Le Chien Fumant has been anchored in its Plateau corner since 2009, shaped by the partnership of Nicolas Gamache and chef Maksim Morin—two friends who built the kind of restaurant they wanted to work in every night. What started as a freewheeling late-night spot has evolved into a more deliberate, chef-guided operation, where small tables order à la carte and larger groups hand over the reins for a customized tasting menu. The room still feels like an old neighbourhood tavern, but the cooking has grown sharper, funnier, and more confident with time. Expect serious technique delivered with a wink, a wine list rooted in old-world producers, and a team that seems happiest when they’re surprising you.