April closes with an extraordinary burst of cultural energy across Montreal. This week, the city hosts a Portuguese-language pop sensation, a legendary trip-hop act, a dazzling burlesque expo, a Canadian rock icon, a chart-topping UK rapper, a beloved Quebec country band, and the intensity of NHL playoff hockey—all capped off with an evening of heartfelt ballads. Before you dive into this packed schedule, fuel up with refined Japanese cuisine in Little Burgundy.
👉 For more nightlife and dining picks, visit MontrealNightlife.com.
🍱 Restaurant of the Week: Bar Otto
📍 Address: 2695 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest, Montréal, QC H3J 1N9 (Little Burgundy)
From the team behind the beloved Otto Yakitori and Momiji comes Bar Otto, a stunning addition to Little Burgundy’s dining scene. Located on Notre-Dame Street West, this refined address strikes a perfect balance between convivial neighbourhood warmth and the elegant precision of contemporary Japanese cuisine. It represents a new chapter of maturity and mastery for the Otto Group, blending sophistication, simplicity, and the pure joy of sharing.
Atmosphere & Décor
The space, designed by Israël Noël of Architecture Synthèse, beautifully captures the spirit of a contemporary izakaya. Clean lines, light wood, and soft lighting create an atmosphere that is both intimate and welcoming. Artwork by Dan Climan adds an artistic touch, while a cozy back room evokes the hidden corners of traditional Japanese restaurants. At the front, the open kitchen invites guests to admire the chef’s meticulous work, and in summer, the garage doors open to extend the conviviality out onto the street.
🍽️ What to Order: Seasonal, Seafood-Forward Japanese
In the kitchen, Chef Yutaka Abe offers a delicate and thoughtful menu that gives pride of place to the finest seafood. His cuisine—both refined and comforting—draws inspiration from Japanese traditions while following the rhythm of the seasons and the best daily catches.
Standout Dishes:
- Chef’s Sashimi: Impeccably fresh, a testament to the quality of the seafood and the chef’s precise hand.
- Crispy Karaage Chicken: Served with a bright, creamy yuzu mayo—a perfect balance of rich and citrusy.
- Mazemen (Brothless Japanese Noodles): A signature offering. The decadent versions here are not to be missed, particularly the mushroom and truffle—rich, earthy, and deeply satisfying.
- Seasonal Specialties: The menu evolves with the best daily catches, ensuring a constantly fresh and exciting experience.
🍷 Drinks to Match
Maureen Rouge has curated a thoughtful and character-driven wine and sake list. Between natural wines, artisan bottles, and exceptional sakes, each pairing is designed to enhance the Otto experience with subtle precision. The beverage program is a true partner to the food, elevating every dish.
Why You Should Go
Because Bar Otto represents the perfect harmony of expertise, consistency, and evolution. It’s a place where you can enjoy a casual yet elegant meal, whether you’re sitting at the counter watching the chef work, settling into the cozy back room for a special occasion, or spilling out onto the terrace on a summer evening. Rooted in its neighbourhood but recognized as one of Montreal’s best Japanese restaurants, Bar Otto is a benchmark for elegant, vibrant, and nuanced cuisine.
🔗 Visit Bar Otto’s website
📝 Read the Tastet review
🎤 Performances of the Week
Presented by MontrealNightlife.com
🎵 Calema at MTELUS
Portuguese-language pop sensation Calema brings their soulful, rhythmic sound to MTELUS. Hailing from São Tomé and Príncipe and based in Portugal, the duo has become one of the biggest names in Lusophone music, blending African rhythms with contemporary pop and R&B. Expect an evening of infectious grooves and heartfelt melodies.
📍 Venue: MTELUS, 59 St Catherine Est
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, April 23, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 6:30 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎧 Archive & JoyCut at Théâtre Beanfield
Legendary trip-hop pioneers Archive join forces with Italian electronic duo JoyCut for a co-headlining North American tour. Known for their atmospheric soundscapes, haunting vocals, and cinematic live shows, Archive has been a cult favourite for decades. This promises to be an immersive, hypnotic evening of genre-defying music.
📍 Venue: Théâtre Beanfield, 2490 Notre-Dame Ouest
🗓️ Date & Time: Thursday, April 23, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
💃 Bagel Burlesque Expo 2026 at Le Studio TD
The Bagel Burlesque Expo returns, celebrating the art of neo-burlesque in all its glittering, glamorous glory. This 18+ festival showcase features dazzling performances from local and international artists, blending comedy, dance, and theatrical spectacle. A unique and unforgettable night out.
📍 Venue: Le Studio TD, 305 rue Sainte-Catherine West
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, April 24, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🔞 Age: 18+
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
(Note: A second performance takes place on Saturday, April 25, 2026)
Sam Roberts Band at L’Olympia
Canadian rock icon Sam Roberts brings his timeless, anthemic sound to L’Olympia. With a career spanning decades and hits like “Brother Down,” “Where Have All the Good People Gone?,” and “Them Kids,” a Sam Roberts Band show is a celebration of homegrown rock and roll at its finest.
📍 Venue: L’Olympia, 1004 St-Catherine Est
🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, April 24, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎤 DAVE at Place Bell
UK rap phenomenon DAVE brings his razor-sharp storytelling and genre-defying sound to Place Bell. One of the most respected voices in contemporary music, Dave has dominated charts with his introspective lyrics and magnetic stage presence. Fresh off record-breaking collaborations with Central Cee (“Sprinter”) and Tiakola (“Meridian”), this is a can’t-miss for fans of intelligent, powerful hip-hop.
📍 Venue: Place Bell, Laval
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎸 Kaïn at Théâtre Le Patriote
Beloved Quebec country-rock band Kaïn celebrates 25 years with their “La Cour des Grands” tour. A staple of the Francophone music scene, Kaïn’s energetic live show and heartfelt songwriting have earned them a devoted following. This performance in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is part of their anniversary celebration.
📍 Venue: Théâtre Le Patriote, 258 rue Saint-Venant, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
🗓️ Date & Time: Saturday, April 25, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:30 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🏒 Montreal Canadiens Playoff Hockey vs. Tampa Bay Lightning at Bell Centre
The playoffs are here! The Montreal Canadiens host the Tampa Bay Lightning for Round 1, Game 2 at the Bell Centre. The intensity of playoff hockey is unmatched—the crowd, the stakes, and the battle on the ice. Wear your colours and be part of the roar as the Habs fight for a deep run.
📍 Venue: Bell Centre
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026 — 7:00 PM (Doors: 5:30 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
🎶 Calum Scott at MTELUS
British singer-songwriter Calum Scott brings his “The Avenoir Tour 2026” to MTELUS. Known for his powerful, emotional vocals and heartfelt balladry, Scott rose to fame with his stunning cover of “Dancing on My Own” and has since become a global star. Expect an evening of soaring melodies and deeply personal storytelling.
📍 Venue: MTELUS, 59 St Catherine Est
🗓️ Date & Time: Sunday, April 26, 2026 — 8:00 PM (Doors: 6:30 PM)
🎟️ For tickets click here (Evenko)
📚 Sources
