In Greek culture, meals are moments of connection, warmth and celebration. While the flavours are just as important, Mama C, the newest addition to Old Montréal’s rich culinary scene, perfectly captures this spirit. Located within the historic Hôtel Nelligan, this new restaurant offers a beautiful and warm Greek dining experience.

The golden atmosphere invites you to settle in and unwind. Designed by Montréal’s Zébulon Perron, the décor is a vision in earthy tones, soft lighting and natural greenery, with olive trees bringing a touch of the Mediterranean right to your table. It’s hard not to feel like you’re sinking into a golden cloud, enveloped by the warmth of the space. I especially enjoyed the greenery and the warm, soft lighting.

Beyond the dining area, Mama C also features a stunning lounge where you can enjoy small plates and shareable bites with friends, along with nicely crafted cocktails to celebrate life.

A Greek feast isn’t complete without a toast or two. My favourite drink was the Meltemi (named after the strong winds of the Aegean Sea), a citrusy cocktail that reminded me of sunlit drives through Crete, where the oranges are as unforgettable as the views. Each sip brought back memories of Greece’s vibrant landscapes and the warmth of its people. The dirty martini was well-balanced and refreshing, and my companion’s drinks were equally delicious.

Flavours that dance on the palate

Greek cooking is celebrated for its fresh ingredients, and Mama C delivers on this front. We began our meal with the Dorade sashimi: fresh, clean and juicy, it set the tone for the dishes that followed. Next came the lamb skewers, served on a smooth bed of hummus with a hint of sweet chutney. The lamb was tender and cooked to perfection, with a subtle flavour that didn’t overpower. The calamari followed, cooked to just the right texture, tender with a satisfying bite.

The highlight of the meal was the whole Dorade with lemon potatoes, capturing the simple elegance of Greek coastal cooking. The fish was grilled to perfection, with a crisp, golden skin that gave way to tender, flaky flesh. Lightly seasoned to let its natural flavour shine, the Dorade was topped by a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil, adding just the right balance of acidity and richness. The lemon potatoes on the side were soft and buttery, infused with a strong lemon tang that complemented the fish beautifully. Altogether, each dish was well-prepared, showcasing classic Greek dishes and local ingredients in the best way.

And then, the pièce de résistance: dessert. Do yourself a favour and don’t skip this part of the meal! The custard filo with cinnamon was otherworldly—crispy, creamy and warmly spiced, the perfect sweet finale. To top it off, we had a glass of Muscat from Crete recommended by our server, which tasted like a honeycomb, adding a beautiful conclusion to our meal. Our server, Vasili, was a gem. Friendly and attentive, he took great care of us, guiding us through the menu and choices with enthusiasm. His recommendations were spot-on, and the service overall was excellent.

A tribute to Greek heritage

Owned by Corner Collection, Mama C is a heartfelt homage to Greece, the homeland of its founders, and specifically to Cristina, the mother of the founders: “Mama C” herself. The menu is crafted with love and respect for Greek heritage, overseen by Chef Michalis Merzenis, with a background in Athens’ and Mykonos’ top luxury establishments, and Montréal-based Chef Anastasios Roussis. Together, they create a menu that’s classic yet inventive, taking you on a flavourful journey across Greece’s culinary landscape.

While you might not always feel like sharing your food, for those moments that you do, we warmly recommend Mama C. It’s a place where flavours are bold, surroundings are inviting, and you’re encouraged to linger, share and enjoy each dish as it was meant to be.

Images courtesy of Mama C and Andra Balaci.