A tree canopy filled with singing birds? Cocktails that taste like creamsicles? Pétanque in the courtyard?
Romies has all of that and more.
The American-style bistro in Old Montreal from the talented team behind some of the city’s favourite restaurants and bars (Alexandre Cohen and Raegan Steinberg, the husband-and-wife duo behind Arthurs Nosh Bar, to name a few) should be on your list of go-to restaurants.
Collaborating with designer Annika Krausz (Bar WILLS, Lawrence), they crafted a casual luxe interior that marries edgy industrial touches with a mid-century flair.
Slip into a wine-red leather banquette at a candlelit marble table in the dining room, where wood walls are dotted with black-and-white photographs by artist Tibor Krausz Thomas, which belonged to Krausz’s grandfather.
Or perch at the jewel-sized glamorous bar against a backdrop of gold-tinted glass at the front.
Dinner and a show? Grab a table in the bay window overlooking the terrasse and courtyard and watch your fellow diners play pétanque.
Better yet, wander out into the garden where you can sit in the magical courtyard underneath the tree canopy bursting with bird song.
View this post on Instagram
Franck Roche (Lorbeer, Warehouse) helms the dining area with sommelier Léa Viens (Poincaré Chinatown) and together have curated a selection of old-world and natural wines, alongside an inventive cocktail menu.
Time Out Tip: Order the Romies Bird, a dreamy mix of Captain Morgan rum, Aperol, pineapple juice, lime and simple syrup, that tasted like a pineapple creamsicle (we ordered two).
Expect plates by Executive chef Alexandre Cohen joined by Nicholas Giambattisto (Liverpool House, Un Po' Di Più) and Melissa Wood (Graziella) that are both playful and nostalgic.
Start with the Cold-Cut Fish Sevilla (citrus, crema, jalapeno and Yucatan onions), the beef tartare (New York strip, potato salad and fresh peas) or the deliciously-layered Spanish omelette (a surprisingly addictive dish with Escabeche pickles and creme fraiche).
When it comes to the mains, the Filet Mignon au Poivre with green peppercorn sauce and perfectly sauteed oyster mushrooms and the Charcoal Grilled Fish on a bed of impossibly tender baby eggplant and green beurre blanc were a hit.
And while we didn’t try the Romies burger, we did see it sail past our table in all its magnificence and will be back for it.
Desserts under the expertise of Leigh Roper (Foxy) include highlights like a signature Brooklyn black cake (chocolate mousse frosting and cookie whipped cream).
And last but not least, the best cherry pie we’ve ever had: hot, gleaming dark cherries tucked inside buttery, flaky crust with vanilla ice cream on the side.
For more information about Romies, click here.
RECOMMENDED:
50 best restaurants in Montreal
It’s official: Montreal is home to one of the best pastry shops in the world
The best terrasses in Montreal