We ordered to-go and were pleasantly surprised with this place. We got the Macao salad, the La Sparta Salad, Smoothie Frappè, tiramisu, and latte. The salads were decent, nothing special. The smoothie frappe was bitter and tasteless. The tiramisu was phenomenal though— I’d order again just for this. It was rich and creamy, and made very well.
Food: 3
Francis John Troyan
What a wonderful meal. The crudo was just beautifully presented, and delicious.
The food was so disappointing too salty to enjoy ,we are avid foodies and love Mexican food ,this was very overly priced for the quantity and taste was sub par ..
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Mama Shell's Cakes
Nothing short of spectacular! Food is beyond amazing, service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is so welcoming. It is a food experience like no other. Highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus and Patatas Bravas, Churros
Randy Elles
Having dined at a few of the world’s top-rated Michelin-starred restaurants, we were delighted to discover something truly extraordinary at Alma in Outremont, just a short drive from downtown Montreal. From the moment we sat down, the experience felt special.
Hosts Lindsay and her husband, Juan, crafted one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed. Each dish, while appearing simple at first glance, revealed layers of complexity and transported us with every bite.
Our server, Mariel, shared the rich stories behind each dish, many inspired by Juan’s Mexican heritage, adding depth to the experience. Lindsay, the sommelier, thoughtfully paired these creations with rare, small-batch Catalan wines she discovered during her travels, elevating the meal to new heights.
Alma’s intimate atmosphere, nestled next to its casual counterpart Tinc, Tinc (which we can’t wait to try on our next visit), makes it a hidden gem for culinary enthusiasts.
This is a special dining experience we’ll cherish and highly recommend to anyone seeking something truly unique and heartfelt.
Merci beaucoup,
Randy & Lizzy Elles, Killington, VT :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Conrado Franco
This review is written from a Mexican perspective and specifically regarding the taco omakase: YMMV.
0) booze selection: seems like the sommelier said "I am in charge of the booze and I don’t care what anyone thinks" “Il y aura aussi des margaritas, des mezcals et des bières disponibles pour cette occasion! ” “Une selection de jerez, tequila, mezcal et vin doux est également disponible ainsi que des margaritas”. Lies… Jerez: I don’t even think they know what that is. Mezcal: cheapest SAQ option, 1 option. Tequila: cheapest SAQ option, 1 option. Cerveza/beer: most commercial Spanish beer, 1 option. Cocktails: margarita (1 flavour) or mezcalita (1 flavour).
1) First dish was agua de tortilla. Just tortillas mixed with water, sugar and cinnamon. Minimal effort but fine…
2) Second dish was an aguachile with tortilla chips. Very delicious aguachile but only 5 tortilla chips. At least give me an even number of chips if I they are meant to be shared between two people. Also, nowhere near the proper amount of chips for the amount of aguachile which was very generous.
3) Third dish was A tostada… to share between two people. First time I had ever have to share a tostada. Not even physically possible to do it cleanly unless the tostada is getting soggy… which it was getting there…
4) Fourth dish was an octopus taco. I was afraid I was going to share one taco with my partner but we each got our own and it was delicious so nothing to complain here.
5) Fifth dish was a filet mignon carpaccio taco with a black garlic salsa; each our own. The filet mignon had 0 seasoning and it was placed on top of the garlic salsa covering the entire tortilla. Who in Mexico hides their salsa?!?! Besides not appreciating the salsa itself and making the tortilla soggy, in this particular execution, you take a bite and it tastes like tortilla + unseasoned beef and suddenly... boom! Garlic bomb! I was surprised no one internally picked this up.
6) Fish “Zaranzeado” with A tortilla. Surprisingly, the misspelling wasn’t the worst part since what I was fearing the most happened: a single tortilla to share. I asked for another one and I was denied my request. FYI: in Mexico we get a side of tortillas with tortilla-based dishes. It kept getting worse: the tortilla had imprinted the name of the restaurant, which they obviously had to do in advance, so the “special” tortilla was soggy and room temperature. (Second) First time ever in my life sharing a tortilla which is pretty sad because the fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly.
7) The dessert amazing! Check Chef Mariana’s Carlota Boulangerie Mexicaine. My favourite spot in town for Mexican pastries. She even went to our table to say hi and ask for feedback rather than having mezcal shots like the head chef did between dinner services.
We are a generous culture. My blood is made mostly of corn. I am sorry, but I cannot have a lot of sympathy for a Mexican owner of a high-end restaurant who denies me an extra tortilla in QC while I can get it for free from any señito in MX selling way better street food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
Mimi Demty
After waiting over 4 weeks to find a table & time to dine, and after seeing all the social media videos I was really excited to try this place, and it was sooooo disappointing. There were many factors that made the experience less than memorable but the worst was by far the horrible wine selection. Not worth the hype, there are so many great restos in Mtl to blow $300 for dinner for 2
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
Soniaroundtheworld
Mexican restaurant with fresh local products. Everything has a touch of different Mexican corn. We had the 5 course menu and really enjoyed it. Excellent service and the Mezcalita was perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Tania My Van Quach
What a delight it was to eat at Alma! It is rare to have a chef's menu where every dish is solid, but I felt this was the case at Alma. From appetizer to both the desserts, I thoroughly enjoyed this flavour profile mixing acidity, fat and spiciness, something you won't get in French or Italian fine dining. The seafood was delicious and as well as the beef tongue! It was great to be exposed to different types of corn tortillas as well!
It would however be great to have a bit more options of drinks for people who cannot drink alcohol. Although I enjoyed my lime-onade, I have to admit I was a bit envious watching my husband enjoy his wine pairing!
That being said, we will definitely be back! A true gem in Montreal!
As a Mexican guy living in Montreal for just a year this place is quite an experience. The food takes you to a journey of different flavors with a really good feeling. The menu was really good. I will only add a little bit more of chips for the aguachile because they were so tasty
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
N B
Our experience at this restaurant did not live up to expectations for a fine dining establishment. We chose the five-course tasting menu, at $200 for two people without alcohol, hoping for a memorable culinary experience. Unfortunately, the flavors, while decent, lacked character and seasoning, giving an impression of simplicity that didn't justify the high price.
The portions were also very small, which added to our disappointment given the cost. We felt like we didn't get what we paid for, in addition to the disappointing flavors. Although the staff were friendly and attentive, this was not enough to compensate for the disadvantageous value for money.
In the end, we left with the impression that the prices charged were excessive in relation to the quality of the cuisine offered. We do not recommend this restaurant to those looking for a fine dining experience worth their investment.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Carter Arcand
Food was excellent! (People complaining about portions not being big enough.. quality over quantity. Go somewhere else if all you want are big portions of poorly made food)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus and Patatas Bravas
Utilisateur
I understand that it's haute cuisine, but paying more than $100 per person for tiny portions ruins the experience and sticks in your throat. If you are looking for a place to enjoy yourself and get your fill, go your way, or pay the hefty bill and leave on an empty stomach!
Michael Bensoussan
I'm not a Michelin inspector, but I must say that the question of the star arises because of the service not up to standard...maybe a bad evening. I will try again
We ordered to-go and were pleasantly surprised with this place. We got the Macao salad, the La Sparta Salad, Smoothie Frappè, tiramisu, and latte. The salads were decent, nothing special. The smoothie frappe was bitter and tasteless. The tiramisu was phenomenal though— I’d order again just for this. It was rich and creamy, and made very well.
Food: 3
What a wonderful meal. The crudo was just beautifully presented, and delicious.
Dietary restrictions: Skillfully accommodated nut allergy.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Whole Fish, Churros
The food was so disappointing too salty to enjoy ,we are avid foodies and love Mexican food ,this was very overly priced for the quantity and taste was sub par ..
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 1
Nothing short of spectacular! Food is beyond amazing, service is impeccable, and the atmosphere is so welcoming. It is a food experience like no other. Highly recommend
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus and Patatas Bravas, Churros
Having dined at a few of the world’s top-rated Michelin-starred restaurants, we were delighted to discover something truly extraordinary at Alma in Outremont, just a short drive from downtown Montreal. From the moment we sat down, the experience felt special.
Hosts Lindsay and her husband, Juan, crafted one of the most memorable meals we’ve ever enjoyed. Each dish, while appearing simple at first glance, revealed layers of complexity and transported us with every bite.
Our server, Mariel, shared the rich stories behind each dish, many inspired by Juan’s Mexican heritage, adding depth to the experience. Lindsay, the sommelier, thoughtfully paired these creations with rare, small-batch Catalan wines she discovered during her travels, elevating the meal to new heights.
Alma’s intimate atmosphere, nestled next to its casual counterpart Tinc, Tinc (which we can’t wait to try on our next visit), makes it a hidden gem for culinary enthusiasts.
This is a special dining experience we’ll cherish and highly recommend to anyone seeking something truly unique and heartfelt.
Merci beaucoup,
Randy & Lizzy Elles, Killington, VT :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This review is written from a Mexican perspective and specifically regarding the taco omakase: YMMV.
0) booze selection: seems like the sommelier said "I am in charge of the booze and I don’t care what anyone thinks"
“Il y aura aussi des margaritas, des mezcals et des bières disponibles pour cette occasion! ”
“Une selection de jerez, tequila, mezcal et vin doux est également disponible ainsi que des margaritas”. Lies…
Jerez: I don’t even think they know what that is.
Mezcal: cheapest SAQ option, 1 option.
Tequila: cheapest SAQ option, 1 option.
Cerveza/beer: most commercial Spanish beer, 1 option.
Cocktails: margarita (1 flavour) or mezcalita (1 flavour).
1) First dish was agua de tortilla. Just tortillas mixed with water, sugar and cinnamon. Minimal effort but fine…
2) Second dish was an aguachile with tortilla chips. Very delicious aguachile but only 5 tortilla chips. At least give me an even number of chips if I they are meant to be shared between two people. Also, nowhere near the proper amount of chips for the amount of aguachile which was very generous.
3) Third dish was A tostada… to share between two people. First time I had ever have to share a tostada. Not even physically possible to do it cleanly unless the tostada is getting soggy… which it was getting there…
4) Fourth dish was an octopus taco. I was afraid I was going to share one taco with my partner but we each got our own and it was delicious so nothing to complain here.
5) Fifth dish was a filet mignon carpaccio taco with a black garlic salsa; each our own. The filet mignon had 0 seasoning and it was placed on top of the garlic salsa covering the entire tortilla. Who in Mexico hides their salsa?!?! Besides not appreciating the salsa itself and making the tortilla soggy, in this particular execution, you take a bite and it tastes like tortilla + unseasoned beef and suddenly... boom! Garlic bomb! I was surprised no one internally picked this up.
6) Fish “Zaranzeado” with A tortilla. Surprisingly, the misspelling wasn’t the worst part since what I was fearing the most happened: a single tortilla to share. I asked for another one and I was denied my request. FYI: in Mexico we get a side of tortillas with tortilla-based dishes. It kept getting worse: the tortilla had imprinted the name of the restaurant, which they obviously had to do in advance, so the “special” tortilla was soggy and room temperature. (Second) First time ever in my life sharing a tortilla which is pretty sad because the fish was seasoned and cooked perfectly.
7) The dessert amazing! Check Chef Mariana’s Carlota Boulangerie Mexicaine. My favourite spot in town for Mexican pastries. She even went to our table to say hi and ask for feedback rather than having mezcal shots like the head chef did between dinner services.
We are a generous culture. My blood is made mostly of corn. I am sorry, but I cannot have a lot of sympathy for a Mexican owner of a high-end restaurant who denies me an extra tortilla in QC while I can get it for free from any señito in MX selling way better street food.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 2
After waiting over 4 weeks to find a table & time to dine, and after seeing all the social media videos I was really excited to try this place, and it was sooooo disappointing. There were many factors that made the experience less than memorable but the worst was by far the horrible wine selection. Not worth the hype, there are so many great restos in Mtl to blow $300 for dinner for 2
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 3
Mexican restaurant with fresh local products. Everything has a touch of different Mexican corn. We had the 5 course menu and really enjoyed it.
Excellent service and the Mezcalita was perfect!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
What a delight it was to eat at Alma! It is rare to have a chef's menu where every dish is solid, but I felt this was the case at Alma. From appetizer to both the desserts, I thoroughly enjoyed this flavour profile mixing acidity, fat and spiciness, something you won't get in French or Italian fine dining. The seafood was delicious and as well as the beef tongue! It was great to be exposed to different types of corn tortillas as well!
It would however be great to have a bit more options of drinks for people who cannot drink alcohol. Although I enjoyed my lime-onade, I have to admit I was a bit envious watching my husband enjoy his wine pairing!
That being said, we will definitely be back! A true gem in Montreal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing from start to finish
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
As a Mexican guy living in Montreal for just a year this place is quite an experience. The food takes you to a journey of different flavors with a really good feeling. The menu was really good. I will only add a little bit more of chips for the aguachile because they were so tasty
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our experience at this restaurant did not live up to expectations for a fine dining establishment. We chose the five-course tasting menu, at $200 for two people without alcohol, hoping for a memorable culinary experience. Unfortunately, the flavors, while decent, lacked character and seasoning, giving an impression of simplicity that didn't justify the high price.
The portions were also very small, which added to our disappointment given the cost. We felt like we didn't get what we paid for, in addition to the disappointing flavors. Although the staff were friendly and attentive, this was not enough to compensate for the disadvantageous value for money.
In the end, we left with the impression that the prices charged were excessive in relation to the quality of the cuisine offered. We do not recommend this restaurant to those looking for a fine dining experience worth their investment.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Food was excellent! (People complaining about portions not being big enough.. quality over quantity. Go somewhere else if all you want are big portions of poorly made food)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Octopus and Patatas Bravas
I understand that it's haute cuisine, but paying more than $100 per person for tiny portions ruins the experience and sticks in your throat. If you are looking for a place to enjoy yourself and get your fill, go your way, or pay the hefty bill and leave on an empty stomach!
I'm not a Michelin inspector, but I must say that the question of the star arises because of the service not up to standard...maybe a bad evening. I will try again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 2
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