There are so many things to love about Taverne on the Square. Taverne is like an old friend – like a friend with whom you can pick up right where you left off even if you haven’t seen each other in a while. A friend you can count on. A friend who welcomes you back with hanger steak, among other things.

Why? At Taverne, the service, food and atmosphere are consistent and always spot on. Waiters are perfectly attentive and friendly without being overbearing, the bistro-style food is always mouthwateringly delicious and the warm room is always full of hustle and bustle. It’s even consistent with its clientele, which ranges from older Westmount ladies insisting on a particular table to younger groups of friends enjoying festive dinners.

For the tartare lovers out there – Taverne makes a mean one. The ingredients are so fresh, and somehow, even the avocado is always buttery and delicious. It comes with somewhat flaky fried “chips” and a little bit of balsamic reduction. One of my favorite tartars in the city.

And the hanger steak? Hands down, the best in the city. The steak is always grilled to perfection no matter how you like it cooked (but I suggest medium-rare), and it comes with an amazing bordelaise (red wine) sauce and a nice, lightly dressed, salad. The cut of meat is always ridiculously fresh.

Finally, this is a Montreal restaurant that doesn’t falter at dessert!  I haven’t tried them all, but the ones I’ve had were completely satisfying. The best? The Ooey Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie. Yeah, that’s actually what it’s called, and it does that name justice.

Taverne’s cookie is baked on the spot in a mini-pan, so when you get it, it’s warm and 100% ooey gooey. The dough is obviously sweet, but it has that salty touch I so adore inhautechocolate chip cookies. Oh, and they use dark chocolate chips and put vanilla ice cream on top. I’m getting hot just thinking about it.

Some will go on about Taverne being chi-chi and pretentious, but really, Taverne’s just a classy place with great food whose clientele happens to be well-dressed and good-looking, in a Westmount kind of way. Go, have a wonderful time and leave with a satisfied, warm, fuzzy feeling. And don’t hate it ’cause it’s beautiful.

Food 9.5/10, Atmosphere (buzzing&happening) 9/10, Pretty people 9/10, Music (toobusytohear) ?/10, Service 9/10.