Ex-Olive & Gourmando Chef Plans Finessed New Lunch Spot For Old Montreal

A chic new breakfast, lunch, brunch, and coffee spot is on its way to Old Montreal: Dandy is set to arrive later this winter with a bright, inviting space, and culinary skill to back it up.

It’s the project of former Olive & Gourmando chef Michael Tozzi — he previously worked at Le Club Chasse et Pêche, and is also known as a food columnist for Le Devoir.

Dandy takes over the space that was previously short-lived bar SafeHouse on St-Jacques Street. While its name may reference an old-school gentleman in a top hat, Tozzi tells Eater that he’s planning something much more modern.

“It’s what a dandy would be in 2019.”

Expect refined yet still comforting food — Tozzi says there are some similarities to Olive & Gourmando, although a notch more upscale than that frantically busy Old Montreal lunch favourite. The menu is still in the works, but some likely items include flatbreads and fresh pasta dishes.

“I’m Italian so a touch of that without it being an Italian restaurant.”

While Dandy will be primarily a daytime spot, it will serve alcohol — expect simple cocktails, and an on-point natural wine list from sommelier Kaitlin Doucette (also known for her work with Olive & Gourmando group restaurants like Foxy) — with opening hours likely to extend into the early evening, Tozzi notes that Dandy may also be a spot for a casual after-work drink

While it’s still a few weeks out from opening, the space is already looking fine — the building, complete with historic windows, is juxtaposed with smooth, curving arches, and architectural light fixtures, courtesy of design firm BlazysGérard.

Michael Tozzi/Dandy

Expect Dandy to open later in February or early in March.