Auberge de la Rivière began as a small, family-owned bistro in the heart of Old Montreal in 1978. Founded by Jean-Luc and Marie Dubois, immigrants from Lyon, France, the restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its authentic French cuisine, warm ambiance, and exceptional service. Jean-Luc, a classically trained chef, brought with him a wealth of knowledge and passion for traditional French cooking, while Marie's charming hospitality created a welcoming atmosphere for guests.
Initially, the restaurant served a simple menu of classic dishes like Soupe à l'oignon gratinée, Quiche Lorraine, and Crêpes Suzette. However, as Auberge de la Rivière grew in popularity, Jean-Luc began to experiment with more innovative and refined dishes, incorporating locally sourced ingredients from Quebec farms and markets. This commitment to quality and freshness became a hallmark of the restaurant.
In 2005, Jean-Luc and Marie's son, Laurent Dubois, took over the reins of the restaurant. Laurent, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, brought a modern sensibility to the kitchen while remaining true to his parents' legacy. He expanded the menu to include dishes like Bouillabaisse, Coq au Vin, and Steak Frites, all prepared with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality that had made Auberge de la Rivière a Montreal institution.
Over the years, Auberge de la Rivière has become a beloved destination for both locals and tourists alike. Its picturesque location overlooking the St. Lawrence River, combined with its exquisite cuisine and impeccable service, has made it a favorite spot for romantic dinners, special occasions, and casual meals with friends and family. The restaurant continues to uphold its founders' vision of providing an authentic and unforgettable French dining experience.
Today, Auberge de la Rivière remains committed to its roots while embracing innovation and sustainability. We strive to source the freshest, most seasonal ingredients from local Quebec farms whenever possible, and we are constantly exploring new ways to enhance our guests' dining experience. We invite you to join us and discover the magic of Auberge de la Rivière.
At Auberge de la Rivière, our mission is to provide an exceptional and authentic French dining experience that delights our guests and celebrates the rich culinary heritage of France. We are committed to:
We believe that dining is more than just sustenance; it is an opportunity to create lasting memories and connect with loved ones. We strive to make every meal at Auberge de la Rivière a truly unforgettable experience.
Our dedicated team is the heart of Auberge de la Rivière. From our talented chefs to our attentive servers, each member is passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience.
Executive Chef
Chef Laurent Dubois, a Montreal native, inherited his passion for French cuisine from his parents, the founders of Auberge de la Rivière. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, he honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants across France before returning to Montreal to take over the family business. Laurent's innovative approach to classic French dishes, combined with his commitment to locally sourced ingredients, has earned Auberge de la Rivière numerous accolades.
Restaurant Manager
Sophie Martin is the Restaurant Manager at Auberge de la Rivière, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the dining experience. With over 10 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Sophie is known for her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to providing outstanding customer service. She ensures that every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for.
Head Sommelier
Antoine Leclerc is the Head Sommelier at Auberge de la Rivière, responsible for curating the restaurant's extensive wine list. A certified sommelier with a passion for wine, Antoine has traveled extensively throughout France and Quebec, seeking out the best wines to complement Chef Laurent's cuisine. He is always happy to recommend the perfect pairing for any meal.
Pastry Chef
Isabelle Tremblay is the Pastry Chef at Auberge de la Rivière, responsible for creating the restaurant's delectable desserts. A graduate of the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec, Isabelle is known for her creativity, precision, and attention to detail. Her signature desserts, such as the Crème brûlée and the Tarte Tatin, are a perfect ending to any meal.
Auberge de la Rivière is proud to have received the following awards and recognitions:
Auberge de la Rivière is deeply committed to giving back to the Montreal community. We regularly partner with local charities and organizations to support initiatives that promote food security, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment. We believe that it is our responsibility to contribute to the well-being of our community and to create a positive impact on the lives of others.
We proudly support organizations such as Moisson Montréal, a leading food bank that provides essential food assistance to individuals and families in need. We also collaborate with local farms and producers to promote sustainable agricultural practices and to reduce our environmental footprint. Furthermore, we actively participate in cultural events and festivals that celebrate the rich diversity of Montreal's artistic community.
Through our charitable involvement, we aim to foster a stronger, more vibrant, and more equitable community for all. We believe that by working together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.