Motel Ontario: A Friendly Wine Bar in Hochelaga

Two Food Photographers 15 Two Food Photographers 9 Two Food Photographers 2 Two Food Photographers 26 Two Food Photographers 46 Two Food Photographers 31 Two Food Photographers 40 Two Food Photographers 51 Two Food Photographers 29 Two Food Photographers 10

Don’t try to call to book a room at Motel Ontario; it’s actually a neighborhood restaurant and wine bar located in a former bank on Ontario Promenade, much to our delight!

Behind the project is Vincent Châtelais, known for Pizzeria Heirloom, l’État-Major, and the now-closed Quartier Général. He’s created a spot that fits the neighbourhood perfectly: unpretentious, lively, and genuinely warm, brought to life by a young, colourful, friendly, and welcoming team.

The name “Motel Ontario” came naturally, a nod to Vincent’s long-time dream of opening a roadside motel like the ones you pass on the way to Quebec City. When asked why a motel, his answer is simple: “Because it’s convivial, warm, affordable, and unpretentious—just like our food.” And honestly, that says it all.

An Evolving Seasonal Menu to Share Without Breaking the Bank

In the kitchen, chef Gabrielle Girard is behind the menu. After leading l’État-Major (one of our favourite bring-your-own-wine spots) as well as the much-missed Comptoir, Trois Petits Bouchons, and Quartier Général, she’s having fun crafting a seasonal menu that’s festive and made for sharing. Imaginative and inventive, Gabrielle has a sharp eye for detail and a real gift for cooking that taps into childhood memories.

On the menu, we particularly enjoyed the crispy eggplant with cumin-flavored yogurt, the beef flank tataki styled like carpaccio, the salmon tartare accented with pink peppercorns, and the Motel sandwich, featuring a crispy piece of fried cod served in a bao bun (steamed bread). Everything is affordable, executed with precision, and to quote Gabrielle: “It’s fun, generous, indulgent, and everything is homemade, even the bread!”

A Wine List by Vins Fluides

The evolving wine list at Motel Ontario is curated by Steve Beauséjour and Cat Fabi from Vins Fluides. It primarily features private import wines, organic and natural wines, as well as more classic selections to please every palate. A rotating selection of 10 to 15 wines by the glass is available at all times, and the prices are more than reasonable—indeed, this was a key principle of the initial project.

For cocktails, the menu was entrusted to Choyce Kotori, promising a creative and playful selection. The team’s favorites include the Chemise Hawaïenne, an exotic rum cocktail featuring coconut, mango, pineapple, and ginger, and the Bella Rosa, made with tequila, St-Germain, and grapefruit, which are already becoming hits among patrons.

A Bright, Elegant, and Timeless Space

We were enchanted by the décor designed by Tania Morrison of LOVACO. From the glass wine cellar behind the bar, which serves as the centerpiece of the decor, to the burnt orange armchairs at the entrance and the brown leather banquette that adds richness and warmth to the space, everything is set up for a delightful experience.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a drink or share a meal with friends, Motel Ontario is sure to become a must-visit spot in Hochelaga. Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend making a reservation, as the restaurant is already generating a buzz in the neighborhood!

Happy discovering!


Photography by Alison Slattery





tastet+
More restaurant spots

Featured In

From the magazine