Zero8, Montreal

t’s the 21st century; there are as many trendy diets as there are stars in the sky. Some people avoid carbs; others only eat carbs; some avoid meat; others still are against cooking their food. Restaurants have learned to accommodate people’s fussiness, creating spots that cater to every flash-in-the-pan diet. But what about the all the people with legitimate dietary restrictions? What about the epi-pen carrying, hospital speed-dialing allergics in our midst? Montreal has an answer: Zero8.

A new bistro in the Quartier Latin, Zero8 solemnly pledges to avoid all of the eight most common allergens: fish/seafood, nuts, peanuts (which are actually legumes), sesame seeds, Milk, Soy, Eggs, and what/gluten (which includes barley, oats, rye, and triticale). I honestly can’t think of a single restaurant, Montreal or beyond, that makes the same promise. And for good reason; with so many ingredients forbidden, there really isn’t that much left to cook with.

So how does Zero8’s menu hold up? Surprisingly well, actually. If someone handed you the menu at any run-of-the-mill restaurant, you probably wouldn’t bat an eye until someone revealed its focus, and then you’d pretend like you knew all along (I’m assuming you’re as petty as I am). Dishes like Duck Confit Shephard’s Pie, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Pork Rillettes, and Boneless New York Striploin seem to replace every disallowed ingredient with big hunks of meat.

Vegetables mostly appear as side dishes (mashed potatoes, green beans, frites), and are misleadingly labelled as vegetarian options (which they most certainly are not) which is ironic for a place that aims to be so accommodating. Even the Zero8 Poutine replaces cheese curds with duck.

The décor suggests that it’s just a normal bistro. Red brick walls, wooden tables, a long bar, and big open sunlight-catching windows (despite the fact that it’s below street level) create a bustling yet sophisticated atmosphere that screams anything but allergy-free. If you’re a big beer drinker, you’re pretty much out of luck (damn gluten!), but there’s plenty of wine options for you.

If you like meat and are allergic to just about everything else there is, you’ll have plenty to chow down on at Zero8. Hey, if it bothers you, just go ahead and open a place called Zero9.

Address: 1735 St. Denis Street, Montreal, QC
Contact: 514-658-5552
Cuisine: Bistro Fare
Area: Quartiers Latin
Venue: Bistro
Hours: Daily: 11:30am – 1:00am
Price Range: $$$ (Within Reach)
Payment: Master Card, Visa, American Express

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