Revenge isn’t the only dish best served cold.
Be it diced beef, salmon, bison, or even horse, people love this raw delicacy.
And with Montreal being home to some of the finest French bistros this side of the hemisphere – it should come as no surprise that there’s a fine collection of distinguished tartare dishes to be had in this city.
Here are just 7 of our favourite:
1. Le Hachoir
Le Hachoir has quickly become a St. Denis staple. The corner bistro offers an eclectic food and drink atmosphere for that perfect 5 a 7 and beyond. And it’s the menu’s spotlight tartare dish that keeps us coming back. A trio of fresh tartares (salmon, yellow fin tuna, and classic beef) is presented on a wooden palette with a side of fries and salad – all for $26.
2. L’Express
Who needs to go to Paris when we have L’Express conjuring up some of the best French cuisine in our backyards? Their famous steak tartare dish ($25.90) is what pops into our heads whenever tartare is brought up. Seasoned to excellence a l’ancien with a side of duck fat fried frites – L’Express hits the nail on the head with the perfect picturesque and flavourful tartare dish.
3. Lemeac
Outremont’s prized Lemeac restaurant is the place to dine out on Laurier St. Year after year, this establishment never seizes to amaze its customers with convivial dishes that leave us all warm inside. And speaking of all warm inside, their $19 truffle oil and chives salmon tartare dish is the perfect combination of flavours to tickle your taste buds.
4. Grumman 78
Grumman 78 is the place to be in St. Henri. This garage turned cantina isn’t just about banh-mi and prime steak taco’s – their horse tartare has quickly become a mainstay on the popular mexi-fusion menu. It’s seasoned with a remoulade and tangy cherry jam for sweet perfection and at just $9.50, it also leaves some room for those beloved banh-mi tacos.
5. Marche 27 Express
Marche 27 Express has been moving on up lately with several kiosks opening across the city. We love the idea of customizing a tartare dish and packing it to go. Our favourite (and soon to be yours) is the succulent red tuna Thai style. The Thai style offers a kick of citrus herb with its lemon grass oil, lime, Thai basil, cilantro, and shallots. $17 gets you 150 grams, but if you’re a big eater, maybe the $36 fish platter will better hit the spot.
6. L’Orignal
Even after extensive renovations and menu changes, L’Orignal’s still got game – game meat that is. Après-ski atmosphere with a touch of class, L’Orignal never disappoints. Because their menu changes daily, their bison tartare ($18) comes and goes as well. Served up classic French style, this sweet version is a game changer we wish was on the menu to stay.
7. Grinder
Griffintown’s Grinder is the perfect place for any carnivore as meat is the mainstay for all dishes on the menu. Their duck ($14) is the highlight of their tartare offerings. It’s seasoned with a miso base and then thrown into a sweet garlic, soy, and lime mix. It’s a perfect slice of freshness with a kick of garlic that will only leave you wanting more.
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Cover image from: istock.com/alexsalcedo
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