L’idéal bar & contenu opened in late 2021 with a concept that feels tailor-made for the times: part natural wine bar, part event space, part podcast studio. The team behind it—Émilie Amyot, Fabrizia DiFruscia, Florence Gagnon, and others—have deep ties to Montreal’s nightlife, media, and music scenes, and it shows. What could’ve been just another pandemic pivot turned into something much more layered: a place where you can sip pét-nat, catch a live taping, and then dance until close.
The space, designed by Daniel Finkelstein, holds 250 people but still feels intimate thanks to cozy nooks and a soft industrial aesthetic. There’s also a separate, soundproofed studio in back—outfitted by Moog Audio—where the bar hosts live podcast recordings and private events.
Frédérique-Ann Brosseau (formerly of Manitoba) curates the wine list with a mix of classic bottles and easygoing natty pours, while the bar menu blends 90s nostalgia with microbrews and thoughtful cocktails. Chef Julia Giraud handles food that’s shareable, seasonal, and way better than it needs to be. Is it ideal? It's pretty close.
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A curated list of the best wine bars in Montreal
From loud to laid-back to low-key, these are the spots with superb selections where you can easily grab a chair and glass (or bottle).
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