Porte à Côté: the laid-back little sister of Rose Ross

Porte à Côté is, quite literally, the door next to Rose Ross, an address we already adore. So it’s no surprise to find the same passion, the same quality, and the same creativity here—it’s the very same team at the helm. The name is also a nod to Véronique Côté, one of the three owners. A former member of the Rose Ross team for two years, she went on to explore other corners of the industry before feeling the irresistible call of the restaurant world once again. Joining Myriam and Sébastien to bring this new project to life was, for her, an obvious choice.

Porte à Côté is a natural extension of Rose Ross, but with a more relaxed vibe. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to drop by every week—whether it’s for lunch with friends, a romantic dinner, or simply an impromptu drink. Staying true to their philosophy, the team shines a spotlight on local and seasonal products—and once again, does so with finesse. In the kitchen, Myriam continues to impress. Trained in prestigious establishments like Toqué! (where she became sous-chef at just 22!) and in Michelin-starred restaurants in France, including under Alain Passard, she masters the art of elevating every ingredient. Her partner in both business and life, Sébastien, brings over 40 years of experience, having worked in several renowned Montreal restaurants, including Robin des Bois—where he first met Myriam.

A delight from start to finish

The menu moves gracefully between freshness, indulgence, and originality. The “Chuck Norris” oysters and beef tartare with shiso and pickles make for a flawless surf-and-turf to start. Our personal favorite? The mapo cabbage with ground pork—a playful take on the classic Chinese dish, where tofu is swapped for squeaky Quebec cheese curds, making it richer and more comforting. Other highlights include sourdough with mushroom spread, seasonal grilled vegetables over yogurt with crispy chili oil and honey, Nova Scotia bluefin tuna carpaccio, grilled Cornish hen, and a duo of pork and clams with beluga lentils, capers, and fresh herbs. For dessert, it’s hard to choose between the frozen carrot cake bar and the milk chocolate mousse with passion fruit. As with its big sister, the menu will evolve with the seasons. And the best news? Prices are refreshingly reasonable.

Porte à Côté is also a great spot for a drink. The well-curated wine list features excellent appellations and renowned estates, while the signature cocktails are equally tempting: the Spill The Tea (gin, sherry, honey, hibiscus, lime) and T’es Givrée (raspberry, citrus, Earl Grey tea) are irresistible. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, blending velvet, deep greens, and lush plant accents, all bathed in a soft glow. Every detail encourages you to slow down, from the welcoming bar at the back to the plush banquettes where you’ll want to linger. It is definitely one of the prettiest bars of the city. Chic, relaxed, and warm—Porte à Côté is exactly the address rue Masson was missing.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: August 14, 2025

Make a suggestion