5 New Venues in Montreal for Fall 2020 Meetings and Events

Chef Christian Manuel Ventura Alatorre and the team behind Sushi Momo debuted Casa Kaizen, a vegan tapas-style Japanese-Mexican fusion restaurant, near the Quartier des Spectacles neighborhood in August. The modern eatery amalgamates a variety of dishes highlighting its two focal cuisines, including gyoza nachos, black bean ramen, and shimeji mushroom tacos, as well as a variety of beers and sake, plus colorful cocktails and mocktails. A bright interior reflects the plant-based menu with wall-to-wall potted and hanging greenery and earthy artwork. Complete with a traditional sushi bar, the 1,500-square-foot venue can accommodate 50 people indoors, plus 16 on the terrace.

The Griffintown Hotel opened in July with a contemporary hybrid condo-hotel experience steps away from an eclectic range of galleries, restaurants, and shops in the heart of the historical Montreal neighborhood. While the 114-unit property doesn’t offer private conference rooms on the premises, the one- and two-bedroom suites—ranging from 395 to 845 square feet—are each equipped with a full kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry unit and can be utilized for intimate gatherings, such as dinner parties or casual team meetings. Notable amenities include guest parking and reception, spectacular patio views of the Montreal skyline, and an attached convenience store fully stocked with cold beverages and snack-tray essentials.

Blocks away from the city’s famed Notre-Dame Basilica, 12th Round Hospitality group's 212 made its grand entrance in September. With a seating capacity of approximately 85 inside and 60 on the outdoor terrace, the sophisticated space features a tunnel entrance, chromic overtones, hanging greenery, classic stonework, neutral lighting, and contemporary artwork to create an atmosphere ideal for receptions and team get-togethers. Executive chef Patrick Marion focuses on farm-to-table menus with local ingredients to produce artisanal pastas, pizzas, and other Italian staples. Last month, Marian and 212 teamed up to offer a menu through casse-croûte pop-up Wren.

In addition to weekly blockbusters, Royalmount Drive-In Theatre has hosted a series of high-profile shows—including Deadmaus in concert, Osheaga presentations, and Canada’s Drag Race finalists—since it opened in June. Located 10 minutes from downtown, the outdoor auditorium is available for private bookings. In addition to movie nights, live entertainment can be set up for public gatherings with various requirements, such as corporate presentations, launch events, and fundraising activations. The theater can accommodate more than 250 cars, boasts VIP parking in front rows, transmits bilingual audio to each vehicle over FM signals, provides door-side food and beverage service, and offers custom sponsorship and branding options for events.

Developed by Blanchette Architectes and nestled outside Montreal's Gay Village neighborhood, Bar MINĒRAL opened its doors in June. Inside, architects envisioned a space that allows energy to seamlessly shift from a casual wine bar by day to a lively night club after dark. The interior design utilizes wood, corrugated iron, black ceramics, and leather crafting to create a sleek yet minimal atmosphere ideal for small- to medium-sized private or business events. The venue offers a broad range of beers, red and white international wines, and classic cocktails, as well as charcuterie plates, pub favorites, and vegetarian selections.