The applauded new restaurant at the corner of rue Marquette and Gilford, Le Violon makes its home in the building that once housed Maison Publique. Chefs Danny Smiles (Le Bremner, Double’s Light Night), Mitch Laughren (Le Bremner), and wine director Andrew Park (Liverpool House) unite with creative director Dan Climan.

With deep ties from Le Bremner and the Willow Inn, it’s a crew with clear chemistry and history—doing what they do best, and making it appear effortless.

The dining room is brought to life by the art of Climan, complemented by textiles chosen by the team at Atelier Zébulon Perron. It’s understated glamour. Sunlight slants through half-frosted glass, casting cinematic shadows. Banquettes curve along the walls. Satiny greyed-blue-green paneling resists being pinned to a single colour. Service is equally unpretentious. Affable, informed, assured.

Beef tartare is a cover of kibbeh nayyeh—hand-chopped, flecked with bulgur, topped with Birri tomatoes, green sauce, and tahini. A tiled plate of Cara Cara orange, shaved fennel, and Zacharie Cloutier (a raw sheep’s cheese in the Manchego style) is juicy and anise-bright, fatty without undue weight. In duet with the Concertina—a Fanta-hued Aperol, passionfruit, and cava sparkler—it sings. 

Desserts are can’t miss. Chef Laura Faria’s tiramisu affogato is a runaway hit: chocolate soft-serve, shaved chocolate, mascarpone, espresso woven with Amaro Averna. The petite Chou Fraisier is the follow-up, filled with strawberry compôte and tucked under marzipan.

By the time the last spoonful is gone, we are looking forward to the next performance.