To the unfamiliar local, Resto Végo’s 237-plate rotating buffet may seem like a new player on the Montreal vegetarian restaurant scene, having opened its doors on St. Denis Street in January 2014.
But the chain’s roots ran deep, as early as 1977, when it opened its first vegetable restaurant under its original brand, Le Commensal, a huge problem at the time, as vegetarianism was only beginning to grow in the mainstream of North America. .
Thirty years later, what was once a one-of-a-kind place in St. Denis in the heart of Montreal’s Latin Quarter became a Quebec vegetarian icon offering its ready-to-eat items (soups, pizza, stir-fry seitan and tofu) in supermarkets. . and health food stores across the province, as well as select stores in Ontario. The restaurant also multiplied locations, spreading into downtown Montreal, Quebec City, Boisbriand, and even Toronto.
The fall of Le Commensal? Meat
But in an attempt to increase business, Le Commensal took a risky route in the fall of 2012. First, in the history of the vegetarian brand, a flexitarian angle was proposed, with chicken, crab and shrimp dishes added to the restaurant menu. traditionally vegetarian. , a potentially fatal blow to the business. According to President Pierre Marc Tremblay, the strategy immediately attracted new customers but discouraged repeat customers. Within months of implementing the flexitarian menu, Le Commensal was on the brink of bankruptcy, forced to close its three restaurants on the outskirts of Montreal.
Resto Végo: the new face of Le Commensal
Having lived and learned, January 29, 2014 marked a new day for the veggie icon, with the management not only removing all traces of seafood and meat from its menu, but renaming its two restaurants. from Montreal Resto Végo courtesy of its two locations that branch off the chain entirely.
Rest of Végo: Menu
Le Commensal may have changed its name, but its original concept remains the same, that of a self-service vegetarian buffet with more than 200 options in rotation, usually 50 options available at any given time, including its popular vegetarian lasagna, ginger tofu. and Asian-style seitan dishes.
Composed of three sections, Resto Végo offers a hot buffet, a salad buffet and a dessert buffet. Special dietary needs are covered, including vegan and gluten-free dishes.
Rest of Végo: maximum price policy and no tips
Having received criticism about their prices in recent years, it appears that the prices of restaurants (and food trucks) throughout the city have caught up with the vegetable chain, all things considered. On the subject, it is worth having a great appetite in Resto Végo since there is a maximum price per person. As long as what you stack on your plate does not exceed 1 kg (2.2 lbs), you will never pay more than $ 14.50 plus tax per person during lunch hours and no more than $ 17.50 plus tax per person at night. Children 10 and under pay $ 6.95.
Fruits and dessert cost extra. Please note that tips are not required as Resto Végo is a self-service buffet.
Rest of Végo: Dress code
Use whatever. Like most Montreal vegetarian restaurants, Resto Végo is very casual.
Rest of Végo: crowd
Wait for anyone. I mean, it’s not exactly a means of seeing and being seen. No pretense or posture here.
Rest of Végo: Special events?
Not really, although from time to time.
Rest of Végo: to make reservations
Reservations are not required.
Rest of Végo: Business hours
The Latin Quarter (St. Denis in Ontario) location is open Sunday through Monday from 11 am to 10 pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 11 am to 10:30 pm and Friday through Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm notice.
Rest of Végo
1720 St. Denis, on the corner of Ontario, Montreal, QC H2X 3K6
How to get there: BerriUgam metro
MAP and contact information
Please note that prices and hours of operation may change without prior notice.
