DNA Restaurant, Montreal

Martiniboys
MBO Montreal :: Montreal Restaurants & Dining Guide
  • DNA Restaurant, Montreal

    Anthony Branco
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    Unpretentious, detail-savvy and deliciously traditional, DNA Restaurant is out to set a trend in the Montreal restaurant scene. The conceptual interior design by Bruno Braën and the market-Mediterranean cuisine by Executive Chef Derek Dammann are both well-tuned with the service of managing owner Alex Cruz (hence the name DNA, Derek ‘n’ Alex).

    Situated in Old Montreal, along rue Marguerite d’Youville, DNA Restaurant opened in late January. Even in the slow season, DNA is already gathering steam, packing up on a regular basis with seating for 67 available in the dining room. Actually quite a bit about this restaurant features that number, including the view of the '67 World Exposition’s Habitat out the front windows.

    The two partners are appreciative of respecting tradition in the kitchen and in the décor as well. The Mediterranean flavours are fresh, prepared with techniques and philosophies of old-world traditions, yet decidedly Canadian. According to Chef Dammann, cuisine along the coasts of Italy or France will have tastes enhanced by their respective climates. Here in Montreal, the ingredients are carefully sourced not to give the client a false representation on the style of cuisine. Keeping it fresh means choosing from the right microclimate, such as their olive oil that is from Dammann’s friend in Tuscany.

    DNA is not competing with the high-end restaurants in Old-Montreal, for the menu is reasonably priced without a single main course over $30. The lunch menu offers two courses for $20 and three courses for $25. There’s no pretentious ambience either, as the wait staff is casually uniformed in fashionable dark jeans and sweater-vests over a crisp white button-down.

    For lunch, you’ll hear jazz softly filling the room while plates of grilled octopus and oyster mushroom salads float by on platters. The mains vary, with items like tagliatelle with mint and chilies to the wild striped bass with green beans, tomato and herbs.

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    AT A GLANCE
    DNA Restaurant
    355 rue Marguerite D'Youville, Montreal, QC
    514-287-3362
    Mediterranean
    Old Montreal
    Venue:
    Restaurant
    Hours:
    Weekdays 11:30am - 10:30pm
    Price Range:
    $$$ (Within Reach)
    Payment:
    Master Card, Visa
    THE BUZZ

    IN THE AREA

    15 Reader Reviews

    Food was delicious. But we spent $250 for two people on appetizers and a main course that consisted of 3-4 cubes of pork (with wine). For the time it takes to get your food (service is painfully slow), we actually left the place hungrier than when we came in. BTW, both myself and my wife are under 160lbs and 120lbs respectively. We don't eat much food. But we've never left a fine restaurant and contemplate going to Harvey's afterwards. DNA is a great "tasting" experience, but it doesn't make for a good evening at all, as the complete overall restaurant experience (service, quantity of food, atmosphere - tables way too close together) are seriously lacking.

    1. Anonymous's Review :: March 14, 2010
    Anonymous's Rating: 2 Stars
    Way overrated with real service and kitchen problems. We ate there this past week. First, didn't bring drinks at same time (good 5 minutes apart); okay these things happen.

    Second didn't deliver entree after more than 1.5 hours. We left -- as it was unclear when meal would arrive and we lost our appetite seeing many get their dinners although they arrived after we did (we were the fourth party there). But then some time went by with no food coming upstairs from the kitchen. Perhaps they take too many reservations at the same time -- either way, offering to pay for our dinner or to have us come back on them didn't make up for what we thought/expected would be a special evening.

    Perhaps best to go when only a few people there...or not at all.





    2. Ed's Review :: June 06, 2009
    Ed's Rating: 1 Stars
    i am cool


    3. Anonymous's Review :: May 06, 2009
    Anonymous's Rating: Stars
    yes


    4. Anonymous's Review :: May 06, 2009
    Anonymous's Rating: Stars
    Went for lunch today. It was exceptionally good. The scallops were enormous and nicely carmelized. The addition of the home made bacon on top was surprising and delicious. I would certainly go back. Nice selection of wine by the glass too!

    5. Carolyn's Review :: April 14, 2009
    Carolyn's Rating: 4 Stars
    The service was painful. Way too much time between courses. Portions were tiny. Food was very fresh but lacked in flavor. Wines way overpriced. Shall not return.

    6. Kathi's Review :: March 21, 2009
    Kathi's Rating: 2 Stars
    the portions were tiny.
    the food was not worth the price.
    the ambiance was ok
    service was good
    cool bathrooms!

    7. David's Review :: March 12, 2009
    David's Rating: 1 Stars
    I truly loved this restaurant! The food was incredible, the service outstanding and the atmosphere was chic but not over the top. I highly recommend it!

    8. Kate Finn's Review :: May 11, 2008
    Kate Finn's Rating: 4 Stars
    amazing decor..........the food presentation was exciting but the food itself was not .........$150.00 for 2 people is very pricey considering the alcohol consumed was 1 glass of wine and 1 mixed drink.......

    9. Lc's Review :: April 11, 2008
    Lc's Rating: 1 Stars
    Disregard any of the early snotty reviews about DNA - it's the real deal. Bistro food done superbly (the steak frites would make any Parisian happy), a serious upgrade from the previous spot in ambiance / decor too. Well balanced menu, we sampled appetizers, mains and dessert, all outstanding in preparation and presentation.

    10. Gwen Chatto's Review :: March 12, 2008
    Gwen Chatto's Rating: 4 Stars
    Have been a few times and always delicious. Loved the Lamb Tartar and if the Veal or Pork Chop is on the menu grab it, not only delicious but huge. For Dessert don't forget to try the Pine Nut Tart. Love the atmosphere, very laid back chic. Let Alex pick your wine, he is great and picks reasonably priced wines, so no sticker shock.

    11. Sam's Review :: March 06, 2008
    Sam's Rating: 4 Stars
    Loved DNA! The food was amazing. I never thought I would actually enjoy sweetbreads but the portion was perfect and the flavours were unlike anything I ever tasted before. The menu was small but there was something for everyone. It was a nice change from the long menu's with too many options to choose from that we are used to.
    The staff was really friendly and professional, letting you enjoy your meal without being smothered. The decor is very original and unlike anything you are used to. There doesnt seem to be a bad seat in the house either! Can't wait to try the lounge for a 5 à 7 on game night!

    12. George L.'s Review :: February 22, 2008
    George L.'s Rating: 4 Stars
    DNA has a formula that is difficult to match. The Old Montreal setting has a surprisingly good thing going on. Still new, but the kinks are mostly ironed out. Worth a visit, while its still new.

    13. Andre W.'s Review :: February 22, 2008
    Andre W.'s Rating: 3 Stars
    The ambience is fantastic. The food was great tasting and interestingly prepared.
    The drinks were well mixed.
    However, the waiting staff was justifiably a little inefficient considering the restaurant has only recently opened for business.
    All in all I am happy to say I shall return often.

    14. Anonymous's Review :: February 21, 2008
    The ambience is fantastic. The food was great tasting and interestingly prepared.
    The drinks were well mixed.
    However, the waiting staff was justifiably a little inefficient considering the restaurant has only recently opened for business.
    All in all I am happy to say I shall return often.

    15. BEN DEVINO's Review :: February 21, 2008
    BEN DEVINO's Rating: 4 Stars
    Click here to view all 13 reviews

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