Casavant: Excellent cuisine in Villeray

Located just steps away from Jean-Talon Market, in the inspiring calm of De Castelnau East Street, Casavant offers outstanding cuisine and a range of services that have drawn crowds since its opening. Food lovers continue to flock here to experience the charms of the place: a beautiful decor, a warm and friendly atmosphere, and of course, delicious cuisine at a great value, created by passionate and highly talented chefs.

Casavant, named in honor of the grandmother of Matisse Deslauriers, one of the co-owners, proudly represents the identity of the industry we adore: impressive hospitality and, in the kitchen, flawless execution.

Food lovers, passionate and highly talented people

The project was born from the desire of true restaurant enthusiasts and masters of hospitality! Matisse Deslauriers and Geoffroy Gravel met at Vinvinvin and had been thinking about developing a project together for some time. Joining them is the excellent chef Charles-Tristan Prévost (formerly of Club Chasse et Pêche and Satay Brothers) and Amélie Demchuck to bring it all to life. Nikolas Dafonseca, Antonin Frénette-Laporte, and Marina De Figueiredo from Vinvinvin are also shareholders in the project. A group of fun-loving, passionate, and highly talented people coming together to open a place results in this: a restaurant that makes you want to go out to dine!

A décor as discreet as it is stunning…

The first thing that catches your eye upon arriving at the corner of Drolet and De Castelnau streets is the superb design. Created by Menard Dworking and inspired by 1920s and 1960s Art Deco, the space is truly magnificent! The corner location benefits from an incredible amount of natural light. The restaurant also features a large window that opens onto De Castelnau Street, with a long orange banquette welcoming guests.

“It was important for us to incorporate art into the restaurant,” says one of the owners. They’ve certainly succeeded, with highlights like the Back End canvas by Nicolas Grenier, a parquet floor designed by Guillaume Menard, a ceiling mural by designer Vanille Windenberger, and an iconic Italian Medusa lamp by Carlo Nason.

For those who appreciate fine art, “there’s some really beautiful stuff,” as one might say! It’s a space where beauty meets functionality, bringing to mind Oscar Wilde’s idea that “life imitates art far more than art imitates life.” Casavant blends these elements effortlessly into its inviting, elegant atmosphere.

…and absolutely irresistible dishes

The menu features expertly crafted dishes, highlighted by chef Charles-Tristan using local ingredients, heavily influenced by the seasonal harvests from the nearby Jean-Talon Market. Here, you’ll savor classic French cuisine, reimagined with a modern Casavant twist. While the menu evolves with the seasons, the traditional sausage with mashed potatoes and the beef tartare are expected to remain staples. Given their exceptional flavor, the dishes are very reasonably priced.

The wine list is just as impressive, rivaling the best wine bars in the city, featuring a fine selection of natural wines, mainly sourced from À Boire Debout, Matisse’s wine import agency.

“We wanted to open a restaurant where we’d want to eat after a shift,” Matisse explains, emphasizing, “the concept is simple: a beautiful modern French table with great natural wines where restaurant workers can come for a late-night meal.” Indeed, the restaurant offers a lively yet relaxed vibe, with a cozy atmosphere that stays vibrant until late—the kitchen closes at midnight every night of the week. Casavant is even one of the top spots for late-night eats.

Note that Casavant is open 7 nights a week and therefore appears in our lists of places open on Monday nights and open on Sunday nights.

Written by Fabie Lubin
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: October 09, 2024

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