Pavillon: This downtown social club inside the SAT can cook

The third floor of Montreal’s Society for Arts and Technology (SAT) has deepened in degrees of liveliness with the arrival of Pavillon, a new social club true to SAT's cultural ethos by offering a setting where food, creativity, music, and community come together.

Helmed by Chef Maxime Latapie (formerly of Helena and Portus 360), Pavillon offers a thoughtful menu that's all about simplicity and quality, emphasizing small plates and heartier options built on local products. As of Pavillon's launch, prices range from $6 to $20, keeping things accessible in today's inflationary times.

There's an emphasis on bold, clean flavours with thoughtful twists—like the sweet-tart pairing of burrata with mirabelle plum compote, or croquetas with prosciutto and parmesan. Meanwhile, other dishes like the ceviche with a dashi and mezcal infusion, or the beef tartare topped with homemade ketchup, speak to both tradition and slight experimentation.

For dessert, Pavillon balances the unexpected and comforting, offering strawberries and watermelon with estragon custard, or a more decadent sea buckthorn chocolate.

As for drinks, expect natural wines, innovative cocktails, and microbrewery beers—all at similarly low prices, with glasses of natural wine and classic cocktails starting around $10, and bottles for $50, all tax in.

Natural evolutions

The space Pavillon now occupies was once home to Labo Culinaire – Food Lab, an experimental kitchen that celebrated Quebec’s producers and culinary talent since 2011.

“While Food Lab hosted events and guest chefs, it was primarily a restaurant. Now, we want Pavilion to be more flexible. People can come after a show or movie in the dome, have a drink without committing to a full meal. It’s more open, more relaxed, and not just about dining,” says Alexandre Auché, the SAT’s Director of Programming.

As Ricciardi-Rigault points out, “Launching a restaurant during a period of inflation forced us to think carefully about our offer,” a sentiment echoing the Food Lab’s philosophy of offering experiences with approachability.

But both venues share a constant focus on community.

"When the SAT first opened, the area wasn’t in great shape. But over time, it's played a role in revitalizing the neighborhood," Auché explains, having been at the SAT for 12 years, and booking shows there for over two decades.

"Now, we’re actively working with the local community, organizing events in Paix Park and involving the restaurant in activities like outdoor barbecues. We want to give back to the neighborhood and continue being a positive force.

Nice place you have here

Designed by Marie-Laurence Tailleur Tremblay, the space now layers in comfort with a U-shaped bar, soft banquettes, and custom lighting from the Montreal-based lighting designers from Hamster.

Following a closure of the SAT for construction during the pandemic, "we decided to make the place cozier," says Auché.

"We closed off the room with new glass windows, creating a more intimate space. Before, it felt like part of the dome, and the noise wasn’t ideal. So, we aimed to create a more vibrant and cozy atmosphere, adopting a mid-century brutalist design. The new bar in the center of the room breaks it into smaller, more inviting areas where people can feel comfortable, even if the room isn’t full."

The sleek, industrial feel of the kitchen juxtaposed with warm, cozy lighting in the dining area highlights the balance Pavillon strikes between raw, minimalist design and hospitality. The energy's amped up a bit further by a devoted DJ space and the original rooftop terrace, dressed in plants in warmer months and set up for a heated outdoor spot in the winter.

"Collaboration with the designer was crucial, and music also plays a big role here. We collaborated with Lexis from "Music is My Sanctuary" to curate the sound, ensuring that the vibe and the overall experience are just right," adds Alexandre.

Even the restaurant’s name, inspired by the geodesic dome of the Biosphere from Expo 67, reflects its connection to Montreal’s architectural and artistic heritage—a nod to the past while moving forward.

"We were searching for a new name for the pavilion and restaurant. The story of the dome is linked to Expo 67 because the SAT's founder Monique Savoie visited the Expo as a child and fell in love with the architecture. That experience inspired the design, and the pavilion concept is tied to that inspiration."

An ethos beyond food

In keeping with the SAT’s 25-year tradition of innovation, Bruno Ricciardi-Rigault, co-founder of the iconic Plateau lounge Laïka, and Alexandre Auché, the SAT’s Director of Programming, say they've have aimed to create a space for more than dining.

"That's why we're introducing DJs on Sundays to add to that vibe. It’s not about becoming a supper club, but more about creating a well-curated space where music and atmosphere are just as important as the food,” says Auché.

"We’ve already started planning some food projects with places like the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, and we’ll be doing special dinners in the dome. These events will tie Pavilion and the dome together in a unique way. We want to make Pavilion a space that combines art, food, and music seamlessly."

Pavillon is also a bit of an anomaly in Montreal's dining scene, functioning as a non-profit restaurant: All profits are channeled back into the SAT to support local artists and researchers, blending gastronomy with the institution’s broader creative mission.

"The SAT has pioneered digital and immersive art in Montreal," Auché adds. "We’re a unique venue, offering residency programs for artists to create in the dome. We’re not a commercial venue; we’re focused on the art itself.

"Our work has had a global impact, with other cities looking to create similar spaces."

Pavillon is located on the third floor of the Society for Arts and Technology
(1201 Saint-Laurent Boulevard).