Bistro La Franquette

"When it’s been that kind of week, head to Bistro La Franquette in Westmount for some classic comfort food, plus a nicely curated wine list with lots of Italian options. The menu is full of the quintessentials: bottomless bowls of mussels and fries, lovely with an organic German white, and hanger steak with triple-blanched fries, beautifully complemented with a plummy St-Emilion. We love the family feeling at La Franquette, the unfussy, well-made dishes, and the high-ceilinged space. It’s quiet without being austere, and intimate while still suitable for small groups. photo credit: Alison Slattery photo credit: Alison Slattery photo credit: Alison Slattery" - Ivy Lerner-Frank

"The menu changes almost weekly at this trendy, yet relaxed spot in Westmount serving seasonal French-leaning cuisine (think dishes like chicken liver mousse, roasted guinea fowl breast, and breads and cheese) alongside a deep wine list. The heated terrace is covered on three sides, creating a cozy vibe even while outside.  bi" - Erinn Blicher, Kaitlyn McInnis

"Fine dining — even the casual variety that this Westmount French restaurant espouses — has been unquestionably hit hard during the pandemic, but La Franquette has managed to get by thanks to some loyal customers in the neighbourhood. Now that plein air eating is allowed, La Franquette plans to offer the curated experiences it intended when it first opened in December on long tables on Victoria Avenue. Expect a seasonal menu of dishes like steak frites with herb butter and chicken liver parfait with house-made baguette baked daily from a 70-year-old sourdough starter." - Joel Balsam

"Fine dining — even the casual variety that this Westmount French restaurant espouses — has been unquestionably hit hard during the pandemic, but La Franquette has managed to get by thanks to some loyal customers in the neighbourhood. Now that plein air eating is allowed, La Franquette plans to offer the curated experiences it intended when it first opened in December on long tables on Victoria Avenue. Expect a seasonal menu of dishes like steak frites with herb butter and chicken liver parfait with house-made baguette baked daily from a 70-year-old sourdough starter." - Joel Balsam

"This restaurant’s appearance marks the first official excursion for sommelier Renée Deschenes and chefs Louie Deligianis and Blake Hickerson following their work at Pastel and making waves with a pop-up dinner series named Baby Duck. Salads, pastries, snacks of arancini and sandwiches made with fresh, in-house sourdough and rye make up their lunch menu, while hangar steaks with gem lettuce salads, black cod filets with brown butter, and more make their dinner menus more than substantial with thoughtful wines and ciders to go." - JP Karwacki