Bouillon Albert: an affordable French restaurant on Saint-Denis Street

Located in the former Hachoir space at the corner of Rachel and Saint-Denis, Bouillon Albert, which opened on October 7, 2024, is the perfect spot to enjoy traditional French dishes at affordable prices—true to the spirit of the classic French bouillons.

What is a French bouillon?

French bouillons are establishments that serve traditional French comfort food—think meat dishes, œufs mayo, pâté, and timeless desserts. They’re known for their reasonable prices and welcoming atmosphere, often featuring a touch of nostalgia and retro-inspired décor.

The project comes from the Groupe Grinder, the team behind restaurants such as Grinder, Makro, and Boucherie Grinder. “After 14 wonderful years, it was time to turn the page for Le Hachoir,” says owner Jean-François Corriveau. “Culinary trends are evolving, and the craze for tartares and gourmet burgers has faded, making way for a concept of classic French cuisine perfectly suited to the Plateau Mont-Royal clientele.”

The restaurant seats 76 guests, with cozy banquettes, tables, and a beautiful counter. The refreshed décor combines warmth and modernity, highlighted by touches of green ceramic and soft lighting, creating a convivial and inviting ambiance.

An affordable Parisian experience

“When we created Bouillon Albert, we wanted to recreate an authentic, generous, and unpretentious cuisine—like that of the traditional bouillons in France,” explains Arthur Dorville, general manager.

In the kitchen, chefs Fernando López Jiménez (Pujol) and Jérémie Marcille (Dur à cuire) have crafted a menu of French classics divided into three sections: starters, mains, and desserts. Starters include parsley butter escargots, beef tartare, and pommes pailles, priced between $6 and $14. Main dishes such as trout with sorrel sauce and hanger steak with café de Paris butter and fries range from $19 to $29. For dessert, guests can enjoy a verbena mille-feuille or apple tarte Tatin à la mode, priced from $6 to $10. These accessible prices make it easy to indulge without breaking the bank!

On the drinks side, the bar serves both classic and reimagined cocktails. For wine lovers, sommelier Jean-Alexandre Boisclair has curated a thoughtful list combining timeless favorites and bolder selections, all perfectly matched to the menu and reasonably priced.

Bouillon Albert is the perfect place to enjoy a delightful evening of good food and drinks at fair prices—all in a warm, welcoming setting.

Bon appétit!