Bistro L'arrivage - Montréal

--- The service here is exceptional, with a professional, welcoming, and attentive staff. The food is absolutely delicious, and the view of the old port is fantastic. The atmosphere is pleasantly calm, making it perfect for leisurely brunches. It's also a great spot for friendly gatherings or intimate dates. However, there are a few downsides: the portion sizes are on the smaller side, as is typical with French cuisine, and the prices aren't particularly low. Additionally, the menu changes based on the chef's preferences. Lastly, parking can be a bit challenging in the old port area. --- I hope this captures your original sentiments while providing a polished presentation!

This charming bistro in Montreal, located above the Museum, offers stunning views. The staff is incredibly friendly and fluent in both English and French. They provide preset menu options that vary throughout the week. The food is healthy and expertly prepared. Even during the busy lunch hour, we didn't wait long for our meals. I highly recommend this place for business lunches or for groups looking to unwind and enjoy a meal together.

I waited an entire hour for our food to arrive, and we were the first table to sit down at 11:30 AM, so the restaurant wasn't busy at all. Honestly, it was the worst meal I've ever had at a restaurant. The food came out barely lukewarm, and the pasta had already congealed into a solid mass. To make matters worse, the beef bourguignon dish didn't even have a single piece of beef in it! I strongly recommend avoiding this restaurant at all costs!

Unfortunately, things seem to have changed since the pandemic. Prices have increased significantly, and they no longer offer a table d'hôte. For example, a bowl of soup is now $14, and an eggs benedict costs $25. While these prices are still reasonable for the location and quality of food, they are on the higher side. Additionally, they were out of ingredients for several dishes on the menu. During my visit, I noticed that there were far fewer patrons than during my previous visits. My eggs benedict was tasty, but the waffle and pork shoulder that my friends ordered were overly salty. It also seemed like the restaurant was understaffed, with just one waitress managing the tables and preparing drinks for the first two hours after opening. To top it all off, I experienced an upset stomach shortly after eating there.

The highlight of the experience was definitely the view. However, the food did not justify the cost or live up to the stunning scenery.