"GO HERE: for uncommon natural wines and vegetable-focused food from chef-partner Marc-Olivier Frappier and chef de cuisine Jessica Noël, an alum of Blue Hill at Stone Barns in New York. Here at Mon Lapin, they transform local produce into simple but sophisticated small plates. ORDER: whatever appeals to you from the daily-changing menu. The tiny open kitchen behind the four-seat bar puts out beautiful vegetable-centric small plates, fresh pastas, a few larger proteins, and particularly refined desserts served on vintage plates. Mon Lapin offers a small selection of wines by the glass, listed on the wall mirror, but sommelier Vanya Filipovic puts together an extensive bottle list celebrating small winemakers who use minimal intervention as an approach. THE VIBE IS: relaxed. The small light-filled space has only about ten tables, but the leather benches, white walls, and occasional piece of rabbit paraphernalia tucked into a corner give it an open feel. You’ll find hip, tattooed Montrealers sipping unfiltered orange wine with Fleetwood Mac playing in the background. PRACTICAL STUFF: Open Tuesday to Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight. Closed Sunday and Monday. Tables are first come, first served, so go early (as in before 6 p.m.) on Saturdays. —Claire Saffitz" - Condé Nast
