he self-described ‘cuisine conviviale’ at Montreal’s Bistro Bienville is an apt description. The tiny twenty-five seat eatery is warm and cozy and the food is all about comfort.

It seems as if Montreal has more bistros than people at times so it takes something quite special to be singled out from the rest and named one of the country’s best in enRoute magazine. It may be because of the venerable waitstaff or the imported wine list, but it is most likely that the bistro’s notoriety and success are based on the superb food. It’s traditional French cuisine, only better.

The menu changes with the seasons and at most contains eight items. Every item is the same size (i.e. no appetizers, mains etc.) and any two dishes make a lovely meal.

For some French food a cut above the rest settle into the quaint Bistro Bienville for a comfortable evening out. –J.T.