Since November 26, Benjamin has added a refined new chapter to downtown dining. Nestled under Hotel Metcalfe Montréal, at the corner of de Maisonneuve West boulevard and Metcalfe street, the restaurant occupies a space that stood empty for two years after the closing of Gustave. Today, it hums with conversation, clinking glassware, and the aroma of expertly grilled meat.
The establishment, a new project from the luxury hospitality management company Gray Collection, presents a vision of the classic steakhouse filtered through a Parisian lens and adapted to Montréal’s appetite for warmth and character. Open for weekday lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner seven nights a week, the restaurant has settled into the rhythm of winter. Coats are checked, scarves are folded away, and guests step into a setting that feels both intimate and animated.
Design with Depth and Texture
The transformation of the space is thorough. The dining room has been redesigned with new colors, updated chandeliers, carefully chosen lighting, and tailored furnishings. A rebuilt wine cellar anchors the room, reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to serious wine culture. Even the kitchen has been reconfigured with new equipment to support a menu centered on precision and consistency.
Designed by Valérie Beauchamp of Espaces V, the interiors combine leather, wood, velvet, and metal in a balanced composition. Lighting remains soft and flattering, creating a cocooned atmosphere suited to long dinners. A custom mural by Canadian artist Candice Kaye adds visual drama without overwhelming the room.
Spread over 6,500 square feet and two levels, Benjamin offers 120 seats. A spacious terrace awaits the warmer months, yet in the dead of winter the focus is on the enveloping comfort indoors. The ambiance carries a subtle air of exclusivity reminiscent of a discreet private club, while remaining accessible and welcoming.
The Art of Meat and French Classics
In the kitchen, Chef Luc De Sousa, formerly of Maggie Oakes, leads the brigade. His menu places meat at the forefront. All AAA cuts are aged on site for a minimum of three weeks, ensuring depth of flavor and tenderness.
The bavette steak with fries stands as a signature. Philippe Perras, director of food and beverage, describes it as the essential order for anyone seeking the spirit of a French steakhouse. The côte de boeuf has also emerged as a favorite since opening, alongside scallops and sea bass for those who prefer seafood.
Classic French dishes round out the offering. Bone marrow, blood sausage, escargots, onion soup, duck breast, and truffle ravioli appear with subtle Québec accents. The onion soup arrives gratinéed with Louis d’Or cheese from Fromagerie du Presbytère. The duck breast is paired with a duck jus scented with camerise. These touches anchor the menu firmly in its local context. Desserts follow suit. The Île flottante and Paris Brest attract a steady following, offering sweetness and structure to close the meal.
Martinis by Mood, Wines by Discovery
The bar program reinforces the Parisian steakhouse identity. A dedicated martini list invites guests to choose according to their mood rather than a strict ingredient breakdown. Classic profiles are interpreted with finesse, encouraging experimentation within a familiar framework.
The wine list leans heavily on private imports, with a focus on small producers and limited lots. All French regions are represented, joined by selections from across Europe and the Americas. The rebuilt cellar supports a program designed for both connoisseurs and curious diners.
Upstairs, the former Le St-Martin Hôtel Particulier is being transformed into the Metcalfe Hotel Montréal, also part of the Gray Collection, and set to open in spring. Its 119 rooms and upcoming banquet spaces will soon complement the restaurant, positioning Benjamin as both neighborhood brasserie and destination dining room in the heart of the city.
Benjamin
Location: 980 Maisonneuve Boulevard West, Montreal, QC, H3A 1M5
Facebook: @restaurantbenjamin.mtl
Instagram: @restaurantbenjamin.mtl
Website: benjamin-mtl.com/en