Quebec, Gourmet City: A new destination for fans of Asian cuisine

Asian cuisine fans, I have a new brand for you to discover in Montcalm, serving brunches and Japanese-inspired dishes.

The +86 Lunch & Izakaya, is the full name of the restaurant, which is installed in the premises on René-Lévesque boulevard, left vacant by Café Sirocco, which closed during the pandemic. Close to Cartier Street, this place is coming back to life after being closed for a long time.

Led by a group of young Chinese who chose Quebec for their university studies, the organization was named +86, referring to the telephone code to dial to call China.

“We met at Laval University and we decided to work together,” manager and co-founder Leo, who adopted Quebec after a stint in France, told me. She is exclusively the manager of the Cacao 70 Café on Place Ste-Foy.

Innovation and tradition

The concept of the restaurant which was launched just before Christmas is very innovative. Breakfasts are available 7 days a week, such as the classic two eggs and bacon, but in my opinion, the brunch plates with an Asian touch are the best value.

I loved the eggs benedict with beef bulgogi and try their waffle covered in spicy syrup or the fried chicken with Cantonese sausages omelette.

Eggs Benedict with Bulgogi Beef, a delightful combination at +86 Dezeuner & Izakaya.

Photo by Marian White

“Like Quebecers I love breakfast,” exclaims Leo, who confesses his weakness for their Korean BBQ breakfast poutine.

We also find on the menu Chinese churros, sweet and slightly salty donuts dipped in soy milk. “It's a traditional Chinese meal, it's really good,” assures Leo.

The latter adds that the owners are interested in the offer this morning to meet the needs in the sector since the departure of Le Cochon Dingue.

Long live fried chicken!

At lunchtime, we focus on a menu made up of dishes from various regions of Asia, such as udon noodles, bento boxes with I glazed glazed pork, as well as poke-style bowls.

And since last week, the restaurant has been transformed Izakaya – ie Japanese Brasserie – Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

“There are a lot of small dishes and people can choose several and share,” advises Leo.

It offers Chinese and Japanese-inspired tapas, including delicious gyozas as well as soft-boiled eggs marinated in tea and lightly fried. A great discovery!

But I am a fan of fried chicken Karage Coated with a sauce just spicy enough Gochujang. Share it…or not!

+86 Lunch & Izakaya “Karagi” chicken with “gochujang” sauce is very spicy.

Photo by Marian White

Plates based on meat or fish are also offered, as well as tartares and ramen.

Several vegetarian options are available, including very good crispy tofu in a slightly spicy and sweet sauce.

Tofu Kung Pow from +86 Lunch & Izakaya.

Photo by Marian White

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If you want to find sake, Japanese whiskey or Chinese brandy, the restaurant also offers a very tempting liquid menu with original cocktails.

The owners have two other restaurants: +86 Gaufrerie in Cap-Rouge and Takuno, a sushi restaurant in Plaza Laval.

+ 86 Lunch & Izakaya

• I like: Offering dining with an Asian touch. A numbered heart 86 allowing them to be easily identified in the menu.
• I love less: While we often want to take our time and have a drink, evening service is a little faster.
• Good to know: The second floor of the restaurant with a terrace will open this summer.

64, Bowl. Rene-Levesque West
Open 7 days for lunch and dinner from Thursday to Saturday