A Truly Raw Experience

1101 Rue de Bleury, Montréal, QC H2Z 1N1

My first time at Notkins I had fallen for the design and atmosphere of the multi-level space. The bar-like tables, avant-garde chairs, and glass paneling create an ultra-modern look. Even a trip to the bathroom is an impressive experience. In terms of both design and menu offerings, Notkins is completely unique from any other Montreal restaurant.

Since I had not been in a few years, I gladly accepted an invitation back to this seafood spot to get the full experience of their raw bar.

This time around was very different from the last. I brought my sister along for a much needed girls night.

The night started with some champagne and cocktails – I went with a pineapple fruity cocktail, while my sister chose a cocktail with jalapeño (I loved both, but was a particular fan of the jalapeño!).

Next, we were told all about their raw bar – something we don’t see too much of in Montreal (aside from oysters everywhere of course). We were assured that the oysters we were getting here were the freshest and were provided with an assortment from New England and PEI. They came with a house made hot sauce, freshly grated horse radish, and a mignonette. It is worth it to make a trip to Notkins for these alone.

BUT THEN, this. See masterpiece pictured below. Definitely the star of the show, this seafood platter came with shrimps, princess scallops, sea urchin, caviar, clams, mussels and crab legs as well as blinis and a lemon aioli on the side. I don’t know of many Montreal spots where you could get a seafood platter like this one. We thoroughly enjoyed its freshness, flavour and character and the two of us finished every last (raw) bite.

For dessert, we shared this fried cheesecake. Yes – fried cheesecake. Can’t really go wrong there.

So if you’re craving some seafood, or just a night out somewhere where the design will excite you as much as the food – think Notkins.