I am keen on restaurants where tables are set a little further apart, that are also not too loud. I also am keen on better ventilation and airflow, as I am immune-compromised. The terrasses in Montreal tend to wrap up after Canadian Thanksgiving, understandably, so outdoor dining is not an option throughout most of the fall, winter, and spring.
I am open to all price points, and all cuisines.
I remember the tables being spaced far apart at Le Club Chasse et Pêche, Milos, Renoir, and Toqué.
I remember the tables being close together at Le Filet.
We had a good experience at Memo in August.
At that time the patio was open, so plenty of room inside, but it’s possible they push tables closer when the patio closes.
Difficult to find a menu online, but I’d call it ‘creative’. Ignore reviews over 6 months old - the menu (and price) has moved more downscale than the older reviews suggest. Service was super-friendly and it’s on our ‘must list’ for a return visit.
I felt the table spacing was reasonable at Monarque - we sat in the Brasserie, but the dining room had even wider spacing. I’m judging by NYC standards, though, so take that with a grain of salt. Noise level was acceptable but not quiet by any means. Le Serpent and Damas, where we had our other two dinners, felt a little tighter in terms of seating, though not offensively so (again, by NYC standards).
I went to a new-ish Thai place on St. Denis the other night and thought of you. The seating (to me) is generously spaced and there’s a table for two right by the front door so you’d be likely to get decent ventilation. The place is called Siwalee. Decor is minimal but the food is pretty good. It even had a little kick to it, which is always a nice surprise here in Montreal. I wouldn’t necessarily make a special trip, but it could be a good option for you if you’re in the area and want something casual.
I haven’t been to the places in the reddit link but have been to le virunga. I would not call this a spacious restaurant. Food was fine and the staff was lovely, but I don’t think it’s the open, well-ventilated spot of your dreams - at least not as I remember it.
Also! Not sure when you are coming but Terrasse Nelligan is still open, I imagine with lots of outdoor heaters. The food is …not good, but it could be a good option for you for something light and a drink. It’s very comfortable and the staff is really sweet.
Kahwa on Rachel E was not especially spacious inside but the CO2 was nice and low for an indoors. The goal is to be under 800 indoors. CO2 is around 550 outside. Nice Tunisian Tuna sandwich.
The Sparrow Bar serves a weekend brunch from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. It wasn’t full at 10:15 on Sunday. It was filling up around 11 am when I paid my bill.
a Tunisian Tuna sandwich usually includes tuna, hard boiled egg, cilantro and harissa. often tomato, as well. Tunisian Tuna sandwiches contain these ingredients , too, as well as Tunisian fricassee (not a casserole ) which is essentially small Tunisian tuna and egg sandwiches on fried bread afaik.
This one at Kahwa Café had a fried egg instead of a hard boiled egg.
The Tuna Egg Cilantro Hot Sauce Type of Tunisian Tuna Sandwich is popular in Israel, as well as in Tunisia. The first time I ordered it was at a kosher restaurant
Ottolenghi ottilenghi-ing
Most of the Tunisian Tuna Sandwiches I have ordered have not included potato
Moroccan tuna bocadillos and Libyan tuna sandwiches appear to be quite similar to the Tunisian and Sephardic tuna sandwiches
