Old Montreal gained a discreet yet surprising new dining destination on November 6 with the opening of Mezcla, the latest concept from Groupe Golden Bird. Hidden behind the Italian-Peruvian bistro Capisco at 410 Rue de Vaudreuil, this upscale French-Peruvian speakeasy invites diners into an intimate world of creative gastronomy. Mezcla marks the group’s fifth project with founder and executive chef Marcel Olivier Larrea, entrepreneur David Dumay, and designer David Schmidt. The result is a restaurant that merges elegance, playfulness, and culinary artistry in a way that feels entirely its own.
The name Mezcla means “mix”, and the Spanish word captures the philosophy at the heart of the concept. Golden Bird envisioned the small space as a wide white canvas where inspiration has no boundaries. The idea of free expression shapes everything from the design to the tasting menu.
Sébastien Jacques, the charming and sophisticated maître d’hôtel and founder of Club Pelicano, curates the wine pairing, creating a seamless dialogue between plate and glass, from Bonnet-Ponson champagne to Marathonien Vidal ice wine.
For Larrea, Mezcla is a chance to deepen the city’s relationship with Peruvian fusion. He expresses excitement about introducing new flavours and working alongside the restaurant’s friendly new chef, Kolya Olivier.
He describes Mezcla as a refined and intimate experience where guests can travel through colourful plates that reveal cultural roots and personal stories. The restaurant integrates French structure with Peruvian soul, resulting in a tasting menu that celebrates technique and emotion in equal measure.
Exactly a month after its official opening, my guest and I visited Mezcla for the first time and were graciously offered their unique “blind” ten-course gastronomic tasting menu with wine pairing. Each dish arrived as a surprise, revealing a seasonal composition that shifted between refinement, comfort, and bold creative energy. The evening began with Huacachina Oasis, a bright combination of oyster, coriander, and tomato juice. This set the tone for a menu that valued contrast and harmony.
Mord par le maïs followed with mousseline and foie gras. The dish delivered depth and creaminess balanced by a delicate sweetness. Carapulcra appeared next with salmon roe and salsa criolla. This interpretation of a classic Peruvian stew brought earthiness lifted by vibrant acidity. Navaja introduced razor clam paired with leche de tigre, quinoa, and melon, creating a refreshing yet layered expression of the ocean.
Très léché showcased thin, silky slices of trout with sea buckthorn, chulpe, and ground cherries. This plate stood out for its interplay of decorative swirls of green and purple purées on a bright yellow sauce.
Stuff on top combined potato, botija olive, huancaina, and mushrooms for a comforting and savoury moment.
La liberté des loups featured lamb with aji panka, adding smoky warmth and depth. The final savoury course, Llmaste my friend, presented alpaga, cromesquis, huacatay and glossy meat reduction. The dish offered intrigue, simplicity, and comfort.
Mezcla’s opening menu – which ended with granité sour and not an alfaores for dessert – already demonstrates the team’s commitment to creativity and technical skill. The restaurant features impeccable seafood, refined interpretations of traditional Peruvian dishes, and beautifully executed meat courses such as lamb anticuchos and alpaca al carbón. Each creation contributes to a gastronomic journey shaped by balance, storytelling, and seasonal evolution.
The experience extends to the cocktail program led by Joseph David, head bartender at Capisco. His exclusive creations add another layer to an already rich evening. Dumay expresses pride in bringing this concept to Montreal. He highlights Mezcla as a place for friends, couples, foodies and wine lovers seeking unique flavours and unforgettable moments.
Mezcla continues the Golden Bird legacy that began in 2016 with Tiradito, expanded through Club Pelicano and Chifa, and evolved with Capisco. The new French-Peruvian speakeasy positions itself as a standout addition to Old Montreal’s dining landscape, offering a tasting menu that engages the senses and celebrates the beauty of fusion cuisine.
Mezcla
Location: 410 Rue de Vaudreuil, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A3
Instagram: @mezclamtl
Website: mezclamtl.com | goldenbird.ca