Photos of Loïc Montreal

Loïc is a buzzy locale serving elevated bistro fare, cocktails & imported wine in a casual space with a patio. The whole vibe at this wine bar in Saint-Henri is loose and easy—drink well, eat well, and it’ll all come together. You’ve only recently arrived. What do you notice? This wine bar, located in a grandiose neoclassical building on Notre Dame, is bright and airy thanks to large windows and an unfussy, airy bistro décor. The atmosphere is unmistakably French, with cane furniture, a row of small round tables, and a gleaming red bar that dresses up the place like red lipstick dresses up an outfit. Cool. So, who’s in? Wine lovers from Saint-Henri and surrounding areas and young patrons stopping in for a bottle before heading upstairs to Turbo Haüs, a live music venue owned by the same crew, fill the room. 

We’re in a wine bar, so we expect to drink wine. Sommelier Charles Tarzi collaborated with owners Max Ruiz Laing, Michael Griffin, and chef Liam Barron to create a small, intelligent wine list with plenty of options by the glass; all focused on fun, light drinkability, and natural or biodynamic production processes. That means delicious Rieslings, Chenin Blancs, and Gamays that are all food-friendly. The wait staff will gladly recommend pairings, but the overall vibe is loose and easy—drink well, eat well, and it will all go together. The food has been recommended to us. Please elaborate. This extensive seasonal menu goes far beyond bar fare—it’s a draw in and of itself. 

The general approach is fresh, green, and vegetable-forward, with a few hits of luscious richness thrown in for good measure (like a recent, sublime ravioli Verde filled with mascarpone and taleggio). With the silky tang of labneh and a bright, sunny garlic scape pesto, a roasted beet salad cuts their caramelized flavor. Loc’s menu is a study in contrasts, with platings as simple and approachable as its price point. Choose the handsome cheeseburger, or the thick piece of Quebec halibut served on a salad of dense du puy lentils with garden green peas and tomatoes for a full-meal deal. So, when and for what is this one best suited? Loc’s small bistro tables encourage great conversations between friends. Swing by in the afternoon for a bright and airy bistro experience appropriate for a work catch-up; at night, it’s moodier, louder, and just as much fun.