A brand-new dairy bar called Dalmata Gelateria is set to make its debut in Montreal’s Mile End neighborhood at 24 Bernard Street West.
The new dessert shop is set to move into the former home of Salon Raphael, according to Silo57. This is the latest from chef Danny Smiles, who most recently opened Le Violon in June 2024, offering a variety of seafood and seasonal produce while fusing French and Italian influences. In May, the highly acclaimed restaurant was named the best new restaurant in the country. The team is now preparing to launch a new concept called Dalmata Gelateria. It’s unclear when this new gelato shop will open, but customers can expect soft-cream gelato with a focus on Italian influences.
Danny Smiles, born Daniele Francis in May 1985, is a Canadian chef from Montreal with Italian and Egyptian roots. He began working in kitchens at age 14, starting as a dishwasher at his family’s hotel. He studied at St. Pius X Culinary Institute and later trained with Michelin-starred chefs in Italy. Smiles gained national recognition as a finalist on Top Chef Canada Season 3 and as a winner on Iron Chef Canada. He also co-starred in Chuck & Danny’s Road Trip, showcasing regional Canadian cuisine.
Smiles has led several restaurant concepts in and around Montreal. He was the chef and co-owner of Le Bremner, known for seafood and seasonal menus. In 2020, he launched Mise En Place, a premium meal kit service that focuses on high-quality ingredients. In 2021, he took over as executive chef at the Willow Inn in Hudson, offering modern regional cuisine. Most recently, in 2024, he opened Le Violon in Montreal, a fine-dining restaurant featuring French and Italian influences.
