French cuisine is often accused of being boring. Yet there is a quiet decadence to the assembly of humble ingredients, elevated by simple flavours and exceptional technique. This is exactly what you’ll find at Montreal’s newest hotspot, Limousine, in the suburb of Saint-Lambert. Its menu is replete with classic French dishes, from escargot drenched in garlic butter to the côte de boeuf served with nostalgic crinkle-cut frites. The design, however, isn’t your typical bistro fare. Local hospitality experts Ivy Studio drew on the vintage glamour of limousine interiors to inform the design, evoking an old-world opulence befitting of the restaurant’s luxurious caviar and champagne service.

Limousine has quickly become a true neighbourhood spot. Situated on a prominent corner lot on Victoria Avenue, where a café once stood, the restaurant is integrated into the residential fabric, hemmed in by historic homes. For chef Laurent Dagenais — who made a name for himself with his viral cooking videos that earned him over 3 million followers across his social platforms — the challenge was to strike the right balance between appealing to both longstanding residents and the younger crowd moving in. The result is a space that feels both contemporary and classic.

The moody vibe is set from the entrance vestibule, clad in smoked glass and draped in heavy velvet curtains that add to the theatricality. Inside, guests are instantly transported to a bygone era, where bolder finishes like a golden-bronze ceiling and velvet upholstery are grounded by a neutral backdrop of warm, cream-coloured walls and black square mosaic floors.

The interior oozes with retro appeal. Stunning custom millwork bridges front- and back-of-house, housing the service station, coffee counter and a backlit wine cellar that steals the show. The dark-stained wood cabinets are accented with smoked glass panels lined with curved cream trim.

Tan leather banquettes line the perimeter, paired with upcycled chairs refinished with a rich chocolate stain and mint green velvet upholstery. Bespoke tables with glossy black tops and chrome details, meanwhile, leverage the power of contrast to keep the focus on the food. The exception is the intimate U-shaped booth situated in the back corner, which features a luxurious green marble top, illuminated by a vintage chrome pendant.

This finish is echoed in the bar, a showpiece clad in wood with gold mirror inserts and surrounded by plush red velvet stools. Its angular geometry works with, rather than against, the restaurant’s unusual diamond-shaped footprint, while its central location makes it a social hub that adds to the spaces’ convivial atmosphere. A sculptural amber lightbox above creates a “cinematic glow” that radiates out into the street, as if to beckon people inside.

Throughout, Ivy Studio has employed its signature layered approach to lighting and accessories that bring the space to life, from glowing wall sconces and chrome table lamps to playful art, floral arrangements and vintage memorabilia. This timeless quality even extends to the bathroom, where trendy cream-and-black checkered tiles meet old family photos of the owners that make guests feel right at home. “Limousine offers more than just fine dining — it is a mood, a memory, and a marked shift for the city of Saint-Lambert,” the designers explain.