Rendez-Vous: Pointe-Claire Gets Another Cool Buvette-Style Restaurant

The kitchen is the centre of attention in a good Montreal restaurant, on display and never hidden behind some swinging, porthole door. But when a diner enters Rendez-Vous in Pointe-Claire, they’ll more often than not be seated at the bar surrounding its spacious kitchen, and it’ll feel like they’re one of the lucky few to have nabbed a seat.

Building off the intimacy found in buvettes and caves à manger, Rendez-Vous may look and feel like an attaché to its related neighbour of Lou’s, but it’s a place that easily stands on its own.

While caves à manger focus more on wine and simple snacks, we wanted to take that idea and offer something more well-rounded.

During some time spent in Paris, Mant says, “I noticed many restaurants with a wine bar next door as a holding area. We wanted to create a more hybrid version of that, and the result is this place.”

“While caves à manger focus more on wine and simple snacks, we wanted to take that idea and offer something more well-rounded. Our space is a restaurant where you can stay for hours, enjoy several plates, and leave feeling full. It’s not just a stopover on the way to something else—it’s a destination on its own,” says Mant.

Designed in-house

Following the success of Lou’s in Pointe-Claire and helping build what’s become a wave of new and exciting openings in the West Island, Mant and Rendez-Vous’ other partners Max Ruiz Lang, Liam Barron, Phil Allard and Renaud Lambert realized they needed more room. 

Turns out that the small wings next to the bar at Lou’s, which were originally intended as holding areas, ended up not being practical for enjoying a drink, especially with a group.

Catering to 12 seats at a bar that wraps around a large open kitchen and eight seats along its windows, Rendez-Vous is undoubtedly a small space, “but we’re hoping to do a few different things that we feel are missing in the area,” Mant adds.

Designed by Ruiz Lang and Mant, the process of shaping the interiors was informed by the fun, collaborative process the partners shared. 

It’s not just a stopover on the way to something else—it’s a destination on its own.

“The layout was dictated by the small space, but we used our connections from Lou’s and selected materials that fit the vibe we wanted—something brighter and more fun than Lou’s. We went for a lighter, more casual feel with big windows, lighter wood floors, and playful elements. It’s a bit funkier compared to Lou’s more refined look.”

Fresh, vibrant, unique, unexpected

While the new project was in many ways conceived as an attaché to Lou’s, because of its offerings, it’ll feel more experimental than its forebearer's focus on classic American diner dishes in a beautiful setting.  

“Here, we’re offering between 10 to 15 items, a full cocktail menu, and a great wine list curated by Dora Vincze, who’s been with us for a while. It’s meant to be a more casual, drop-in spot—whether you’re grabbing a drink with friends or stopping in for a quick bite.”

...approachable wines that feel casual, fun, and perfect for everyday dining.

“It’s all about fresh, vibrant wines that are easy to enjoy with an emphasis on unique, unexpected selections,” says Vince’s when asked about the wine selections. 

“While our sister spot next door leans towards the classics, we’re offering something a little different - approachable wines that feel casual, fun, and perfect for everyday dining.”

International waters

“Here, we’re trying different plates, and the menu will constantly evolve,” Mant continues. “It’s more international, with no strict rules. Our chef, Liam Barron, will have creative freedom with smaller plates and diverse options—whether you want a full meal or just a snack and a glass of wine.”

House focaccia, devilled eggs with white anchovy and Reggiano, some Sardinian-inspired clams with fregula, octopus with a warm potato salad, slow-cooked pork shoulder with beans—they’re all dishes collected according to the comfort they offer, co-owner and chef Liam Barron says, and without prescribing to any particular cuisine.

Here, we’re trying different plates, and the menu will constantly evolve. It’s more international, with no strict rules.

“The food is uncomplicated and comforting, but at the same time playful and thought-provoking. The menu is influenced by popular European cuisines, designed to showcase a mix of Quebec’s rich bounty of local products as well as celebrated products from abroad.”

“Eventually, we’d like to offer breakfast on weekends, either grab-and-go or dine-in,” Mant adds.

Rendez-Vous is located at 309-C Chem. du Bord-du-Lac-Lakeshore.