Garde Manger
A trendy, contemporary seafood-focused restaurant from celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, known for its Michelin-worthy dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Garde Manger
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A trendy, contemporary seafood-focused restaurant from celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, known for its Michelin-worthy dishes and vibrant atmosphere.
"The food almost brought me to tears it was so good. Highly recommend."
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, as Garde Manger is very popular and fills up quickly.
Embrace the Tasting Menu
For a full culinary experience, the tasting menu is a must-try, offering a journey through Chef Hughes' creative dishes.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Seafood, Canadian
Price
$$$
Phone
+1 514-678-5044
Address
408 Saint Francois Xavier St, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2S9, Canada
Website
gardemanger.ca/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chef's Tasting Menu
Embark on a culinary journey with a curated tasting menu, showcasing inventive seasonal flavors with exquisite wine pairings.
Luxurious Seafood Platters
Indulge in pristine, fresh seafood towers featuring lobster, oysters, and caviar, expertly assembled and beautifully presented.
Iconic Lobster Poutine
Experience a unique, elevated take on a Canadian classic: rich poutine generously topped with succulent chunks of fresh lobster.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, as Garde Manger is very popular and fills up quickly.
Embrace the Tasting Menu
For a full culinary experience, the tasting menu is a must-try, offering a journey through Chef Hughes' creative dishes.
Weekday/Early Dining
Consider weekdays or early evenings for a more intimate and potentially less crowded dining experience.
Don't Miss the Focaccia
The focaccia is a standout, described as something to 'marry,' so be sure to try it.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book in Advance
Reservations are highly recommended, as Garde Manger is very popular and fills up quickly.
Embrace the Tasting Menu
For a full culinary experience, the tasting menu is a must-try, offering a journey through Chef Hughes' creative dishes.
Weekday/Early Dining
Consider weekdays or early evenings for a more intimate and potentially less crowded dining experience.
Don't Miss the Focaccia
The focaccia is a standout, described as something to 'marry,' so be sure to try it.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Garde Manger is lauded for its exceptional fine dining experience, particularly its creative seafood dishes and exquisite tasting menus. Guests consistently praise the outstanding service, often describing the staff as warm, knowledgeable, and attentive, contributing to a lively yet intimate atmosphere. While the food is largely celebrated, a few diners wished for slightly more salt in some dishes, though this is a minor point against an otherwise overwhelmingly positive reception.
"I’ve been coming here for years, and it never disappoints. The quality is always outstanding, and the creativity in every dish continues to surprise and impress me. It’s one of those rare places where you feel the passion in every bite.
The tasting menu is, in my opinion, an absolute must. It’s a beautifully curated journey through inventive, seasonal flavors – each course more intriguing than the last. What sets the experience apart even further is their thoughtful wine pairing by the glass. The staff takes the time to match each pour perfectly with your food, enhancing the whole experience in a way that feels both refined and personal.
The service is always warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming. The team strikes that perfect balance of attentiveness without being intrusive. They make you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.
In short: amazing food, impeccable pairings, and a staff that makes you want to come back again and again. A truly special place."
Gina Lewis
"Lovely service in a very cool environment. Simple flavors but tasty. I could have used a bit more salt but my friend thought it was all good. Small but fun wine list by the glass. Favorite bites were the focaccia and the green goddess salad (though I had to shovel off some of the dill) :) Friend loved the shrimp paste crusted cod."
Jessica Best
"My wife and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary here and it was nothing short of amazing. The food was incredible BUT the highlight for us was the exquisite customer service from the gentleman who sat us down to our amazing waiter Loris to every staff member we interacted! Each plate we received told a story and delivered flavor that felt like fireworks going on in my mouth! I highly recommend this gem! We tried the 6 course chefs menu and it did not disappoint. My wife does not eat meat so they curated a culinary experience that fit the bill! The cocktails were vibrant and exquisite! I had to try their lager and it paired well with each plate. The beer was crafted specifically for this restaurant! A must try for anyone visiting the city and for anyone who is from around!"
Demetri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Garde Manger is very popular, so it's strongly recommended to make reservations well in advance to secure a table.
The restaurant is renowned for its luxurious seafood platters, creative tasting menus, and a unique lobster poutine.
Yes, they offer a chef's tasting menu which is highly recommended for an immersive culinary experience with thoughtful wine pairings.
Absolutely, the exquisite food, attentive service, and vibrant atmosphere make it a memorable choice for celebrations like anniversaries.
Yes, Garde Manger is noted for being very accommodating to gluten-free guests, with staff being knowledgeable about dietary needs.
The atmosphere is described as intimate, lively, and fun, with great music, making it a popular spot for both intimate dinners and energetic evenings.
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While the address is written on the building's façade, the restaurant's nondescript exterior and lack of a sign mean you may be searching for a while. Popular options at this atmospheric see-and-be-seen locale, steered by local celebrity chef Chuck Hughes, include bountiful platters of seafood, squash agnolotti with poached lobster and lobster bisque, and hanger steak with pommes Anna and wild cauliflower mushroom. The bar, where flirting is in high gear, is a fun option for dining and hanging out.
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A fine dining restaurant that is very popular, Garde Manger welcomes guests with its array of appetizing scents and catchy music. The staff are knowledgeable and won’t hesitate to answer questions or explain the dishes in detail. What makes this restaurant stand out is its exceptional lobster poutine that can’t be found anywhere else.
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The buzz surrounding Garde-Manger has barely let up since its opening back in 2006. This small, candlelit restaurant attracts a mix of local scenesters…
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Also in the old-town area, Garde Manger offers a seafood menu with an impressive range including New Brunswick caviar, Quebecois snow crab, and eastern Canadian oysters. They deliver a range of vegetable sides, as well as black truffles in season, and some unusual selections like venison tartare. For larger dishes, they also have my personal favourite, black cod served with a range of sea greens to bring out umami and sea-fresh flavours.
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What Wadjers are saying: A premium destination for fine dining in Old Montreal from chef Chuck Hughes, it’s always a good time when you come here, as the service always turns a night into a fun party. Wadju need to eat there: With ther heavy focus on seafood, you need to try the seafood platters, scallops with gnocchi, or the seasonal crudo—the hangar steak is an amazing plate if you prefer turf with your surf.
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Why You Need To Go: Chuck Hughes is a local treasure, full stop, and he’s been the source of many of the city’s most skilled cooks and chefs. This restaurant and its focus on surf, turf, and seasonal vegetables is where it all began, and it’s just as delicious as the day it first started. If you do book a spot, splurge on the chef’s menu to take a total tour of everything they have to offer.
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Connu initialement pour sa poutine au homard et pour sa barre Mars frite, Le Garde-Manger est devenu une destination des plus populaires depuis de nombreuses années. La clientèle des premiers jours, qui court les adresses hip, a laissé la place à des clients loyaux et appréciateurs. Un endroit comme son copropriétaire le chef Chuck Hugues : unique, généreux et extrêmement distrayant.
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Owned by famous Canadian chef Chuck Hughes and known for its classed-up version of the local specialty — poutine served in a cast iron pot with chunks of fresh lobster. Cozy interiors lined with chalkboard walls listing the ever-changing menu. It's on the noisy side, so this is not the place for an intimate tête-à-tête.
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Ever wonder how an English pub meeting a French bistro would feel like?. Get your answer at Garde Manger!. Being one of the best restaurants in Old Montreal, Garde Manger has long been loved for its bustling open kitchen, a stunning oversize chandelier besides its crazy good food.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,316 reviews) - Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5) - Type of cuisine: Seafood, Canadian - Price: $$$$ - Address: 408 Rue Saint-Francois-Xavier, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2S9 Canada - Read more on Tripadvisor
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Celebrity chef Chuck Hughes is the mind behind this trendy pièce de résistance. Locals love it for its innovative yet simple food and vibrant atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a nice twist on a Quebec classic, poutine…a lobster poutine!
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The vibes are high when eating at this restaurant from Chuck Hughes. It’s an absolute parade of surf and turf served up with a service staff that knows how to have a good time. View this post on Instagram
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There is no signage other than a dimly lit neon pink square out front. The interior decor is half hunting lodge, half antique shop. Chef-owner Chuck Hughes, star of the…
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This is the first restaurant of celebrity chef Chuck Hughes. While on the expensive side, I’ve never had a bad meal there. It’s raucous, loud and young!
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit