The Plateau Mont-Royal dining scene is changing this autumn as the team behind Buvette Beaubien takes over a historic space on Duluth Avenue to launch Taverne Popina, while nearby, La Petite Marche prepares for a November reopening under new administration.
Taverne Popina Opens in a Historic Plateau Space
- Taverne Popina opens on Duluth Avenue East, breathing new life into a historic Plateau space with an umami-forward menu crafted by chef William Mallette.
- Co-owner Dominique Goupil brings a personal connection to the venue, having lived in the apartment directly above the room during her twenties.
- Just around the corner, La Petite Marche has announced a change in ownership with plans to reopen this November following ongoing renovations.
Revitalizing Duluth Avenue with Umami and History
The team behind Buvette Beaubien—comprising François Melançon, Martin Lamirande, and Dominique Goupil—has officially established its newest culinary venture on the vibrant Duluth Avenue East in Montreal. According to reporting from La Presse, the location boasts a rich history with numerous past lives, featuring a large terrace and an interior that immediately evokes a warm, retro feel with its original wooden flooring and classic taverne chairs.
For co-owner Dominique Goupil, the expansion represents a return to her roots. Goupil spent a portion of her twenties living in the residential apartment situated directly above the restaurant space, nurturing a lifelong affection for the surrounding neighborhood. Joining the ownership group for this project are team members Danny Bianco and Laurent Leclerc Chênevert.
Chef William Mallette Uses Asian Flavors and Fermentation
The culinary program at Taverne Popina is led by chef William Mallette, whose longstanding passion for Asian flavors shapes the menu’s technical approach. Mallette incorporates fermentation, smoking, and open-flame cooking techniques into local ingredients, creating dishes designed to remain accessible despite their complex preparation. Among the featured items noted by La Presse is a generous beer-battered fish tempura priced at 23 dollars, served alongside whipped ranch sauce and Dilly beans.
The menu also features a “grignotines” snack section highlighting a confit pork belly skewer lacquered with rhubarb and paired with a black sunchoke hummus, alongside a mushroom satay accented by roasted garlic and cranberries. Appetizers include grilled octopus served over a celery root and white chocolate purée with corn relish, while dessert features a black sesame brownie. The establishment also serves brunch from Friday through Sunday. Behind the bar, manager and mixologist Laurent Leclerc Chênevert curates a beverage list featuring cocktails such as the cucumber-forward L’écume du jardin and the lemon-rosemary Tarte au citron, complemented by classic and natural wine selections curated by Danny Bianco.
| Establishment | Location | Key Personnel | Timeline & Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taverne Popina | 121 Duluth Ave East | François Melançon, Martin Lamirande, Dominique Goupil, William Mallette, Laurent Leclerc Chênevert, Danny Bianco | Opened October 2026 |
| La Petite Marche | Plateau Mont-Royal | New Administration | Reopening November 2026 (Renovations underway) |
Shifting Hands at La Petite Marche
Concurrent with the arrival of Taverne Popina, the Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood is seeing another notable neighborhood fixture transition to new leadership. According to an announcement from the venue itself, restaurant La Petite Marche has officially changed administration and is currently closed to carry out necessary property renovations. Management has stated that the establishment intends to preserve the core menu items and distinct character that defined its identity while implementing facility improvements ahead of a scheduled reopening in November.
