Montrealers love to eat, and we love to do it together. But if you've dined out recently, you've probably noticed that the small plates trend can sometimes leave you hungry, confused, and doing mental math at the dinner table. Let's talk about why that happens, and how to fix it.
The Problem: When Sharing Leaves You Hungry
Picture this: You're out for a highly anticipated dinner in Old Montreal. The server enthusiastically tells you that the menu is designed for sharing and recommends three to four plates per person. You order a dozen dishes. What arrives? One scallop cut into four pieces, a tiny ramekin of dip, and three roasted carrots. You spend the rest of the evening rationing bites and leave still hungry after spending a small fortune.
This is the pain of the modern small-plate trend. What began as a genuine admiration for Spanish tapas, Greek mezze, and Mediterranean sharing culture has often been reduced to tasting-menu portions at main-course prices. True tapas were never meant to be a 12-course puzzle. They were salty, flavourful bites meant to awaken the palate and complement good conversation.
The Solution: Return to the True Art of the Shared Table
The answer is not to abandon communal dining. It is to do it right. A truly satisfying shared meal blends portion sizes intentionally.
- Snacks and Tapas: Small, flavourful bites to start the evening alongside your first cocktail.
- Accompaniments: Seasonal vegetables and shared sides that complement the meal.
- Centerpieces: Substantial dishes such as a beautiful cut of meat, a whole fish, or a wood-fired pizza that anchor the table and ensure everyone leaves satisfied.
When restaurants offer this dynamic range, and when diners know how to navigate it, the shared table transforms from an awkward negotiation into a generous and abundant feast.
How to Order Shareable Plates Like a Pro
- Anchor your order with one or two larger centerpiece dishes so no one goes home hungry.
- Treat small plates as starters exactly as they were intended.
- Talk to your server. A good restaurant will pace the meal perfectly if you communicate what you need.
How Tomahawk Group Gets It Right
At Tomahawk Group, we have built our Montreal venues around the belief that shareable dining should actually satisfy. From the authentic Mediterranean mezze at Taverne Grecque Mati, to the Latin-inspired energy of Santos, the natural wine culture of Buvette Pastek and June Buvette, and the gourmet wood-fired pies at Balboa Pizza, every concept is designed so that sharing feels generous, not stingy.
Planning a corporate event or group dinner? Our team handles the pacing, portioning, and ambiance so you can focus on your guests. Explore the Tomahawk Group portfolio and book your next unforgettable Montreal evening today.
