Le Clara has officially opened its doors at the heart of Montreal’s cultural district, replacing the beloved Place Deschamps with a refined French-inspired brasserie designed for today’s theatergoing crowd. Located inside the iconic Place des Arts complex, the restaurant unveils a complete transformation that prioritizes flow, comfort, and culinary precision while preserving the spirit that made its predecessor a favorite.
The redesigned space offers a calmer, more intimate atmosphere, ideal for lingering lunches, pre-show dinners, or post-curtain conversations. Clean lines, softened lighting, and a thoughtful layout allow the dining room to breathe, welcoming both regular patrons and first time visitors exploring downtown. The redesign also improves circulation for staff, enhancing the overall experience from arrival to final course.
In the kitchen, the changes are equally significant. The menu has been fully reimagined to reflect a philosophy of simplicity, balance, and seasonality. Guests will recognize certain classics, including the famous black pudding platter that long defined Place Deschamps, alongside the signature Germaine cocktail.
These anchors are joined by elegant new offerings such as scallop crudo, grilled octopus, house made fresh pasta, refined tartares, and composed plates that celebrate texture and restraint.
Leading the culinary vision is chef Agathe Salmeron, formerly of Théophile, working closely with chef Laure Rougelot and sous-chef Gabriella Mongeau. This trio brings a shared sensitivity to local products and Québec terroir, supported by a newly expanded and fully reequipped kitchen. Seasonal ingredients take center stage, treated with respect and clarity, allowing flavors to speak.
The dining room itself has been redesigned by Atelier Zébulon Perron in collaboration with the architectural firm Patriarche. Their work draws subtle inspiration from the performing arts that surround the restaurant, creating a setting that feels theatrical yet understated. The result is a space that mirrors the rhythm of the Place des Arts, animated on performance nights and serene during daytime hours.
Service remains one of Le Clara’s strongest assets. The familiar and highly efficient team returns, led by director and maître d’hôtel Martin Gilbert. Sommelier Jocelyn Gaudet oversees a thoughtful wine program, while Joël Ani at the bar and David Corriveau on the floor ensure a warm, attentive presence throughout the dining room. Their continuity reinforces a sense of trust and hospitality that regulars will immediately recognize.
Owners Lyne Simard and Pierre Vincent R Lemieux, also behind Théophile and Le Parva, continue to guide the project with a clear focus on quality and service. Passionate about cuisine and dining culture, they maintain a wine list featuring between 150 and 200 references, alongside an impressive selection of white and red wines by the glass that encourages discovery.
The name Clara carries a poetic resonance. It nods to the little girl from The Nutcracker, a holiday tradition that has come alive at the Place des Arts for over fifty years. This connection to performance also inspired the logo, designed by the Dauwe agency, which subtly evokes a theatrical half mask, a ballerina’s bun, and the dramatic makeup of opera.
Open for lunch Tuesday through Friday and for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, with additional openings tied to performance schedules, Le Clara positions itself as a natural extension of Montreal’s artistic life. It is a place to gather, to savor, and to let cuisine and culture share the same stage.
With its thoughtful redesign, confident kitchen, and seasoned service team, Le Clara signals a graceful evolution rather than a rupture. It honors memory while embracing renewal, offering a brasserie experience that feels distinctly Montreal, deeply welcoming, and perfectly attuned to the cadence of the city’s cultural calendar. It rewards curiosity, timing, and shared moments.
Le Clara
Location: 175 Rue Sainte-Catherine O, Montreal, Quebec H2X 1Z8
Reservations: Libro
Instagram: @le_clara_
Website: restaurantleclara.com