Bernard Cabaret Gourmand | Montreal’s New Burlesque Supper Club Opens in Style
When I saw sneak peeks on social media of Bernard Cabaret Gourmand‘s grand opening, in the Montreal Village next to the Olympia Theatre, on April 17, my intuition told me that it had the potential for becoming more than just another supper club in the city’s crowded scenery.
But to truly gauge whether this new venue could live up to its promise — a fusion of chaos cuisine and theatrical reverie — I wanted the sharp, discerning eye of someone who lives and breathes cabaret. That’s why I invited Audrey Ivory, a beloved showgirl and veteran of Montreal’s burlesque scene, to join me to experience Bernard’s Folies d’un Soir event, a 3-hour immersive dinner-and-a-show where folly meets elegance.
From the moment we stepped through Bernard’s tall doors inside the historic Banque d’Épargne building, the vibe was undeniable — rich jewel tones, glinting brass, and an intimate layout of 50 seats that felt more theatre than dining room.
We were greeted by the mastermind behind the concept, Jean-François Rondeau. Both a restaurateur and professional dancer, he envisioned Bernard — named after his grandfather — as a love letter to two of his lifelong passions: cuisine and choreography.
A cabaret designed for the spotlight, Bernard features a rotating lineup of performative art from House of Billing.
The Folies d’un Soir immersive dance piece every Wednesday evening and select Saturday evenings, between 6:45 pm and 9:45 pm; the Ambiance Musicale live jazz night every Thursday, starting at 6:30 pm; and the Scrambled Legs drag brunch every Sunday, between 11 am and 1 pm. And it all happens just feet from your table.
With a welcoming flute of chilled sparkling wine in hand, the show — and the meal — began.
What’s on the Menu? Chaos Curated
Bernard’s “chaos cooking”-style menu thrives on unexpected mixes, as showcased in our meal: leeks vinaigrette with champagne vinegar and toasted hazelnuts to start, followed by a crispy-skinned seared salmon on beurre blanc for me, and a caramelized chicken with pineapple sauce for Audrey — both paired with a cool white wine. The show-stealer was a morello cherry mousse with matcha crumble and mint gelée, capped off by a smoky, citrusy Apérol Last Words cocktail that delivered a mischievous final note.
The Showgirl’s Take
Between numbers — which included a hypnotic aerial hoop act by Morgane Clodel, an intense pole dance solo by Matt Ryan, and a burlesque performance by Dee Dee Dynasty that all held the room breathless — I turned to Audrey for her thoughts.
She smiled and said:
“Refreshing! In a city full of pop-up burlesque nights as gimmicks, Bernard actually gives the artists the space to be seen. Too many places use them to dress up the venue and forget the point of the show. Here, the entire setup is engineered to showcase the performers — and the result is next-level. It’s like Broadway, but underground. A real cabaret, blending burlesque, circus, clown, pole, dance… I can’t recommend it enough!”
And she meant it. Coming from someone who’s danced stages across North America, this wasn’t polite praise. This was genuine admiration.
The Verdict
Bernard Cabaret Gourmand isn’t just a new restaurant — it’s a new ritual. A place where your dinner is part of a performance, and your presence feels like participation. Every light cue, every plate, every pirouette is choreographed to draw you deeper into a world that’s both grounded and glamorous.
In a city already brimming with culinary stars and cultural gems, Bernard Cabaret Gourmand shines as a genre-defying newcomer. Whether you’re booking a romantic night out, a celebratory dinner with friends, or a decadent Sunday brunch with a side of drag, this is the spot where gourmet food meets full-blown fantasy. Make your reservation now — because at Bernard, the table is the front row.
About Bernard Cabaret Gourmand
Location: 936 St Catherine St E, Montreal, Quebec H2L 2E5
Reservation: opentable.com
Facebook: @bernardmontreal
Instagram: @bernardmontreal
Website: bernardmontreal.com
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