Zen , in the Omni has anyone been recently? a review I saw stated it was nogood, bad service !! It is in my Entertainment book ,also Guy and Dodos,I have seen the reviews on Fodors for this one.
How about Mess Hall Bistro Bar,on Sherbrooke and Allo Inde, Rue Stanley, Le Taj also.Fresco on Jean -TaLon E .
There are many casual places in my book, La Strega Du Village,Casa Goucho.
We like fresh food,not big red meat eaters.
I have done an extensive search on this site many restaurant recommendations however some were years old not sure if they would still be viable.
Thank you in advnce for your input

I can only comment on Le Taj. It was one of the first Indian restaurants we ate in (we used to live in Montreal) and it was very good. They have a tandoori oven and you can see the cooks making the bread, which was one of the best tandoori breads we've ever had. The food was delicious and service was attentive.

We had an amazing dinner @ Zen about 6 months ago. The food & service were outstanding. We were there on a Thursday night & the place was packed. We had a reservation. Since then friends have gone to Zen & enjoyed the same experience.
Just out of curiosity, where did you read the "bad review"?

wow thank you for the info. I was various places on the web reviewing it may have been trip advisor,also may have been out dated. Just one person's opinion.It is so great to have all the folks who take time to post and keep us all updated.

ttt for info

I ate at Zen about 2 years ago, and I was unimpressed. In my opinion, the food is fine, but not exceptional.

At the time at least, you could order
a la carte, or under an unlimited plan (for one set price).
While nicer than a buffet for the ability to sample many dishes, I was also struck by the waste of it. I was encouraged to order multiple appetizers and main dishes, and they would not bring smaller portions even when I requested. The several items my friend and I sampled were not anything I would go out of my way to order again.

I'm sure there are other better Chinese restaurants in Montreal (though I haven't tried any) or perhaps in your city.

I had to bring this back up, I was at Zen a few weeks ago, only because Orchidee de Chine ( our fave oriental place on Peel st) was closed on a
sunday night, I have to say it was horrible, just very ordinary and high prices, I was disappointed.

Hey trubrit,

I can only comment on Mess Hall and I would say forget it....there are FAR better places to eat in the city, I would leave this one out. If you're looking for something comparable in atmosphere and vibe I would check out the Taverne on Monkland street in the heart of Monkland Village....not the best food in the world but better than mess hall and a fun place to eat.

Layla

Hi, mitchdesj! Thx for the heads up on Zen. I will be in Montreal in November & had planned to meet friends there for dinner on Thursday night. I think that we will go to Orchidee de Chine instead. Where exactly is it on Peel? I know that I have passed it but can't remember exactly where it is. Is it on the East side of Peel?
Cld you also recommend 2 other restaurants w/in walking distance of Omni...one for Friday night & one for Saturday night? Maybe Italian for one night. I have a couple of recs here for places where we wld have to take cabs ( St. Laurent & St. Denis) but I think that we wld prefer to go someplace where we can walk. But maybe not...we may just decide when I get there. I think that you have mentioned Guy & Dodo in the past so that may be an option. Refresh my memory on its location. Looking forward to going back to Montreal. I love your city!

Orchidee de Chine is on the east side of Peel, between de Maisonneuve and Sherbrooke, much closer to de Maisonneuve.

Guy et Dodo is on Metcalfe, between ste catherine and de Maisonneuve, west side of Metcalfe, close to de Maisonneuve.

My favorite italian restaurant is le Muscadin, on Notre Dame close to McGill in old montreal.
On st denis street, I love Fonduementale, as the name says, it's all fondues.

I live in the area of the Omni hotel; we go to a simple italian restaurant on Stanley near sherbrooke, east side of Stanley, called Pasta Tella, very quiet place on weekends. I never recommend it since it's more of a simple local place, not a dining experience.

On Peel street, l'Entrecote St. Jean is a steak/frites classic, very french and good, set menu.
west side, close to de Maisonneuve. They don't take reservations and service is prompt, since menu is limited, not a lingering place.

Another italian within walking distance for you is Il Cortile, on Sherbrooke St. tiny when terrace is closed, must reserve; I love the food there, fancier than Pasta Tella.

A trendy cafe on Peel , west side near de Maisonneuve, going down towards ste catherine st. is Vasco de Gamas; sandwiches and salads, burgers but on gourmet side, expensive but unique in freshness of food; good place for coffee also. Same owners as Ferreira, seafood place 2 doors down. They close at 7 p.m. we have early dinner there sometimes.

Thanks, mitchdesja! I have made notes & will check those out when I am in Montreal in Nov. I only have 3 nights so right now I am thinking:
1. Orchidee de Chine(Thurs)
2. Il Cortile (Friday)
3. Guy & Dodo (Saturday)

Will we need rez for all 3?

Il Cortile 1442 Sherbrooke W., Passage du musée. Tel. 843-8230
(easy to miss, you enter through a chocolate store)

1444 Metcalfe, 842 3636
go to guydodo.com and print out a 20% coupon available on website only ( never saw this !)

orchidee de chine
2017 Peel
514.287.1878

yes I would reserve, you never know.
I hope you enjoy these, or else you'll be back on the board to blast me, lol...............

Never blast you , mitch...never. Thx for all of your help!