Arts Cafe - Montréal

We went there for brunch. Waited for about 5 min. A table was cleaned up and became available. We asked if we could get seated but were told it’s for 4 people. We waited 5-10 min more. Since no one showed up and it wasn’t reserved we asked if we could use it as it didn’t make sense to continue standing just in case a group of 4 shows up eventually. They were totally inflexible and we were give a standard “ it’s policy”. At this point we just left to try another of the many restaurant of this neighbourhoods

The place is charming and small. The service is low and neglectful. We had coffee and it took a lot of time to be served after it was poured. It was cold.

Nice substantiale plates with original flare and large portions. Very artsy interiors, nice terrace, good service. Very saucy plates and too many tastes (fish cakes). I recommend!

Service all around bad. Ordered a lemonade for my kid, got a lemon/ginger which was good but beyond his palate. He wanted to get apple instead. Maitre d wouldn't take it back and then after having to ask twice for the Apple Juice it finally came just as we were all fine and ready to go. Then bill comes and maitre d runs over because there's been a mistake, the apple juice wasn't added!! That's not all, no spoon for the yogurt, not enough forks, overpriced. Bill was $85 for me and two kids 7 and 4). Bit of a pretentious cool kid vibe. The food was admittedly good and the atmosphere inside was nice but it's not for young kids.

Called in for lunch, we all liked the food, a bit different. It did have an arty, literary feel about it with people seeming to linger there for ages.