Bona Fide: A Charming Italian-Inspired Resto in Villeray

Opened in October 2024, Bona Fide has taken over the former Paloma space on Boulevard Saint-Laurent. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy good times with loved ones, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Behind the Bona Fide project are three former team members from Antonietta: Renaud Bussières (Liverpool House, Mal Nécessaire), Camille Laura Briand (Moleskine, Pamplemousse), Luigi Minerva (former owner of Antonietta, Atwater Cocktail Club, Mal Nécessaire), and Chef David Alfred (Liverpool, Nora Gray). This dynamic team is dedicated to creating a warm space with sincere intentions. “Bona fide is a Latin term meaning ‘in good faith.’ We wanted this to become our way of operating, offering friendly, relaxed, fun service so that guests feel a bit at home! It’s also a happy blend of everything that makes Montreal so beautiful: exceptional, personalized, and truly welcoming service,” explains Renaud, the owner.

The space is intimate, with about thirty seats, and the small size is perfectly complemented by the decor created by Camille. You’ll find beautiful wooden touches, soft lighting, and a few hanging plants—simple and tasteful decor that evokes the classic Italian restaurants of New York. It immediately feels like you’re in a little bubble, away from the outside world, where the exceptionally friendly service team will take perfect care of you!

Bona Fide: A Cuisine to Match Their Service

In the kitchen, Chef David Alfred has crafted a delightful Italian menu with touches of French and Spanish influences. “We wanted to offer a fun and varied Italian menu. We want everything to be shareable, so people can place the dishes in the center of the table like at nonna’s house, and enjoy an authentic Italian experience, our way,” explains Renaud.

The menu is divided into four categories: the cold bar, where you’ll find crudos and oysters, some antipasti, side dishes like endive salad or duck and mushroom arancini, pasta such as their pappardelle ripiene, and a meat section with their pork chop, served with delicata squash, chestnuts, apples, and brown butter. With around twelve options, the menu is priced between $7 and $48.

As for cocktails, Luigi has put a subtle twist on classic Italian drinks: negroni, sbagliato, aperol spritz, and a fine selection of amaros to elevate the experience. Prices range from $14 to $17. For wines, Renaud has curated an exceptional list, focusing on classic Italian wines while also including a few European favorites. Bona Fide aims to be primarily a wine bar rather than a cocktail bar, and the list, with its diversity and complexity, will please any wine lover. The prices are very affordable, ranging from $60 to $150 per bottle.

Bona Fide is the perfect place to enjoy an Italian-inspired experience, in a warm atmosphere with friendly service. It’s the ideal escape for a relaxing evening away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

Enjoy the discovery!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Bona Fide

Last update: November 07, 2024

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