✨ Where to Go in Montréal - Week 18

Mother’s Day weekend arrives with a rich and varied cultural menu. This week, Montreal welcomes a beloved Finnish-French comedian, two of Quebec’s most iconic francophone rock bands, an emerging rap sensation, a tender Australian indie-folk outfit, and the legendary bassist of one of the world’s biggest rock bands. Before the shows, enjoy a classic BYOB experience in a bright, beloved Plateau corner spot.

👉 For more nightlife and dining picks, visit MontrealNightlife.com.

🍱 Restaurant of the Week: La Prunelle

📍 Address: 327 Avenue Duluth E, Montréal, QC H2W 1J1 (At the corner of Duluth and Drolet, Plateau Mont-Royal)

There is a French saying: “en prendre soin comme de la prunelle de ses yeux”—to take care of something as if it were the apple of your eye.

For over two decades, La Prunelle has been exactly that: a cherished neighbourhood gem, lovingly cared for by the women who founded it and now carried forward by the next generation. Opened in 1999 by Carol Painchaud, and later run by her best friend Annie Tremblay, La Prunelle is now co-owned by Annie’s son, Félix Tremblay. It remains one of Montreal’s finest and most beloved BYOB destinations, offering a warm, elegant atmosphere and consistently excellent, market-driven cuisine.

Atmosphere & Décor

Located at the bright corner of Duluth and Drolet, La Prunelle benefits from huge corner windows that flood the intimate 50-seat space with natural light. The design, by Daniel Finkelstein of Consult, is unpretentious and practical—wooden tables and chairs, a long bar—yet it possesses a certain quiet flair and elegance.

In the summer, the windows open wide, and the restaurant’s terrace is considered one of the most beautiful in the city. It’s a room where you instantly feel at ease.

🍽️ What to Order: Seasonal, Market-Driven, and BYOB

Chef Illyas Elbourziqui works with fresh produce, focused on textures, flavours, and colours. The menu is seasonal, with daily specials listed on a chalkboard, ensuring that every visit offers something new.

Entrées (Starters):

Oysters & Mignonette (6) – $18: A classic, pristine start.
Soup of the Day – $15: Always fresh and seasonal.
Trout Rillettes – $23: With sesame tuile, yuzu gel, and mujjol caviar—elegant and bright.
Sautéed Mushrooms – $25: Creamy roasted mushroom purée, pommes pailles, pickled shallots—a vegetarian delight.
Roasted Octopus – $28: Greek yogurt, chimichurri, pickled red onions, parmesan and herb crumble—a signature favourite.
Beef Tartare – $25: Smoked cheddar, buckwheat, horseradish, pickled shallots, and parsley—a house classic.

Plats (Mains):

Feta Gnudi – $34: A beloved house classic. Served with Jerusalem artichoke purée, roasted garlic condiment, pickled pear, hazelnuts, and mushroom jus.
Olive Oil Confited Trout – $42: With herbal foam, Brussels sprouts purée, garlic flower pangritata, and vegetable jus.
Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb – $45: With carrot risotto, pickled mustard seeds, and truffle espuma.
Crispy Veal Sweetbreads – $59: With butternut squash purée, sour cream, meat jus, and mujjol caviar—a decadent indulgence.
Beef Cut & Fries – $46: With green pepper sauce, a classic bistro steak frites elevated.

Desserts:

Cheesecake – $10: With lemon gel and fruit coulis.
Crème Brûlée – $12: Perfectly executed.
Squash Cake – $11: With salted caramel and mascarpone.
Quebec Cheese Platter – $20: A wonderful way to end the meal.

Group Menu (10+ people) – $70/person: Includes a three-service meal with several options for each course—perfect for celebrations.

🍷 The BYOB Advantage

La Prunelle is one of Montreal’s best BYOB restaurants. Bring your favourite bottle of wine—there is no corkage fee, allowing you to elevate your meal without breaking the bank. This makes it an exceptional value for the quality of the cuisine.

Why You Should Go

Because La Prunelle embodies everything that makes Montreal’s dining scene special: a family-run neighbourhood spot with deep roots, a warm and elegant room, a chef who respects his ingredients, and the freedom to bring your own wine.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a Tuesday night, the food is consistently excellent, the service is genuine, and the value is unmatched. Félix Tremblay says, “I love the restaurant for its atmosphere. I think the light in the room from the windows is really fantastic.” You will too.

🔗 Visit La Prunelle’s website

📖 View the Full Menu

📝 Read the Tastet review

🎤 Performances of the Week

Presented by MontrealNightlife.com

😂 ISMO at Théâtre Beanfield

Finnish-French comedy sensation ISMO brings his “Perseverance Tour” to Théâtre Beanfield. Known for his unique perspective on language, culture, and the absurdities of everyday life, ISMO has become an international viral phenomenon. His clever, deadpan observations on the quirks of English and French have earned him a devoted following worldwide. This 18+ event is a must for fans of intelligent, linguistic humour.

📍 Venue: Théâtre Beanfield, 2490 Notre-Dame Ouest

🗓️ Date & Time: Friday, May 8, 2026 — 7:00 PM (Doors: 6:00 PM)

🔞 Age: 18+