Between architectural heritage and culinary institutions, Laurier West tells more than a century of Montreal history. A neo-Gothic church, a former fire station and iconic bistros: discover the places that have spanned the ages and continue to keep the avenue’s history alive.
By AnnaClare Sung, The Main
Laurier West is a true living archive of Montreal's architectural and culinary heritage
Laurier West is home to several of Montreal's historic institutions, both architecturally and culturally. From a century-old neo-Gothic church adorned with stained glass and hand-carved details to iconic French bistros that have contributed to Montreal's culinary scene for decades, the avenue is dotted with buildings that tell their stories through their presence and details. You just need to know where to look.
Saint-Viateur Church in Outremont was built in 1911 to the designs of architects Louis-Zéphirin Gauthier and Joseph-Égilde-Césaire Daoust. A Roman Catholic church in the neo-Gothic style, it is richly decorated with paintings, hand-crafted woodwork and sculptures by local artists, as well as stained glass by Guido Nincheri. Its vaulted ceilings illustrate the life of Saint Viateur, while a century-old Casavant organ overlooks the choir.
Fire Station 30 was built between 1904 and 1905 and originally housed the city hall, the police station, and the fire station. The building itself is a remarkable example of Château-style architecture, designed by J. E. Vanier. Although the city hall and the police station have since moved, Fire Station 30 still houses the neighborhood fire department, as well as the Montreal Firefighters' Museum. Its collection includes a miniature reproduction of an alarm post, an 1887 Merryweather steam pump, and several other objects illustrating the history of Montreal's fire service.
Leméac has been part of the Laurier West landscape since 2001 and has since become a favorite address for both Montrealers and visitors. Offering traditional French cuisine with a touch of modernity, the bistro values comfort as much as elegance, both on the plate and in its atmosphere.
Classics like moules-frites, steak-frites, duck confit and tartares sit alongside more contemporary dishes, always prepared with the precision of French culinary techniques. Inside, white tablecloths set the tone, while seats at the bar offer a more relaxed atmosphere. In summer, the terrace becomes a destination in its own right.
The history of Chez Lévêque dates back to 1967, when the restaurant opened its doors under the name La Lucarne, a charming steakhouse and grill. In 1972, Pierre Lévêque purchased the restaurant and kept its original name until 1993, the year the establishment adopted its current name.
Over the course of these changes, the Paris-inspired bistro incorporated Lévêque's childhood memories of the French coast into its culinary identity. The chef relies on fresh ingredients from local producers to craft a seasonal menu entirely prepared on-site. Dishes include mussels Provençal-style, braised lamb shank, bouillabaisse, and several other classics.
