There’s something quite exciting about tasting menus. They offer a celebration of creativity, an opportunity to dive into a chef’s culinary world and explore new flavours, techniques, and unexpected pairings. At Restaurant h3, we were treated to the seven-course tasting menu, an exciting wine pairing and one of the most unique dessert experiences that Montreal can offer.

The atmosphere

Restaurant h3, the brainchild of chef-partner Jean-Sébastien Giguère, opened in the spring of 2021. Nestled in the Humaniti Montréal complex, this modern dining haven provides a warm, welcoming ambience. From the perfect playlist to the floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the beautiful Old Montreal streets, every element contributes to a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. It is the kind of place that caters to any occasion: whether you’re enjoying a business lunch, a romantic dinner, or a casual evening out with friends.

Where local flavours shine

Chef Jean-Sébastien Giguère’s menu is a seasonal love letter to Quebec’s terroir. Each dish highlights the finest local ingredients. Sustainability lies at the heart of h3’s culinary philosophy, with the kitchen committed to minimizing waste, sourcing local produce, and even growing their own herbs like mint, chai, and basil on their 8th floor.

The tasting menu began with an amuse-bouche of Gaspesian Bluefin tuna belly with honeysuckle and miso. While the majority of ingredients are local, h3 gets its Miso from Japan to ensure the best quality. Each course was meticulously prepared and beautifully plated, making the dining experience feel both luxurious and intimate.

The lobster tail was another favourite, showcasing the freshness of summer on a plate. Sweet, succulent, and perfectly cooked, the lobster was balanced by the refreshing Ontario peach, while the saffron cream and tomato aïoli added luxurious, velvety notes. The combination of sweet and savoury was a true delight, making this course feel light yet indulgent.

The Wagyu A4 was a triumph, sliced thin and cooked to perfection. Each bite melted in our mouths, the richness of wagyu nicely elevated by the earthy black truffle and savoury soffrito. Paired with a warm, pillowy focaccia, it was pure indulgence and a guilty pleasure of mine.

The Fagottini pasta was, without a doubt, our favourite dish of the evening! This delicious dish was filled with tender snow crab and perfectly complemented by the rich, earthy taste of chanterelles and ricotta. The texture was lovely, and we later discovered that Chef Giguère adjusts the dough preparation according to seasonal humidity levels for that perfect bite.

A wine lover’s paradise

At the heart of Restaurant h3 lies its fabulous wine cellar, curated by French sommelier Amélie Allot. With her background in Michelin-starred restaurants and Relais & Châteaux establishments, Amélie’s expertise shone through in the wine pairings, which elevated each course, creating a seamless balance between food and wine.

With nearly 7,000 bottles and 1,600 references, h3’s wine collection is a four-time recipient of Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. For a truly bespoke experience, guests can choose from three wine pairing options:

• Découverte h1: Highlighting new wines and emerging trends.
• Prestige h2: Featuring timeless classics from celebrated producers.
• Passionné h3: Showcasing rare, emotionally resonant wines.

For a truly unique experience, we finished our meal with dessert at Table H-Anima—a single table in the heart of the wine cellar. Any guest can request to experience this—and we highly recommend it! Savouring Quebec strawberries with black sesame, matcha, and truffle in this intimate setting was unforgettable. The ambience, chilled air, glass of bubbles and cozy blankets made it a perfect conclusion to our culinary journey at h3.

Images by h3 and Andra Balaci