Restaurant Bruce: Scottish Charm on Notre-Dame West

Open since December 2025, Bruce is a wonderful new addition to the Petite-Bourgogne neighborhood. This absolutely charming restaurant is just as suited to settling in for a good beer with friends as it is to taking your time over a comfortable dinner.

Behind the project are William Charbonneau (Joe Beef), Camille Desmarais-Plouffe (Liverpool House), chef Scott Love (Mui Mui), and operations director Jean-Philippe Faille (Liverpool House). A strong quartet who have created a heartfelt tribute to William’s mother, Barbara Bruce, a Scottish woman with hospitality in her blood. The result: a refreshing and confident new presence on Montréal’s culinary scene.

The dining room is warm and dotted with subtle nods to Scotland. Designed in collaboration with Coroa Design, the space features brick walls adorned with photographs, thoughtfully placed tartan accents, and antiques sourced both in Québec and Scotland during trips taken together. With around thirty seats, the room feels intimate without being cramped—perfect for a date, a family dinner, or a night out with friends. The bar, generously sized, is also comfortable for dining.

A Small, Indulgent Menu

The menu is divided into four categories: snacks, mains, sides, and desserts. The snacks—designed as generous shareable starters—include sourdough bread, smoked fish croquettes, and breaded black pudding. Our favorite? The grilled oyster and maitake mushrooms with celeriac purée and crispy Grana Padano: perfectly executed and deeply comforting.

There are only three main courses on the menu, though specials are added regularly, and the portions are decidedly generous—at Bruce, sharing is clearly encouraged. Highlights include lamb shank and haggis with neeps & tatties, whisky sauce, and toasted oats. Among the three side options, we were especially taken with the Rumbledethump potatoes with caramelized onions, cabbage, and Gruyère. As for dessert, both offerings were absolutely delicious. The gingerbread with salted caramel and whipped cream is rich and enveloping, while the classic cranachan (whisky-infused cream, house-made oat crumble, and raspberries) brings a lovely freshness. Honestly, order both. Prices range from $7 to $57—more than reasonable for the neighborhood and the quality offered.

On the drinks side, Jean-Philippe Faille has crafted a particularly impressive list. While one might instinctively think of beer when imagining a Scottish tavern, Bruce’s wine program is decidedly artisanal and current, highlighting independent winemakers and very natural wines. Reds, whites, sparkling, and skin-contact wines—there’s something for everyone.

Scotch in the Spotlight

The cocktail list draws strong inspiration from Scotland, centered on Scotch and character-driven spirits. Classics are revisited with precision—Penicillin, Martini, Rickey—featuring brands such as The Botanist, Hendrick’s, Dewar’s, and Bowmore. Expect fresh and citrusy profiles alongside smoky, herbal, and gently bitter notes (Cynar, amaro, Earl Grey). It’s a balanced, thoughtful list—refined without being pretentious—that skillfully bridges British tradition and modern touches.

There are also mocktails for those who prefer to skip alcohol, as well as a short selection of craft beers (some organic), focused on the simple pleasure of enjoying a well-made pint. The offering is straightforward, cohesive, and carefully curated to complement the food rather than overpower it.

Bruce is a true homage to Scottish culture—and the perfect place to gather and spend a beautiful evening on Notre-Dame West.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Genevieve Charbonneau

Updated on February 14, 2026

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