In the heart of Montreal’s dynamic food scene, Raegan Steinberg and her husband, Alex Cohen, have built culinary experiences that resonate deeply with the city’s vibrant culture. Known for the success of their first venture, Arthur’s Nosh Bar, this husband-wife duo’s latest creation, Romies, is a love letter to classic American Bistro fare, blending elegance with approachability in a space that invites comfort and community. It’s the kind of place where memories are made, and the desire to return feels inevitable.
Filling the Gap
For Raegan and Alex, Romies emerged from a desire to create something they felt was missing in Montreal’s dining landscape. “We wanted to create what we consider the perfect restaurant,” Raegan shares. “A space with amazing food and a great vibe—something between fine dining and casual comfort. A place where you can come with your family, your girlfriends, or for date night.”
Romies is inviting yet elevated, a reflection of the thoughtful balance Raegan and Alex strike in everything they do. It’s a concept that parallels &OR’s ethos of designing versatile, timeless pieces that transition seamlessly through life’s moments.
The Comfort of Classics, Done Right
At Romies, the menu celebrates familiarity while elevating it with care and precision. “For us, the most important thing is food that people dream to eat,” Raegan explains. “Meals that feel special but approachable—a perfectly seared, ethically sourced steak, an irresistible shrimp cocktail, or a savory salad that lingers in your mind.” This commitment to simplicity and quality mirrors &OR’s philosophy of intentional design, where every detail is crafted to deliver both purpose and pleasure.
A Space with Soul
Romies’ interiors, much like its menu, are designed to inspire connection. The space draws on the timeless charm of classic New York bistros, with rich leather, warm wood, and striking marble creating an understated sophistication. “We wanted to bring warmth to a space that initially felt cold,” Raegan reflects. “Our vision was to create a restaurant that feels equally inviting during Montreal’s long, cozy winters and its vibrant, sunlit summers.”
That same sense of connection is mirrored in the visuals of Alex and Raegan in Romies, captured by Elizabeth Gartside, wearing pieces from &OR Collective. Alex embodies effortless but elevated comfort in our Pant 01 in Moss, paired with the versatile Bomber 01 in Moss and the classic Tee 01 in Char, while Raegan stuns in our signature set—the Tank 01 and Skirt 01 in Deep Sea—accented by the Isla pendant from our recent collaboration with Deux Lions. Together, their style echoes the ethos of Romies: timeless, elevated, and deeply thoughtful.
“We see restaurants as personalities,” Raegan explains. “The decor, the food, the service—they all contribute to an experience that lingers with people.”
Balancing Life and Ambition
As parents to two young children, Raegan and Alex bring a fearless determination to their work. Balancing family life with the demands of entrepreneurship requires a blend of grit and vision. This same fortitude shapes the way they approach building their restaurants, always with a focus on creating spaces that connect people and elevate everyday moments.
What’s Next
Romies continues to grow and evolve as Raegan and Alex explore new projects. “Our cookbook for Arthur’s is coming out this spring—it’s been three years in the making, and we’re so excited,” Raegan shares. “And we have other ideas in development, but those will stay under wraps for now.”
For Raegan, the ultimate measure of success is simple. “We want people to leave Romies saying, ‘That was an amazing meal. I can’t wait to come back.’”