Where to Eat and Drink Around the Bell Centre | Eater Montreal
"Owned by the same group as nearby Dominion Square Tavern and Mile End bar Henrietta, Balsam is a classy but still slightly casual trattoria with a tight menu of simple dishes: house-made pastas, osso bucco, alongside a creative set of Italian cocktails. Open until 11 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday." - Tim Forster
The Best Bars for Business Drinks in Montreal | Eater Montreal
"Adjacent to Dominion Square Tavern lies this attractive place, more recently opened under the same management. Taking inspiration from the ‘50s, expect a diverse cocktail list and all the beautiful mid-century modern décor you used to see over at grandma’s place — a chic, high-end grandma, that is. Balsam walks the line between restaurant and bar, so classy Italian fare is an option, too." - Daniel Bromberg
Great place off the beaten path of most tourists radar. Italian bistro incredible food in the heart of modern Montreal. Great bar drinks made by truly professional bartenders.
Mania Papadopoulos
Google
Great food! Even better alcohol! Cozy place! All the staff was great! Our waitress was awesome! Sara-Eve went out of her way to please us! Would def go back just to have her as our waitress! Tall thin guy at the bar was also great!!!!
William Binns
Google
Incredibly noisy. A common problem in Montreal but particularly bad here. Could not hear the specials, could not hear each other without shouting across the table. Service was professional but slow. Food was just ok. I had the fried chicken and detected nothing that would justify the cost. Cocktails are beautiful but tiny. Overall,it was really the noise level that ruined the evening. Restaurants should realize that conversation is an important part of a night out with friends.
Elaine Chan
Google
The salmon tartare was very good in taste, but could be a bit colder (it was warm). The dessert, orange ginger cake, was tasty and full of flavors. Service there is not bad, and the washroom is very fun (cuz of the designs). Especially, the soap is very interesting!
Gaby
Google
Randomly selected this restaurant as a result of having a craving for Italian food, and it did not disappoint. The Farro with Wild Mushrooms was so delicious (and filling!). Paired with a couple of cocktails made it even better. Would definitely return, even if just for the ambience alone, or for a few drinks at the bar. The only downside was being seated in a slightly awkward spot, but we didn't book very far in advance and it did end up getting quite busy so I can understand why.
Echo Gao
Google
Was in a pasta mood so I googled pasta near me and picked a random one. And wow. The pasta. Omg the pasta. Perfect, beautiful, wonderful, heavenly. The portion size is a bit small but wow the taste is well worth the money. Love. Love. Love it.
Edit: returned for pasta with one of my friends last week. So. Impressed. Seriously the pasta here is to die for.
Jenny
Google
Nice place to bring a date! The citrus grilled squid salad was refreshing and tasty. The chorizo cake on the other hand was a bit heavy. Service was good.
Carol B
Google
I love this little gem of a restaurant. Twin sister of Dominion Square, same food quality, great service, decor... You must try this place.