Maison BaultBerri: the new project by Laurent Dagenais within the Empire

Longtime friends Phil Grisé and Laurent Dagenais have created a new space that perfectly reflects them: simple, polished, and irresistibly inviting. When the owner of Empire decided to add a café to his new boutique in the Quartier Latin, the choice was obvious. “When Phil approached me, I was immediately interested. We shared the same vision for this project,” says Laurent Dagenais. Maison BaultBerri appeared.

Entering through 1275 Berri Street, visitors discover a stunning café-bistro with about forty seats. Its name, Maison BaultBerri, pays tribute to Archambault, the former neighborhood institution — a nod to the site’s history and the cultural vibrancy of the area.

The menu is straightforward and focused on freshness: coffees and matchas, cold drinks, smoothies, plus sandwiches, salads, soups, and viennoiseries from Hof Kelsten bakery. Excellent “healthy bowls” round out the offering — a brilliant option for students looking for a nutritious meal during exam season! Everything is made fresh daily in collaboration with top-quality suppliers from Greater Montreal — that signature “good product, good flavor” spirit without any fuss. The famous jambon-beurre, made with a ficelle baguette from Boulangerie Guillaume, is the café’s signature — and for good reason. But the true star of the menu, in our opinion, is the French onion soup! You’ll understand why after your first spoonful.

“Our café was designed as a warm, welcoming place where everyone feels comfortable. Whether it’s for coffee, a bite to eat, to work, or to chat, everything is set up so you’ll want to come back,” explains Phil Grisé. “The décor is inviting, and the atmosphere is relaxed, with soft lighting — it’s the perfect spot to unwind while waiting for someone who’s shopping.”

The design of both the café and the Empire boutique was entrusted to Daniel Finkelstein (Design Finkel). The result: a cozy atmosphere, clean lines, and refined details that reflect the neighborhood’s DNA — a mix of culture, shopping, and local charm. Carefully curated artworks adorn the walls, bringing the space to life. The furniture blends wood and leather, with touches that recall the 1970s, evoking both nostalgia and comfort. Its beautiful interior makes it one of the most stunning cafés in the city.

The address is now officially open — and it’s already a Tastet team favorite. Enjoy your visit!