A post that’s long overdue! I went to Les 400 Coups for a gorgeously relaxing dinner during incredibly hectic Christmas time. Being wrapped up in all the shopping and celebration, I didn’t have time to write a review. Time took its toll and now, almost two months later, I have to admit that I forgot many of the dishes’ details.

But hey, this restaurant definitely deserves a post, so here’s an overview of the 400 Coups tasting menu and my dining experience. And anyways, did you reeeeally want to read a ridiculously long post describing the particulars of 7 dishes, one by one? Exactly, so you’re welcome.

For $65, the tasting menu is totally worth it. From the amuse-bouches to the starters to the mains to the desserts, everything was all delicious. Here are pictures of all the dishes we tried.

Oyster amuse-bouche

Scallops with radishes in mussel sauce

Beef tenderloin with homemade mushroom ravioli & veg

Cod with mushroom sauce

For sure, this is one of Montreal’s best new restaurants. The dishes are not exceedingly experimental but deliver interesting and delectable mixes of flavours, with each ingredient prepared and cooked to perfection. Actually, the only dish that didn’t have me raving was the scallop plate – the scallops were slightly undercooked. Even the desserts were out of this world, quite literally. Have you ever tasted a pannacotta made with mushrooms that grow on maple tree bark and gain a syrupy flavour from the sap?

Or a dessert made of litchi granita, thick and creamy white chocolate yogurt, grapefruit in Campari and hibiscus flowers? Floral, light, creamy, slightly bitter and refreshing, it was the most delicious dessert I’ve ever had. In the world. Ever.

And another amuse-bouche to end – chocolate lollypops and mini financiers.

Les 400 Coups is a serious restaurant for mature diners – waiters know their menus and wines and provide phenomenal service, the décor is impressive without pulling the typical “rustic-chic-with-a-chalkboard” bit, and the room is modern with tall ceilings. The atmosphere is relatively quiet and allows for comfortable conversation.  Actually, it’s a little too quiet and “well-behaved” for my taste – the music was low and the lights could be dimmed just a little bit more to induce an atmosphere that encourages nighttime hedonism. But really, that’s just nit-picking. This is a foodie must-try.

Oh and PS. The “pré-dessert” – small dessert that readies you for the main dessert event? A very welcome concept.

Food 9.5/10, Atmosphere (ifyouwantachillsetting)9/10, Pretty people (older crowd) 8/10, Music 7/10, Service 9.5/10.

400 Rue Notre-Dame Est, Montreal.