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Jardin Nelson
Categories: Restaurants Creperies Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Creperies, Jazz & Blues
407, Place Jacques-CartierMontréal, QC H2Y 3B1
(514) 861-5731
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:30 am - 10 pm
Sat 10 am - 11 pm
Sun 10 am - 10 pm
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
58 reviews for Jardin Nelson
Review Highlights
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"That was my first time having crepes for dinner." In 19 reviews -
"A three-piece jazz band was playing in the courtyard." In 6 reviews -
"But the chicken liver mousse was bomb." In 3 reviews
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58 reviews in English
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Review from Apple C.
We came here because it was there and we were with a friend that lives in Montreal. It's a nice place with out door seating and our waitress was friendly. We ordered drinks, appetizer, and food.
As an appetizer, we had nachos which were AMAZING! As a matter of fact, they weren't your typical nachos... they tasted like pizza!!!
The Tokyo Iced Tea is a MUST TRY! I downed that thing in a minute and you didn't even taste the alcohol.
We ordered a tropical drink, not sure what it was called and that too was good.
I wasn't too thrilled with my Crepe (I ordered one with chicken) but it was still good! -
Review from Melanie S.
It was there...we were there so we went in. The nachos were one of the best I've had in a while but the crepe(the one named after the place with bacon, cheese, apples and maple in it) was a bit on the sweet side. Yummy but sweet.
Keeping in mind I wont drink alcohol if its more strong than sweet, I could down the Tokyo Ice Teas they had all night. Their blue sangria tasted like floor cleaner though. -
Review from Beatrice R.
I was just tooling around Old Montreal, and I wanted to visit this place because of the live jazz and the outdoor seating. It was in October, and the flowers were still abloom. I ordered a pineapple daiquiri, and it was good, but the texture was off.
I ordered a crepe with ham, cheese, and asparagus. It was huge, fresh, and delicious. I took a chance and ordered the strawberry cheesecake crepe as dessert. It was pretty good but I wouldn't get it again. It was just something different, and I wanted to stay around longer for the great, open atmosphere and the lovely jazz.
They aren't the best crepes around, but the food along with the location and ambiance would keep me coming back (if I lived in Montreal). -
Review from Sol K.
It's all about the environment here. I went there for an evening. I wasn't looking much for the food but their crepes were not bad at all. However, if I leave this review with one note is that this is an ideal place for dates and/or to show a visitor a good relaxing time in Montreal.
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Review from Lauren M.
Completely touristy and overhyped! Pass!!!
They do have a lovely patio but it all goes downhill from
there. Food is overpriced and underwhelming.
They have a large selection of savoury crepes ranging from $15-$20. Crepes came out looking more like a calzone, I think they were made in some kind of machine that presses them in half. What the CREPE????
Server was friendly but was in the back folding napkins, ignoring us as we waited impatiently for water, dying in the 30 degree heat.
Not for locals. Stay away. -
Review from Lilliane G.
Toronto, ON
Hmmm...3 words...FORTUNE COOKIE CREPES.
Blech! Overpriced and overrated.
The serving sizes were large, but the food was mediocre at best and at over $15 for crepes...you've got to be kidding me.
The batter is overly sweet and the texture of the crepes was just plain odd!
A note about the wait staff, friendly enough, but as we sat broiling in the hot sun, he sat inside the restaurant folding napkins while our drinks ran dry.
I've been to better. -
Review from Julienne G.
In the heart of the adorable and toursity old town you find Jardin Nelson - a mostly outdoor cafe with delicious food, a great selection of wine and live jazz. Really couldn't ask for better on a warm summer afternoon. We loved it so much we went back twice in one weekend.
Recommend:
the Rioja
the cider
cheese plate
French Onion Soup
mushroom crepe, (the radish slaw served with the crepes is SO good!). The fish gravlax was a little bland but the salad with it was great. The chicken liver pate was good but the onion confit was far too sweet. Prices are on the high side but you are also paying for a lovely and relaxed atmosphere - consider it a tip for the ever present live jazz.
Service excellent and I have to give props to our server who ever so deftly suggested that there was wine by the glass after 3 of us polished off our second bottle. A classy way to cut us off. I wonder if the fact that my friend was posing with the ramekins over her eyes was a hint that we'd had too much? -
Review from Dan H.
I had the opportunity to re-visit Jardin Nelson on my recent trip to Montreal.
As in the past, the crepes, the jazz ensemble, and the overall atmosphere were wonderful. Yes, it is a bit touristy, but isn't most of Vieux Montreal?
I enjoyed the Newburg and my dinning partner the Argenteuil....wonderful!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/6/2011
My wife is a huge fan of this place and she was eager to share it with me. The great food, the… Read more »
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2/6/2011
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Review from Cynthia G.
3.5 Stars
The chicken liver mousse appetizer was creamy, light, and tasty. Before I knew it, the basket of carbs was empty! The duck crepe was savory, but could have used more duck. Hubby said he liked the rabbit crepe. The hard cider was bubbly and refreshing. We were seated in the patio and it was a nice place to take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a relaxing bite. -
Review from Kathleen R.
Toronto, ON
I went to Jardin Nelson on a Friday at lunch. There can be a bit of line, but the wait wasn't too bad.
This place is worth the visit for the ambiance alone! A beautiful courtyard patio with canopies and, trees and flowers and a jazz combo played in the not so background.
We shared the nachos ($15) for starters and they were very yummy and cheesy. My father kept commenting on the cranberry salsa. My mother started with the French Onion Soup and said it was the best she had ever had. I had the UnBeetable salad and found it filling and delicious. I also ordered a 16 oz pitcher of White Sangria. It was GREAT! So yummy on a warm afternoon and great to share with a friend.
My 3-year-old was nicely welcomed and given crayons and a paper. She had the pancakes (other choices for kids were limited to pasta or pizza).
A place I will return to. -
Review from Gabriel O.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC
I adore the Jardin Nelson. Not only is the location stunning, being surrounded by historical buildings just off Place Jacques Cartier in Old Montreal, but the atmosphere in this indoor/outdoor restaurant can't be beat.
The largest part of the restaurant and most well known is their big terasse (can you call it that when it's more than 3/4 of the restaurant?) with huge parasols in case it rains. Sit under the sun or the stars while eating perfectly cooked meal or dessert crepes, while sipping on a glass of fine wine.
Jardin Nelson is perfect for a romantic night out, especially when the jazz band is playing! -
Review from Vikas I.
Pickering, ON
This place is unique because you are sitting outside in a garden that is covered when it is raining, the food was alright but it was over priced and there are very limited options for vegetarians, and almost none for vegans.
I know this isn't the right town for a vegetarian or a vegan but they could add a few more options for us. I am giving them 3 stars for the atmosphere and excellent service. -
Review from Elise R.
Pickering, ON
It is expensive but on par with Old Montreal rates. But lets be honest, you go here for the atmosphere first and the food second. And it would be tourists that go here so they don't really care about the price.
Atmosphere: You have to sit outside. It was raining what we went, but the upside down umbrellas catch the rain to keep you dry. There are a couple places where the rain enters the patio area but it isn't a big deal and it is kinda fun to watch the servers walking with umbrellas so not to get your food wet.
Service: The service was some of the best I have ever received. They were friendly and accommodating. I asked to have the forest crepe with something other than the chicken sauce that came with it and they didn't have a problem with this.
Food: Delicious and eye-appealing.
Price: I said that it is costly... and it is... but it is not too over the top. It was actually cheaper than the hotel I was staying at. So for the great presentation, and wonderful atmosphere it was worth trying. -
Review from Laura C.
Toronto, ON
I was here over 2 years ago, but I don't think this has changed at all based on the reviews.
This is a great place to bring anyone, date, family, big group. It's unique that it's all (mostly) outdoor with live jazz, and will always be a favourite of mine.
The food is good, not the best crepe I've ever had but the atmosphere is really inviting and a great place for lunch, or dinner.
Especially nice on a warm summer night. I also remember it was open late and one of the few places that served food at 9-10pm -
Review from Sara W.
Our visit to this wonderland of cheese was quite possibly the highlight of my friends' and my recent visit to Montreal. Even if the food had been terrible, the scenic brick courtyard with its lush, flowering planters, live jazz band, and oversized umbrellas would've made the dining experience memorable. But luckily, the dinner was great too!
We tried the brie, pesto, and pine nut fondue as an appetizer, which was served with toasted baguette slices and a bunch of grapes, and which met with enthusiastic reviews from our cheese-loving crowd. A smorgasbord of the signature crepe dinners followed - we sampled the mushroom-filled Forestiere, the vegetable and goat cheese, the apple-bacon, and the duck. At about $15-$20 a plate, we didn't find the cost incongruous with the food quality. For dessert, we sampled the "pudding chomeur," a Quebec favorite that features some sort of spongey, sweet base soaked in maple syrup and served with a side of vanilla ice cream - also delicious, though we were too stuffed to finish the modest portion, even between the four of us!
The service was equally pleasant; we arrived around 9:30pm on a Saturday night and were seated within ten minutes. Our dry-witted French waiter was a delight, suggesting that a hungry member of our party "start with one crepe, and then if you're really still hungry I may bring you another," and later threatened to deny me dessert for not finishing my main course. English menus are printed on the reverse of the French, for visiting anglophones.
Overall - great decor, food, ambiance, and service. We'll be returning if we're ever in Old Town Montreal again! -
Review from Ali K.
On my first to Montreal with my gf we came here to eat a nice mid day lunch before walking around more and departing from Montreal. Now obviously i am one that has a love/hate relationship with spots that are touristy and well known but in this case it was worth it. I liked the fact that we walked down a nice cobblestone corridor then was greeted by the hostess who promptly showed us to our table. Our seating was right in front where they had two jazz players performing throughout the lunch playing soft melodies for all of the diners entertainment and i always believe with soothing music a meal is always made more enjoyable.
Looking around this was definite a place i could fall in love with, beautiful flower bed arrangements with different colors that made the restaurant really pop, the large umbrella's which provided a nice cool atmosphere and most importantly shade, plus birds flying around during the meal and nicely arranged plants i loved the ambiance. The food on the other hand could be improved, with such a nicely designed restaurant i would expect a vast selection, also my gf suggested that when your in a new place you should try new food and i 100% agree with that, but in this case i should have just gotten the salmon, because everything else i looked at on the menu, i just was not feeling. Had the veal meatballs style dish and it wasn't that great i'd say it was at best a 6 out of 10 if i had to grade it. But overall the decor/ambiance made up for that. Plus our waitress was extremely helpful/friendly. I also agree with some of the reviews a bit overpriced for what they were serving. -
Review from Ajay R.
Picture a cool autumn night, sitting under a giant tarp with lush greenry all around you, sipping a fine drink, enjoying a bite of cheesecake, while a smooth jazz band plays some wicked Ella Fitzgerald in front of you. Got it? Then welcome to Jardin Nelson.
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Review from Lucy G.
Live jazz. Outdoor garden with large awning type deals that funnel rainwater for the flowers. Had shrimp avocado app. But the chicken liver mousse was bomb. Nice place for brunch but menu options werent too savory. Beautiful presentation though.
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Review from Maria S.
Jardin Nelson is a beautiful restaurant in the heart of Old Montreal. We stopped in on a very hot, very busy holiday weekend during the Montreal Jazz Festival. My advice--don't be impatient and sit inside or in the front. Wait in line (it moves fast) for a table on the back terrace, where mammoth hanging planters filled with gorgeous blooms filter the sunlight and offer respite from the heat. The service is fast, friendly, and efficient; the staff definitely knows how to manage a busy scene. And the jazz combo playing softly in the background is a nice touch.
The main menu section features more than a dozen different crepes. I had the Jardin, which is a corn and sesame crepe filled with fresh, seasonal veggies, olives, and goat cheese. Delicious! My husband opted for the French Dip, which was heaped with savory roast beef sandwiched between amazing French bread--crusty on the outside, yet soft and chewy on the inside. The dipping sauce and horseradish sides added great flavor, and the frites were pretty darn good too!
Because we had an hour's drive ahead of us, we couldn't try any of the drink specials, but the pitchers of house-made Sangria passing us every few minutes looked like the ideal remedy for the hot summer weather. -
Review from Dave H.
Jardin Nelson is a beautiful venue, with an open air terrace and large tents. Birds were flying around which was kind of amusing. (Luckily, none of them pooped on us!) We didn't wait long to be seated, managing to score seats even though it was crowded.
The jazz band on-stage was good, and didn't seem too loud to me. We took a moment to relax and sip random libations. I had a glass of Orvieto Classico from Italy (C$8), a refreshing white. We shared a cold dessert, but I don't remember what it was - I did photograph it, though.
Treat yourself to a visit. Find Jardin Nelson in Old Montreal by the waterfront. -
Review from Gabriel L.
Jardin Nelson is fantastic for several reasons, the first of which is that it's one of the cheaper joints in vieux-Montreal.
It was hot on the sun-baked cobblestone main path and I was aching to sit and enjoy a french style brunch and JN delivered beautifully. We sat in the back garden, and we were instantly cooled by the shade and breeze the architecture of the inner eaterie. It's beautiful, with lots of garden plants and stone walls, well lit and your meal is accompanied by jazz music (sometimes live as when I went!).
The waitresses are cute and friendly, and can obv accommodate if you only speak english. The menu is somewhat sparse, but what's on there is made with a delicate and professional touch; all of our food was top notch and delicious. I had the house crepe, a friend had the rabbit and another the scallopene. We relaxed and enjoyed the meal and the scenery and heartily recommend the jardin Nelson to both tourists and locals alike.
Prices are btwn $15-25/person. -
Review from Lenny Z.
Went here for brunch and was very pleased. I got the orange and cranberry pancakes with cheesecake and ricotta cheese. It was fabulous. As much as this sweet dish tickled my tongue, my wife's not so sweet dish was what really blew me away. She got a crepe with salami, onions, tomato sauce, and something else I can't recall. I was so delish. Great spot for brunch. I highly recommend it.
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Review from Kim K.
Ever wander around, trying to find the perfect place to have dinner, overwhelmed with options and unsure how to pick? Well, we trekked to Old Montreal and perused probably ten menus of all different restaurants to inform our dinner location decision. By the time we found Jardin Nelson we were hungry and getting punchy. I looked to the back and saw the outdoor patio and large canvas coverings and said "oooohh, let's go here!"
We were led to a quaint table at the back, a jazz band playing lovely music. The greenery and flowers hang all over the place and the whole atmosphere is warm and inviting.
Our server was super nice, friendly, and courteous.
I got the leek soup special. It was creamy, savory, a perfect soup. I got the veggie crepe for dinner and gobbled every bit. It was so delicious. For dessert we had the cheesecake crepe and it was heaven. You have to get this thing. Topped with graham crackers and strawberries, totally decadent.
Exquisite dining experience from top to bottom. Would return anytime and recommend to anyone. -
Review from Eva T.
Toronto, ON
An incredible inner courtyard draped with abundant greenery and perfectly placed ambient lighting; we were serenaded by an accomplished jazz trio. A must when in old Montreal! The Caprese salad was fresh and delicious, lots of basil! The ham and spinach crépe was perfect, just the right amount of béchamel. Both courses were large enough to share! Our server brought an extra plate for each course. I would recommend this place for either lunch or dinner.
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Review from Greta K.
On a super hot day, my husband and I were looking for a nice place to stop in a have a cold drink. After my husband saw the live duo play (a stand-up bass player and a keyboardist), he wanted in. This is really a nice place to sit and absorb all the loveliness of the garden around you, and the music, too.
We were seated and the waiter didn't seem to have a problem with us ordering drinks and Jardin Nelson had a long list of drinks, which we happy to see. My husband had a beer and I had a $10 mojito which really hit the spot. Kind of expensive, but this is a very touristy area in Old Montreal.
If I'm ever back, I'd like to come back for crepes or some other French food. This would be a nice place to be at any time of the day. -
Review from Lawrence N.
Came here last weekend and the food is neither good nor cheap. Ordered a thin crust pizza that would serve maybe one hungry adult for around $20. What you end up paying for isn't the food but rather the live jazz band that plays all night on an elevated stage in the dining room. They hit all the classics but my favorite was the Sinatra numbers. Overall still a good experience. If you're more in the mood for entertainment rather than fine cuisine, Jardin Nelson is a fine choice, but stay away if you're in the mood for delicious Italian.
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Review from Sam H.
We stopped in for dinner while in Montreal in search of good crepes and this place came up as a place to see.
the area is tourist trappy so my expectations were low but when I'm outside of NYC, I go into tourist mode so don't judge me.
The wait to get in was ~40 mins but they moved us along rather quickly.
We were seated and our server greeted us promptly and took our order for drinks. Their beer and wine selection was pretty good. I tried a Boreal Red on the strength of our servers suggestion and it was a great beer. I wish I would have brought back a 6 pack or five with me.
The menu had nice offerings but we all went for crepes. I tried the Pork cutlet crepe and it was really good. The crepe was cooked well and not overly goopy and cheesey. The flavor was aiming for Greek and they got it right on the money with the red onion, spinach and yogurt sauce. I've only hade crepes one time before but so far, its Jardin Nelson 1, other place 0.
My companions also enjoyed their crepes, and being vegetarians, they had choices galore.
The ambiance in the rear seating area was nice. Although it was very crowded, the tables weren't on top of each other so there was a sense of intimacy. They had a jazz quartet playing on the stage which was nice. If we find ourselves back in Montreal, I would venture to say that we would make a repeat trip back. -
Review from Candice B.
As much as Jardin Nelson is a bit of a tourist trap, it does have its charms. The large patio accommodates tons of diners seeking for "outdoor" dining but want to be shielded from the burning summer sun. A live jazz band on the stage makes it seem even more happening than already exemplified by loud patrons downing pitchers of sangria and other sweet cocktails.
Despite a perpetual long line, we were seated pretty quickly. And the food is decent. My pizza was delicious. My husband's duck crepe was sweet and interesting.
If you are into people watching, and find yourself starving in the heart of Old Montreal and desperate need to find a place to eat, this is a good choice. -
Review from Coffee B.
Very pretty place. You're kind of outdoors but with a tent like ceiling with jazz playing.
I had a crepe...which was plain...I thought they were known for their crepes but all crepes looked plain. I should have gotten what my friend had...the egg dish...which looked like it was in a casserole...MMmmm
I was eying some guy who got a HUGE French onion soup. It looked like twice the normal size. Should have gotten one. Get that French Onion Soup!!! -
Review from Nina W.
Eh--I'd say this was my least favorite meal in Montreal.
The outside terrasse wait was about 20 minutes, we were impatient and decided to eat in the front.
The crepes were bizarre: I tried the "Nelson" and it was loaded up with a bunch of junk--apples, bacon, stuffing, cheddar cheese, mozzarella--it really didn't make any sense.
My boyfriend had the Italienne pizza, again, not that fantastic but did its job.
This place is definitely a tourist trap and I wouldn't come back... -
Review from Chili B.
This is a fabulous place to grab some food in a delightful setting.
We went for dessert and each got a crepe. They were good - not great.
The savory crepes sounded delicious, I want to go back and try them.
The jazz music was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant. -
Review from Robert L.
We`ve been here a few times over the years. The food is average. Service is slow and they don`t really go out of their way for you. My friend can`t eat gluten, but they said they were unable to modify any of the dishes to accommodate him (even something as simple as leaving out some cheese was too much to ask). Probably won`t bother coming here again. There are plenty of great restaurants in Montreal, but this isn`t one of them.
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Review from Woody T.
After a day of sightseeing, we were looking for something a bit different with a little local flavor... and Jardin Nelson definitely fit the bill. Interesting crepes - our family of 5 each had a different crepe and we took turns tasting each other's dish. All were excellent. A three-piece jazz band was playing in the courtyard. Great ambience. Crepes were about $15 each. Very enjoyable experience.
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Review from Andrew M.
Saskatoon, SK
Not exactly the small, quiet, non-touristy place I was looking for. But the profusion of flowers, the trees, multi-level seating, live jazz, and gigantic umbrellas/sunshades won me over. And my Du Jardin vegetarian crepe was very tasty. The sangria was great for a warm evening. It was very busy but I only waited a short time for a table. The servers were busy but I was happy to take my time. Worth a visit.
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Review from Kenneth L.
Came here with my cousin, my aunt and my sister.
The french onion soup. It was really very good, and it started off the meal very well-- a nice clean broth, good onion flavor, and I'm a sucker for emmental cheese. As for the rest of the fare, it was okay.
I had a veal crepe, my aunt had a seafood crepe (Newburg), and my younger sister had the Cartier pasta salad (which is really just pasta). The crepes themselves are a little buttery. The veal crepe came in a curry-like sauce with a bit of an orange-y flavor. The seafood crepe had nice pieces of seafood in it. The pasta salad was slices of lasgna with pesto and a strange combination of mango and kalamata olives as well.
The dessert (a pudding chomeur) was much too sweet, and tasted like the toasted brown sugar on the top of apple crumble. The apple cider sangria tasted like juice.
Beautiful place, the food was all right. -
Review from Rick S.
One of the most unique dining experiences I've ever had. It's a building constructed around a courtyard, with wind sail overhangs that protect you from the elements inside. So basically, your entirely outside, and if it's raining it's quite the show. Rain funnels down the sails into large glass columns. Hard to explain, but VERY cool. Food was above average, but set amidst all of the tourist attraction area, it's more than what you'd expect. When I'm back in Montreal, I'm going back!
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Review from Allison T.
Hubby and I were in Montreal for the weekend...did an entire day of biking, sightseeing, etc and needed to wind down after a nice dinner. Enter Jardin Nelson! What a cute, quaint little restaurant! I can only speak for drinks and dessert...excellent! The waitress was super nice (and spoke English) and very knowledgable about the drinks and dessert. We had the porthouse sangria which was awesome and the pudding. The pudding was a tad sweet- very maple-y but balances nicely with the vanilla ice cream. A definite plus? The house jazz band played while diners dined! The inside (which is actually outside) is heated. Sooooo nice. Would come back if I ever escape the city again!
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Review from Phil P.
Call ahead to make sure they are open. Their website says "From May 1st, the Jardin Nelson welcomes you into its courtyard seven (7) days a week, regardless of weather". After reading reviews on Yelp and checking their website, I went for dinner on May 3rd and they were closed.
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Review from Christine L.
Montréal, QC
My experience at Jardin Nelson was great!
PROS:
1. Beautiful atmosphere with a wonderful live jazz band.
2. Service was very prompt! Food and drinks came out at appropriate times even though it was a full house.
3. Perfect place to take anyone: family, date, friends, etc.
4. Friendly employees who look happy to be there.
CONS:
1. Food was a tad underwhelming but still good. I had the salmon pizza which was good but lacked a certain je ne sais quoi that would have made it even better.
2. You can't make reservations, however the line-up went quickly--we waited ~15 min on a friday night.
OVERALL:
-I will DEFINITELY recommend Jardin Nelson to anyone.
-I will DEFINITELY go back.
-If my pizza was better I would give this place 5 stars. -
Review from Nadir M.
Toronto, ON
Great find nestled in the heart of Old Montreal.
