Robin des Bois
Restaurant · La Fontaine Park ·
Market-driven menu, non-meat dishes, profits to charity
Market-driven menu, non-meat dishes, profits to charity
"With more than 15 years under its belt, Robin des Bois recently moved to new digs at Parc Lafontaine, and in the process became an even better option for lunch out with the kids. Its menu leans casual and homey, featuring its reputable daal, a warming bowl of vegan chilli, and some grilled cheese for the pickier ones. The restaurant is also a nonprofit with connections to various community-level organizations in Montreal — and in the summers, it hosts a culinary camp for kids." - Erinn Blicher
"After a major fire at its St‑Laurent Boulevard location on June 28, the fifteen‑year‑old nonprofit relocated into La Fontaine Park’s chalet and has been given the green light to stay at least six more months; I observed the change of scenery pushed the team to double down on its socially driven mandate. Table service has been eliminated and replaced with a canteen model where diners pick up items like tartare, waffles, salads, or sandwiches at a counter, and all profits continue to be channeled back to partner organizations (Sun Youth, Le Chainon, Le Refuge des Jeunes, and Santropol Roulant). Large‑group reservations now come with a condition: guests must participate in “private helping parties,” cooking roughly ten meals each on selected nights for distribution to groups tackling poverty and food insecurity — “you can drink, and you can party, but you will be cooking,” as founder Judy Servay puts it. The luminous, cafeteria‑like space has been warmed with plants and living‑room furniture, making it cozy for working or studying, and in winter patrons can lounge in Adirondack chairs by an outdoor heater with mulled wine and French onion soup. The volunteer‑run operation also plans to use the room for regular events like yoga, bingo, movie screenings, and live music, though relocating into the park has brought challenges: no cars allowed, more dog‑walking foot traffic, and unpredictable nearby parking. I noted that the team had previously expanded takeout, delivery, and a grocery section during the pandemic, and that Robin des Bois is currently open Friday–Saturday 11 a.m.–7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.–5 p.m." - Valerie Silva
"An outpost of the Mile End comfort food spot (and non-profit organization) of the same name, Robin des Bois’ new Jean Talon stand offers an array of picnic-friendly salads and snacks (in addition to a selection of heat-at-home proteins)." - Mallory Frayn
"A 14-year-old volunteer-run restaurant that donates all profits to local charities and organizations such as Sun Youth and Santropol Roulant, which fight food insecurity." - Valerie Silva
"In Mile End, I noted the non‑profit restaurant Robin des Bois offering prepared baskets that include daal, duck confit, cookies, and a roll of toilet paper." - Tim Forster
