Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Restaurant Le Caveau is an upscale French bistro that is close to McGill University campus, as well as the downtown shopping and financial centers in Montréal. Serving classic French bistro fare, which includes confit de canard, sole meunière, rack of lamp, shrimp in Pernod, creme caramel and rognons de veau (veal kidneys), the cooking is neither adventurous nor contemporary, but instead sticks to tried-and-true favorites. The popular lunch table d'hôte makes this a good choice for a genteel but still an affordable dining option. There are several wine choices by the glass, as well as a decent selection of affordable French wines in bottle. Le Caveau is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The Tavern Square Dominion is a renovation of a former classic British pub in downtown Montréal. Close to McGill University, shopping on St. Catherine street and the Bell Center, the Taverne Square Dominion serves hearty reinterpretations of classic pub cuisine, such as moules et frites and a ploughman's plate. There are also excellent braised short ribs, and they are well known for their classic cocktails that are interpreted in a "Canadian" manner. Despite the large room, the warm lighting, the pressed-tin ceiling and many wall mirrors make it a cozy place for either group dinners or a quick bite before a movie or show. The Taverne Square Dominion is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to midnight, and on Saturdays from 5 p.m. to midnight.
L'Express is a Montréal institution, located on the Plateau, only a short walk away from McGill University. On St. Denis, it does not have an overhanging sign, and instead uses the large, open Bay window as its advertisement. This is a bistro modeled after the Left Bank aesthetic in Paris and serves well-prepared classics such as steak frites, steak tartare and roasted marrow bones. There is an excellent wine list, with several choices by glass, and also a "carte parallel" that has a more boutique selection of wines that are still affordable. Cornichons and baguette is served prior to each meal. L'Express is open seven days a week, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Pullman Wine Bar is situated only a short walk away from McGill University and is known for its wide selection of wines by glass, as well as its inventive small plates that move between classic French preparations, to pan-Asian cuisine. A trendy, sleekly contemporary decor plays with shades of grey and white, accented by jeweled chandeliers and low-slung leather banquettes. The menu choices are particularly good for the Seasonal section of the menu, which changes several times a year, depending on the availability of ingredients. The wine list here is exceptional, with an emphasis on French wines, as well as several good biodynamic wine choices. There are more than 300 wines from which to choose, and 50 wines by glass at any given time. Pullman is open seven days a week, from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.