Quebec, the city of gourmet: a new destination for lovers of Asian cuisine

For Asian cuisine lovers, I have a new brand for you to discover, in Montcalm, that features breakfast, lunch, and Japanese-inspired dishes.

the +86 Lunch and IzakayaThat's the full name of the restaurant, and it was installed in the building on René-Lévesque Boulevard left vacant by the closure of Café Sirocco during the pandemic. It's good to see this place, located near Rue Cartier, coming back to life after a long closure.

Led by a group of young Chinese who chose Quebec for their university studies, the institution was named +86 in reference to the telephone code for calling China.

“We met at Laval University and decided to work together,” says Li Liu, director and co-founder, who adopted Quebec after living in France. She was the manager of the Cacao 70 café on Place Ste-Foy.

Innovation and tradition

The concept of the restaurant, which opened just before Christmas, is rather innovative. There are breakfasts available 7 days a week, such as the classic two eggs and bacon, but what's worth a detour in my opinion are the lunch dishes with an Asian twist.

I loved the eggs Benedict with beef bulgogi and would go back to try the waffle topped with fried chicken topped with hot syrup or the omelette with Cantonese sausage.

Eggs Benedict with beef bulgogi, a happy combination served at +86 Dejeoner and Izakaya.

Photos by Marianne White

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“I really like breakfast, like Quebeckers,” exclaimed Liu, who admitted to having a weakness for the Korean barbecue breakfast.

We also find Chinese churro on the menu, which are sweet and slightly salty buns dipped in soy milk. “It's traditional Chinese lunch, it's really good,” Liu confirms.

The latter adds that the owners were keen on this morning show in order to meet the need of 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 different regions of Asia, such as udon noodles, bento boxes with glazed pork for which they have received praise, as well as poke-style dishes.

Since last week, the restaurant has been transformed into… Izakaya – which means Japanese brasserie – Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

“There are lots of small plates and people can choose several and share them,” Liu advises.

It serves Chinese and Japanese-inspired appetizers, including delicious gyoza as well as tea-marinated and lightly fried poached eggs. Great find!

But the fried chicken fandom has won me over karaage Coated with a hot enough sauce com. gochujang. To share…or not!

Chicken Karaage at Lunch +86 and Izakaya well marinated with gochujang sauce.

Photos by Marianne White

Meat or fish-based dishes are also served, as well as tartare and ramen.

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

Kung Pao Tofu from +86 Lunch & Izakaya.

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Photos by Marianne White

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

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

+86 Lunch and Izakaya

• I like: Offer lunches with an Asian touch. Heart with number 86 Allows them to be easily identified in the list.
• I like less: Service is a bit fast in the evening, when we often want to take our time and have a drink.
• Good to know: The second floor of the restaurant, where there is a terrace, is expected to open this summer.

64, Paul. René Levesque West
Open 7 days for lunch and evenings from Thursday to Saturday