Mémo in Old Montreal is a modest spot helmed by chef Rémi Lemieux—an ITHQ alum with stints at Au Pied de Cochon and Nord-Est—that delivers dishes that blur the line between indulgent gastronomy and some playful creativity.

While the lunch menu offers refined yet approachable plates, dinners venture into more experimental tasting menus: Think scallops in a dashi broth with smoked salt, soy, seaweed, and fermented celery juice, or deceptively simple dishes like beet tartare or a squid-ink burger with smoked beef. Whatever you go for, don’t skip the Russet fries cooked in butter.