- 29 likes
Hélicoptère: A hidden gem in Hochelaga
Restaurant Hélicoptère
- $$
-
4255 Rue Ontario East Montréal H1V 1K4
+1 514-543-4255 -
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
-
- Restaurant
This charming spot is a member of the Aliments du Québec au menu program! This means it has chosen to highlight the wonderful products of Quebec and local producers in its menu—something we truly admire! Aliments du Québec au menu is a recognition program aimed at restaurants that prioritize Quebec products in their cuisine. To learn more, click here!
Open since July 2018, the Hélicoptère restaurant is a little gem in Hochelaga. Carried by a delightful team, this project is an address you absolutely must discover; the food and drinks are excellent.
David Ollu, chef and owner, previously worked at one of Montreal’s must-visit restaurants, Bouillon Bilk. After some time, David wanted to strike out on his own and create two projects close to his heart: the restaurant Hélicoptère and the café Hélico. Since their beginnings, these two spots have been among our favorites in the city!
The unique name Hélicoptère was inspired by the helicopter seeds that fall from the maple tree in autumn. “The name represented Quebec and it’s emblem, the maple tree. Helicopters are the seeds and fruits of these trees; it represents our journey well, having left Bouillon Bilk to grow and find a new project of our own.”
Born from a creative collaboration between Chef David’s culinary talents and the expertise of sommeliers Samuel Fisher and Karolane Bérubé, Hélicoptère occupies a double-fronted space on the corner of Avenue La Salle and Rue Ontario East. Its back area houses Café Hélico, which serves delightful sweet and savory creations all day, crafted by David and Jean-Christophe Desfossés, chef at Hélico. In the evening, the offerings transition to Hélicoptère, welcoming guests into a cozy and charming space.
Designed by David with the help of Gabrielle Belley and Catherine Martial, the restaurant space is very inviting. The setting is both rustic and chic, with a long brick wall, large windows, old barn wood floors, and accents of an elegant green. It’s in its simplicity that this 40-seat space finds its cozy, convivial atmosphere, making guests feel right at home. The location also includes a small room occupied by Café Hélico during the day, which transforms into a private room with seating for over twenty in the evening. Mélissa Ross serves as the general manager and Maître D’.
The concept of sharing is central to the philosophy behind Hélicoptère. Whether in the restaurant’s opening process, the way the team works (the chefs bring the plates to the tables themselves!), or the entirely homemade dishes, everything is highly collaborative. The Hélicoptère experience revolves around a shared menu, where guests are encouraged to choose 5 to 6 dishes per person.
The dishes, created by David, beautifully showcase seasonal products and are crafted with these ingredients in mind. Each plate here is delicate, meticulously presented, and absolutely delicious, drawing on flavors from around the world, as David finds inspiration from a variety of sources. Favorites include the chicken liver mousse on financiers with almonds and berries, and the calamari served with cucumber, onion, mint, and chili. Everything here is simply delightful! The menu will evolve weekly to reflect market arrivals and allow the kitchen team to enjoy creating new flavors.
The restaurant’s superb wine list is filled with exciting finds, including a variety of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. The passion of the sommelier team shines through in their unique selection of local products, enabling them to create cocktails that are both refined and playful. The spot also features a few local beers on tap.
When it’s time for dessert, Jean-Christophe Desfossés creates wonderful treats that bring the meal to a delightfully satisfying close.
“With Helicopter, I love the fact that we have direct contact with customers. I have cooked for a long time without being able to exchange and discuss with people; it is all in the same idea of sharing. I like that we finally have this proximity with those for whom we cook!”
With its charming and dynamic team, delectable dishes, and warm, inviting space, Hélicoptère is a true gem in the heart of the Hochelaga neighborhood waiting to be discovered. It’s also featured on our list of the Best Sandwiches in Montreal for a treat.
Written by Sydney Carter
Photography by Alison Slattery
