It didn't take much for us to end our evening alone in front of a sandwich taken on the fly at the supermarket. It is that on this Friday evening in August, the restaurants were all sold out in La Malbaie. Other lovers had thus had the same idea of ??a getaway as us and, seeing the disappointed faces in front of each restaurant where we tried to go to the city center of the Charlevoix municipality, we were not the only ones not taking reservations. Leaving a little on a whim, on an adventure for the weekend, we had not expected that our dinner would be taken in this charming city. After two tries, luck finally turns and a place becomes available at the Allegro restaurant, which happened to be my first choice. Alleluia! However, we will resume for the meal on the terrace overlooking the splendid bay, and we are content with the breach through the window opening onto the seaside landscape.
Night club atmosphere
I immediately love the nightclub vibe in the dimly lit dining room. The whole thing does not take long to awaken memories of our early twenties. Immediately, a very friendly and efficient server comes to meet us and quickly serves our aperitifs. We sip them quietly while consulting the rather robust menu: several choices of pasta, pizzas, burgers, salads, grilled meats and classics come together.
Charlevoix flavors
As long as we are in Charlevoix, we opt for a starter to share highlighting the best of the region: fondues with Migneron de Charlevoix. A judicious appetizer and a most interesting salty/sweet contrast with the apple coulis that accompanies it.
Irresistible pastas
For the rest of the meal, I have no trouble choosing, a pasta dish immediately catches my eye: the Norwegian. My lover is also leaning towards pastas and, on the recommendation of our waiter, chooses the Pollo piccante! Both plates are very generous. Mine has a garnish of red onions, basil, herbed tomatoes, aragula, smoked salmon and lumpfish caviar on al dente penne. Marriage is tasty. For his part, my man does not regret his choice and quietly savors his linguini garnished with peppers, red onions, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, chorizo, olives, grilled chicken and basil pesto. The portions being very generous, we unfortunately did not manage to finish our entire plates. The flavors are there, the freshness too, the atmosphere and the service are impeccable; What else do you want? A little coffee and hop, we end the evening at the casino a few streets away.
What if luck continued to smile on us?
Note : 9 /10
What struck me the most about my visit: The view of the river
The specialty of the house: Pasta and pizza
The most expensive main meal on the menu: Angus beef filet mignon, $50 or more depending on the market
The cheapest main meal on the menu: Duck poutine, $16
Do I recommend this restaurant: Yes
What time of day did I visit: Dinner
Pros:
- Service
- Lounge decor
- Local ingredients
- Varieties
Cons:
- High tables
- Street parking
