This hidden jewel in Montreal fuses the flavors of coastal Mexico with Catalan style and has been honored as the Best Mexican RestaurantOutside of Mexico by the Mexico Gastronomic Guide.
Opened in 2018 in Outremont, one of Montreal’s The most effortlessly chic districts—Alma has swiftly emerged as a premier spot within the city. Boasting a Catalan-infused ambiance and a design that radiates easy sophistication, Alma is a location where lively tastes, engaging discussions, and an outstanding wine selection converge.
At the core of Alma lies the vibrant partnership between Chef Juan Lopez Luna, hailing from Mexico, and sommelier Lindsay Brennan, who calls Montreal home. Their collaboration has created more than just a dining spot; it embodies an expression of personal heritage. By carefully selecting premium ingredients and meticulously attending to each element, they infuse genuine passion and respect for their trades into every plate served and bottle uncorked.
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Chef Juan Lopez Luna's menu, blending coastal Mexican flavors with a Quebecois touch
At Alma, eating out doesn't revolve around picking your preferred meal; instead, it involves entrusting the chef’s creative concept. The open-ended menu unfolds as a nine-course adventure, merging intense Mexican tastes with a profound respect for Quebec’s fresh seasonal produce. Every creation from Chef Juan Lopez Luna serves as an homage to his recollections of Mexico, capturing moments both old and new. Should diners desire something less filling, a shorter five-course selection can be chosen—though keep in mind, this might leave you wanting more and wishing you'd opted for the full experience right away.
The chef's menu at Alma finds its roots in the idea of mar y montaña —"where the peaks converge with the ocean"—while not striving for conventional replication Mexican cuisine Rather than focusing elsewhere, this menu showcases the dynamic tastes of Mexico’s seaside areas, meticulously matched with the best products from Quebec.
Imagine chileatole verde , an age-old beverage based on masa and spiced with coriander, jalapeño, and pumpkin seeds, or Quebec duck breast marinated in koji and paired with mole poblano along with a tortilla crafted from heritage Chiapas corn. The tacos here also offer a inventive spin. Given its seasonally changing menu, Alma becomes one of those spots where you'll likely want to keep coming back repeatedly.
Lindsay Brennan 's extensive wine selection
Lindsay Brennan has assembled a selection of natural wines sourced from Catalonia and Spain, aligning with the establishment’s ethos—wines that involve minimal intervention and authentically reflect their origin. These vinous choices complement the meals perfectly, accentuating flavors rather than overpowering them.
At Alma, the wine list holds just as much importance as the cuisine—with every dish crafted to enhance the flavors of the selected wines and complement them perfectly. Jointly, Juan and Lindsay have established an environment where traditional Mexican tastes blend with the vibrant notes of sunlight-drenched, seaspray-infused wines sourced for their selection. This synergy brings out the essence of each artisan’s craftsmanship showcased within their establishment.
Alma 1231 avenue Lajoie
Outremont, QC H2V 1P2
almamontreal.com
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