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Restaurant Limbo: a new top spot in Little Italy
Restaurant Limbo
- $$$
- Reservation with OpenTable
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45 Avenue Mozart Ouest Montréal H2S 1C1
+1 514-273-7772 -
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Friday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
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- Restaurant
Restaurant Limbo, the new restaurant taking over the former Marconi space between Little Italy and Mile-Ex, quietly opened its doors on March 26, 2025. Leading the project are front-of-house Jack Zeppetelli (ex-Maison Publique, Pichai) and chef Harrison Shewchuk (ex-Maison Publique, Salle Climatisée). Limbo is a heartfelt project that is sure to charm you!
Jack runs the dining room, Harrison leads the kitchen, and together with Jesse Massumi (Pichai, Pumpui), Xav, and a close-knit team of collaborators, they complete this adventure perfectly. Originally, the concept was to be a listening bar with small plates and a musical atmosphere. But when the space became available, the concept evolved into a full restaurant, and the team came together. Located at the corner of Clark and Mozart, the venue is just five minutes from Harrison’s home. “The neighborhood is amazing—close to the market, surrounded by people we love. We were happy to take over from Mehdi (of Marconi). I adore the kitchen layout; it’s a dream for me,” he says.
Why the name “Limbo”? The name “Limbo” holds several meanings. It mainly evokes a space between, suspended in time and place. “I’ve always loved this word and its meaning, and when I realized it was also a dance, we knew it was the right name for us,” explains Harrison. “We wanted to create a place that reflects who we are,” he adds. “A place for everyone. I’m a chef, Jack is a host—we love this work, and today, we do it for ourselves.”
Limbo retains the same layout as the former Marconi, with a large bar and an open kitchen. The decor was designed by the whole team. The result: a blend of modernity and classic style, thoughtful yet bold. Burgundy-colored banquettes, carefully chosen artworks by Jack—“that’s probably my favorite part of creating the space”—a fluid layout, and an open room connecting the kitchen and bar give the place a lively vibe. “We live in restaurants, so we knew exactly what we wanted,” says Harrison.
In the kitchen, Harrison leads a skilled team of cooks. The menu is constantly evolving, depending on inspiration and the market’s offerings. “It’s a bit chaotic—in a good way,” he explains. The approach is technical but always creative. They draw on classic French cuisine, reinterpreted with a contemporary touch and local products. House specialties change often, but among the classics, we recommend the house bread, pastas, and scallops. The dishes are simple yet flavorful. Desserts like the reworked floating island and the modernized Poire Belle-Hélène are very simple but incredibly tasty.
The wine list at Limbo, curated by Henri (Pichai), is decidedly natural. You’ll find “zero-zero” wines (with no added sulfites), surprising bottles from Jura and Burgundy, and a selection that will please both the curious and the seasoned connoisseur. On the cocktail side, Elo Lavallée Davis handles the bar with elegant, daring, and perfectly balanced creations.
For Jack and Harrison, Limbo is a dream come true. “We’re doing the same work as before, but now for ourselves,” say the two young professionals. The overall experience is fantastic: menu, ambiance, decor, and service. Everything is in place to make this spot a success! Be warned—the bill can climb quickly!
Restaurant Limbo is a place to celebrate, to enjoy great food, and to have a good time. The service is attentive, the cuisine delicious, and the atmosphere makes you want to stay. True to its name, Limbo is a little pause out of time.
Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery