Mama C: A Chic Mediterranean Address in Old Montreal

In the heart of Old Montreal, Mama C, located on the ground floor of the Nelligan Hotel—voted the best urban hotel in Canada by Travel and Leisure—offers dishes inspired by the freshness of the Greek islands, blending traditions with the modernity of Mediterranean flavors.

A Sophisticated Décor Combining Warmth and Refinement

Orchestrated by the Corner Collection group (Terrasse Nelligan, Kyo, Brasserie 701), this elegant establishment, named in honor of Christina, the mother of the four founders of Greek descent, stands out with its striking decor designed by the inimitable Atelier Zébulon Perron. Every detail has been carefully considered, including the addition of an olive tree as a nod to Greece. The atmosphere at Mama C is subdued. Warm, earthy colors guide the decor. Here, the focus is not on cramped little tables; comfort is prioritized, a choice that is widely appreciated! The style of Zébulon is immediately recognizable through the magnificent lighting fixtures, marble tables, leather banquettes, and luxurious fabrics. The custom-made furniture adds a unique and sophisticated touch to the space.

Sharing the Family Culinary Heritage

The menu at Mama C has been crafted in close collaboration with Chef Michalis Merzenis, recognized for his expertise in prestigious establishments in Athens and Mykonos, as well as Chef Anastasios Roussis, who has over 15 years of experience in the Montreal culinary scene. They join forces to introduce a cuisine of celebration and sharing, evoking Christina’s culinary heritage. The menu features seafood towers, table-side filleted fish, grilled meats, and pasta, often combining citrus notes and fresh herbs that reflect the refinement of the Mediterranean. A standout dish is the delicate dorade sashimi swimming in a lemon and spicy oil sauce. Daily arrivals are showcased at the fish and seafood bar, serving as a display of the exceptional freshness of the products. “Of course, we have imports from overseas, particularly from Greece, but we try to work with fresh, local, and seasonal products whenever possible,” we are told.

The house specialties—just to name a few—include the shoulder of lamb for four, carved and served at the table, which is definitely worth the trip, as well as the spanakopita presented as a salad, and the lamb skewer served with spicy tomato chutney. The team takes pleasure in explaining the dishes with passion and precision: “Here, we focus on a human and friendly service experience.”

The wine list offers a lovely selection of both natural and more classic options. With Greece in the spotlight, we opted for a maceration wine that paired wonderfully with the dishes we had the pleasure of tasting.

To stay on theme, the Mama César caught our attention on the cocktail menu, featuring feta-stuffed olives and Greek salad seasoning.

For now, the restaurant is open only in the evening. However, we are informed that Mama C will also offer breakfast and lunch services starting at the end of September 2024. With its indoor balconies, the lounge area that serves as the hotel bar, known as the atrium, will offer a mezze menu for sharing—perfect for happy hour or a late-night drink.

Although Mama C has a relatively high price range, it is justified by a dreamlike decor. This Old Montreal establishment will surely appeal to both locals and tourists. Whether for a romantic getaway or a celebration, we highly recommend it. That said, to fully enjoy the sharing-focused experience, we still advise going in a group and embarking on a most delightful culinary journey.

Happy discovering!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Maya Cloutier et Mama C

Last update: October 10, 2024

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