Hiatus Restaurant et Bar
An Elevated Setting Above the City
Hiatus Restaurant et Bar is a French–Japanese fusion restaurant perched on the 46th floor of Place Ville Marie in downtown Montreal. As the highest publicly accessible floor of the tower, the restaurant offers sweeping panoramic views of the city below. The dining room feels intimate and polished without ever feeling forced, making it an ideal setting for a slow evening or a refined dinner out.
Cocktails That Set the Tone
The first sip of the night came in the form of a passionfruit martini, offering a bright and balanced start to the meal. The martini was vibrant without being overly sweet, setting the tone with a clean finish and just enough acidity to feel refreshing rather than indulgent. It is the kind of cocktail that works equally well as a pre dinner drink or something to sip alongside food.
The spicy rita deserves an honorable mention on the drink menu, a thoughtful recommendation from our waitress when I was indecisive on what to order. With a balanced combination of lime juice and jalapeño, the spicy rita paired seamlessly with both the appetizer and the entrée, adding just enough heat without overpowering the dishes.
Precision, Freshness, and Balance on the Plate
For the main dish, we both ordered sushi, an obvious choice given the menu. The roll I ordered was crisp on the outside with a delicate interior, delivering a satisfying crunch without overpowering the freshness of the ingredients. Each bite felt intentional and clean, making it a standout option for anyone drawn to refined Japanese inspired dishes. The presentation was equally impressive, carefully plated with a sense of balance and restraint, elevating the dish visually before the first bite and reinforcing the thoughtful attention to detail that defines the overall dining experience.
As a shareable dish, we chose the Crudo de Mejina, a dish that immediately showcased the kitchen’s attention to freshness and presentation. Each piece of fish was delicately sliced, tender and vibrant, resting on a bed of subtle seasoning that allowed the natural flavors to shine. Perfect for sharing, the Crudo de Mejina encouraged conversation with each bite. It balanced elegance with approachability and setting a thoughtful tone for the courses that followed.
To close out the experience, what truly sets Hiatus Restaurant et Bar apart is the combination of its elevated service and unparalleled views. The panoramic skyline of downtown Montreal creates a striking backdrop that feels immersive rather than distracting, adding a sense of occasion to the evening. Equally memorable was the service, attentive without being intrusive and thoughtful at every turn, from menu guidance to drink recommendations. The setting and the hospitality elevate the meal beyond the food itself, making Hiatus a destination that feels intentional, polished, and well worth lingering over.