Moderno Bistro Cocktail Bar

Moderno Bistro Cocktail Bar

383 Elgin St N, Cambridge, ON N1R 7H9, Canada

Catering food and drink supplier, Bistro, Cafe, Caterer, Live music venue, Portuguese restaurant, Restaurant, Seafood restaurant
(185)
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About This Place

Nestled in the heart of Cambridge, Ontario, Moderno Bistro Cocktail Bar masterfully blends the warmth of a neighbourhood bistro with the vibrant flavours of authentic Portuguese cuisine. This restaurant is a true culinary gem, offering a rich menu that showcases bold, satisfying dishes steeped in tradition but served with a modern twist.

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cozy yet upscale atmosphere—a place where inviting aromas and subtle live music set the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re settling in for a casual lunch or a special evening out, Moderno Bistro's ambiance strikes the ideal balance between relaxed comfort and lively sophistication, making every visit feel special without ever being pretentious.

The menu itself is a celebration of Portugal’s culinary heritage with a fresh, creative flair. Start your experience with their Caldo Verde Soup, a comforting classic that warms the soul, or indulge in a crisp, refreshing Feta Salad bursting with bright Mediterranean flavours. The flatbreads are a standout—particularly the Portuguese Flatbread, topped with spicy chourico, smoky bacon, tangy green olives, and the distinctive richness of St. Jorge cheese. Each bite is layered with a harmony of textures and tastes that tease the palate.

For the main event, Moderno Bistro shines brightest with its expertly crafted entrees. The Bife A Casa is a must-try: an 8oz AAA striploin steak, dripping in a decadently creamy garlic Moderno sauce, served in a traditional clay dish, accompanied by golden chips, fiery hot peppers, and briny black olives, all crowned with a perfectly cooked egg. This dish, alongside the St Michaels NY Striploin, seared to perfection in olive oil, white wine, and garlic, delivers a succulence that melts in your mouth, echoing the care and culinary skill that goes into every plate.

Seafood lovers will delight in selections like the renowned octopus stew that regulars can’t stop raving about. Coupled with attentive service—where staff go above and beyond, like helping carry out orders to maintain food quality—the experience consistently leaves guests feeling truly valued. Desserts such as their heated rice pudding provide a sweet, comforting conclusion that lingers long after the final spoonful.

What truly sets Moderno Bistro apart is the genuine passion they pour into not only their food but their hospitality. Whether you're a local or visiting, you can expect a dining experience that's both relaxing and memorable—marked by delicious food, a welcoming vibe, and an impressive attention to detail. Several glowing reviews speak to this: from intimate dinners with cocktails under $90 to lively New Year’s Eve gatherings with stellar service and perfectly cooked dishes.

In summary, Moderno Bistro Cocktail Bar is more than just a restaurant—it’s a heartfelt invitation to explore Portuguese cuisine in a setting that feels just like home. For those seeking quality, flavour, and an atmosphere to match, Moderno stands ready to impress time and again.

Service options
Delivery Takeaway
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Crowd
LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Payments
Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Louise Jefferson
    1 month ago

    Very nice atmosphere, enjoyed our appetizer immensely! Waitress was great I'm sorry we didnt catch her name. Our mains were delicious and the rice pudding (heated) was superior to most. All in all a very enjoyable evening for two with drinks under $90. Will definitely return!

  • Suzete “Sue”
    1 month ago

    We were a party of 11. We had the pleasure of having dinner here on new year's eve. The service was great and the food was hot and delicious. My bife a casa was cooked to perfection. The calamari appetizer was a huge hit.

  • Glen W. Stewart
    2 month ago

    First time ordering here. Had the penne pasta special. It was all delicious. We fed 2 men and 4 women and a toddler with some left over. I will definitely order from here again. The guy even helped me carry out the salad so it didnt get hot from the pasta... that's service.

  • Jeanne Monteiro
    3 month ago

    We opted for Moderno catering for a family gathering, and it was a wonderful choice. They provided great, individual service, and Andy, the owner, was very accommodating. The food was delicious and plentiful, and reasonably priced....and delivered warm to our door! I would definitely recommend Moderno.

  • Uki Popic
    3 month ago

    A real diamond in the rough! I love this place! The experience at this restaurant is always phenomenal. Fabulous service, nice cozy, upscale atmosphere without being pretentious and really excellent food. What more could you ask for? The octopus stew is in a league of its own, the grilled COD was perfectly cooked and melts in your mouth. Dessert has some unbelievable options too (especially the Cheesecake and Natas Do Ceu). Loved all of it, if you like seafood then this place is a must-go! Thank you for the moderno experience I'll be back!!

  • Patrick S
    4 month ago

    Authentic Portuguese Cuisine, simple delicious!! Make sure to try the Calamari and the Moderno Platter served with generous portions of Portuguese cheeses!! The special of the day was octopus stew and it was absolutely perfect, spicy and full of flavour definitely the best dish I’ve ever had from a restaurant. You won’t find it on most menus at restaurants, great atmosphere and the waiter was a gem. I’ll be back soon.

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