Cabaret L'enfer
Fine dining restaurant · Saint-Louis ·
Flavors, arts, and joie de vivre define Montréal's culinary scene
Flavors, arts, and joie de vivre define Montréal's culinary scene
"Walking into Cabaret l'Enfer the name already signals its intent — a deliberately provocative 'Hell Cabaret' that, according to Massimo Piedimonte, has naturally selected a clientele of the cool, fun, hedonistic, bon vivant epicureans and created an exciting vibe in the dining room. Creativity here is as much about context as cuisine: menus draw inspiration from the surrounding Brutalist architecture, local music and street art, and even sun-warmed tomatoes from their vines, and are described as love letters that can be playful or political; the restaurant is now moving toward a chapter focused on paying homage to Indigenous cooking and customs beyond mere acknowledgment." - Ty Gaskins
"A Michelin-rated fine-dining destination in Montreal led by a Top Chef semifinalist that serves boundary-pushing seasonal tasting menus featuring inventive elements—fermented tomato sauces and unexpected pairings such as peaches with hibiscus and buffalo milk—designed to surprise and challenge the palate." - Renée Morrison
"This restaurant in Le Plateau is inspired by the legendary Cabaret de l'Enfer in Montmartre, Paris. Inside, diners are immersed in an ambience where rock 'n' roll meets industrial. The large, elongated space, waxed concrete floor, black walls, and central counter with stools, is reminiscent of a retro London club. Posters and rock music played at full volume add to the underground atmosphere. Italian-born chef Massimo Piedimonte serves up a flurry of meticulously prepared bites, the sophisticated plating of which is on a par with the culinary skill that has gone into them: scallops seared on the barbecue, served with a saffron condiment; lasagna-style zucchini strips braised on the barbecue, cold zucchini coulis, mushroom jus, and egg yolk fudge. It's certainly more heaven than hell here." - Michelin Inspector
"The sole Canadian chef on the season, Massimo Piedimonte represents a Montreal venue that opened in 2022; describing his cooking philosophy to Eater Montreal, he said: "Sometimes, you can develop flavors that are completely new. Other times you develop flavors that are similar to ones you grew up with. Either way, it’s a good time." Piedimonte marries his Italian heritage with French training." - Eater Staff
"A slow-food-focused venue celebrated for an ever-changing menu built around seasonal Quebecois ingredients and thoughtful, ingredient-driven preparations." - Julia Eskins Julia Eskins Julia Eskins is a writer and editor covering travel, design, and culture. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, National Geographic, and more. She’s traveled to more than 50 countries, lived in five, and currently calls Toronto home. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines