Azara, a new tapas bistro concept, is getting ready to open in Saint-Hyacinthe at 405 Av—Sainte-Anne, across from the Centre des arts Juliette-Lassonde.
The new concept will open in the former home of Ô’Charbon, which closed at the beginning of the year, according to Le Courrier. Owner Abbas Sharif hopes to hold a grand opening in late February or early March, if everything goes according to plan. When Azara does open, customers can expect a tapas-driven menu, a terrace, and occasional live performances.
The new restaurant will focus on a tapas bistro format, offering approximately 20 small plates, including oysters, along with four main courses. Some dishes will be flambéed tableside. The restaurant plans to operate for both lunch and dinner service, regardless of whether there are performances scheduled nearby.
Inside, Azara will feature around 100 seats, along with a 66-seat terrace during the warmer months. A VIP table seating 12 accommodates private groups. The space will also include a small stage that may host jazz singers, adding a performance element to the dining room.
Sharif is also the owner of Le White Rabbit and Les Jardins de Shiraz, adding Azara to his growing portfolio of hospitality concepts in the region.
The address has seen several restaurant concepts over the past decade. Ô’Charbon replaced Pépé Trattoria, which operated from 2015 until January 2020. Before that, San Marino closed following bankruptcy in the fall of 2011. Azara will be the latest effort to establish a lasting dining destination at the site.
With its location near the Centre des arts Juliette-Lassonde, Azara will be well-positioned to serve theatergoers, residents, and visitors to downtown Saint-Hyacinthe. The combination of tapas, main courses, and live music elements signals a shift toward a more versatile dining experience.
