If you are not too much of an outdoorsy person, defeat the idea that Val David is not for you.
When I chose to live in Val-David, there is no denying it, its array of restaurants, cafes, bars and bistros weighed heavily in the balance. I was arriving from Montreal -Villeray to be precise, stamping ground for Italian food lovers and everything Jean Talon Market- and I was spoiled for choice in terms of gastronomy. Compromising on that was out of the question.
I loved the diversity of the offer and wondered how this village, just shy of 60 minutes from Montreal, had not become more of a “destination”.
The answer is simple: the Valdavidois love their quaint little town and do not want it to become a tourism mecca. They prefer to keep the secret for themselves and we can’t blame them.
For you, I’ll do a little review of our favourite places in a random order… Since you are part of our clientele, you’re practically part of the locals… But don’t spread the word too much!
OUR FAVE: L’ÉPICURIEUX
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You will find a ton of places to eat in Val-David but L’Épicurieux truly stands out. Not only would they thrive in the big city, gastronomic critiques come all the way up here to try their place and rave about Fanny’s cooking. Gastronomy, simplicity, warmth and atmosphere. Much cheaper than a meal of this quality in Montreal, you will regret not having discovered it before. Try the tartare, tatakis, carpaccios and everything raw. But you can hardly go wrong. Fanny, Dominic, Nico and everyone will make sure you have a memorable* evening. *Always debatable, pending what Nico has in the cave.
GÉNÉRAL CAFÉ: OUR TYPICAL HIPPY COFFEE
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If you come out during low season, or during the week in high season, you will have the opportunity to discover Angèle’s Café. Wonderful people, a nice terrace, an atmosphere just a tad hippie – the original Val-David experience. Lunches and brunches are absolutely excellent. Get in your island beat and enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and you will feel like time has stopped. Leave your rush at the door.
Dogs are accepted on the terrace.
THE BEST SECRET OF VAL-DAVID: LE BISTRO PLEIN AIR
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We go because we love Marjorie and because there is a secret in her cooking and her way of mastering the art of traditional Canadian brunch/lunch with a touch of French know-how. The “taters”, the crepes, the sausages … it’s a classic at its best. Everything is good and very well done: omelettes, sandwiches, burgers, etc. Simple, classic, traditional: everything is done with a lot of love and know-how.
Dogs are accepted on the terrace.
LA TABLE DES GOURMETS: THE GASTRONOMIC TABLE OF THE REGION
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Wonderful service from Pascale and her team + Thierry’s refined and generous cuisine. If you fancy finesse, book without hesitation. To indulge yourself when your wallet is tighter, try their weekday lunch at a “prix fixe” menu. Or, discover their crepes Bretonnes at the Val-David farmers’ market. The atmosphere of the restaurant is a perfect balance of warmth and modernity. The decor is delicate and refined, just like Pascale.
CAFÉ C’EST LA VIE: BEAUTIFUL HOME, SIMPLICITY, HUMOR
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The first thing that will strike you is the humour of the owner, thanks to a disabled parking sign in front of the restaurant that says: “Being stupid is not a handicap. Park elsewhere. ” I love that. Then, the food is always good and the atmosphere warm, even at -30. A menu with a huge choice of lunches and brunches.
Dogs are accepted on the terrace.
LE STATION B: TERRACE, SERVICE AND BISTRO MENU
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We love the terrace and the service. A nice affordable menu for both wine and dishes, excellent value for money and classic dishes à la carte. It is an unpretentious place where we love to return for its simplicity and excellent service. Nancy and Jasmine are our faves! 🙂
LA MIE RICHARD: THE BREADS DELIVERED IN OUR CHALETS
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La Mie Richard has been delivering their bread to guests of our cottages for years. Our customers are always delighted with this attention and love the breads. It’s really one of the “highlights” of their experience here! Some customers who come from far away buy some in quantity and freeze them at home. Consistently delicious for years.
LE BARIL ROULANT: PUB, RESTURANT OR MICROBREWERY
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The Baril Roulant is a big player in Val David with 3 addresses: the Auberge by the river on the rue de l’Académie, the pub on the rue de l’Église and the microbrewery on road 117. At the inn, the air and the view over the river are nice on the terrace. It’s a menu of reinvented classics. And the burgers (even veggie) are absolutely excellent. Children are welcome.
The pub serves a shorter version of the menu and delicious homemade pizzas. You can often count on live music for evening shows. A visit to the microbrewery is expected for terroir beer fans.
LE MOUTON NOIR: AN INSTITUTION IN VAL-DAVID
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A must in Val-David! Honest prices, great comfort food with a creative spin and it’s always good. The menu offers an array of choices. Some local standards (Possibly the best poutine in the world. No kidding. And the onion soup is also amazing.) and some experiment on international classics like the Korean Bibimbap, a nice bowl of Dhal, Indian curry, General Tao, etc… The service is always friendly. There is often live music and theme nights.
In short, come to Val-David for the great outdoors or the great food or both. We think this little overview should satisfy you the time of your stay. And make you want to come back for more…
