Pastel Restaurant

Who would have thunk that sidewalk chalk doodles would inspire an exceptional gastronomic experience? Yet that is the case with Pastel, a restaurant overflowing with innovation and originality on McGill Street in Old Montréal.

At Pastel, playful and organic set the vibe for culinary exploration that involves mixing traditional cooking methods with original techniques to discover new winning combinations. Respect for the classics shines through in each novel masterstroke, with spectacular results such as Gnochetti with chlorophyll, truffles and sabayon and foie gras cuit torchon sprinkled with umeboshi-cured plum, mirin-infused pear, hazelnuts and edible flowers.

Seasonal menus highlight the best of Québec and Canadian produce. Order à la carte or indulge in the 9-course tasting menu for a truly eye-opening culinary experience.

A clever and candid wine list showcases natural, easy-drinking wines from around the world. Service is warm, knowledgeable and efficient. Pastel isn’t just about fine cuisine, it’s about holistic dining.

The airy interior is clean and simple, with high ceilings, exposed brick walls accessorized by random, non-descript smudges of – you guessed it – pastel chalk and loads of natural light. Two distinct dining areas are separated by a corridor housing the bar (with pink pastel stools) and an open kitchen bubbling with creativity.