29

Le Violon

Montreal

Sophisticated dining experience from a Canadian celebrity chef

The buzz: Midsummer madness struck international airwaves when former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau brought American pop star Katy Perry out on a dinner date. The spot they chose? Le Violon. No surprise, Chef Danny Smiles' restaurant was already attracting a star clientele since opening in June 2024, quickly becoming one of Montreal's most acclaimed restaurants. The combination of refined market cuisine, elegant design and star sightings earned Le Violon national recognition within months of opening.

Cool Montreal central: Montreal's Plateau Mont-Royal is a wildly popular restaurant destination, but Le Violon escapes the hordes with its residential location deep in the heart of the neighbourhood. The restaurant has received as much buzz for its super sleek look as its food, thanks to the design of Zébulon Perron and co-owner Dan Climan.

Who's in the kitchen: Co-chefs Danny Smiles and Mitch Laughren, along with chef de cuisine Sara Raspa, are the talent here, with Smiles the best known of the bunch. Long a celebrated Montreal chef, Smiles rose to fame as a finalist on Top Chef Canada before acting as chef de cuisine at fellow celebrity chef Chuck Hughes' restaurant, Le Bremner. Then came a stint at The Willow Inn, before last summer's opening of Le Violon, whose name was inspired by Smiles' early violin lessons.

Precise cooking, local produce: Drawing on Smiles' Italian and Egyptian heritage, the menu features dishes such as beef tartare prepared kibbeh nayeh-style, monkfish fish and chips, beef cheek bordelaise, gochujang-glazed sweetbreads and gnocchi in cavolo nero sauce.

Contact