese stuffed squash blossom or this strawberry dish. The squash blossom had so much goat cheese, it just made it hard to enjoy. I personally feel a little goat cheese goes a long way, and this was stuffed with it. The strawberry dish, however, was so delightful, with a cookie base that went well with the softeness of the strawberry. Overall, a must try it you are heading to Montreal and want an amazing meal read more

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After some big news it was time to treat my self. After some reviews and recommendations Candide came up and I was set. Keep in mind this restaurant has a different menu for different seasons so I can only talk about my experience with the winter menu. Getting to the restaurant can be tricky but you just need to keep walking along side the park and will gain access via a side door of sorts. The restaurant has a really great open kitchen and decor that is laid back but also elevated. The menu was a fixed tasting menu with a few options to choose. I started with the oysters which aren't part of the fixed menu but definitely worth ordering. As for the rest of the menu I wasn't left want more but it wasn't a bad meal either. A lot of dishes shared the same smokey flavour and after a while I was all smoked out. The dessert was great and getting to taste some of the best honey ever was definitely worth coming! I might try coming back for a different menu read more

Candide - French Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

We came here on the recommendation of a friend of ours. The service was incredible, but the servers never seemed stressed or rushed. The menu was nothing short of genius, and the execution of the meal was done with such care and precision. The vegetable dishes were my personal favorite, as the flavors all paired very well, and the flavors that the chef aimed to highlight were distinctive and unique. The setting was enchanting as well. This was my favorite meal on my visit to Montreal. read more

I've had the pleasure to dine at Candide twice in the past few months. It is a warm, rustic and cozy restaurant featuring elevated farm-to-table cuisine located in a converted basement of a church that serves a 4-course tasting menu for around $60-65 per person. You can also do a wine pairing for $50 (about 2 oz per glass) and they have a wide selection of natural wines and especially natural Quebec wines. The menu is always well thought out that highlights fresh ingredients available in season. Dining here is definitely a culinary experience not to be missed! Each service and each glass is like a story being told and the service is phenomenal, warm and passionate. The first time I was here was for a date night and I did not take any photos, but I visited again yesterday (a party of 4) and was not disappointed. Their menu changes ever few weeks so each time I go back is a new experience! You have the option of adding oysters ($3.50 each) at the start of the 4 course and right before you pay, they also give you a spoonful of local honey (straight from the hive) which I find is the perfect sweet ending to the evening. Price is not cheap (especially if you're drinking), though for the quality of the menu and the experience, I would highly recommend you try Candide at least once. I also tried one of their cocktails; Kinky Kitty, which I probably would not order again. Next time I will just stick to the wine. Overall: 5 Service: 5 Food: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Value: 5 read more

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My husband and I enjoyed a lovely dinner here to celebrate our anniversary. Our server was super friendly and knowledgable, guiding our selection of cocktails and menu options. The food was phenomenal and the service impeccable! Also. The pictures posted by other Yelp-ers of the inside do not do Candide justice. While we did not sit inside, the inside space is very welcoming and intimate. Highly recommend!!! read more

My dinner was tasty and I'd describe it as fresh and full of interesting, umami flavors, but there were a few things I ended up not liking about it. I'll start with the location. The restaurant is on a cozy outdoor patio that does a great job of establishing the farm-to-table vibe, but it's next to a children's playground and in a strange spot with confusing parking. Given that I was in Montreal and looking back, for that price point there are many spots that offer way more memorable views and eclectic or special architecture. Like I said the restaurant could be seen as cozy but also a bit too underwhelming. Next I'll go into the food - the salad had too much sour cream, the clam and tomato dish just confused me (it was neither awful or delicious but had an overpowering sauce, my fish was good but again the sauce was a bit off in my opinion, and lastly dessert was just mediocre. I got the cheese which had way too much cheese with not enough cherries. Overall the dinner was good, but given that I was doing a tasting in Montreal I'd have expected better. Yes it wasn't the most expensive tasting menu, but still $200 for two people with drinks. Earlier I explored the Plateau Mont Royal neighborhood and tried the famous ice cream place there, fresh perogies and beer at an outdoor patio for $15 and the cup of gnocci that people line up for and all of those were more memorable for me which says something: was the dinner worth it... I'm conflicted. P.S. the bread should be warm and served with house made butter or some other interesting thing, not plain read more

OMG this restaurant you guys! Absolutely amazing. We fell in love with it all. So much so to say about it that I don't even know where to start!!! We came on time for our reservation but our seats at the counter wasn't ready so they seated us on a small table next to the bar. The chef came not too long after to talk to us and he was such a pleasant chef! He took time to suggest us some drinks that we might like while we waited. Once seated, the magic begun. EVERYTHING was delicious! The menu consist of local ingredients so you will not find black pepper or citrus in any dishes, for example. The attention that the crew puts on every single dish that leaves the kitchen is amazing! The menu changes every month (or about). It follows the seasons and what local producers have. I believe this restaurant is a must on your list. I WILL COME BACK VERY SOON! read more

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Very unique place . Food is good , service excellent, creative dishes from local ingredients. read more

Candide - French Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

One of the best French/Québécois cuisine I've tasted. Very quaint setting and it was just a delightful afternoon arriving directly from YUL. As you've seen some of the pictures posted the food is plated beautifully and even taste better. I will not dwell on the food as the other Yelpers have described the dishes very well. What I was very impressed with was the attention to service. The staff was very friendly and efficient. They gave a description of the dishes and wines that they were serving. Their timing was on point. All the dishes came out at the same time so no one was waiting to start. This place is definitely worth another visit! A bientôt. read more

Excellent, inventive fare rooted in familiar New-Canadian, farm-to-table combinations. Prix-fixe menu at a very reasonable price. Intimate setting, albeit hard to find :) Rotating menu (monthly I believe). Really nice experience. read more

This was a great experience. The chef's table is the only way to go in my opinion.the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and extremely welcoming. This downtown eatery is literally a hidden gem. The chef was very attentive and willing to answer my many questions while I interrogated him about the unique and innovated dishes. This place takes on the vibe of other tasting menu restaurants like Catbird Seat, Bastion and Cho Lon, in the U.S., but at a very reasonable price. This is a must visit in Montreal...right up there with Bouillon Bilk and Au Pied Cochon. read more

Candide - French Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

There is no shortage of great food in Montreal but Candide is in a league of its own for me. My boyfriend and I saved this for our last night in Montreal. We walked in for our 8:30 reservation and you can immediately feel the warm and inviting atmosphere. It's a gorgeous room with an open kitchen. All the staff, from the hostess, to the servers, to the sommelier, and of course the chef, were absolutely amazing. Now let's get to the food. Every dish we had was better than the last. This review will be too long if I review every single one but I will say we were fortunate to try their greasy beans dish which was fantastic, and their hen of the woods dish which was our favorite. The meal was finished off with the chef coming to our table with fresh honey comb and letting us have a small taste with our aperitifs. Just incredible from start to finish. I'd also love to point out that we did the food and wine pairing and so happy we did because the drink pairings were amazing. The sommelier was so knowledgeable and did such a great job describing the origin of the wines and the tasting notes it just made the meal that much better. I can't say enough great things. We can't wait to be back in the summer to try their summer tasting! read more

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This chef And this location continue to shine. The food is above first rate and the service and the wine and beer lists are right up there with any Michelin three-star or otherwise read more

Definitely get the Wine Pairing - it totally makes the meal... and the stories from the sommelier are priceless. I had the Fish and my Partner had the Lamb. Neither of us really liked the lamb they used too much ginger. The Tumeric ice cream was quite strong as well... though very tasty. The restaurant is in a quirky location next to a church and looks like it was a renovated barn or stable. Beautifully rustic... dimly lit... and not as loud as you would think it would be. Had to make reservations WEEKS in advance though. read more

We had a wonderful dinner here our first night in Montreal. And you can see the pride and love they have for Canadian cuisine and local produce. Yes, it's hard to find but they were kind enough to call us a few hours before our rezzie to let us know exactly where to go (behind the big church in what seems like a very residential neighborhood). The tasting menu was superb but what brought it over the top for us were the thoughtful wine pairings. Their young enthusiastic sommelier will go over each of her choices and why she chose it. For example, the sturgeon with the "orange" wine was genius. No, this is not a place for picky, everything-must-be-on-the-side eaters. You must be prepared to eat things like muscles with yogurt (delish by the way) or sea snails with pickles. If you are a true foodie, you will appreciate the truly innovative combinations. And the space is lovely, all industrial with an open kitchen. We're thrilled we came here and the cheese stuffed squash blossom is why I exist. Have it in place of the (delicious) dessert and it will change your mind about how to conclude a fine dinner. read more

Really special, worth splurging on! Seasonal, regional ingredients. Attentive staff. Very Montréal

This is a fantastic dining experience. Show up and put yourself in the hands of the ever capable staff of Candide and let them wow you course after course. The tasting menu changes monthly depending on what is in season. We had a group of 6 and everyone was blown away by the knowledgeable staff and the absolutely fantastic food! This is fresh, forward thinking cooking at its best. This is a memorable dining experience for all the right reasons. Can't wait to return! read more

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The night before going to Montreal, I had this dream. I imagined I was in some frou-frou restaurant with all sharp angles, low lights and distressed wood, being given a rundown of the current local pre-fixe menu in what my unconscious mind conceived of as a Quebecois accent (i.e. French with an occasional "aboot" mixed in). The food was meticulously assembled and delicious in a new and unconventional way. Little did I know that the next day all my dreams would come true. Except the accent. It's basically just French. Candide is set in the basement of an old church, which immediately puts it in legendary status for hipsterism. Add to that some unfinished wood patios, and simple, vaguely rustic decor and you have the perfect setting for what comes next. And that is a 2.5 hour pre fixe meal where you watch the chef himself make each one of your dishes not a couple feet from your table and then bring each one to you, along with an explanation peppered with weird ingredients. Each dish was a collection of interesting flavors from local ingredients. Mussels with some kind of peppery crisp on top, curls of rutabaga with fried parsnip and probably the best piece of pork I've ever met. My impression of French cuisine is that they do fairly simple preparations with an attention to detail bordering on obsessive. That's the impression I got here. I'm not usually one for flowery arrangements of vegetation on my dishes, but the design and the taste was really in sync here. Don't miss it! read more

There's something magical about walking around the back of a repurposed church to this hidden gem of a restaurant. The space is unpretentious and charming, alight with wood and an open kitchen. Don't let this restaurant's unassuming manner fool you, though! The food is absolutely spectacular: seasonal, fresh, simply prepared, yes, but also exceedingly clever and at times unexpected. I doubt I will ever eat asparagus more delicious than they served us. I will dream of it. Each course was special, with an unexpected twist, from the butter lettuce salad to my risotto with morels, and the most delicious strawberry, rhubarb, and hazelnut dessert. And the wine pairings were just as local, bold, and creative as the courses. Bravo to the staff, from our chefs to the sommelier and everyone in between. What a triumph of seasonal food prepared finely, with a creative twist and love! Even if you're local to Montreal, you are bound to learn a great deal about your local food and wines from this wonderful group of people, who take such care to present and explain their food and wine with love of the bounties of Quebec! read more

Zoiks! Wow! OMG! The Missus and I met up here with friends. I had heard mumbles that Candide was amazing and those mumbles were right! Finding the place was a little tough for a navigation-challenged person like me, but with perseverance we discovered the restaurant was actually the back part of the looming church. The fifty-five dollar four-course meal was an absolute steal. We started off with a quarter-dozen oysters ($3.5 extra per oyster) flavoured with horseradish which were delicious. Not so much heat that your sinuses rebel but enough to wake up your senses. These were followed by juicy little grape tomatoes that had been delicately brined and served with a sort of Spätzle and jus. Again, yum. More veg was brought over, this time Endives and Oyster mushrooms garlicked to perfection. Fabulous! And then this is where we separated. The men had the lamb - served with borlotti (noodles) and a type of home-made buttermilk cheese. The slow roasted lamb fell off the fork, the sauce rich and glistening, and the cheese helped keep all the flavours in harmony. The ladies on the other hand had the trout with squash and bayleaf oil. Sadly they both reported the fish as being overcooked and dry. Desert, for the men, was a squishy serving of runny brebichon cheese that was paired with a quince and onion chutney. We both reveled in the unctuous delight of this amazing Quebec cheese. The ladies both had the strawberries with malted wheat and raspberries. There was glee in their eyes as the plates were placed before them. All in all it was a perfect meal for the lads, but a bit of a miss for the lasses. read more

My boyfriend and I recently went to Montreal to see Woodkid perform. I was searching for restaurants to go to and I came across Candide's Instagram and noticed Woodkid follows them so I took it as a sign and made a reservation and I'm so glad I did. I would say both my boyfriend and I would say this was one of our favorite parts of this trip. The Sommelier, the waitress, the hostess, all of them were amazing! And the food was the best meal I've had all year! Everything was amazing and if I'm ever back in Montreal, I hope to go here again! read more

A must visit if you are in Montreal!! If they upped service and ambiance it would be close to a five star option Entrance is a bit hard to find but look for the corrugated tin roof open porch One of the best and original tasting menus I have had in sometime Very vegetable forward with a dab of animal protein and meats And yet I left full and satisfied Expert purveyors of umami Ambience is homey country $58 IMO is a bargain for 4 courses at this level Did not do the wine pairing but might try my next visit Service was adequate Wine list good amount of options although veering towards pricey Favorite dish of the night was the grilled brussels with apples puffed rice bee pollen -amazing Highly recommend! read more

Had the tasting menu with wine pairings. Food was outrageous. Sommelier knew his wines. We experienced Quebec wines for the first time. We were on vacation and women tend to Montreal will definitely try can do it again read more

Such value for money! A trio of foodie New Yorkers embarking on good Montreal food can be in occasion, difficult to please. Genuinely well thought out meal that was cooked to perfection. I have no complaints and was pleasantly full after the meal. The honey tasting at the end made me feel like I was walking through a farm. Highly recommend. read more

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Incredible dining experience! The chef's "farm to table" approach really showcases the unique flavors that are found within the region. Our party of 4 went for the tasting menu with wine pairing, HIGHLY recommended. The sommelier was extremely knowledgeable about all the wines that she picked to pair with the dishes. For the fall tasting menu, go for the mushrooms! Chicken of the wood...I've never had a mushroom that had such a texture and taste as this one. The fragrances from the dish were mesmerizing, and the Italian wine to pair with it was consumed with each bite...such a harmonious pairing. Bleu d'Elizabeth as a mousse for dessert with lignonberries, sweet potato two ways, and paired with a Pedro Ximenez sherry, quite memorable indeed! I'm already planning a trip back for next Spring, excited to see what will be on the menu! Also, the price point for the entire experience...there's extreme value here, if you look at tastebud satisfaction and having your senses ensnared as a function of money spent, make your reservations immediately! read more

Over the past few years, the Locavore movement has become very strong in Montreal. The desire to showcase local produce throughout the seasons has been the calling card for more and more restaurants in the city. Amongst the chefs who are best know for this approach is John Winter Russell - now working out at Restaurant Candide in Little Burgundy. Located in a old church Rectory - behind the Salon 1861 - Candide is hidden off the beaten path a little bit. I have had it on my 'infamous' to-visit list for a while now. My wife decided to plan a secret date night for the two of us and so we headed out of our apartment and walked down Notre Dame Street until we arrived At Candide ready for a intimate dinner on their patio on a beautiful weeknight. Great surprise my love! The menu at Candide changes on a monthly basis - according to what is available locally - and is a fixed menu. They will adjust according to allergies however. It is a 4 course dinner for 51$ which frankly is a pretty good deal when you compare it to other fine eating establishments in the city. So the next question I am sure you are asking is but what about the portions themselves? Are they plentiful enough? And the answer is yes - we were both rather full at the end of the meal. Candide is a pretty good deal in that regard.... now what about the food itself? On top of the fixed menu, we were offered an extra dish to add at the start of our meal - and of course I said yes. Marinated Whelk with cucumber, pickles and a herring mousse. This was our least enjoyed dish of the evening. I liked the flavour of the mousse but the rest felt honestly a little fad. Our next dish was more of a hit. Sliced kohlrabi coated in a yogourt sauce topped with beans, popcorn, marinated red onion and herbs. The presentation of the dish was beautiful - pretty much a constant element throughout the dinner - and the flavours were wonderful. The yogourt sauce added a richness to the dish that didn't overwhelm. The popcorn was a cool crunch component that played well off the rest. Our next dish of fresh cherry tomatoes served on top of eggplant and clams was also a big hit. Hits of sweetness and acidity with the saltiness of the clams. I'm not a huge fan of raw tomatoes but this dish worked for me. For our main courses, we had a choice of 2 and so we decided to share them together. I went with the Guinea Hen served with corn and lobster mushroom. I loved this dish from A to Z - it was my big hit of the evening. The Hen was cooked perfectly - juicy and tender with the crisp skin on top. The mixture of the fresh corn and the lobster mushrooms was a great complement to the protein and felt very fresh - a perfect example of local seasonality. My wife went with the Arctic Char served over a pepper puree with carrots and onions. Beautiful piece of fish cooked as desired with a nice sweet pepper puree to pair with it. I didn't love the way the carrots mixed to the dish but my wife enjoyed pretty well. For dessert, you have the choice of a sweet one or a savoury once. On the sweet side, we had a maple biscuit served with fresh raspberry, a blueberry coulis and cantaloupe sorbet. Outside of the sorbet (not a melon fan), the rest of this dessert was amazing. Great fresh flavours all around - the maple notes tying it all together. On the savoury side, there was a piece of Pont Blanc cheese topped with fresh zucchini and zucchini flowers and served over a basil emulsion. I don't love savoury desserts but pulling away from that, as a dish, this was a very creative idea. The mix of basil and cheese paired nicely - as any pesto fan will tell you. Not the way I would finish a meal but still enjoyable. Candide was a wonderful experience of what our local produce can provide in the hands of a great kitchen. Beautiful dish presentation, great service throughout the night in a relaxed and intimate setting. My wife definitely nailed her date night surprise.... now to return the favour ;) Cheers! read more

What an experience. Felt very lucky to have found and booked this restaurant. They do a tasting menu and when I was there(July)we sat out on their lovely terrace. The food was delicious and well proportioned. The service was great and it was nice to see the chef owner there as well. I can imagine this place is super cozy in the winter. The trek to find the restaurant was half the fun. My BF thought I was definitely leading him in the wrong direction but when we found the restaurant, we both were delightfully surprised. Wish we did the wine pairing but we were hungover from our first night in Montreal. They have a great selection of natural wines. I mean there are so many great places to eat and drink, four nights did not do the city justice. Candide was definitely one of the best meals we've had in a long time. Can't wait to go back! read more

Exceptional restaurant! The design is very refined. And old garage beautifully transformed. The food is perfect. Surprising, well presented and tasty. Ask about the story of the business. Worth to know. read more

The dinner was lovely, the service was good, and the ambiance was really nice. When we received our dessert from the set menu, my friend was really not a fan, so I asked the waitress if they would change it for her - their response was: No problem at all, don't worry. At the price point of the restaurant, we expected for them to exchange the dessert, especially when the response was "No problem at all". Instead they charged us $13. In my experience, they should have mentioned that they would have to charge extra, or make a note of it when we received our bill. That (amongst other surprisingly high charges) made our dinner quite overpriced. What they should have said was: "Sorry we don't have espresso, but we can charge you $7 for a pour-over coffee" or "you didn't like our dessert? Too bad, here's another one for $13". Who pays $13 for a dessert? They could have at least warned us. Money doesn't grow on trees. TLDR: They are sneaky, and will charge extra while putting on a smile. read more

Looking for a good spot with amazing wine and seasonal ingredients? Do not look further, this is your place. The chef will make sure to prepare and amazing meal for you, and if you have any allergies, they can work around it. The food changes all the time, which means, if you go once a month, you will have different items everytime. Same for the wine. Perfect place for a date, or to hang out with friends. I would say it's really not a party place, but it's not too fancy either. It's the perfect in between both world. read more

While prepping to visit this lovely city I came across a NYTimes article about Candide and made a reservation on eve of 34th anniversary. It was a wonderful experience. We sat near their open kitchen, enjoyed the chefs at work, had a glass of their beer and wine. Then the flavorful dishes unfolded, beautifully crafted, fresh, mostly veggies and herbs. All were described in detail. If that is an experience you enjoy than make a reservation. If not, don't and leave the seat for those who may. "Tasting menus" are not for everyone but we enjoy them. read more

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Lovely restaurant in the griffintown area. The food was innovative and focused on Quebec produce. Even the delicious tea is locally sourced and made. Here's the only thing: don't bring picky eaters. It's a tasting menu so there is not a lot of option. read more

Candide - Perch dish with fiddleheads - French Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

Brought my parents here for a special dinner on my last night visiting home - a beautiful experience. It was one of the first summery nights in Montreal so we were sat on their cute terrace overlooking a lane (the restaurant is in an old church in a park, which is charming as anything). The service was outstanding, with everyone indulging my jokey/curious/sometimes ridiculous stepfather. We started with a bottle of local sparkling wine- I didn't know they made this in Qbc! The tasting menu is fixed except for a choice of main, and it changes monthly. The started I remember most was a delicious mussel dish served in a delectable broth. I had the guinea fowl for my main and was not disappointed- perfectly cooked and so flavourful. All of the sauces are made to lick to the last drop! And the homemade bread which accompanied our meal, wow. We asked for more twice, and considered a third time but restrained ourselves. A fantastic venue for a special meal in Montreal, and reasonably priced for the experience and quality. read more

Candide - Their terrasse - French Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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Candide is located on a small side pedestrian street, St. Martin, and is attached to an old rectory. It's location is beautiful but difficult to find. I've eaten here a few times. I love the ambiance and service. The dishes use local and seasonal ingredients. The prix fix is$48 with the option of a wine pairing $40 (highly recommend doing the pairing). The majority of the dishes are tasty but beware the ingredients can sometimes be odd. I am an adventurous eater so I'm fine w it, but my husband has balked at the dishes on occasion. It's hard to give details on the dishes since (to be honest) the ingredients were varied and strange & I'm not sure what I ate last time I visited except that it was a type of fish and it was good :) If you prefer ordinary fare, this place is not for you. read more

Was so excited about the food that I forgot to mention the staff. The service was exceptional. We felt welcomed from the moment we walked in and were greeted by the team. Cliche-ic but the place gave us a welcome-back-home type of feeling. Explanation of each wine pairing was clear and enthusiastic. The courses came all at once for all members of the party, with the kitchen staff coming out and rotating on each course to explain the ingredients. They all knew their stuff well. Very professional. read more

I have mixed feelings about Candide, yet am still going to give it four stars driven more by my brain than my belly. The fact I am first to review this several months after it opened kind of confirms who I think it will appeal to the most - not the demographic using Yelp with regularity, but rather intellectual food purists who have a high appreciation of what Candide and its head chef, John Winter Russell, are striving for on a philosophical level. Indeed, critics in both Le Devoir and Le Journal de Montreal have already heaped effusive praise upon the spot, which is what drew my attention to it in the first place. Set in the converted basement of a church, the space is aglow in dim, yellow light that accentuates the warm exposed wood. The restaurant serves what I would describe as "elevated esoteric local," in that everything you will be served - with wine and coffee the lone exceptions - comes sourced from Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces. So that means no olive oil, no lemons, and no pepper will be used in any capacity. In contrast, you will find intriguing things like mushrooms foraged in the woods, leaves of grasses plucked from Atlantic coast beaches, and herbs found growing in the wild. Russell works closely with foraging company Gaspesie Sauvage - if you're interested, go to their Web site and check out their photo gallery to see some the things that will likely end up on your plate in some capacity. The menu changes every month or so, but is inspired by the season. For a very reasonable $45 you will get a four-course prix-fixe dinner that includes two appetizers, a choice of two mains, and a choice of a sweet dessert or a cheese plate. You can also match each course with individualized wine pairings for an additional $40/pp, but in my view you're just as well off buying a decent bottle (and they have a nice little list) for around the same amount and going from there. But what of the food? Well, that's the thing. Throughout the four courses of dinner, I realized I was consistently tasting things or looking at the presentation and thinking, "Now that's interesting!" or "I've never had this combination of flavors before!" but never, "wow, this is absolutely AMAZING!" My palate truly felt more like it was going through an academic exercise rather than simply delighting in what it was tasting. On the whole, the food was innovative as could be, yet still, undeniably, just a bit odd. My recommendation: if you're willing to eat things that really can't be categorized, check out Candide's site and take a look at their menu to first validate that their limited options of the moment appeal to you (even if you don't recognize some of the ingredients). Then, enter your dining experience with an open mind; even if you remain unconvinced by what you ate at meal's end, at the very least you will have been served by a passionate staff and chef dedicated to what I can appreciate is a more sustainable way of cooking and eating, and in a cozy and relatively unpretentious venue, to boot. read more

This restaurant is truly unique with a unique set of dishes. The menu is a four service. Tastes are out of the ordinary and you will either love it or be uncertain. The wines that were on glass were not to my taste, but the service was excellent and the bread is to die for. Extremely original meal, with tastes that are rich and savory. read more

Candide - French Near Me - Montreal, Quebec

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