Now that Le Petit Italien has launched weekend Dim Sum brunch, our mornings start with a rousing round of dumplings.  

Inspired by giant hotel buffets in Hong Kong, owner Alain Starosta has created a primo menu of 15 tapas-style dishes, from savoury to sweet. We cleaned our palate with Rice Crispy covered melon drizzled in lime and olive syrup (from $3), then dug into Italian beans drenched in tomatoes, pancetta and maple syrup ($2.75) and house dumplings with sausage and white balsamic ($4/3).  Don’t miss the waffle with strawberry mousse and pistachio nuts ($3.25)—two will do.

Chopsticks before noon?  We’re pros after a morning Mimosa.

1265 Bernard Street W., Outremont, 514-278-0888, www.lepetititalien.com