Bar George: Chic and affordable in downtown Montreal

Bar George officially opened its doors in May 2017 in the heart of downtown Montreal, and is proposing an excellent British-inspired menu in a gorgeous setting.

Bar George moved into this heritage residence formerly owned by Sir George Stephen (hence the name ‘George’) at 1440 Drummond St. The entrance is via the main steps of this superb building, and outside to your left is the terrace with about 50 seats. The façade of the building is impressive and upon entering, the building’s interior surroundings and history is dazzling!

Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Montreal (also featured on our list of the city’s most stunning bars) and a must-visit destination. Once inside, you enter a hallway that divides the spaces: the bar to the left, the dining room straight ahead, and the Mount Stephen Hotel to the right. Bathed in shades of red, the bar area is bright and welcoming, with around forty seats mostly arranged around a large circular marble bar at the center of the room.

In the 80-seat dining room, the color scheme leans more toward deep greens and blacks. A long, comfortable khaki leather banquette runs through the center of the space; cozy, wraparound chairs surround the tables, and the walls are adorned with tapestries and framed artwork. The stunning interior of Bar George is almost entirely covered in rich woodwork. The redesign of each space was carried out by Métaphore Design. “I love that we are making this building accessible to everyone,” adds Executive Chef Anthony Walsh.

Bar George opens the doors of this historic Montreal building to the public! Operated by the Oliver & Bonacini Restaurants Group (O&B — known for Leña, Canoe, Jump, Luma, and many more), the kitchen is led by Chef Kevin Ramasawmy, with Nader Chabaane heading up the bar program, under the guidance of Executive Chef Anthony Walsh. O&B is one of the most influential hospitality groups in Canada.

Originally from Montreal, Chef Anthony Walsh has been part of the O&B team since 1996. As Executive Chef, he oversees the culinary direction of all O&B properties — from restaurants to event spaces and catering services. He ensures that every menu not only meets the highest standards but also reflects the unique personality of each establishment.

Executive Chef Kevin Ramasawmy hails from Mauritius and made the move to Montreal at the age of 19. He quickly fell in love with the city (naturally) and decided to make it his home. Kevin began his career on the dining room floor before making the leap to the kitchen, where he worked under renowned chef Stelio Perombelo (formerly of Toqué! and Leméac). In 2001, Kevin relocated to Toronto, where he met Anthony Walsh, who soon became his mentor. His culinary journey later took him to New York, where he worked at Daniel, the celebrated restaurant helmed by Daniel Boulud, before returning to Montreal to take the reins at Bar George.

Chef de Cuisine Donnel English and the entire team craft a menu that highlights local products, complemented by Irish and English influences — a nod to Sir George Stephen’s heritage — all with a distinctive Montreal twist. The menu pays homage to “home cooking, in a beautiful home.” Among the most popular dishes are the Caroline sauce risotto, Beef Wellington, cream of mushroom soup, carpaccio, tartare, crudo, beet salad, and the signature truffle gnocchi.

Bar George welcomes guests as early as 7 a.m. for breakfast, and also offers brunch, lunch, and dinner in the restaurant’s elegant dining room. Light bites are served at the bar throughout the day and well into the night.

The cocktail menu was designed by Nader Chabaane, one of the city’s top mixologists, while the overall management of the establishment is overseen by Arnaud Bourdy.

“I adore Montreal — I love the community here. I love the mutual respect within the industry,” says Kevin. As for us, we were thoroughly charmed by the menu. We also appreciate seeing one of Canada’s leading hospitality groups invest in Montreal and create something both refined and accessible. And of course, there’s no denying the sheer pleasure of enjoying such a magnificent historic setting!

Written by Élise Tastet
Photography by Cindy La

Last update: April 18, 2025

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