Pizzeria Napoletana: an Italian institution since 1948
Nestled in Little Italy, Pizzeria Napoletana is a true Montréal landmark where comforting Italian classics have been served since 1948.
The restaurant on rue Dante was born over 70 years ago, at a time when Montréal’s Italian neighbourhood was in full swing. “There was previously the Café Gentile, which was at the time the headquarters for Italians arriving by boat. When they arrived, there was an Italian community — my grandparents among them — that welcomed them, housed them and helped them build a life in Montréal. Napoletana was born out of that welcoming association for Italians who looked after new immigrants,” explains Linda Girolamo, who owns the establishment along with her family. It was in 1980 that her father, Rocco Girolamo, bought out his partners and turned Pizzeria Napoletana into a family business.
At the heart of Little Italy, Pizzeria Napoletana originally opened as a gathering place for Italian immigrants, where they could find the food of their homeland and speak their language among themselves. “This was a place to play cards and billiards; only two kinds of pizza were served. It was the early days of Montréal’s Italian community,” recalls Linda.
Named in honour of the first arrivals, who were predominantly Neapolitan — just like the Girolamo family — Pizzeria Napoletana now appears on our list of Montréal’s best BYOW restaurants. The space, decorated by Rocco himself, can seat 120 year-round, and up to 150 during summer thanks to its two lovely terraces.
People come to Napoletana for reliable, well-executed dishes, all conceived by the Girolamo family. “Our menu doesn’t really change — everything is a classic! Silvio Iaconove, our chef, has been with us since 1980 and has been following our family recipes ever since,” says Linda. Among the many dishes on offer, the standout specialties are the nodini all’aglio (garlic and parmesan bread), the polpette di Angelina (grandmother Girolamo’s meatballs) and the salsiccia alla Rocco (a house-made sausage whose recipe remains a closely guarded secret). The house pastas and pizzas are every bit as delicious.
“I love my work! What I love is the atmosphere, meeting people and serving them good food that makes them happy. For me and my family, sharing meals together is essential — it’s a precious moment of connection, whether with family or friends. When you don’t have that in a day, you have nothing,” says Linda.
After more than 70 years, the Girolamo family has launched a brand new project: their “Boutique manger” Miss Napoletana, right across the street from the restaurant. “It’s our new baby! The concept is to be a one-stop shop — someone can walk in and put together a complete dinner. You’ll find everything here, including Napoletana’s house-made products: pastas, cheese, the house coffee blend we use in the dining room, sauces, desserts, frozen pizzas, privately imported oils and alcohol.” A wonderful addition to the neighbourhood, and an exciting new chapter for the owners.
We keep coming back to Pizzeria Napoletana to soak up the warm Italian family atmosphere and enjoy authentic, comforting classics at one of Montréal’s most storied addresses.
Written by Kashanti Sandy
Photography by Alison Slattery
