Joe Beef

FINALLY

2491 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montréal, QC H3J 1N6

I have a confession....I'm a fraud. Okok I'm being slightly overdramatic. But I've been calling myself a Montreal Food Blogger without having ever eaten at one of Montreal's most famous establishments - Joe Beef. I am usually pretty last minute with reservations (shame on me), so have been unable to snag a coveted table at the Little Burgundy gem.

Well, ladies and gentleman, I can officially call myself a Montreal Food Blogger as I FINALLY tasted the deliciousness that is Joe Beef. Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend who actually made a reservation more than a month in advance, I got to enjoy a birthday dinner at the resto and it definitely did not disappoint.

Celebrating with some local white wine!

I was expecting my high expectations to impact my experience, but Joe Beef delivered on all fronts: menu, taste, service, use of local & market-fresh ingredients, and ambiance. My only comment is that I wish we could have sat on the terrace, since theirs is lovely and it was a beautiful MTL summer night.

Our waitress was warm, very knowledgeable, and quick to help us out with recommendations on food and wine - which was especially helpful since choices are aplenty and indicated only on a chalkboard menu hanging above the bar. Also, everything sounds amazing, so we needed help narrowing down our choices!

Asparagus Salad

She suggested we go with one classic, the lobster spaghetti, and one of the nightly specials, the slow-smoked lamb shoulder with sausage. We started with an asparagus salad composed of asparagus ribbons and homemade capicola topped with a poached egg. The lobster spaghetti was up next and was heavenly; spaghetti in a lobster bisque topped with a whole lobster-  Creamy, rich, and delicious. The lamb shoulder was another hit; flavourful and fork tender.

Lobster Spaghetti

Smoked Lamb Shoulder

And it wouldn't be a birthday dinner without a little dessert! This brioche sliced in two filled with Chantilly cream, strawberry sorbet, and fresh Quebec strawberries was the cherry on top of a perfect dinner.

All surrounding tables were in agreement - everything here is TDF. And very (very) rich. When I return (which I will), I will definitely try some more of their market-fresh salads and appetizers.

In a city of great food and chefs, Joe Beef definitely stands out and all Montrealers should experience a meal here at least once!