Le French Line : a cocktail of sophistication and nostalgia at Le 9e

Le French Line, the new cocktail bar at restaurant Île de France at Le 9e, takes you on a journey through time. Officially opened in June 2024, this intimate 35-seat venue offers more than just cocktails; it provides an experience steeped in history and elegance with a breathtaking view of the city of Montreal.

The name French Line pays homage to the historic transatlantic voyages of the French Line’s Île de France sea liner. This tribute is reflected both in the atmosphere and the bar’s offerings, evoking a sense of nostalgia and elegance from the early 20th century. The same team behind the success of Île de France leads French Line, including industry veterans Jeff Baikowitz, Marco Gucciardi, Andrew Whibley, and talented chefs Derek Dammann and Liam Hopkins.

“We wanted to create a space reminiscent of a London hotel bar, with a focus on exceptional service and attention to detail,” explains mixologist Andrew Whibley (Bar Dominion, Cloakroom). The cocktail menu reflects this vision, featuring recipes from the 1920s and 1930s, modernized with contemporary ingredients and techniques. “It’s about offering our guests a sophisticated yet accessible drinking experience,” continues Whibley. For him and his team, Le French Line is a labor of love, designed to transport guests to a bygone era of cocktail glamour and refinement. “We wanted to bring people back to a time when cocktails were an art form. It’s a special place, and we’re excited to share it with the city.”

The décor of French Line, largely realized by Andrew and Marco, is inspired by the grand hall of the Île de France ship. Featuring original tables (!), chairs, and banquettes designed to replicate those from the historic foyer, the space is simple, elegant, and chic. Corner windows provide a harmonious blend of natural light during the day and a warm ambiance at night, enhancing the overall feeling of nostalgia. And the bar offers a stunning view of downtown Montreal!

The French Line menu focuses on a magnificent raw bar, created by Daniel Notkins. Guests can indulge in oysters, caviar, and impressive seafood towers or opt for more casual dishes like crab fritters, tartare, and burgers. Every dish is simple but perfectly executed, offering the perfect complement to the meticulously crafted cocktails. Andrew Whibley’s cocktail menu features a dozen unique creations, with highlights including clarified milk punches made with coconut milk and flips, a popular 1920s cocktail containing whole eggs.

Le French Line is a superb addition to Montreal’s already vibrant cocktail bar scene. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a new and unique place to unwind, Le French Line is sure to captivate you, either with its delicious cocktails or its exceptional view!

Le French Line opens at 3 p.m., making it an ideal spot for an early apéro, and stays open until midnight, with live piano music adding to the sophisticated atmosphere.

Written by Mikael Lebleu
Photography by Le 9e

Last update: December 10, 2024

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