Where to get your shepherd's pie fix in Montreal
With many people of European descent in Montreal, it’s no wonder we love our shepherd’s pie, or “pâté chinois” in “bon québecois.” There is nothing like a good serving of beef, corn and mashed potatoes to cure the winter blues. Here is where to get your shepherd’s pie fix in Montreal.
Restaurant Holder
407, rue McGill, Montréal, QC H2Y 2G3Holder is a casual yet trendy restaurant in Old Montreal. The ambiance is always happening and the service is warm and attentive. While they are known for their French bistro fare, they serve one of the tastiest gourmet shepherd’s pies in Montreal. They traded the traditional ground beef for succulent melt-in-your-mouth lamb with mashed potatoes, served with sautéed onions in a bath of cognac sauce. It’s a must-try dish on a cold evening.
Irish Embassy Pub & Grill
1234, rue Bishop, Montréal, QC H3G 2E3Since shepherd’s pie is traditionally an old European dish, it should come as no surprise that Irish embassy serves one of the top renditions in town. It’s listed as the Ontario Beef Cottage Pie. The dish includes roasted carrots, peas and corn, beef, and garlic-roasted mashed potatoes. Wash it down with a nice pint of Guinness for the full effect.
Les Enfants Terribles — Outremont
1257 av Bernard, Outremont, QC H2V 1V8With a name like Les Enfants Terribles,” this restaurant implies no less than a good time. This trendy Outremont restaurant offers good cocktails with a splendid menu of French fare, along with a few pub classics. One of their signature dishes is the shepherd’s pie, made with braised beef cheek, truffle oil, creamy corn and pureed potatoes – it’s absolutely divine. If you’re not in the mood for shepherd’s pie, try their mac ’n’ cheese.
Deville Dinerbar
1425, rue Stanley, Montréal, QC H3A 1P4Deville Dinerbar is a mecca for comfort food classics. The Shepherd’s Pot Pie is exactly what it sounds like – the combination of a shepherd’s pie and a pot pie. While it may seem like this dish is experiencing an identity crisis, it brings the best of both dishes together. The juicy braised short ribs and creamy mashed potatoes coupled with the crispy exterior are the perfect combination of melt in your mouth with a hint of crisp. While it may be difficult with all Deville’s has to offer, try to save room for dessert — you won’t regret it.
Mâche
1655, rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 3K4Mâche is for the serious “pâté chinois” lovers only, as they offer different types on the menu. With many options, it’s difficult to pick a favourite. Of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic rendition, or “le p’tit v,” and if you’re a pulled pork aficionado, you’ll enjoy the “new” style, made with mushroom and sweet potatoes. They even offer a vegetarian option. There’s nothing but good comfort food, good drinks and good company at Mâche on St-Denis.
