Juliette Plaza: the Parallel Universe of Montréal Plaza

Right next door to the iconic Montréal Plaza, separated only by a quirky little curtain, Juliette Plaza celebrates its official opening on February 28, 2024. From the very start, the establishment stands out with its unique ambiance and high-quality cuisine, clearly bearing the signature touch of the prestigious team from the neighboring institution. However, beyond these similarities, a clear divide emerges, revealing two distinct entities, each with its own unmistakable soul.

An Exceptional Menu

The cuisine at Juliette Plaza is delicate, creative, nostalgic, stunningly beautiful, and flawlessly executed. Just like at Montréal Plaza, the menu is shaped with a special touch by the duo of Cheryl Johnson and Charles-Antoine Crête. Cheryl shares: “Charles embodies the creative spirit of the duo, while I’m here, among other things, to capture his ideas and bring them to life. Without confining ourselves to fixed roles, we work closely together to create each dish. From the Asian influences that marked my childhood to classics like Charles-Antoine’s mother’s sandwich loaf, our cooking is a harmonious blend of various inspirations.”

The menu is divided into three main sections: aperitifs (small bites), fish and meat (main dishes), and sides. The concept behind Juliette Plaza is to offer a more accessible option compared to its neighbor. For example, we loved the deviled egg topped with an anchovy fillet, the Red Lobster Scallops, delicately breaded and served with a homemade cocktail sauce, and the Germaine beef cheek, meltingly tender. A highlight was the lamb flank with homemade labneh, preserved lemon, chickpeas, and mint. For offal enthusiasts: the tongue and brain are also worth a try.

With prices ranging from $5 to $25, every choice on Juliette Plaza’s menu is tempting. The goal is to allow diners to enjoy a small dish with a glass of wine, while also offering the chance to linger for a more extended gastronomic experience.

A Playful-Chic Décor

The choice of this restaurant’s name is no coincidence. It pays a heartfelt tribute to Charles-Antoine’s mother, who passed away a few years ago. “Charles’s boundless creativity stems directly from his mother. Juliette was a colorful woman, full of humor, while radiating great elegance,” shares Cheryl.

Reflecting this maternal figure, the restaurant embodies a style best described as playful-chic. One can’t help but be intrigued by details like the boat suspended from the ceiling that turns, and the wallpaper depicting prehistoric scenes. These elements harmoniously contrast with the stunning bar, mosaic flooring, and open kitchen, inspired by the one at Toqué! where Cheryl and Charles once worked.

Jointly designed by Charles-Antoine and interior designer Andréanne Guillemette, the restaurant’s decor is reason enough for a visit!