Best Bring Your Own Wine Restaurants (BYOB)

Going out to dinner and enjoying a delicious meal with a specially-chosen wine is one of life’s particular pleasures. The exquisite pairing of selected wines with certain foods is an art in itself and one that has merited study throughout history. It is, therefore, disheartening that many restaurants invariably mark up their prices for a bottle of wine to the point where one must forgo that pleasure. Fine dining without wine is not a reasonable option, but the sometimes exorbitant price for an ideal bottle can constrain one’s lifestyle. Is there an alternative?

One of the great marketing ideas in the restaurant industry is the concept of bringing your own wine. It’s great for the restaurant owner who doesn’t have to use limited space to stock a finite supply of bottles. It’s also ideal for the customer who wants a specific pinot noir with his steak au poivre. There are restaurants in the West Island that allow you to bring your own bottle of wine, but how you do know which ones are the best?

It seemed likely that our following would have their own favourites, so we asked them to share their opinions. An amazing 295 responses arrived within a week, as people were eager to talk about their experiences in a variety of establishments. You can see the results of our survey in the screenshot below.

And who was the winner? The number one choice was the restaurant L’Academie West Island in Pointe-Claire. You can review the entire list here and discover new places for yourself. Bon appetit and cheers!

1.) L’Academie

Since the first restaurant opening in 1984. L’Academie has provided an inspiring mix of Italian and French cuisine at affordable prices. The lively ambiance of L’Academie provides the perfect environment for a nice dinner out with your family, or for entertaining friends or business clients. L’Academie is well-known for their generous servings of mussels, as well as homemade pasta paired with sauces like their famous Roquefort cheese sauce or savory marinara.

2.) Portovino

Ristorante Portovino in Dorval is for those who crave a more hearty and filling meal, with a traditional Italian family flavor. As another “bring your own wine” restaurant, Portovino creates the perfect palate of flavors for your favorite wine. Menu fare ranges from tender ossobuco to certified Angus beef or fresh seafood. Sunday brunch is also not to be missed.

3.) Mezzamis

Mezzamis in Point-Claire provides more of a casual dining environment while offering an eclectic modern grill menu with items like their signature veal scaloppini or grilled lamb. Seafood reigns supreme at Mezzamis with mouth-watering seafood prepared in any of six different ways, ranging from Louisiana Cajun style, to a lighter Mediterranean preparation. Mezzamis is also one of a handful of restaurants where you are allowed to bring a bottle of your own favorite wine to accompany your meal.

4.) Steak Frites

Le Steak Frites St-Paul in Kirkland is a French bistro with an atmosphere perfect for a romantic night out with your significant other, or as a backdrop to your next private function. While steak is what puts this restaurant on the map, other mouth-watering offerings are available, from rack of lamb to duck confit.

5.) Vivaldi

Run by Brothers Dave and Steve, Vivaldi’s Italian cuisine offers a high end atmosphere combined with delectable dishes. With Vivaldi you can come for simple yet delicious antipasti plates or pizza, or stay for more filling entrees, like charbroiled octopus or linguine tetrazini. Don’t forget to leave some room for one of Vivaldi’s many homemade desserts, including crème caramel or tiramisu.

6.) La Famiglia

La Famiglia is a newer addition to the West Island restaurant scene, and boasts a classic home-style Italian menu in a clean and modern environment. However, don’t be fooled by the classic menu, as La Famiglia now offers an Asian twist with a full sushi and sashimi bar.