A new French brasserie inspired by southern France has opened at The Well. La Plume, located at 453 Wellington St. W., offers a cozy atmosphere with high ceilings, patterned tile floors and elegant chandeliers adorned with dusty rose fringe-wrapped lamps.
Oliver & Bonacini’s latest addition to The Well, following the recent opening of Aera, is a collaboration with O&B executive chef John Horne, known for his work at Auberge du Pommier, Maison Selby and Biff’s Bistro. The seasonal menu at La Plume draws inspiration from his experiences cooking in the region.
“La Plume is our love letter to southern France,” says Horne. “Marrying the cozy romance of a classic French bistro with the unruffled flair of a laid-back brasserie, La Plume celebrates l’art de vivre from day to night”
The dreamy menu captures the essence of French cuisine, with classic dishes like the indulgent French onion soup, topped with three cheeses, baguette and parsley. Chef de cuisine Navider Saini from Parcheggio lends his expertise to the kitchen team, introducing standout offerings like a unique tartare bar featuring traditional beef, trout and mushroom seared with grilled bread, house pickles and crips. Guests can also sample several variation of steak frites and authentic French entrees like the croque madame crepe and tuna Niçoise salad.
La Plume’s bar will be a vibrant hub, serving a variety of refreshing spritzes perfect for brunches, daily happy hours (3 to 6 p.m.), and late-night gatherings. Guests can indulge in specialties like the the Riviera Spritz with St-Germain, sparkling wine, soda water, lavender thyme syrup and lemon; along with modern classics like the Plume Negroni with Dillon’s Selby gin, Campari, Dolin sweet vermouth, Lillet Blanc, strawberry syrup and orange bitters.
Designed as an ode to sophisticated French architecture by Solid Design Creative, La Plume features a stunning main floor bar at the heart of the restaurant, adorned with a custom birdcage-inspired back bar and a bespoke mural. Upstairs, guests are welcomed by Bordeaux checkerboard flooring, whimsical wallpaper, a spacious open kitchen, an inviting private dining room and a greenery-filled terrace overlooking Wellington Street.
Guests who venture into the right (or perhaps wrong?) washroom stall will discover a boudoir-inspired speakeasy named Bonne Nuit. The space is open Thursday through Saturday evenings, providing an upscale setting for late-night cocktails, bottle service and private events. With custom feather and fringe design accents, a sculptural banquette and French apothecary details, it exudes a moody European vibe.
La Plume is open Tuesday to Friday for lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch and dinner. 
