ABOUT US
Bar Luz is a fonda fina — a heartfelt tribute to heritage, craft, and the pursuit of light.
Rooted in the volcanic terroir of Juan’s home state of Tlaxcala and infused with the deep familial sazón passed down by the matriarchs of his family, the food at Bar Luz honours ancestral methods and soulful cooking.
Every tortilla is made from heirloom corn sourced directly from Mexican farmers, nixtamalized and milled in-house, pressed by hand and cooked à la minute on traditional terra cotta comals.
Luz means light — both literal and symbolic. It embodies a commitment to optimism, a constant pursuit of beauty, and a passion for crafting spaces and experiences that ignite human energy and awaken the best within.
At Bar Luz, every detail is anchored in a memory. An invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and connect with what truly matters.
Tucked away on Avenue Lajoie in the heart of Montreal’s Outremont neighborhood, Bar Luz is the newest project from sommelier Lindsay Brennan and chef Juan Lopez Luna, the duo behind Alma. Inspired by the spirit of Mexico’s everyday eateries, reimagined through the vibrant and daring lens of Mexico City’s design culture. Bar Luz blends bold flavor with intimate elegance, culinary tradition with Quebec’s seasonal bounty, and personal memory with a strong sense of place.
The design — a collaboration between Lindsay, Juan, and a community of Latin-heritage Montreal artists — captures the raw beauty and vibrancy of contemporary Mexico City within a classic Montreal neigborhood setting. Charcoal walls, natural textures, and thoughtful materials from Oaxaca and CDMX tell a story of craft, culture, and cross-border connection. The result is a space that’s both warm and modern, intimate and expansive — where light is not just a feature, but a philosophy.
A place where the light stays with you.
THE FOUNDERS
Juan Lopez Luna, Executive Chef & Co-Owner
Juan was born in Tlaxcala, Mexico, began his professional cooking journey in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and found his way to Montreal through Oaxaca. As a pioneer of elevated Mexican cuisine in Canada with his flagship restaurant Alma, his food is deeply personal — a blend of memories, migration, resilience and accomplished technique. His sazón is an ode to the bold flavors of Mexico and the rich bounty of Quebec — the two anchors of his identity.
At Bar Luz, he’s bringing back the à la carte spirit, elevating everyday traditional dishes inspired by the women in his family, with fire, fermentation, and plenty of soul.
Lindsay Brennan, Sommelier & Co-Owner
Born and raised in Vermont to Montreal parents, Lindsay is the founder of Importations Vin i Vida and the creative visionary behind Alma, named Best Mexican Restaurant Outside of Mexico. She infuses style, elegance, and heartfelt emotion into every aspect of Bar Luz — from its design and storytelling to the careful curation of its beverages. Her passion for natural wine and meaningful connection shines through the entire Bar Luz experience, carried by her incredible service team.