Le Virunga in Montreal

851 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2H9, Canada

★★★★★
(388 reviews)
Categories: African restaurant Restaurant

About

The Virunga Restaurant is the story of a mother-daughter duo passionate about African culture who, since June 2016, invite you to discover the gastronomy of their continent that is dear to them. Unique and creative, the slate of Le Virunga restaurant will take your taste buds on a journey to a land where gastronomic traditions are not only different but also inspiring. Warm and intimate setting ideal for all occasions, serving a sub-saharan Pan-African menu, this lair of good cuisine has a sense of originality, offering local Quebec products with subtle flavours from here and elsewhere.

Website
levirungarestaurant.ca
Address
851 Rue Rachel E, Montréal, QC H2J 2H9, Canada
Plus Code
GCFF+JG Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
6–10 PM
Thursday
6–10 PM
Friday
6–11 PM
Saturday
6–11 PM
Sunday
Closed

Services

From the business
Identifies as women-owned
Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Late-night food Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy Romantic Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Reservations required Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.7
★★★★★
388 reviews

Most Mentioned

cocktails (34) food presentation (26) succulent (15) goat (12) trip (10) course (9) appetizers (9) gastronomic (7) birthday (7) ingredients (6)
5 stars
311
4 stars
49
3 stars
15
2 stars
5
1 stars
8
★★★★★
November 3, 2024

Great food and great atmosphere. The staff was very nice, unfortunately the service was a bit slow, it might have been simply a one off night.

★★★★★
June 16, 2024

THIS PLACE IS CRAZY GOOD! The dishes (the appetizers, the goat main, those plantain beignet fritters), the paired wines… and the lovely service. I come here every year for my birthday meal and this might be our favourite Le Virunga meal yet!

★★★★★
June 12, 2024

I can't tell you how much I am blessed to experience the love and joy that comes from this place. This mother-daughter run business has demolished barriers and showed that through taste, flavor, craftmanship and passion that you can create something amazing and share it with those who are willing to look past bias and see something beautiful. Merci Zoya and Maria pour votre dévouement et votre passion. Je vous aime et je suis chamceuse de vous connaître et d'avoir eu le privilège de partager ton histoire. Vous êtes magnifiques. Dont ever stop ❤️🩷🧡🤎💛💜💚💙

★★★★★
April 21, 2024

I’m happy I stepped into this restaurant during my visit to MTL. I was intrigued by the restaurant concept and they certainly did not disappoint. The food was delicious and well presented(just would have preferred a bit less greens); service was top notch and I left well fed in a great mood.

★★★★★
March 17, 2024

Delicious food, service and presentation! We tried multiple dishes as well as both desserts, and everything tasted extremely comforting and delicious! The service is really good too, the server took her time to explain everything to us about the dishes and we also had some help pairing a perfect wine with the dishes! Highly recommended!!

★★★★★
January 26, 2024

Loved the place. The food was modern, visually appealing, tasty with a journey in Africa. Cocktails were inspiring and service was very attentive. Totally recommend it and will go back. Menu changes as per local availability. I unfortunately forgot to take a picture of our dessert.

★★★★★
July 23, 2023

The vibe the place gave us: true haute cuisine. Very exotic dishes, super tasty, excellent customer service, very calm atmosphere. We could talk and it was just awesome for a date or a friends catch up. Love it!!! We will go again

★★★★★
March 15, 2023

Upscale African restaurant, with different traditional cuisine throughout the continent. Absolutely delicious dinner, everything was breathtaking. Portion sizes were very small yet expensive, I just wished there was more to savor. Beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff and very quaint. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
December 20, 2024

Best high end gastronomy restaurant in town! Theres something for everybody, highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 15, 2024

Amazing food Cool wine list Inventive cocktails Top notch service Great dining space

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Food is excellent,

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Fantastic find while in town on vacation! Service was on point and the food was unique and very delicious. Cozy space for a cute date night

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 22, 2024

Came for MTL á Table promotion - a wonderful evening! This was high level cooking in a style I didn`t know, sub-Saharan African specialties and inspiration. The servers were warm, professional, knowledgeable and courteous. The atmosphere was cozy but not cramped with music that was not too loud and convivial. And the food was great - every dish came out perfectly, beautifully presented, delicious even though it was unfamiliar (part of the appeal). From the dual eggplant with watercress foam stew appetizer through the cooked banana with light chocolate and biscuit dessert, all was done to perfection. My main course (Palette of Bon B uf low-temperature beef, lacquered with tomato juice flavoured with curry and turmeric, butternut squash purée, potato cromesquis, marinated zucchini roll) was amazingly tender and delicious. Artful and satisfying, we will be back! An additional thanks for using warm serving plates, which kept the delicious hot food warm without rushing through it! It`s a sign of a good restaurant that knows what it`s doing. Highly recommended!

★★★
November 22, 2024

Food was okay. Price to quality and creativity ratio is lacking. Was probably much better when it first opened but has since lost its lustre. Unfortunate. Price is around 120$-140$ per person for three services and some drinks.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

Great music, atmosphere, and service. Tasty drinks and foods. Loved the goat stew!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 22, 2024

A nice surprise, tasty and quality cuisine, very good service and magnificent decor in a pleasant and cozy setting. A good address!

★★★★★
October 22, 2024

Lovely food, lovely service. This is a fantastic little restaurant serving unique and flavorful dishes, deliciously prepared and beautifully presented. Very friendly and accommodating staff. Highly recommended!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

An incredible experience! A taste journey from start to finish everything was perfect. The table d hôte menu is a must if you want to taste several dishes without sharing .

★★★
August 22, 2024

Nice place, the food is good, the tapas concept is good, but honestly, its not worth the price paid! The dishes are tiny, but the prices are extremely expensive! You would more expect to pay a full plate for this price. Pleasant experience, but I wont return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Unique African dishes. Tapas format, so plan for ordering more than one dish per person. Nice cocktails.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

We have been 3 times so far and are still very satisfied. The dishes are tasty and the ingredients are quality (mostly from local sources). The wine list is interesting and for all tastes. Its also worth starting with one of their signature cocktails which have never disappointed us until now. The service is also excellent and personalized. We also appreciate the atmosphere. The music is not too loud which allows us to hear each other speak. Note that the dishes are not spicy for those who might be concerned! Vegetarian options: Only one vegetarian option but excellent! Dietary restrictions: Find out in advance if you have a nut allergy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 22, 2024

Stopped in here by chance, and so happy we did on our first night in Montreal. Every bite was incredible. The food took a fair while to come out, but it was worth it when it did. Highly recommend the Duck breast dish and the Rainbow Trout dish!

★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

So surprise looks very nice place but I find out soon is noir restaurant I think chef also. Be advise.

★★★★★
July 22, 2024

Superb little family restaurant! The atmosphere is chic and cozy and the dishes are delicious! The chef succeeded in taking us on a culinary journey where African and Quebec flavors meet!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 22, 2024

Amazing food if you want to discover African -inspired food. I dont think its for everybody, but we did enjoy our meal, and everything was fresh with a nice presentation. The restaurant is beautifully decorated, and the service was also good!

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

I was yesterday and Im a very picky person and ironically it was super hard not to like, their service was impeccable

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Virunga offered us a memorable experience. The dishes are creative and incredibly tasty with the perfect dosage of spices. The 5-course menu with associated wines was close to perfection. For a price almost twice lower than classic tasting menus in Montreal. We will return there with our eyes closed.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Virunga is a must-see restaurant in Montreal. The dishes are succulent and tasty, the welcome from the staff is warm, and the atmosphere is remarkable. We have nothing but praise for Le Virunga and highly recommend it to anyone reading this review. You will not be disappointed!

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

An exceptional evening. The welcome, the meal, the service, the atmosphere, everything was perfect. All I can think about is going back. Bravo to the chef and thank you for this incredible experience of African cuisine that is both comforting and highly gastronomic.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 22, 2024

We had a great evening for a birthday party for 10 people. Vegetarian options: Following dishes inspired by the chef

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

My favorite restaurant, more than 7 times already.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Delicious

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

After seeing them on Amazon show, we decided to try it with our team. Incredible dishes, I could have had easily seconds of everything.We had the goat and the steak, and it was literally a dish that will send you into a memory

★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Tasty and spicy dishes. Quality ingredients, good cooking, well executed overall. On the other hand, my main course was barely bigger than the starter and dessert: for vegetables, half a baby bok choy, and half a small beet. Two adults who pass through the menu: my partner and I remained hungry, and we ate everything down to the last grain of couscous. Im a little disappointed with my experience because of that. Let us discover African gastronomy with more than 3 bites! Too much to pay for small portions.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

A unique find in a city where there s so many nice restaurants, this one really stood out. Delicious menu, food cooked with love, very kind and forthcoming service. thank you!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Excellent dishes with quality products. The 5 dishes tasted deserve 1st place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Virunga is an excellent restaurant! We were so surprised how much goat cheese could be so tasty! One wonders why it is not a more common meat in Quebec, especially since we have several Chèvreries. The tastes are sought after, the dishes are well presented. The service is personalized, attentive, perfect. I will go back and it s a superb discovery!

★★★
February 22, 2024

Impeccable service and beautiful decoration of the premises both inside and outside. A great shame that there is no Halal option and/or very few vegetarian or fish options in the main course category. It was all pretty good.

★★★★
Local Guide
February 22, 2024

Opening hours on feb 2024: thursday to saturday from 18:00 to 23:00 Kinda formal dining but not too formal Vaste selection of wine The menu is very focused Good for special occasions or date night Parking: Dont come by car Wheelchair accessibility: Non-existant

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Excellent food, great atmosphere and top service!

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

A very beautiful place that succeeds in introducing you to the beauty of African cuisine from all over the continent! We had made a reservation for three and requested a vegan dish which was a wonderful surprise . We highly recommend and will be back very soon!! The best part: the little candle on the cake to wish me my birthday even though I hadnt said anything excellent and attentive service!! THANKS!!

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

The food was absolutely amazing. We had the fried beans, the cod and the steak. It was all flavourful. We ended up ordering a second plate of the steak because that s how amazing it was. And the service was impeccable.

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

We had dinner with friends in this restaurant and we really enjoyed it! The cuisine is delicious and refined. The service is qualitative. Nothing to say, I recommend!

★★★
Local Guide
January 22, 2024

It was too pricy for what we ve got. Waited for our appetizers for one hour and forty minutes! Not speaking about the main dish. Nice and quiet place.

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

We loved our experience at Virunga. The service was perfect and the drinks were delicious. The dishes are original. We will definitely return.

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Very nice discovery! Delicious cocktails and dessert

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Succulent

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Beautiful place, excellent food Vegetarian options: Tailor-made dish for vegetarians

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Some of the best food I had in Montreal, it has a very intimate vibe, so perfect for a date night Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Friendly Bistro cozy atmosphere, ladies chefs or dedicated to the most attentive service, tasty food without being extreme in flavors but well done and balanced. Well done. Exceptional beef cheek, what can we say about the chocolate mousse dessert and its crunchy bits: a treat!!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Montréal en Lumières 2023 at Virunga! Simply magnificent! What warmth, what atmosphere with the participation of Projet Umoja providing a human and musical framework. The cuisine is delicate, rich in flavors and exquisite. We will return soon!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very special dinner. The night I visited there was a guest chef who rocked the house! Pre fixe meal that was amazing! The best part was the set wine list that was paired to every dish. Fabulous flavors. I highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

I recently had an amazing dining experience at the Virunga. From the moment I stepped inside, I was impressed with the ambiance - the lighting was perfect, and the playlist was just right, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The service was exceptional; the staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu. I appreciated their suggestions, which helped me navigate the menu with ease. They made me feel welcomed and valued as a guest. As for the food, it was simply amazing. I enjoyed traveling through my different plates, savoring each dish with delight. The flavors were unique and delicious, and the presentation was visually stunning. The chef had clearly put a lot of thought and creativity into each dish, and it showed in every bite. Overall, I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience. The ambiance, service, and food were all on point, making it an outstanding experience that I would love to repeat.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very attentive staff. Very good food. Portion a bit small.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Best African restaurant in Montreal. Zoya and her mother are the best.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

We watched the show meanwhile in the kitchen and we wanted to try it. Parking was trash in the area but it was worth it. We took the Nta Amau and bebbbiii the meat was one of the best we have evvvver eaten. Just wow!!!! We are definitely coming back but we will take a uber though!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Tasty, different varied flavors, very good service, we loved everything on the menu

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Lovely staff and enjoyable space. Drinks are very good. Mains were nicely presented and tasty. I do agree the mains are very modest in size so you will need a few courses for a full meal. Overall enjoyable experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent service. The food and cocktails are wow! A very good restaurant on the Plateau

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious dishes, surprising cocktails, impeccable and smiling service. Warm environment.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Excellent, food, atmosphere and delicious South African wines!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious meal and warm atmosphere. The cocktails are excellent.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

For my partners birthday, it was an exemplary experience.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Cozy place, nice atmosphere, good service. Reason is I am giving it 4 stars is the portions are really small for the price paid.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We chose this restaurant at random but we are very happy with this find. The place is rather small and very quiet. The employees take great care. The cocktails and dishes are original and good. The prices are in line with the service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Superb discovery! We tried this restaurant by chance and were very pleasantly surprised by the quality of both the dishes and the service. Everything was perfect from start to finish. And what about the cocktails, also fantastic!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Located on a less busy stretch of Rachel East and adjacent to a Toyota dealership, the front of Virunga, black and decorated with curious large brown branches, stands out. Do these perform a particular function? Are they used to provide shade to maintain freshness? Regardless, they hardly let the inner beauty of the place filter through. So you have to set foot there for the magic to start happening. The interior layout makes us forget the flatness of the view of the street: the abundant plants, the colorful tablecloths, the soft benches... The restaurant is bathed in a chic, relaxed and good-natured atmosphere. It succeeded. Our friendly waitress is only on her second evening. Looking for food and cocktail recommendations, she goes back and forth between our table and the co-owner at the bar to provide us with all the information we need. A big thank you! Thats it, the feast begins. The dishes are overall not very voluminous, but concentrated in flavors and wisely spiced. The tender meats can be cut by inserting a fork into them. The cocktails, original and seductive, delight our taste buds. As a starter, if available, be sure to send a dish of Mahajanga marinated salmon to your table. As a main course, the crowning glory of the evening is undoubtedly the Bouaké mutton shoulder with a side of cassava couscous. The engaging waitress gave it the epithet of unmissable and it lived up to it! Finally, the two desserts offered rounded off the event perfectly. For the North American palate, African cuisine could rhyme with exotic, but in reality, in Virunga, there is nothing that could be considered destabilizing (except perhaps ginger?). So go there without apprehension and allow yourself to succumb to its charm... As long as you pay a little price (around $16 for a starter and $35 for a main course). It s fine gastronomy, all the same. P.S. Originally, I wanted to describe Virunga as a haven of peace. Then I realized that the great tranquility we had experienced was probably due to the low seat occupancy rate that evening. Vegetarian options: Apart from a vegetable starter... Nothing this time Parking: It took me a few minutes to find parking on Friday evening Kid-friendliness: Not really... Its more for a night out between adults, but Id gladly be xkntredir on that. Wheelchair accessibility: Not accessible, presence of a step and not automated

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

06-2023: very nice experience for a dinner. The dishes are delicious. The product is local and very fresh. African cuisine revisited. Beautiful presentation, the combination of spices is successful, as is the dosage. Everything is tasty yet subtle. Its mastered. For those who dont consume alcohol, there are mocktails: super refreshing, surprising and attractive. Impeccable, professional service. Address to remember.

★★★★
December 22, 2023

THE APPETIZERS, THE MAIN DISHES ARE REALLY FLAVOURFUL, AND COCKTAILS ARE GREAT HOWEVER THE PORTIONS ARE MINUSCULE LEAVING YOU WANTING MORE, ESPECIALLY FOR THE PRICE. FRIENDLY SERVICE IN SPITE OF THE LENGHTY WAIT.THE PLACE IS LOVELY. OVERALL A GREAT EXPERIENCE.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great food and great service! We loved the zucchini starter and the pintade dish! We recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent food, good atmosphere, perfect for a romantic dinner or a dinner with the girls. An original cocktail of flavors that is worth the trip. THANKS

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

It was delicious, the multiple flavors each have their place to settle down and excite one taste buds at a time and all at the same time. It tastes like love. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. We really forgot the time and therefore stayed there for a long time. I recommend it to you.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Excellent service, delicious food & drinks named after African cities. Loved every part of it. I d definitely recommend for pan-African food & a quaint vibe.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Quaint restaurant serving amazing sub Saharan African food. Service was great Drinks: Asmara and Dawa were amazing Food: 4 course tasting menu and artic char(fish dish) Dessert: puff puff with amarula/mango ice cream

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

We came from far away and we were pleasantly surprised by the Chefs delicious cuisine. Our taste buds were seduced by creative mixtures such as d jino from Cameroon. The service was pleasant!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious food, amazing presentation, friends staff,

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Discovered by chance the series Meanwhile in the kitchen on Prime, I really liked the chefs approach and I couldnt wait to taste her cuisine. The establishment is as beautiful as it is discreet. Very attentive service. As a starter, I opted for the Mahajanga (marinated Western salmon and cassava salad), it melts in your mouth. For the main courses, we had the Mchinji (Roasted Sabine guinea fowl leg, vegetable pancake, purple sweet potato, hibiscus reduction) and the Lobéké (mutton shoulder, smoked sheep juice and subtlety of peanut, attiéké with vegetables from the market), for my part I really liked the mutton and the subtle and slightly spicy taste of the sauce, everything went well together in the mouth. I only regret that the portion was a little small for the price. To finish for dessert, I had the Nzeto (Angolan cream with coconut and green anise from Cameroon, raspberry soup, maple whipped cream) The service was long but probably because of the large table that was next to us. Are we going back? Yes because there are other dishes on the menu that arouse my curiosity.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

A culinary journey that introduces you to new flavors. Very beautiful presentations from cocktail to dessert. Very attentive service. A soft, calm atmosphere which adds to this moment of disconnection towards new taste horizons.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Truly a great experience! Choice, presentation and taste! / Really great experience, great food choice, presentation and flavors. A must!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Original and successful cuisine, very professional service. A very good evening at a very reasonable price

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

What an amazing experience! This restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The food is delicate and refined, but with explosive flavours. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Exquisite with flavours that will blow your mind. Friendly service and outstanding cuisine

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Overpriced with small portions and very long waited time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

An incredible discovery. I enjoyed myself, as did my colleague. The flavors were succulent. I will definitely go back there. The impeccable service, you have all the explanations with a smile. Thank you ladies Kid-friendliness: I saw a family with children. I guess there are meals for them.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Delicious ! Super original and fine, a treat

★★★★
December 22, 2023

Good food, cocktails are delicious.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Simply delicious

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Excellent service du début à la fin. Nous avons eu du mal avec un des plats principaux et ils n ont rien dit, ont pris une nouvelle commande et l ont ramené rapidement. On a beaucoup aimé les choix offerts sur le menu, et nos assiettes étaient délicieuses - tout comme les drinks. Très belle découverte! Bon rapport qualité-prix pour l expérience et le lieu intime.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

It is a very chic little restaurant, with an atmosphere conducive to discussion, whether with lovers or friends. The restaurant is beautiful, the welcome and the atmosphere are warm, the staff are smiling and very courteous, what can we say about the food!!!! Each time I visit, I am impressed by the ingenuity and flavor of the dishes. The Virunga is a must-have offering a satisfaction guarantee. Thank you for the culinary experience that you allow us to live .

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Surprised by the rich & abundant flavor of each plate. The display is also on top, very well balanced African restaurant, highly recommending!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Dined during mtl a table and it exceeded my expectations. I ll be honest this year s mtl a table had a lot of lackluster food but Le Virunga was on point from the small serving of delicious nuts as you sit at the table, the cocktails and meal. Their vegetarian option on the menu was delicious, there wasn t a morsel of food remaining on my plate. Deserts were pleasant they do seem to update the menu seasonally so I d like to try their puff puff once it s on the menu again. Note that it s best to have a reservation this is a small restaurant maybe seats 24-30 people at most. And if you re vegetarian it s best to reserve in advance so that the kitchen can prepare a main (as per I was told when I inquired because I didn t see a vege option in their regular menu).

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Amazing place!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Very interesting flavours in everything that we tried. Will definitely come back again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Interesting delicious dishes! Great service and atmosphere. Everything ws really great! Warning half the dishes were spicy, but in a good way

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

If you are looking for a sign to go here this is it!!! I am a recovering vegetarian of 12 years this is the only meal that has convinced me to finish a multi-ounce cut of meat. I cleaned my plate and you will too- the food was delicious and the service was impeccable. Every dish combines delicious flavours in original ways that add and add and add to the palette without becoming overbearing or muddled. The vibe is intimate and familiar, but the execution of service and cooking gives one of the best elevated dining experiences I ve ever had. Rarely do I leave a restaurant as satisfied as I have this one. Hats off to every member of the staff!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

OMG! Such a wonderful discovery! Beautiful, very elegant and sensual place. The food is just WOW! I mean ! I ve falling in love with this amazing cuisine! Great presentation! I m speechless! Thank you for sharing a small slice of heaven (Africa) with us!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Virunga is a true gastronomic experience that will please all fans of fine cuisine. Beyond the fact that the dishes offered are African-inspired, the dishes are very elaborate. There is a delicate blend of flavors and textures that will give a very special dimension to the experience of the gourmet in you! The quick service also adds to the experience, since the sequence of dishes allows for fluidity in the flow of the meal. Ive only been there three times, but each time Ive never been disappointed. The menu was different each time and I was never disappointed. Their wine and other drinks list is very extensive, but for me who doesnt see alcohol, they also offer a nice variety of non-alcoholic cocktails and I have always found what I am looking for there!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Perfection on every level. A must!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Perfect

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

we were there for a special event, part of Montréal en lumière and a special menu conceived of and produced by Lysanne Obomsawin was our treat. a happy marriage of pan-African and Abenaki ingredients were presented (with beautiful pairings of South African wines) in a parade of gorgeously plated dishes, each with its own twist: confit de canard on a base of cloudberry jam, smoked trout, wapiti tartare,, smoked mutton and a rasberry paté with coconut ice cream. everything was delicious, the portions were adequate, the service and the atmosphere with a great pan-African playlist at a reasonable level wrapped the evening in a bright red bow. well be back for their regular menu, soon!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

African-french food, good taste and friendly service. Its a pity that the plate is too big and the portion is too small.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Magnificent cuisine and friendly service. Refined sub-Saharan African cuisine in a very elegant setting. Excellent cocktails! Generous portions without being excessive. Very refined presentation of dishes. I highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Beautiful ambience and lovely food. Interesting tastes and flavors

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

The atmosphere is warm and the place is cozy. The dishes are original and tasty. We had a lovely time, I highly recommend!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

My cousin celebrated her birthday at Virunga and since then I have fallen in love. This charming space takes you on a journey through its music, cocktails and exceptional dishes 100% designed by the chef. I love their story. If you live or visit Montreal, this is definitely a restaurant to discover. You will not be disappointed (solo date, as a couple, with friends or simply to impress your circle..Ahahah! Thank you to this magic duo, thank you for raising Africa in the heart of Plateau-Mont-Royal.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

I had the chance to organize a brunch at Le Virunga restaurant as part of a literary meeting. The owners really liked the idea and the rest is a great story. Once again, the atmosphere, the set up and the meal were there. All the participants and my guest extremely appreciated their experience. Thank you for your opening, I will definitely be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The food is soooo worth the wait! The owner is so nice and hospitable... Amazing little place!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Such a warm space, welcoming staff, delicious and exquisite dishes! Restaurant in contact with its producers, which highlights local and Quebec products; definitely worth trying!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Exquisite service. The waitresses were both lovely. We ended up on a special anniversary night and the menu was spectacular. Wasn t the quickest but, that is fine since the food was amazing. The Salmon appetizer and the Salmon entree were cooked to perfection. The goat was equally good and i had no idea you could add maple syrup as a sauce to goat. This restaurant was one of the highlights to my trip to Montreal. The only downside was the salad and the cocktail (Mombassa) wasn t of the same standard as the other food. However Id still drink that again too. Can t wait for my next Montreal trip to revisit this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Beautiful, cozy little restaurant. The meals are absolutely delicious, the spices are measured to perfection! So, yes the dishes are a little spicy, but very well balanced, which gives a very pleasant experience on the palate. We enjoyed ourselves from starter to dessert!!! We will return!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

A hidden gem in Montreal. In my honest and humble opinion, probably one of the top restaurants in MTL. Nuff said.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent cuisine and impeccable service.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Delicious cuisine and lovely ambience! Highly recommend for a special dinner or night out.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Book online to meet old friends. Warm welcome, very good service and delicious dishes. It was a nice culinary discovery, we escaped. The dishes are very well presented and tasty.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Refined and slightly spicy dish. Delicious non-alcoholic cocktail. Impeccable service

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

As a Torontonian, I eat a lot of good food. This was probably the best meal I ve had in a year. The food is spectacular and I was wowed dish after dish. We had the salmon appetiser, beef and Guinea fowl main, and mango marmelade dessert. They do not skimp on the spice or spiciness and do these dishes justice. Amazing date night place!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Spectacular! My palate went on an adventure with the flavours and the spice. Starter: Salmon. Crispy skin beautifully placed on top of a deep and well thought out sauce. Main: Beef. Imagine a nice cut of beef. Now imagine that beef cooked and braised with the respect that it deserved? Yeah, this was it. The sauce was as rich as the salmon. Definitely would come back for more. Thank you for the cuisine!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

An exceptional restaurant! As someone uninitiated in African cuisine, each dish was a revelation for me. Each service is perfectly executed and the flavors are surprising while being harmonious. Big crush on the shrimp and the leg of goat!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great African fusion cuisine.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

A charming restaurant! We took our meals to take away because we had children at home, the dishes were all delicious, my favorites were the mutton and the guinea fowl. A gem where I will return to eat on my next visit

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Very nice experience, the dishes were delicious. 10/10 for the starter, main course and dessert in terms of taste or cooking as well as presentation. I recommend!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Whoah! Nice decor! Intimate atmosphere and warm welcome! Cuisine association of Africa and Quebec of the happiest. Was on my list to try for a long time. Not disappointed. Mtl à table 2022 offers an excellent menu to discover Everything was delicious and the wine pairing was excellent without forgetting more than reasonable prices for the dishes offered. Well done to the head owner and her daughter. Pleasant change of scenery

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

A magnificent discovery! Very warm and cozy. Excellent African food, the service matched the food. Thank you for this good time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Warm place where the team is kind. The place is private and subtle. The meals are well spiced, for all tastes. The cocktails are tasty.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Exceptional experience, succulent meals, a Montreal must-have and a must for fine African cuisine. The dishes were well seasoned, the meats tender and the drinks delicious, I even had 2. The welcome was warm, the service was attentive, the attention to detail towards us went straight to my heart. Congratulations to the chef and her team!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

delicious food & cocktails, wonderful presentation, excellent service. moderate portions - not excessively large

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Very very good, but my God its long! Not at all suitable for children. Kid-friendliness: Not suitable for children, very spicy meals

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Warm ambiance, amazing food, nice service! Perfect date night place! Highly recommend

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good food but much, much too expensive and the portions are too small. I was left hungry. Damage

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good food, portions too small.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Simply one of the best restaurants in the city. Has a small and intimate atmosphere. Every time I come to Montreal we stop here. Everything, and I mean everything is delicious. The drinks are fantastic as well!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Very happy with this discovery! Succulent and very good value for money (when compared to other gourmet restaurants)! A magnificent journey for the eyes and taste buds!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

My husband and two friends of ours chose Le Virunga from the list of restaurants available for Mtl à Table based on its high reviews. We were all very satisfied and loved the cozy atmosphere. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to people who are new to African cuisine. Go with the peanut crust rainbow trout. Im still drooling over it! Im so happy we picked this restaurant amongst the 100s of restaurants available on the MTL a Tabe list.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Beautiful decor and pleasant atmosphere. We appreciated the quality of the food and the service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

We will come back! With few tables, this restaurant is intimate and not very noisy. Reservation on the website is very simple. The service was impeccable. Regarding the food and mocktails, it was simply excellent. The choice is varied, the decoration of the plate is sophisticated, the tastes are reminiscent of exotic spices and the portions are generous. A favorite for the buttered plantain banana, a real delight! We found our exotic fine cuisine restaurant in Montreal!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Delicious discovery. Interesting wine list and good drinks!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

The dishes were delicious from starter to dessert. The cocktails were good too. I recommend it because we were not disappointed.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

At the top, to discover

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Everything is excellent from starter to dessert.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Tasty dishes and perfect service in a warm environment. Thank you

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

The rack of goats cheese is really full of fat and sinew (two or three good bites) the beef was tough, overcooked and full of sinew. The waitress did nothing to make up for it when we showed her. Nice flavor but at $30-35 a plate we expect really better. I will not go back and I do not recommend.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Excellent ambiance and food, a neighborhood gem with a very good selection of African wines at a reasonable price!! A wonderful experience with friends. Lovely decor and music, which was not too loud so we were able to enjoy dinner conversation. For starters we tried their Argentinian shrimp and the Maradi which is a cassava couscous with pan fried eggplant and okra, both were deliciously seasoned and the okra was prepared to perfection without a sliminess which happens if not prepared properly. The mains were equally delicious, we had the Faguibine which is the duck with sweet potatoes pure and spinach, we requested the duck be cooked to medium instead of rare. The Chef accommodated us and it was perfect, not dry at all. The other main was the Mouton and also deliciously prepared. Their sauces are mouth watering. Of course we had the desserts, we tried both desserts, the Crepes and the Bananas and chocolate cloud which was very similar to chocolate mousse and they too were excellent. Our wine paired perfectly with the meal, it was an organic wine from Africa, a blend of cabernet and merlot. We will certainly return and encourage you to go dine at Le Virunga. Last but not least was the wonderful and attentive service. Our waitress was very accommodating and knowledgeable. Merci pour un très bon repas et un belle soirée.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Excellent food and very good service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Excellent atmosphere and delicious meal

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Succulent meal, good service. first experience of cooking with an African flavor, great experience. The shrimp was divine. The smoked mutton is excellent. And the crepes were refreshing. The wine is also very good. Some dishes may be spicy or spicy. For those who are not used to spices. I recommend.

★★★
December 22, 2021

Very good cuisine disappointed by the quantity at the price of the main course Its a bite or rather a tasting

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

The dishes are absolutely delicious, the atmosphere is warm and the service is second to none.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Refined food, high quality. Served with a big smile. Culinary experience to live.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Food is pricey but I really love the concept of this restaurant! Modernized food with a lot of care and thought out into the dishes. A little pricey but definitely worth a visit. The restaurant is beautiful but could do with more personality inside in my opinion. Overall happy with the place (wish there was more vegan options).

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

A culinary journey worth the detour!!! What a great discovery. Nothing to complain about, top service, quality products, spiced to perfection I highly recommend it.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Great dining experience. A service to match, from starter to dessert! Certainly an address to remember to get to know African gastronomy.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Excellent food, wonderful combination of spices. The goat was fantastic and the duck was the best we ever tasted. Great cocktails. Great service. Very highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Excellent service and food is just amazing

★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

It not what we was expecting about Africaine dish, but it a food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Subtle..exquisite..incredible

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Flavors, generosity, authenticity on the plates! A beautiful Montreal address and a wonderful culinary journey.

December 22, 2020

The vegetarian dish was small, overpriced and had nothing special. I wont come back and I dont recommend this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Perfect blend of flavors and inspiration! Each dish is beautiful and unique! Excellent discovery!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Excellent!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Incredible trip. Everything is excellent from start to finish: food, service, cocktails, wine. I will come back quickly and recommend this address to all my loved ones.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Delicious, beautiful, soulful food. I only regret that I have not been eating here since it opened. That changes now!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

I would like to thank you for the excellence of your customer service, without forgetting the quality and passion that you instill in your work. They are felt in every bite. Thank you for representing us with such honor.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Excellent. We ordered the picnic menu and we were not disappointed. Beautiful presentation and very good taste, with foods from Quebec as well.

★★★★
December 22, 2020

Very nice place. Food and atmosphere were great! Will definately go again!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Sumptuous!!! Welcome and quality service. Presentation and explanation of the menu. To talk about the menu, just amazing. Remember to have cocktails.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Amazing and delicious

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

We were always curious to try this little restaurant on Rachel. Stuck at home with Covid restrictions, we decided to try the menu for 2 people. I discovered how elegant and simple the interior design of the restaurant was and wondered why we had never tried it before. Once home we were surprised to see how delicious the food was. The appetizers, frites de plantain and effiloché de dinde, were a savant mix of subtle spices. The two main meals, canard and boeuf, were perfectly roasted and tender. The sauce that we poured on the canard was unlike anything we ever tried. Even the dessert was delicious: beignets de plantain in a light sauce à lérable. This was an exquise experience and we recommend it wholeheartedly. We tried the Virunga hoping it was a good local restaurant, we discovered much more than that and cannot be more pleased.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

We tried the fork and microphone experiment with the Phi Center. Thank you for this beautiful trip! In times of pandemic, it did us a lot of good! The meal was delicious and introduced us to another cuisine. I highly recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Food was delicious. Staff was friendly and helpful.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

We went there for a friends birthday and we were all amazed. We were a group of 6 and each had a different item from the menu. Every single one of us had AMAZING comments about the food. In a few words; food is amazing, service is polite and very caring, drinks are original, strong and well balanced! Un tresor à découvrir! I have, will and definitely should go back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

I discovered a fabulous mix of flavors there. The service was top notch. I recommend! #travelwithtin

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Recommended by a friend, very good restaurant. Good food, well prepared, dishes seasoned with taste and beautiful presentation. Intimate and pleasant setting. I will come back with pleasure.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Great service, the food is excellent and the welcome is very friendly. It s definitely worth the detour . I will return there and I recommend without moderation!!

December 22, 2019

I took the time to call to make a reservation for a family outing of 4 people, you confirm your reservation and inform me of the change when you arrive I have a reservation for 2 people, there are 3 of us, we came down from Laval and everyone who repeats to you we have a reservation for 2 people they pretend to have found a solution I find it disgusting they wander around And do nothing to accommodate you just repeat we have a reservation for 2 we are stuck finding another restaurant 9:30 p.m. thank you for ruining our evening last time and Im going to pass the message not to go there

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

The main dish, wine, dessert and the service all deserve five stars!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Montreal a Table. Their 3-course menu offers very good varieties. The soup was excellent, as was the beef, but their vegetarian dishes lacked diversity. Good service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Beautiful palette of flavors for all the dishes served.

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Excellent cuisine! Beautiful touch of refinement and spices and impeccable service. Im definitely going back!

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