Sophistication spell Montreal's Navia

The price for elegance

Story by Radhika Madana Mohan
Photos by David Matz and Radhika Madana Mohan

Think sophistication. Think Navia Tapas Martinis also known simply as Navia. Located in West Island, Montreal, just walking in, the amount of people sitting at the bar is amazing. With a dim, romanticized lighting bouncing off the deep red walls of the bar filled with liquor bottles simply spelt classic elegance to me. However, I wasn’t into the dance music that was playing as I walked in. It somehow interfered with the sophisticated theme that the place was going for; it didn’t work.

Behind the bar, there was a box-like area that was filled with a many people. It had bright red walls and white box-poufs for people to sit with crystal like tables. I thought it looked like a geometric retro socializing hub — only for the elite as the area seemed secluded almost private from the bar and dining area. And to top it off, it needed to be reserved!

From the bar, you could peep through walls and look into the dining area. Classic ebony colored furnishings complement the soft light from the chandeliers. Keeping to the refined sophisticated atmosphere, servers were dressed in stylish black slacks and shirts with hair neatly slicked back.

I found the menu really interesting. Black in color with a silver plate engraved with the words Navia on it, the cuisine selection was a variety from Spanish, French, and even Thai! And guests were even given the opportunity to personalize their own unique meals, which I feel is a great idea. Another interesting detail is the fact that the menu is divided: Bronze sampler which ranges below $30; Silver sampler, $35; Gold sampler, $50; and Platinum sampler, $65.

Finally, with so much to choose from, I went with the appealing dessert menu. There was a vast selection from Trio de sorbets du jour, which was the three sorbets of the day to Gàteau au fromage glace, parfumè  au chocolat blanc avec des couches de caramel et noix de pècan, which is a white chocolate cheesecake marbled with a layer of caramel and pecan. Since I was in the French Canadian area, I decided on the French dessert crème brûlèe à la vanilla en gousse; crème brûlèe with vanilla beans. In French, it means "burnt cream" referring to the caramelized finish on the famous dish.

My dessert of choice came relatively quick. In an impressive red pot closed with a lid. Taking off the lid, I was greeted with a tempting crystal caramel layer and a strawberry and boysenberry staring at me. Yummy! The rich, sweet smooth custard had a lingering vanilla taste that was absolutely remarkable. I guarantee this is an absolutely delicious dessert worth leaving the house!

Overall, I feel if you have the money to spend and if you’re looking for a romantic dining experience, this is definitely a place to consider.

What's your Navia experience?