L'Arsenal

L'Arsenal wins you over with its very fine industrial-looking decor and its European chic. A fine list of cocktails, wines and beers, generous sharing platters and a vibrant atmosphere make it an ideal stop with a group or as a couple. Perfect for marking a special occasion!

The place has a history. At 1195 rue Taillon, in the Saint-Sauveur district, the red brick façade of the former Arsenal Saint-Malo munitions plant has remained practically intact. Inside, on the other hand, the transformation is spectacular: a 220-seat room under a 12-metre ceiling, set off by two giant chandeliers hanging above the central bar. The project, led by Groupe TopResto and estimated at 7 million dollars, opened its doors in the fall of 2023.

In the kitchen, the house banks on Neapolitan pizzas baked in the Italian tradition, meats out of its own smokehouse, grilling over a wood BBQ and several original dishes. The cocktail list is built around the spirits distilled on site — because L'Arsenal is first and foremost a distillery, founded by four travellers. You can in fact take a guided tour, join a cocktail workshop or stop by the Économusée shop.

The atmosphere is festive and the place stays up late: shows, live music and themed nights from Thursday to Saturday, with brunches on weekends. A large terrace rounds it all out in summer.

Two reservations that come up often in the comments and are worth knowing about: the music can be loud in the evening, and the service slows down when the room is full. Worth keeping in mind if you are after a quiet dinner — but for a lively apéro, it is just the thing.