Restaurant Rita

In Montreal’s Verdun borough, there are many places to eat and drink, just like everywhere else in this world-class city, but not many of them are open late. That’s why owner Jean François Pigeon decided to open Balconville in June 2014. He wanted to address a need in the neighbourhood where he has lived for most of his life.

It’s a small establishment with a terrace in the back and an open kitchen in the front. People walking by can look through the window and see the cook and bartender hard at work. The name, Balconville, is a direct reference to the neighbourhood.

“When you walk down the avenues and the smaller streets, there are always people chilling on their balconies and talking to one another from across the street drinking their beers,” says Pigeon. “When you’re on the terrace here, there are balconies all around, so it’s like instead of chilling on your balcony, come chill on ours!”