Onion soups: The best sources of comfort in town
Today we’re talking about onion soup. Add onions and breadcrumbs to a base of broth – traditionally beef – then sprinkle generously with grated cheese and broil to perfection. The result is a delicious dish that is bursting with comfort. Perfect for those unrelentingly cold winter days.
Rumour has it that onion soup is attributed to a late night snack of the French King Louis XV, after he returned from hunting. That particular evening, the pantries contained only onions, champagne and butter. Served together, the ingredients appealed to the king, who included in his noble diet what we know today as French onion soup (made with wine). The accessibility of the ingredients contributed to the democratization of the dish which quickly found its way into the homes of many French people.
Some 300 years later and across an ocean to the west, onion soup has been warming up and winning over many Montrealers for ages. Indeed, this French classic was quickly adopted by the city’s establishments. It can be enjoyed in cozy taverns, but also in more upscale restaurants where some cheffes and chefs try to give onion soup a gastronomic touch by reinterpreting it.
It is in the spirit of a balm against the cold weather that we have prepared a list of the best places to enjoy onion soup in Montreal.
Special shoutout to the “French onion soup” pizza from Pan American Pizza by Danny St Pierre!
To help you in your quest for comfort, we also suggest you check out our list of comforting restaurants in Montreal where you can eat extremely well or our list of the best soups in the city. Something to warm up your body and mind!
Restaurant Gus
In his small restaurant on Beaubien Street, chef David Ferguson offers Quebecois cuisine with a twist from the American South. His onion soup is made with red beer and features smoked pork shank, avocado, homemade croutons, and is layered with cheddar cheese. An onion soup 2.0 that is definitely worth a try. Photo Vadim Daniel Photography
Montréal
Au Pied de Cochon
For nearly 20 years, Au Pied de Cochon has been a cornerstone of Montreal’s gastronomic scene. The decadent cuisine of chef Martin Picard has always drawn crowds, and his successors — currently his nephew Michael Picard Labelle — continue to do the same. Unsurprisingly, the house version of French onion soup is downright irresistible. The cooks here use two types of cheese, Gruyère and Emmental, and all the charcuterie is simmered directly in the broth used for the soup.
Montréal
Place Carmin
Place Carmin is a restaurant we absolutely love in Old Montreal. In the kitchen, chef François Nadon—formerly of Bouillon Bilk—brings his refined haute cuisine style to a more brasserie-inspired menu at this new address, which includes a delicious French onion soup.
Montréal
Le Molière Brasserie Française
Le Molière is a classic French brasserie serving traditional dishes executed to perfection. With a vast and varied menu, a mostly French wine list, and an elegant décor, the restaurant offers an authentic dining experience. The dome-style French onion soup is a must-try on the menu.
Montréal
Mignon Steak Frites | Petite-Bourgogne
Mignon, created by the Tomahawk group, is a bistro in Little Burgundy that pays tribute to the classic steak frites. Inspired by L’Entrecôte St-Jean, the restaurant also offers a great selection of cocktails and wines — and their French onion soup, topped with croutons, St-Benoît cheese, and truffle oil, is absolutely delicious!
Montréal
Maison Baultberri
Located in the former iconic Archambault store at the corner of Sainte-Catherine and Berri, Maison Baultberri is a stunning café created by Laurent Dagenais and the team behind Empire stores. The café is nestled right inside the new Empire location. It’s a great spot to work during the day or relax with friends in the afternoon. As a bonus, the drinks and dishes are delicious — but the real star of the menu, in our opinion, is the French onion soup!
Montréal
