Saison: the taste of the present moment in Quebec

Born from the team behind Ambre Buvette, Saison is the new playground of Étienne Nadeau and his partner, Sandrine Grenon. Passionate about road trips, camping, and gourmet getaways, they envisioned a table that pays tribute to their journeys across Quebec. The idea is simple and beautiful: welcome guests “as if at home,” tell stories through the plate, and let each season bring its own taste of the territory.

Here, the format is tasting menu only. Guests choose between Land, Sea, or Land & Sea. That’s it. Along the way, the kitchen adds a few extras depending on the harvest — right now, chanterelles slip into the story. Dishes are generous and flavorful, carrying the warmth of campfires and meals shared around a picnic table, while execution remains sharp and precise. The filet mignon from Famille Fontaine, topped with a gastrique and garnished with fried shallots, chives, and chanterelles, completely won us over.

On the drinks side, Sandrine has put together a wine list that goes straight to the point, with no frills. Well-crafted cocktails, inspired by local products, set the tone perfectly. For those wishing to deepen the experience, the wine pairing curated by Lori Dubé — maître d’ and sommelier with a warm welcome — showcases a 100% Quebec selection, in direct harmony with the plate.

The décor is inviting: a massive garage door opens onto the terrace, extending the sunlit dining room. Inside, a black industrial-style ceiling dotted with light fixtures contrasts with white walls, while a long wooden bar structures the space. The overall effect is cozy, refined, and pretty — a polished yet unpretentious atmosphere where one immediately feels at ease.

Why “Saison”? Étienne explains that the name celebrates letting go and savoring the present moment. Enjoying what is here, now, and telling the story without embellishment. That’s exactly what you feel on site: an evening “caught in time,” where the couple shares their memories, and each course finds its natural place.

Saison is an address that gets right to the point: genuine hospitality, hearty and precise cooking, and drinks that follow suit. You feel expected, you eat magnificently well, and you leave with a quiet desire to return for the next… season (or sooner!).

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Saison

Last update: August 25, 2025

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