Gino B.
Yelp
Downtown Montreal is packed with unique restaurants nestled in between one another; Iberica is no stranger to this concept on the Peel street strip between DeMaisonneuve and Sherbrooke
The 2 level restaurant is entered through a red velvet curtain from the front door, perhaps to simulate a theater stage entrance or to serve as a dual cold air guard; interesting! Once you pass through the curtain, the dining room becomes the spectator seating where various cozy tables, full bar, an open kitchen and a second level are housed under a jaw dropping 20 foot urban chic open concept ceiling loft.
The open kitchen is in plain view of the seating and appears quite simple, especially given the dozen of luxe tapas and menu items it churns out. Fronting the cooks plate assembly area is a seafood ice box whereby fresh caught fish, oysters and mussels are in plain view of customers...very unique and another Nice touch. Oh my!...the ceviche is so close I can taste it already!
Iberica's post lunch Cocktail and wine list is impressive without being overbearing. The tapas menu, which came in handy for this afternoon's light snack and drink meeting, is very diverse and today; we indulged in the decadent tomatoes and onion salad ($12) which had five kinds of yellow, red, green and orange tomatoe varieties, that were sliced with onions and filled with flavorful seasonings, olive oil, lemon, garlic; mmmmm mmmm mmm!!!... the dish was very fresh and light.
Next, the filet mignon medallions ($24) came sizzling in a personal skillet and were ultra tender, cooked to perfection
All and all, Iberica offers a stunning space with a casual yet sophisticated level of service that is friendly and not intrusive; just what a business meeting or a slightly pricier date night would call for in the downtown core....mais oui,...of course!