The West Island Has a Tasty New Taco Restaurant — and Other Openings to Know

WEST ISLAND — Reliable downtown taqueria Escondite has expanded out to the ‘burbs, with a new location now open in Dollard. It’s quite the solid addition to the west, which is rather light on Mexican cuisine; on the menu is a mix of classic and modern tacos, from Baja-style fried fish or al pastor through to crispy cauliflower or Korean steak. Other options like pozole (done with a tomatillo base here), chilaquiles, and tostadas round out the menu. For drinks, expect a host of tequila and mezcal based cocktails, plus a few Mexican beers.

In just under five years, Escondite has gone from one restaurant (on Union) to five — three are in the downtown core, with one in Laval that marked its first venture outside the city proper.

Ohana Sushi/Official

PLATEAU — Joining existing players like Sushi Momo and new-ish Old Montreal restaurant Bloom on the vegan sushi scene is Ohana. It opened recently on Mont-Royal near St-Denis — per Nightlife, it’s serving a range of maki with options including a spicy black rice-shiitake mushroom roll or a curry avocado-seitan choice. It’s not a strictly Japanese place though — the menu throws in poke bowls, pad thai, the decidedly North American “sushi pizza”, and spring rolls, to name a few other options.

Tbsp./Supplied

OLD MONTREAL — The W Hotel has a new on-site dining option — Italian restaurant Tbsp. (that’s “Tablespoon”) is now serving. It’s helmed by chef Joris Larigaldie, who has a range of experience with Europea and international names like the Fat Duck. Most dishes here are keeping things simple (duck breast with pear mostarda and raddicchio, lobster cavatelli with creamy white wine sauce and cabbage), with most substantial dishes clocking in around the $30 mark; the space, designed by Sid Lee Architects, leans sleek and modern, balanced out with some natural textures.

Majesthé Bar/Facebook

DOWNTOWN — Casual Pan-East-Asian restaurant Majesthé has (re)opened its speakeasy style bar at its premises on Robert-Bourassa. It opens Thursday and Friday evenings, and serves a range of izakaya-style bites, cocktails, and alcoholic bubble tea.

DOWNTOWN — Shish taouk is incoming at the former Mon Chicha space on de Maisonneuve and Bishop — Shawarma MTL is now serving up pitas and such, nary a block away from Boustan.

VILLE-ST-LAURENT — Local Korean juggernaut Mon Ami has expanded yet again: its latest location is a barbecue restaurant on Marcel-Laurin, just south of Bois-Franc train station.

• Le Plateau accueille un nouveau restaurant de sushis véganes et tout semble délicieux! [Nightlife]