Ratafia Wine Bar: Montréal’s Refined Destination for Wine and Gourmet Desserts
Ratafia wine bar is far more than just a dessert bar. This gourmet wine destination, located in the heart of Little Italy, offers refined savoury cuisine, signature plated desserts, and a remarkable wine list. It’s a place that redefines the gastronomic experience in Montréal.
The first version of this article on Ratafia dates back to 2019. Since then, nearly everything has changed—including the chef. Located in Little Italy, more precisely in the former Café Epoca at 6778 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, the project by co-owners Sandra Forcier and Jared Tuck has, in my view, become a true restaurant. I say “in my view” because the establishment still holds a bar licence and not a restaurant one, meaning it’s for adults 18+ only. So yes, you can simply stop by for a drink—but chances are you won’t be able to resist the cuisine of young chef Magie Marier, a finalist on the 2025 season of Les Chefs on Radio-Canada, and her team.
Ratafia Wine Bar: From Gourmet Dessert Bar to Full Gastronomic Wine Bar
Let’s begin with the name. What is ratafia? It’s a sweet alcoholic beverage, often artisanal and typically served as an apéritif. There are actually two distinct kinds: fruit-based ratafia and liqueur wine produced in certain French regions, including Champagne and Burgundy. It’s worth noting that you’ll always find at least one glass of ratafia available on the impressive wine list, carefully developed by Mr. Tuck and Ms. Vanessa Vachon—both of whom also contribute to the creation of the cocktail menu, a true team collaboration. And let me just say—every drink on that list is simply outstanding.
Since opening in 2019, the venue has changed and evolved tremendously—and for the better. While it started out offering incredible desserts (like the famous Baked Alaska, which is no longer on the menu) and a few side dishes, it now presents a full gastronomic menu, designed by a savoury team (while the dessert brigade remains in charge of the sweets), making Ratafia wine bar a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
The Evolution of Magie Marier, the Culinary Star of Ratafia Wine Bar
Magie Marier, who won over the public on Les Chefs thanks to her determination, strength of character, empathy, and team spirit, will likely soon become Ratafia wine bar’s first executive chef, given how much she has raised the kitchen’s game since her arrival. It’s no surprise that this former pastry chef and graduate of the ITHQ crossed over into savoury cuisine. She radiates quiet strength—and returned to Les Chefs through the “second chance” challenge. The great Colombe Saint-Pierre said (in french, translated) of her before the finale: “Don’t forget: stay calm, keep your strong organization, and especially that incredibly refined cooking you’ve shown us throughout your journey.”
And that refined cooking is exactly what has transformed the Ratafia wine bar experience. It’s what now makes it, in my opinion, one of the future must-visit fine dining spots in Montréal, and perhaps even across Québec.
While Ratafia once served simple savoury boards made with products from friendly restaurants, today, the kitchen led by Magie offers a seasonal cuisine made entirely in-house. At just 30 years old, she’s been part of Ratafia’s kitchen team for four years—with no fewer than 15 years of culinary experience under her belt.
What’s on the Menu at Ratafia Wine Bar?
Not just desserts! At Ratafia wine bar, what you get is true gourmet cuisine. Many still think of it only as a dessert bar, and it’s true that the place made its name thanks to that unique sweet offering. But the idea of expanding into a gastronomic savoury menu—worthy of a fine dining restaurant—was born after the pandemic, during the reopening phase. The team wanted to meet the demands of loyal customers who were asking for savoury takeout, all while preserving Ratafia’s distinctive sweet identity—one that remains rare in the province.
We may be in Little Italy, but don’t expect to find pizza on the menu (maybe one day as a dessert version—who knows?). The oven left with the name of the old café. But for handmade pasta, it’s an exceptional destination. These pastas are offered in surprising flavour combinations that will take your palate out of its comfort zone while still being deeply satisfying.
You’ll also find beautifully executed seafood, full of indulgent flavour, and an abundance of fresh greens—sometimes grown on the rooftop, or sourced from the nearby Jean-Talon Market. Meat lovers will find their place too: chicken, pork, and more—there’s truly something for every preference. And everything is done with precision, finesse, and that gourmet touch. Don’t miss the carte blanche tasting menu, now a customer favourite. It evolves weekly with at least one or two new dishes each time.
Just Here for Apéro? No Problem.There are plenty of small plates to share, ideal for a casual visit—but don’t skip the brioche with melted brown butter. It’s a standout dish.
Vegan? You’re Welcome Too. Ratafia wine bar offers vegan options, both savoury and sweet, so everyone can enjoy the full experience—no compromise on flavour or elegance.
Food and Wine Pairings: The Soul of Ratafia Wine Bar
The wine list at Ratafia wine bar changes regularly and showcases many private imports. Whether your taste leans toward red, white, orange, natural or classic wines, there’s something here for every palate. The owners are true wine lovers—it’s worth noting that Jared Tuck spent several years at La Buvette chez Simone, and his passion for wine is unmistakable.
When it comes to food and wine pairings—including desserts! —Sandra Forcier, Jared Tuck, and the team have tested and refined every match to achieve perfect harmony.
Wines sampled during the evening:
- Starter: Monchiero Langhe D. O. C. Arneis
- Main: A delicious red (unfortunately, the name escaped us!)
- With dessert (Tres Leches): Pedro Ximénez, Casa del Inca, Andalusia, Spain, 2021
And the desserts? Still the Crown Jewel of Ratafia Wine Bar
Yes, of course, you can come just for dessert—if there’s room, of course—because they are truly the cherry on top(even if there’s no actual sundae on the menu). Their desserts are gourmet, plated, and made à la minute, just before being served—a far cry from pre-cut pie slices or frozen cakes.
Forget supermarket-style sponge cakes. Here, the desserts are intricate, well-thought-out, and plated with the same care as the savoury dishes. That’s what made Ratafia wine bar so special in the first place—and it still does.
You may remember Nanana, their short-lived dessert counter located just across from Jean-Talon Market. Well, good news—it may soon make a pop-up return inside Ratafia wine bar in the coming months. It’s currently in the plans of the two co-owners.
What’s Missing for Ratafia Wine Bar to Earn a Michelin Star?
While the Michelin Guide officially states that décor is not part of the evaluation criteria, a look at past starred establishments suggests otherwise. In my personal opinion—and I stress, very personal, since the experience is already excellent—a more refined, minimalist décor would elevate the presentation of the plates even further, similar to the recent upgrades at Mastard.
A minor reconfiguration of the dining space wouldn’t hurt either (currently, staff cross the dining room to access the basement during service), although as tenants, a full renovation may be unlikely. One suggestion: a true wine cellar to highlight the incredible wine selection. (It seems this is already in the works.)
P.S. The team should absolutely bring back the Baked Alaska, if you ask me.
Ratafia Wine Bar: Location and Contact
Ratafia Wine and desserts Bar
6778 Saint-Laurent Blvd
Montréal, QC
H2S 3C7
