Miracolo: An Italian Majestic Experience

“I’ve always wanted to create an Italian Majestique! That’s why I opened Miracolo,” says Richard Holder, co-owner of the establishment.

Why Miracolo?
“We were looking for a name that was a little fun, a bit Italian, with a slightly Catholic bent and lots of self-mockery. Miracolo immediately appealed to us!” he confides. Miracolo, which means “miracle” in Italian, is the third venue from this well-known businessman on Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

An Experienced Team

Richard, partner in the Holder, Brasserie Bernard, Galaxie, Majestique, Darling, and now Miracolo, is a familiar figure in the restaurant scene. The décor is signed by designer Thomas Csano, while Alejandro Vega, executive chef of Darling, Majestique, and Miracolo, and head chef Pierre Morneau (formerly of JJacques) complete the partner team.

Miracolo took over the former Prato pizzeria location on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, next to the famous Jewish delicatessen Schwartz’s Deli and just steps from Majestique and Darling.

Miracolo’s Unique Décor

Miracolo shares a family resemblance with its two big brothers but has its own distinct character. You can clearly feel the touch of Richard and Thomas, who collaborated closely on the design. Influences include director Wes Anderson (especially The French Dispatch) and 1950s Italian cinema. Warm tones dominate the eclectic décor, illuminated by grand golden chandeliers, schoolhouse lamps, and industrial pendant lights.

“I love color palettes. When you look at our restaurants, I want the color palette of a fireplace; a warm tone,” explains Richard Holder. Catholic symbols appear throughout: an impressive collection of Madonna statuettes, large candles, and the centerpiece of the décor — an imposing cabinet behind the bar reminiscent of a church sacristy. Every object and piece of furniture, from knickknacks to the faded ceramic walls and columns, seems to have a story to tell.

The whole is eclectic yet inviting and warm: the large bar counter and the long banquette in the roughly 110-seat dining room invite communion. The open kitchen also allows the cooks to be part of the grand mass.

Unlike Majestique and Darling, which have bar licenses, Miracolo holds a restaurant license. Families with children are welcome! For now, the restaurant is open five evenings a week from 4 p.m., with plans to add two more evenings plus lunch and brunch service soon.

“I like ambiguity in how a space is used; I like that different people come for different reasons — café, restaurant, or bar. I want to be part of the neighborhood; people should know they can drop in whenever they want,” muses the co-owner.

An Italian-Inspired Menu

After training at ITHQ, Alejandro Vega completed internships in Italy and France, then worked at Jun I, Bouillon Bilk, Cadet, and as a private chef. More recently, he took over kitchens at Darling and Majestique, where he is now executive chef. It was at Cadet that he met head chef Pierre Morneau, who until recently was executive chef at JJacques, one of our favorite addresses in Quebec City.

According to Richard Holder, good Italian restaurants were missing from the neighborhood. “None of us are Italian, but Alejandro has a culinary background. I like Italian cuisine for its approach — quality ingredients, less processed food, and a focus on savoriness,” he explains.

The menu is divided into seven sections: oyster bar, appetizers, vegetables, seafood, pasta, meats, and desserts. About half the menu will likely remain fixed: “We’ll find hits we keep forever,” the co-owner specifies. The other half will evolve seasonally. The guiding line is Italian with a North American twist. The chefs draw inspiration from traditional recipes but use Quebec products, such as Clos-des-Roches cheese instead of Parmigiano Reggiano. Highlights include pasta and desserts, sure to be favorites. From Friday to Sunday, the restaurant also offers brunch.

Dishes are priced fairly and designed for sharing. There is a genuine desire to create food that is both delicious and accessible. “I wanted a menu that brings pleasure, that’s accessible, and that makes you want to come back,” sums up Alejandro Vega. Note that Miracolo is now open for lunch and also offers a very tempting brunch menu Friday through Sunday!

With a seasoned team at the helm, Miracolo brings a much-needed new option to the neighborhood. We have no doubt this new spot will be a success!

Enjoy your discovery!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: May 23, 2025

Make a suggestion