Monkland Tavern (The), Montreal

Monkland Tavern is a bright, friendly Italian/Californian bistro that specializes in pasta: the butternut squash-stuffed ravioli is a typically imaginative, surprisingly decadent option. Appetizers include a delightful goat cheese salad and a delicious fried calamari, and those in search of a more substantial main course can choose from the steak-frites and other roasted meat and seafood dishes. Wines are predominantly Californian and include the Woodbridge Sauvignon Blanc. The friendly, unflappable waiters deftly wade their way through the throngs at the bar.