Westmount Classic Tavern on the Square Gets a Makeover

15-year-old Westmount staple Tavern on the Square is back after a three-week hiatus — and it’s looking more elegant than ever, courtesy of a full facelift.

Jon Cercone (who co-owns with Stephen Leslie and Don Lovell) calls it a full tear-down and rebuilding. Designer Kyle Marshall Nares and co-owner Stephen Leslie were mostly behind it, along with consultation from designer Emeline Villedary. According to Cercone, it’s a stylish, but still classic upgrade to the restaurant’s look.

“It’s kind of like a dark, New York look, a bit like the Polo Bar, with dark green walls, library lamps on the bar...it’s very warm and rich, you look like you’re in a classy spot.”

“It’s way more trimmed down, we used to have all these bulky columns…now it’s all brand new custom cherry wood, we have brand new designer chandeliers, it’s a big refresh that’s made it pretty classy.”

Grid View

• Tavern on the Square / Jon Cercone
• Tavern on the Square / Jon Cercone
• Tavern on the Square / Jon Cercone
• Tavern on the Square / Jon Cercone

Along with the renovation, Tavern on the Square has also shuffled its menu — the new menu (and menus to come) will be more seasonal, and will change more often. Tavern regulars need not worry — certain favourites are staying on the menu as fixtures.

“We kept a small section at the end that has the classics — we kept the stuff you can’t take off or else people will go crazy, Salmon tartare, tuna burger, they’ve stayed there.”

Take a look at the menu’s new items right here.

STATUS — Tavern on the Square is back to its regular hours at 1 Westmount Square in Westmount, Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and 6 to 11 p.m., and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

• All Tavern on the Square coverage [EMTL]
• Tavern on the Square [Official]