healthy/light dinner options downtown, preferably within a 15 minute walk of Sherbrooke & Peel

[prima]

I've been happy with the salads & grilled fish at Ferreira. Besides ordering the lighter options at Ferreira/Bice/Il Cortile, and the Middle Eastern restaurant next to the Best Western (which I haven't tried yet), which downtown restaurants would you recommend for light dinners?

Thanks for any suggestions. ;-)

[OliverB]

Sticking within downtown proper and apart from those already mentioned... you can get fresh fish and light entrees at Decca 77 on Drummond... good sushi at Bishoku on Bishop and Japanese at Takara on Peel... pretty good Korean (lots of light menu options) at Man-na on Bishop as well... for lunch there's Café Romy in Ogilvy's or the café in Birks by Europea. Apart from that, you're looking at a short metro or cab ride into Old Montreal...

[prima]

Thanks for all your suggestions, OliverB. Haven't tried any of the places you mentioned, and wasn't aware of Man-na on Bishop.

I noticed that Apollo comes up as a downtown option on Opentable, but their website doesn't seem to have a current online menu, and it isn't mentioned much on CH. Has anyone dined at Apollo on University lately? Is it possible to order a la carte, or does one have to go with the "trust the chef" approach?

http://www.apolloglobe.com/traiteur_m...

[OliverB]

I don't think there are any reviews yet because the place is relatively new... I have no idea how the food is or whether you can order a la carte but I'm sure that the whole "themed menu" concept is really more of a fixed-prix. I doubt the chef just whips up surprise imaginative dishes for every single table, so you can probably call ahead and ask.

There's also Rosalie on de la Montagne... I can't really vouch for the food though, as I've only been once for a birthday several summers ago (probably closer to 6 or 7) and don't recall much, but it's a beautiful space and they have a great terrace. I seem to remember enjoying the experience, but it also seems more like a downtown scenester spot then foodie destination so you'd have to take a chance. I'm sure you could do far worse in the area though!

Of course, one of the most glaringly obvious oversights is Europea on Rue de la Montagne! Surely the best of all options so far, but it's French fine-dining so be prepared for that.

For NON light fare (pub-grub) I like Le Vieux Dublin on University. There's also the half dozen szechuan spots (P-a-M, Cuisine Szechuan, Sorgho Rouge, Maison du Nord, Quing Hua) in the area. But that's all heavy eats!

nd veering back in the direction of your original inquiry, there's also Piment Rouge on Peel below St-Cathe which is quite light/healthy for asian cuisine. Lots of veggie and fusion options; people on the boards have been saying great things about their new degustation menu (and new chef from Hong Kong).

I don't think Kazu needs mentioning as the boards are flooded with recommendations already...

[prima]

I love Europea- but by the time you enjoy all the additional treats that come your way over the course of dinner, the meal ends up being a pretty rich & decadent one, in my experience! I was lucky to visit last month, and loved the etude of mushrooms, which was fairly light. But the tasty treats featuring rilllettes, and fried parmesan, and so on, added up. And I can't say no, once they're in front of me. ;-)

I haven't been to Rosalie for a few years- I really liked a watermelon salad that I ordered when I was there last. Maybe it is worth another visit. Only thing is, it's very loud, especially since their terrasse is so popular after work!

Thanks for recommending the Vieux Dublin. Nice to have good place for pub food on my options list. Thanks also for mentioning Piment Rouge and the Szechuan restos. I had wondered about Piment Rouge, when I've passed by.

Thanks for all your suggestions and comments. Much appreciated.

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Europea
1227, rue de la Montagne, Montreal, QC H3G1Z2, CA

[superbossmom]

You could share a few appetizers at Taverne Dominion, I love their shrimp dip.

[prima]

Thanks, superbossmom!

[prima]

I finally had lunch at Café Romy inside Ogilvy's. Thanks for the rec, OliverB. Will definitely be back!

[Pixie Muse]

I've tried Graziella's lately on McGill (closer to old Montreal, so maybe a 20 min walk if you walk fast:) Lovely lobster bisque, and delicious wild boar as a main course, it was lean and served with stewed baby tomatoes....You might like it. Nothing was too heavy, but it sure was tasty:)

[prima]

Thank you, Pixie Muse.