Babar: A Must-Visit Restaurant in Bromont

Babar is the latest project from the owners of La Selva in Bromont. This charming Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant offers an impressive selection of natural wines, all in a warm and welcoming atmosphere—perfect for gathering and enjoying a drink.

A Love Story

Thalissa Gailloux and Michel Malo, both from the region, met in Montreal while she was studying law and he was pursuing a career in cooking. The couple bonded over their shared love for food and the restaurant industry. “It clicked between us because we both had this passion for the culinary world. We loved exploring restaurants, paying attention not only to the food but also the chairs, the plates, and the overall experience,” Thalissa shared. “We would often host friends in our Queen Mary apartments, and they always told us we should start a catering business,” she added. That’s how it all began.

After gathering plenty of experience, they first launched a catering service, followed by a breakfast restaurant in Bromont, a food truck, and eventually La Selva. These ventures culminated in the opening of Babar in February 2023.

When asked about the restaurant’s name, Thalissa explained: “When we were brainstorming, we wanted something with repeating syllables. My father is Lebanese, and ‘papa’ is ‘baba’ in Arabic. Then, we thought it would be fun to have Babar the elephant as part of our logo.”

Freshness and Finesse

So, what can you eat at Babar? The menu has hardly changed since its opening, and Michel truly has a talent for elevating seemingly simple dishes. We highly recommend the famous trio of dips (hummus, mutabbal, and muhammara)—a must-try! For seafood lovers, the charcoal-grilled octopus served with yellow pea hummus is sure to win you over. The beef and lamb dumplings with yogurt sauce and Aleppo pepper butter have already become a restaurant classic. In short, the menu features colorful, modern, and mouth-watering dishes with Middle Eastern inspiration.

The wine list is just as impressive as the food menu. Sommelier Guillaume Lemay offers a selection for every taste and budget, with a focus on natural wines. You’ll find affordable hidden gems as well as grand crus to accompany your special occasions. “We try to guide people to ensure they have the best experience based on their preferences. We really want to make the approach less intimidating,” Thalissa notes.

“For the décor, I wanted something that evoked the earth,” explains the owner. The velvet banquettes, wooden chairs, stone tables, and beautiful lighting all contribute to the warm and contemporary atmosphere. The restaurant is stunning!

We’ve fallen in love with Babar, which has already won over the locals in Bromont but is increasingly attracting visitors from beyond. For all these reasons, it earns a spot on our list of the best restaurants in Bromont. Enjoy your discovery!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: October 14, 2024

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