If only for its spacious terrace under the trees, it was necessary for restaurateurs to take up the torch of Boris Bistro, which closed its doors after 22 years of loyal service in Old Montreal. Two years later, here is Romies.
The brains behind this project are Reagan Steinberg and Alex Cohen, the couple who own Arthurs Nosh Bar, a cozy snack bar in Saint-Henri. Romies’ menu is American bistro style. Think beef in all its forms (burger, tartare, filet mignon), but also shrimp cocktail, clam platter, charcoal-grilled fish and the must-have burgers and ribs. And think individual dishes, which will please many people who are never satisfied with sharing dishes!
“A high-end Baton Rouge,” Reagan Steinberg could not have said better to describe her restaurant, which also applies to the decor by Annika Krausz (Larry’s, Sparrow) where the “oxblood” color (oxblood) dominates with wood and leather materials, and large round tables that can bring families together.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
One word to define this dish of filet mignon served with oyster mushrooms, greens and pepper sauce: impeccable!
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
This salad served with a roasted tomato catalina vinaigrette has a happy mix of textures with its green grapes and crunchy grains.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
An American classic: apple pie (sprinkled with cheddar cheese) and homemade vanilla ice cream
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The renovations took time inside to completely redesign the space. “We wanted it to be cozy during the cold season and not just for people to talk about the restaurant because of its beautiful patio,” Reagan says. The couple is partnered with A5 Hospitality, which bought the former Boris Bistro in 2022, but it’s entirely their concept and menu.
Chef Alex Cohen continues in the comfort food with nostalgic impulses, underlines his wife with whom he has two children (not to mention an Arthurs counter at Cathcart). The recipe for the Spanish omelette among the starters is his mother’s.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
There are few terraces like this one in Montreal with mature trees.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
The “oxblood” color dominates the decor.
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
Another view of the terrace, where pétanque courts will be added!
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PHOTO FRANÇOIS ROY, THE PRESS
We owe the couple Alexander Cohen and Reagan Steinberg the opening of Romies in the former Boris Bistro.
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Romies’ menu will feature classics, but also seasonal dishes à la carte, Reagan says. It’s a great playground to have an American bistro in Old Montreal, where there are a lot of French restaurants.
In the kitchen, Alex Cohen is notably supported by Nicholas Giambattisto and pastry chef Leigh Roper – with whom the couple worked at Joe Beef 20 years ago. Melissa Wood completes the kitchen team while Léa Viens feeds the wine list by integrating small producers into well-established vineyards.
Finally, know that the head waiter Franck Roche, a proud native of Marseille, plans to set up pétanque alleys on the terrace. It looks promising, especially since Romies will eventually open for dinner!
465 McGill Street, Montreal
Visit the restaurant website