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Hélicoptère: A hidden gem in Hochelaga
Restaurant Hélicoptère
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4255 Rue Ontario Est Montréal H1V 1K4
+1 514-543-4255 -
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM, 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
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- Restaurant
This charming spot is a member of the Aliments du Québec au menu program! This means it has chosen to highlight the wonderful products of Quebec and local producers in its menu—something we truly admire! Aliments du Québec au menu is a recognition program aimed at restaurants that prioritize Quebec products in their cuisine. To learn more, click here!
Open since July 2018, the Hélicoptère restaurant is a little gem in Hochelaga. Carried by a delightful team, this project is an address you absolutely must discover; the food and drinks are excellent.
David Ollu, chef and owner, previously worked at one of Montreal’s must-visit restaurants, Bouillon Bilk. After some time, David wanted to strike out on his own and create two projects close to his heart: the restaurant Hélicoptère and the café Hélico. Since their beginnings, these two spots have been among our favorites in the city!
The unique name Hélicoptère was inspired by the helicopter seeds that fall from the maple tree in autumn. “The name represented Quebec and it’s emblem, the maple tree. Helicopters are the seeds and fruits of these trees; it represents our journey well, having left Bouillon Bilk to grow and find a new project of our own.”
The result of a brilliant collaboration between co-chefs David, Hugo Schmidt, Alexandra Nolan, and Steven Peyre, along with sommelier Karolane Bérubé, Hélicoptère is located in a double-fronted space at the corner of La Salle Avenue and Ontario Street East.
Its back section is home to Hélico café, which serves sweet and savoury delights crafted by David throughout the day. In the evening, the offering transitions into Hélicoptère, welcoming guests into a charming and cozy space.
Renovated by Les deux marteaux and designed by Mise à Jour Studio, the restaurant’s space is now more inviting than ever. The team has created a bright and welcoming environment that celebrates raw materials and natural textures, perfectly reflecting the restaurant’s spirit. The blown-glass light fixtures by Marc-André Fontaine, already present in the space, were reimagined by Studio Botté to seamlessly blend into the new decor. The result? A warm, contemporary atmosphere—timeless and perfect for lingering at the table. Mélissa Ross, General manager and Maître D, is doing a great job to make you feel comfortable.
The concept of sharing is central to the philosophy behind Hélicoptère. Whether in the restaurant’s opening process, the way the team works (the chefs bring the plates to the tables themselves!), or the entirely homemade dishes, everything is highly collaborative. The Hélicoptère experience revolves around a shared menu, where guests are encouraged to choose 5 to 6 dishes per person.
The dishes, created by David, beautifully showcase seasonal products and are crafted with these ingredients in mind. Each plate here is delicate, meticulously presented, and absolutely delicious, drawing on flavors from around the world, as David finds inspiration from a variety of sources. Favorites include the chicken liver mousse on financiers with almonds and berries, and the calamari served with cucumber, onion, mint, and chili. Everything here is simply delightful! The menu will evolve weekly to reflect market arrivals and allow the kitchen team to enjoy creating new flavors.
The restaurant’s superb wine list is filled with exciting finds, including a variety of natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. The passion of the sommelier team shines through in their unique selection of local products, enabling them to create cocktails that are both refined and playful. The spot also features a few local beers on tap.
When it’s time for dessert, Steven Peyre creates wonderful treats that bring the meal to a delightfully satisfying close.
“With Helicopter, I love the fact that we have direct contact with customers. I have cooked for a long time without being able to exchange and discuss with people; it is all in the same idea of sharing. I like that we finally have this proximity with those for whom we cook!”
With its charming and dynamic team, delectable dishes, and warm, inviting space, Hélicoptère is a true gem in the heart of the Hochelaga neighborhood waiting to be discovered. It’s also featured on our list of the Best Sandwiches in Montreal for a treat.
Written by Sydney Carter
Photography by Alison Slattery
