About
Birbante is an Italian restaurant on Saint-Laurent in Montreal's Mile End, built around the apericena: an aperitivo drink followed by a shared plate of dinner-style bites. It is a relaxed way to spend an evening, with the drinks and food arriving in a rhythm meant for lingering rather than rushing.
The restaurant was founded by brothers Pierpaolo and Davide, who aim to evoke the spirit of 1970s Milan. That sense of an Italian evening out, with cocktails before dinner and good company around the table, runs through the place and its menus.
What to drink
The drinks list follows the Campari Selection, ranging from classic Negroni variations to more inventive twists. It suits anyone who likes to start slowly, and the aperitivo format makes it easy to order a second round alongside the food.
What to eat
The food is designed for sharing. Dishes shown on the restaurant's website include sirloin with mushrooms and smoked salsa verde, and bruschetta topped with 'nduja or stracciatella. Ordering several plates and passing them around is the natural way to eat here.
Planning a visit
Birbante is open from Tuesday to Saturday, so it is best to plan around those days. The restaurant can be reached by phone at (514) 276 0177, and its own website, restaurantbirbante.com, has the current menus. Given the apericena format, it works well for a casual dinner with friends or a long, unhurried evening out.