A church-themed restaurant with benches instead of chairs, lots of dark wood and a dark, rustic feel? That’s not at all what this restaurant is about, but hey, could be a hot idea.

The restaurant’s name, Communion, actually refers to the idea of sharing. We were seated in the small side room with grey stone walls, which provided a perfect setting and atmosphere to support the act. Oh, and the food is not all you’ll be sharing – the restaurant has a unisex bathroom. I can already imagine awesome “how we met” stories coming out of this.

Communion’s food is broad in range and would best be described as “contemporary European” market cuisine. The menu consists of tapas-sized dishes and larger plates to share. My friend and I decided to start with some oysters, the salmon tartare bouchée with a basil emulsion and cucumber brunoise, and rollmops (pickled herring wrapped around slices of onion and pickled gherkin) with chive purée and sour cream. Tartare is an easy miss, but both of these amuse-bouches were completely flavourful and delicious.

Next, we tried this whole “sharing thing” by ordering the “Stuffed Savoie cabbage” – a half cabbage shell filled with layers of olive tapenade, mashed butternut squash, feta cheese, and quinoa salad with pistachios and garlic flowers.  Sounds weird? It was… But in an unexpected “i-ve’never-tasted-this-before-but-I-really-DO-like-it!” sort of way. Tasty (and health conscious!) comfort-style food.

We finished the entire ½ cabbage which, unfortunately, deterred us from ordering dessert. Apparently it’s made by a Parisian chef… Certainly a reason for another visit.

Communion’s concept is cute, but possibly only if a pairs agrees on a dish.  Would adding some single dishes dilute the restaurant’s concept? Maybe. In any case, I’ll end with this: Communion is perfect for a chill and comfortable dinner with friends or for a romantic date. It’s cozy, and sometimes, party girls need a night that’s good for the soul.

Food 8.5/10, Atmosphere (ifyouwantachillsetting)9/10, Pretty people 8/10, Music (whenyoucanhearit) 8/10, Service 9.5/10.

135 Rue De La Commune East, Montreal.