On my first full vegan-restaurant experience I visited Aux Vivres in Montreal and I went back twice during my stay. Montreal has a vibrant, health-focused food scene, and Aux Vivres fit right in. I wanted to try several things—especially their famed vegan chili fries—so returning was a no-brainer.
Aux Vivres sits on boulevard Saint-Laurent, only a short walk from the Mount-Royal metro station. The venue includes a cozy sit-down dining room with many small tables, a to-go counter, and an online delivery service. The layout maximizes space, creating a lively, communal atmosphere.
The restaurant began in 1999 as a small vegan spot run by Marie-Pierre Michaud, who emphasized organic ingredients and balanced nutrition. Michael Makhan joined the team and later became partner and then owner. He and his brother Liam expanded the space and refined the concept; today the brothers run a well-regarded vegan restaurant on one of Montreal’s trendiest streets.
The brothers clearly take pride in their work. The menu is well-designed, the space feels welcoming, and the staff are friendly. Dining here is straightforward and enjoyable.
Kevin and I arrived around 1 p.m. on a Monday. The restaurant was busy but we were seated immediately on the opposite side of a low partition to the kitchen—an arrangement similar to other popular casual eateries.
One notable strength of the menu was clarity. It was printed in English and French and used icons to mark dishes containing nuts, soy, or gluten. That made choosing dishes quick and easy without having to ask for substitutions or explain dietary needs.
I was in a comfort-food mood despite the warm day and chose the Mumbai Plate: organic brown basmati rice, a chickpea and potato curry, salad, and a flavorful chutney. Kevin went for the Tofu Burger, which the menu described as served on a whole-wheat bun with caramelized onions, tomato, lettuce, pickle, and chipotle mayo. We placed our order shortly after being seated and our food arrived in about 20 minutes.
The Mumbai Plate was exactly what I wanted. The curry was balanced and fresh, not overwhelmed by spices, and the chutney was outstanding. I asked about take-out availability for the chutney and was told it isn’t offered, though it would be a welcome product. The plate included a crisp salad I mixed with chutney and a modest portion of brown basmati rice—satisfying without feeling heavy.
Kevin’s tofu burger was less successful. The sandwich featured a slab of tofu rather than a traditional burger-style patty, and he found it bland despite the toppings. The waiter later agreed it wasn’t his favorite, which undermined confidence in that menu choice. Clearer menu wording could help set expectations for diners.
The fries and coleslaw, however, were excellent—crispy and well-seasoned.
On a separate visit after exploring Jean-Talon Market, I returned and ate on the patio. I ordered the chili fries—skipping the soy-based sour cream—and a side salad. The salad was fresh and colorful, with romaine, purple cabbage, carrots, beets, and sprouts. The chili fries arrived as a modest portion of wedges topped with vegetable chili. The chili had tofu and a pleasing, balanced spice level: not overpowering but full of flavor.
During that meal I struck up a conversation with a fellow diner who had visited the same ashram in India as I had—small-world moments like that add to the dining experience.
Overall, Aux Vivres delivers inventive vegan dishes, clear menu guidance for allergens, and a warm atmosphere. I appreciated the fresh flavors and reasonable portion sizes, and I would return to try more menu items.
HP Rating
- Ambiance: Interesting space with many nooks and small tables, plus a pleasant outdoor area. It can feel cozy rather than roomy. 4/5
- Authenticity: Original menu items made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The team’s passion shows. 4/5
- Ease of ordering and menu readability: Clear bilingual menu with icons for nuts, soy, and gluten—very easy to use. 5/5
- Food: Several dishes were flavorful and well composed with good portion sizes. A few items, like the tofu burger, fell short of expectations, and gluten-free bread options were limited. 3.5/5
- Plating: Bright, fresh, and clean presentations on unique plates. 5/5
- Service: Efficient and friendly overall, though staff could be clearer about what some menu items are. 4/5
- Value: Typical pricing for organic, vegetarian-focused food—fair but not a bargain. 4/5
Total: 29.5/35 = 84%