Bistrot Boisselet: French Classics in Little Italy

Just steps from Jean-Talon Market, on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Bistrot Boisselet quietly opened its doors this past February. The name Boisselet nods to a parcel owned by Loire winemaker Thierry Hénault, visited by Taylor and John, two of the owners, while the project was taking shape. And yes, it’s bistrot with a T — a deliberate tribute to French bistronomy and the Parisian neo-bistro movement.

Behind this new address is a team that has trained in some of Montreal’s finest establishments. Taylor D’Ottavi brings some fifteen years of experience in the city’s restaurant scene, with stints at the dearly missed Maison Publique, Salle Climatisée, and Joe Beef. In the kitchen, chef and co-owner Darcy Gervais-Wood leads the way, drawing on an impressive résumé spanning Montreal and France: from Septime and Clamato in Paris to Four Seasons and Salle Climatisée here at home. Rounding out the team are John Hale and Antoine Denis, the operators behind Plongeoir, the well-known Mile End natural wine bar. And then there’s Sarah Jane Patry, general manager, formerly of Salle Climatisée and Joe Beef.

A Precise and Accessible Bistro Cuisine

The concept at Bistrot Boisselet can be summed up in one word Taylor often repeats: precision. “Darcy wanted to find a framework for food that was simple enough. The server shouldn’t have to over-explain. It gives a slightly nostalgic feeling — precise, good, consistent, affordable — small classics we all know and love, but with a touch of modernity.”

Expect comforting French bistro fare at its best — smoked cheddar gougères, mushroom velouté, steak frites, beef tartare done béarnaise-style — elevated by a chef who knows how to transform high-quality ingredients into approachable plates. “Darcy does an excellent job sourcing top-quality products and turning them into something that feels high-end.”

The proximity to Jean-Talon Market naturally plays a central role, especially with summer around the corner. The team has even secured a vegetable allocation from Parcelles, one of our favorite local farms.

A Wine List That Gets People Talking

Thanks to the Plongeoir crew, Bistrot Boisselet opened with a wine list of over 200 references — a rare feat for a new Montreal restaurant. The list is designed to be “dynamic,” balancing classic labels with more niche natural wines, with particularly impressive depth in Champagne and Jura selections. “If it tastes good, we love it and we want it here. But we also want options for everyone.”

The cocktail program is intentionally tight: all the martini and negroni variations you could want, a few classics (vodka soda, gin and tonic), and a solid digestif offering. Simple, efficient, precise.

The Space and Atmosphere

Bistrot Boisselet seats around thirty guests. The décor is understated and minimalist. Taylor made a deliberate choice to space out the tables — a move that goes against current trends. “Often today’s trendy restaurants have tiny tables packed side by side. I intentionally left plenty of space between tables so everyone can stretch out a little and take their time.”

In a Montreal landscape where openings come fast and furious, Bistrot Boisselet is betting on well-executed simplicity. And that’s exactly what the scene was missing. Happy discovering!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Updated on March 03, 2026

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