Monkland Tavern: A refined institution in NDG

Opened in 1995, Monkland Tavern emerges as a hidden gem in Notre-Dame de Grâce, offering meticulous and impeccable farm-to-table cuisine. You’ll be captivated not only by the exquisite dishes but also by the welcoming atmosphere and service worthy of the city’s finest establishments.

Nestled on Monkland Street, this restaurant is a true haven for locals and frequented by several prominent figures in Montreal’s culinary scene. Under the direction of owners Barbara Irwin and Josh Crowe, along with Chef Josh, the establishment has positioned itself as a gastronomic reference while maintaining the warm and familial atmosphere typical of neighborhood restaurants.

A Personalized Culinary Experience

Monkland Tavern’s menu is brimming with delights, including the root vegetable carpaccio crafted from smoked celery root and rutabaga, dressed with a white butter vinaigrette, Parmesan, and Gaspesian nori—a must-try! Josh has a talent for elevating vegetables with an intuitive and gourmet approach, taking them to another level. While the à la carte prices may seem high, once you appreciate the meticulous work put into each dish, the bill becomes much more palatable.

For Josh, adopting a more sustainable approach is paramount, even if it’s reflected in the prices. “We work almost exclusively with local products and offer a simple cuisine that respects the essence of the ingredients,” he explains passionately. This philosophy was fully realized with their Nordic shrimp salad served on Boston lettuce—delicious!

If it’s your first visit to Monkland Tavern, we highly recommend opting for the chef’s menu at $85 per person—a must-try experience! Chef Josh personally visits your table to inquire about your preferences and dietary restrictions. Then, accompanied by his team (Mischa Ozols-Mongeau and Chris Wood), he creates a completely tailored menu, drawing inspiration from the wine you’ve selected, daily specials, and the moment’s inspirations. We had the privilege of savouring the caramelle—ricotta and lemon-stuffed pasta delicately draped in a white wine, butter, and sage sauce. This dish was the highlight of our evening! The Ontario pike, accompanied by grilled onion pickle and pumpkin, as well as the Ontario yellowtail crudo, pleasantly evoked summer.

A Wine List to Match the Cuisine

Barbara collaborates with several wine agencies to curate an evolving list, featuring a diverse selection of natural wines, more unique vintages, while also including some classics. “Our goal isn’t to intimidate our customers with the wine list, but rather to offer options for all tastes while guiding them towards new discoveries within their budget,” Barbara emphasizes enthusiastically. She works closely with the kitchen to offer perfect pairings with the dishes, and vice versa. Additionally, each evening presents a fine selection of bottles available by the glass. We recommend trusting Barbara and the front-of-house team and letting them guide you for the optimal experience.

Like Home

At Monkland Tavern, you’re welcomed like family but with impeccable service standards. Reflective of the owners’ warm personalities, the lively atmosphere truly invites you to linger for hours. The turquoise paint, white tablecloths, brown leather banquettes, the long wooden bar, and vintage lighting evoke a romantic ambiance. Adorned with frames and objects collected over the years, the walls make you feel as though you’re being welcomed into Barbara and Josh’s own home. In short, if you haven’t already, do try Monkland Tavern—we guarantee it’s worth the detour!

Happy Discovering!

Written by Fabie Lubin
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: March 07, 2024

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