Rôtisserie La Lune: Mon Lapin’s Tribute to Québécois Rotisserie

Rôtisserie La Lune, the much-anticipated new project from the owners of Mon Lapin, is finally opening its doors this week! Located in the same neighborhood, this new venue pays tribute to traditional Québécois rotisserie, with the team’s unique and creative signature touch.

At the helm of Rôtisserie La Lune is the Mon Lapin team: Vanya Filipovic, Marc-Olivier Frappier, Jessica Noël, Marc-Antoine Gélinas, and Alex Landry. The name “La Lune” was inspired by a meal shared with the famous French winemaker and author Jean-Pierre Robinot. While discussing rotisserie, he exclaimed, “We’re going to eat chicken and fly into the cosmos!”—a phrase that left an impression on the team and inspired the choice of the name.

For Marc-Olivier, opening a rotisserie has always been a dream: “I’ve always wanted a rotisserie. Mon Lapin was too small for that. And I love eating roast chicken. This project is a way of bringing Québécois rotisserie, something that’s a part of our culture, to the dining table.”

A Space Designed for Warmth and Connection

The interior of Rôtisserie La Lune was designed by Zebulon Perron, heavily influenced by carpenter Antoine Chouinard and the vision of the owners. “When you do personal projects like this, it’s very collaborative! Marco and Vanya are friends, and I really wanted to create a restaurant that reflected who they are, with a strong identity and an accessible proposition centered on an affordable menu showcasing poultry,” explains the designer.

Inspired by the idea of a rotisserie that’s democratic and open to all, the concept is built around an ambiance poised to become a classic, evoking places like the Laurier BBQ, a favorite of Zebulon’s, as well as Rôtisserie Ti-Père and Rôtisserie Excellence.

Upon entering, you’re greeted by a majestic owl, the restaurant’s emblem, carved by Antoine himself on the massive wooden door. As you step into the spacious 70-seat dining room, you’re enveloped by the warm tones of the decor and the artful play of light and textures created by Zebulon. While the grand bar immediately draws the eye, a small porthole cut into the kitchen wall offers a glimpse of the birds turning in the rotisserie. Scattered throughout are subtle references to the lunar cycle, such as half-moon wall sconces and the transition to the lower level (where two private rooms for 10 and 20 guests are located), evoking a moonset. The overall design is both contemporary and timeless, with a touch of poetry and mystery.

Despite the lively conversations in the dining room, the noise level remains surprisingly pleasant. Additionally, the dining room and ground-floor restroom are accessible to people with reduced mobility and strollers.

A Blend of Tradition and Creativity

In the kitchen, executive chefs Jessica Noël and Marc-Olivier Frappier lead the team, with the support of Charles-Eric Boutet, who has been the chef de cuisine at Mon Lapin for the past four years. La Lune’s menu celebrates poultry in all its forms: chicken, duck, guinea fowl, liver pâté, and even a sublime chicken fat butter—all accompanied by a selection of vegetables, salads, and small, appetizing starters in the spirit of Mon Lapin. The poultry and vegetables are sourced from the farms that Mon Lapin has been working with since its beginnings, ensuring continuity in the quality of ingredients. “We’re doing this our way—not out of nostalgia, but in line with who we are today. We’re celebrating rotisserie with quality products,” explains Marc-Olivier. For a first visit, we recommend the half chicken from Ferme Antoine (the one you might have seen through the porthole), served with a generous portion of fries and an exquisite house-made gravy, though the other options are just as good.

The wine list, curated by Vanya Filipovic and Alex Landry, highlights their favorite selections from Quebec and France, at very accessible prices. The entire team is composed of wine enthusiasts. On the floor, you’ll find Morgane Muszynski (formerly of Denise and Joe Beef) and Rosalie Forcherio (former owner of defunct Paloma and Montréal Plaza alumni), two exceptional women who ensure the smooth flow of hospitality. They’ve been entrusted with part of the wine service, the atmosphere, and the overall dining experience. “When I made my dream list of people to work with in the dining room, Rosa and Morgane were on it. It’s a dream come true to work with them,” says Vanya enthusiastically.

A Unique Atmosphere and Vision

With Rôtisserie La Lune, the Mon Lapin team offers a space that’s both family-friendly and accessible, where hospitality and conviviality are at the heart of the experience. As Marc-Olivier puts it: “We want a restaurant where people feel like eating, a place where rotisserie meets hospitality, with a welcoming room and an incredible wine list.”

Next summer, a terrace will complement La Lune’s offering, providing a little corner of paradise to enjoy sunny days on Saint-Denis Street.

A new star is born in Little Italy. The prices are more affordable, and the space is larger than Mon Lapin, but the quality of the products and the unmatched hospitality are still there!

Note that the restaurant is currently in soft opening in the evening only, without reservations, and the regular schedule has not yet been announced. The team will take a short break from December 22 to January 8 and return in full force next year.

Written by Mikael Lebleu
Photography by Mikael Lebleu

Last update: December 13, 2024

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