In the heart of Old Montreal, Stash Café immerses its guests in a cozy atmosphere, carried by the melody of a live pianist. With exposed beams and paintings hanging from the ceiling, the intimate and romantic setting sets the stage for a genuine discovery of Polish cuisine.

Too often reduced to the famous pierogi, this gastronomy proves to be much richer. Traditional soups, like barszcz (beetroot) served here with uszka (small Polish dumplings), stand out as comforting dishes perfectly suited for Montreal’s long winters.

Having once learned how to make pierogi during a trip to Warsaw, I couldn’t resist trying Stash Café’s version. Stuffed with mushrooms and cabbage, served with a cream sauce and a touch of sauerkraut, they easily rival my Polish memories: flavorful filling, well-balanced texture, and undeniable authenticity.

For the main course, I went with the beef stroganoff. A dish of Russian origin, it arrived with crispy potato croquettes and a beetroot salad. Its generous seasoning of black pepper almost reminded me of a French pepper sauce. The meat was tender, the croquettes perfectly crisp, and the execution overall very satisfying. That said, the presence of sole on the menu raises questions, as this fish is seldom used in traditional Polish cuisine.

Stash Café also offers a Polish brunch every weekend from noon to 3 pm. The restaurant’s table d’hôte menu is another excellent way to dive deeper into Polish flavors. And to end the meal in true Polish fashion, one simply cannot skip a chilled glass of vodka as a digestive.