Montreal Tasting Menu & Wine Pairing at Dorsia

Discover Montreal’s Best Tasting Menu at Dorsia

There’s a certain kind of hush that falls over a table when the first course arrives. The light catches a swirl of olive oil. A spoon glides through a cloud of espuma. The air smells faintly of grilled peaches and sea salt. That’s the kind of night Dorsia creates: an evening that unfolds intentionally and deliciously.

Set inside a restored stone building on Notre-Dame Street in Old Montreal, Dorsia brings together modern elegance and the charm of a neighborhood icon. The atmosphere is calm, confident, and built for long meals that turn into longer memories. Behind the menu is Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe, whose cooking draws from French and Italian traditions while honoring Quebec’s ingredients and seasons.

If you’re after a Montreal tasting menu that feels personal and deeply crafted, this one deserves your attention. Ahead, we’ll explore the chef’s approach, signature dishes, and how to make the most of this experience.

The Philosophy Behind Dorsia’s Tasting Menu

Dinner at Dorsia moves at its own pace. The plates arrive in quiet succession, each one unfolding a little more of the chef’s story. There’s no rush, no spectacle; just a steady rhythm of flavours that evolve through the evening.

Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe cooks with the confidence of someone who knows his ingredients by heart. His food leans into French and Italian techniques but carries the distinct voice of Québec: rooted in seasonality, shaped by curiosity. Every course feels personal, as though drawn from a memory or a moment he wants to share.

The Menu Carte Blanche du Chef, an eight-course tasting, changes with the market. One week, it might begin with red snapper dressed in citrus and herbs; another, with duck glazed in smoky Nduja. The transitions between courses feel natural, like chapters in a story told through scent and texture.

Refinement at Dorsia isn’t about rules or ritual, but attention. The lighting stays low, the music never competes with conversation, and the servers seem to appear just when you need them. It’s the kind of place that invites you to settle in, not perform. Whether you come in a silk dress or a linen shirt, you’ll feel like you belong.

You can browse the full dinner menu here.

Sample Courses You Might Encounter

Every evening at Dorsia unfolds differently, but the heart of the experience remains constant: bold flavour, balance, and a sense of discovery. Think of this section as a glimpse into the kitchen’s imagination.

Starters

Small bites that wake up the palate and set the tone for the evening.

• Huîtres – Oysters
  Served with classic or chef’s choice garnishes. Expect briny sweetness, a whisper of lemon, maybe a touch of caviar or smoky shallot vinaigrette.
  
  

• Carpaccio de Thon – Tuna Carpaccio
  A paper-thin mosaic of fresh tuna, touched with dashi de tomate and lime zest. Clean, bright, almost electric in flavour.
  
  

• Terrine de Foie Gras & Anguille
  A showstopper. Silky foie gras meets smoked eel, layered with black ginger jam and a five-spice whisper. The biscotti brioché adds crunch and warmth.
  
  

Mains

This is where Dorsia truly shines: plates that balance comfort and artistry.

• Vivaneau
  Red snapper with creamy potato espuma, cherry tomatoes, and a subtle sweetness from the sea. Light, elegant, and best with a crisp white wine.
  

• Morue Noire
  Black cod paired with mussels, seafood chorizo, courgette, and harissa. The interplay of smoke, spice, and sea makes it unforgettable.
  

• Cavatelli
  A signature dish. Duck leg cooked façon Nduja, mingled with smoked chili and tender pasta. It’s earthy, rich, and deeply satisfying.
  

• Filet Mignon
  With Fairy Tale eggplant, maïtaké, and an XO mushroom sauce. It feels indulgent yet balanced—a perfect centerpiece for the tasting sequence.
  

• Couronne de Canard à l’Orange
  Duck crown glazed with aged citrus peel and smoked tea. It’s served to share, creating that communal, sensory moment Dorsia does so well.
  
  

Desserts

The final act: playful, refined, and just sweet enough to linger in memory.

• Tarte à la Fraise
  Frangipane base, glazed balsamic, and fresh basil. It’s summer in a single bite that is just fresh, floral, and slightly tangy.
  
  

• Gâteau à l’Abricot
  Almond, wild honey, and olive oil come together in a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Moist, fragrant, and comforting.
  
  

• Tiramisu au Limoncello (pour deux)
  A twist on a classic, brightened with citrus and dusted with cocoa. Best shared, ideally with a glass of dessert wine or espresso.
  
  
  

Wine Pairing & Beverage Strategy

If food is the melody at Dorsia, the wine pairing is the harmony. The sommelier team curates selections that don’t just complement dishes: they complete them.

Pairing Philosophy

Each pairing is designed to highlight what’s already in the dish: acidity to lift richness, minerality to balance spice, tannins to deepen savoury notes. Wines are often chosen to echo Dorsia’s dual identity: European roots with a Quebec heart.

The Carte Blanche tasting can be enjoyed with a curated accords vin: an eight-course progression that flows like a conversation. Expect Old World bottles from France and Italy alongside surprising finds from natural winemakers.

Types of Pairings

• White wines for seafood courses: Vouvray Moelleux, Domaine Huet 2022; or perhaps a crisp Sicilian Vino Da Tavola with briny oysters.
  
  

• Reds for heartier dishes: a Burgundy Pinot Noir for duck, or a Barolo Chinato to bring warmth to the côte de boeuf.
  
  

• Dessert wines that glide softly into sweetness: Barsac, Château Closiot 2022, or a rare Coteaux du Layon 1985 for depth and nostalgia.
  
  
  

Every pour tells a story, every sip deepens the meal’s arc. If you’d like to explore the full wine program, Dorsia’s list is available here.

For a general primer on pairing principles, Wine Folly’s guide to tasting menus offers great insight into why certain flavours sing together.

How to Book & Experience Dorsia

Getting a table at Dorsia feels a little like securing an invitation to something special. It’s intimate, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

You can book directly through our OpenTable link.

When to Go

• Lunch: lighter, à la carte menu with dishes like gaspacho à la fraise or bavette au poivre.
  
  

• Dinner: the main event. This is where the tasting menu, share plates, and wine pairings shine.
  
  

What to Expect

• The Menu Carte Blanche du Chef is available in the evening: a seasonal, eight-course tasting with optional wine pairings.

• Expect to spend a few hours. It’s meant to be unhurried, immersive, and celebratory.

• Dress code: refined and sophisticated. Sportswear, shorts, sweatpants, and sandals are not permitted.
  
  

For timing, pricing, and exact course details, Dorsia recommends booking in advance and confirming when you reserve.

What Makes It Unique in Montreal

Montreal has no shortage of beautiful restaurants, but few capture this kind of balance.

Dorsia sits in the heart of Old Montreal, surrounded by cobblestone streets and historic façades that glow at night. Inside, the design feels timeless with its stone, glass, and candlelight meeting plush textures and clean lines. It’s intimate but not intimidating, with an energy that feels quietly electric.

Chef Miles Pundsack-Poe has spent years honing a style that’s both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern. His dishes aren’t about shock value; they’re about intention. He works with local producers and treats each plate as an experience in generosity and restraint.

Compared to other tasting menu destinations in the city, Dorsia stands out for its approachable luxury. It’s fine dining you can actually relax into—laughing with friends, clinking glasses, maybe sharing a bite from someone else’s plate. It’s that mix of refinement and humanity that keeps people coming back.

FAQs — Tasting Menus at Dorsia

1. How many courses are in the tasting menu?
   Eight, through the Menu Carte Blanche du Chef.

2. Do you need to order the wine pairing separately?
   Yes. The accords vin pairing is optional but highly recommended for the full experience.

3. Is the tasting menu available every night?
   It’s offered in the evening. Confirm when reserving to ensure availability.

4. Is there a dress code?
   Yes. Refined and sophisticated. No sportswear, shorts, sweatpants, or sandals.

The Taste of Something Timeless

Every tasting menu tells a story. Dorsia’s story just happens to be one of Montreal’s most delicious.

Here, French-Italian technique meets Quebec terroir, each dish plated with quiet confidence and joy. The wine list brings it full circle with each glass amplifying what’s on your plate, each course an invitation to linger a little longer.

So if you’re craving an experience that’s sensual, grounded, and genuinely memorable, this is the one to book.

Ready to experience one of the best Montreal tasting menus?

Reserve your table directly throughDorsia’s official booking page and prepare for an evening full of food and moments you’ll want to taste twice.