Renzo: Vintage Sandwich Shop in Mile End

A new hidden gem has just opened at the corner of Saint-Laurent and Fairmount: Renzo, the brainchild of five passionate individuals united by a fresh vision of dining. Among them is Jean-Michel Leblond, aka John Mike (Kabinet), an executive chef, country singer, and well-known host, eager to return to the industry with a completely new approach. Operations are led by Bastien Daoust-Beaudin (Bar chez Baptiste, Buvette Pompette, and Bar St-Denis), design by Guillaume Ménard, branding by Daniel Chartrand, founder of Imagi Affichage, and marketing by Justin Daoust, founder of Nouvelle Idée and a former restaurateur.

The name Renzo is a nod to their address, inspired by a contraction of “San Lorenzo,” the Italian translation of “Saint-Laurent,” while being simple and catchy. From the moment you step inside, every detail feels thoughtfully curated—design, visual identity, and a carefully crafted menu.

The restaurant’s interior evokes old-school Montreal diners with a retro, subtly sporty aesthetic inspired by vintage baseball teams. Guillaume has designed a warm, vintage atmosphere, while Justin has created a perfectly cohesive visual identity.

The menu boasts no fewer than 14 sandwich options, blending reinvented classics with global inspirations. We particularly recommend the Poulet Renzo: a crispy fried chicken sandwich, enhanced with a touch of jalapeño, topped with crunchy cabbage and pickles—just spicy enough to excite the taste buds without overwhelming them.

Another must-try is the corned beef sandwich, a tribute to Justin’s childhood memories in New Brunswick. The idea actually came to life during a trip to Seattle, where he tried a sandwich that unexpectedly reminded him of Montreal. “While eating it, I tasted Montreal in another city,” Justin recalls. You can clearly recognize the familiar flavors of Montreal-style smoked meat but with a unique Renzo twist.

For fans of classic sandwiches, the traditional sub is worth discovering—a mix of deli meats and marinated vegetables, elevated by Renzo’s signature chipotle mayo, offering a subtly bold kick.
To end on a sweet note, several house-made desserts are available: cookies, pouding chômeur, tiramisu, and our personal favorite, key lime pie. And when the temperature rises, alcoholic slushies offer the perfect refreshment. On-site, you’ll also find a selection of fine local or imported products.

Justin and the entire team aim to establish Renzo as a Mile End institution: a welcoming, lively, and effortlessly integrated neighborhood staple that quickly becomes an essential go-to. From our perspective, it’s already a success!

Written by Jonathan Miller
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: July 23, 2025

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