Montreal’s Best Italian Restaurants: Our suggestions
There is no denying it – Italian food is one of the most popular cuisines today, and it is no mystery as to why. Freshly made pasta dishes and piping hot pizzas made in pizza ovens are only the beginning of the long list of incredible Italian dishes that are available in this city. We as Montrealers are especially lucky to have access to such a substantial list of impressive and authentic Italian restaurants!
The community first found its way to Montreal by the end of the 19th century when many Italians immigrated to the Americas in search of work. As the third largest ethnic group in Montreal, the Italian community has established their roots in the neighbourhood of Little Italy. Neighbouring the Mile End, Little Italy is a colourful and festive region of the city that we love to visit when we’re in the mood for good food and drinks. (Check out our favourite spots in Little Italy over here!)
In our eyes of course, one of the most important impacts that the Italian community has had on Montreal is the imprint they have left on the city’s culinary landscape! Montreal is home to some incredible addresses that serve this classic cuisine, showcasing the authentic Italian culture in a way that both natives and visitors can enjoy! Whether it is a small bistro along the streets of little Little Italy or a classic Italian restaurant hidden away in another neighbourhood, there are a whole host of ways that you can indulge in the beauties of this rich cuisine.
If Italian food is not the cuisine for you, check out our list of the best French restaurants in Montreal or our list of the best Korean restaurants in Montreal. If you are looking for something a little more specific but still on theme, you can consult our list of the best places to enjoy pasta in Montreal, the best pizza in Montreal, or the best Italian cafés in the city.
Restaurant Moccione
Moccione opened its doors at the end of 2018. The address has quickly become a favourite for lovers of good pasta and honest cuisine. Moccione’s cuisine is fresh and flavourful, with no gimmicks. We love it!
Montréal
Mano Cornuto
Mano Cornuto is a popular Italian café in Griffintown, known for its lively atmosphere and cuisine inspired by Italian cafés. The menu highlights local and Italian products, with options for all times of the day, and the bar offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails and wines. At lunchtime, the place is often very crowded, so feel free to grab a sandwich at Mano Figa next door.
Montréal
La Spada
Helmed by chef Steve Marcone (Bistro Amerigo) and food photographer Scott Usheroff (aka Craving Curator), La Spada is a “shabby chic” Saint-Henri eatery offering generous and tasty Roman Italian classics in a swanky, art-filled interior.
Montréal
Antonietta
You will discover a refined Italian cuisine. Located in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, Antonietta is an elegant neighbourhood address that has everything to charm you.
Montréal
Le Serpent
Even the location of Le Serpent in the former Darling Foundry is a reason to include this on our list. The space is beautiful with a simple but extraordinary decor. Le Serpent is where the dishes are shared with friends and family and every visit is a warm one. The linguini with Speck is a real treat but the lobster risotto, veal shank, foie gras orzotto are all quite remarkable. Tough decisions but do save some space for dessert – they are quite decadent.
Montréal
Bottega
Bottega restaurant is one of the best Neapolitan pizzerias and Italian restaurants in Montreal! The establishment is run by the Covone family, a renowned family of restaurateurs. Bottega offers artisanal cuisine with homemade products. In addition to delicious pizzas, the menu features daily specials and succulent pasta dishes, all accompanied by a selection of Italian wines. The atmosphere is chic yet relaxed, perfect for any occasion.
Montreal
Primo & Secondo
Nestled in the heart of Montreal’s Little Italy district, Primo et Secondo is a true culinary institution. Offering an authentic gastronomic experience, the talented chef Roberto Stabile showcases the richness of Italian cuisine. With a calm and friendly ambiance in a welcoming setting, Primo et Secondo offers a diverse menu highlighting traditional dishes and particularly appetizing creations. Whether you’re indulging in homemade fresh pasta or savouring delicious Italian specialties, this place promises a memorable culinary experience that will delight Italian cuisine enthusiasts and foodies seeking new flavours. It’s a quiet haven where you can see that the clientele is there to enjoy and indeed enjoys.
Montréal
Restaurant Da Emma
When a Montreal restaurant has been open for many years, offering the same menu, ambience and impeccable service, you pay attention. Da Emma is one of these with a simple but delicious Italian menu in a space steeped in history and memories but with contemporary Rome accents. Several international stars have passed through Da Emma’s doors and tasted the succulent pasta, meat and fish as only Signora Emma knows how to prepare.
Montréal
Nora Gray
This intimate restaurant on Saint Jacques St may be quiet, but Nora Gray certainly knows how to attract attention. Here at Nora Gray, it is all about the atmosphere – tranquil, warm and comfortable. The menu may appear simple but it is also exquisite and the ingredients are local and seasonal, with seemingly simple recipes that are perfectly executed. Unlike other restaurants in our list, the Nora Grey menu does change according to seasonal availability and regardless, the dining is superb. Add to this, an efficient, attentive and savvy service and you have Nora Gray.
Montréal
Luciano Trattoria
Luciano Trattoria offers Italian delicacies just like la nonna. Indeed, the brief menu proposes nonna’s family Italian cuisine, simply prepared using fresh ingredients. Chef Luciano D’Orazio proposes five appetizers and two or three homemade pasta choices plus a few meat and fish dishes. Don’t be fooled by the lack of choices because what is available is simply delicious! Everyone knows that it is better to do less but do it well. This typifies Luciano Trattoria, and then bring in the Italian passion you taste with every bite and your dining experience is complete. We have a weakness for the pasta and enjoy eating at either the counter or the bar. The dining room is bright and because the kitchen is open, there can be an echo during conversations. Luciano Trattoria is open from Wednesday to Saturday evening.
Montreal
Impasto
This is how success works – designer Zébulon Perron creates an uncluttered, unique and elegant space; star Stéfano Faita optimally markets Impasto and assures that the dining room is full; head waiter Pascal Arsenault is attentive of customers’ wishes; and chef Michele Forgione prepares her beautiful creations. Everything here is made in-house, smells and tastes good. And their meat – Oh my! Sauces, textures, memorable pairings; everything on Impasto’s menu is delicious and every food lover leaves here having fallen under the Impasto charm. If you have a sweet tooth, think about saving a little room for desserts.
Montréal
Il Miglio
Il Miglio is an excellent restaurant in Mile-End, more in the style of an Italian cafeteria. The antipasti make excellent appetizers full of Italian flavours, and come hot or cold, best served with an aperitif or with the meal. If making pasta at home, all the needed ingredients are available here as well. But when eating at Il Miglio, choose from three appetizers, three pasta and a few dishes with sauces, including lasagna, meatballs and stuffed pasta. These are all perfectly cooked and the delicious sauces sweep you off your feet.
Montréal
Restaurant Graziella
Ah Graziella! Graziella Battista is one of the best chefs in Montreal. Since 2008, Graziella has been running her wonderful restaurant in Vieux Montréal. Graziella’s Italian cooking is considered one of the best in Montreal, served in somewhat voluminous and impressive surroundings. The dishes surprise by their simplicity, respect for tradition, freshness of the produce but also by how the food is arranged on the plates. Classic pasta and exceptional classic dishes. Osso buco — mouthwatering! Graziella, ti amiamo!
Montréal
Fiorellino
After opening on rue de la Gauchetière Ouest, between Montreal center and Old Montreal, Fiorellino quickly became one of the best Italian restaurants. Upon entering, it is the impressive contemporary and original decor that attracts attention – designed by the talented Jean-Guy Chabauty of Atelier Moderno. Choose from pasta, pizzas, starters and salads. The dishes stand out for their simplicity, the use of fresh produce, many flavours and authenticity. The atmosphere of the restaurant is warm, festive and romantic, and added together, Fiorellino is perfect for any occasion. Please note that Fiorellino has a bar license.
Montréal
Il Pagliaccio
This small restaurant on ave Laurier Ouest is as discreet as it is delicious. It gives you exactly what you would want from an excellent Italian cuisine. The variety of pasta choices are all well prepared and the numerous meat, fish and seafood suggestions are certainly worth stopping by to savour. Classic desserts top off what will undoubtedly be an enjoyable dining experience. For discerning connoisseurs, this is a restaurant that still uses white tablecloths!
Montréal
Barcola Bistro Audio - Italian Restaurant - Tasting Menu - Listening bar
And as can happen when putting together lists, one or two places are forgotten – voluntarily or not. When someone suggested « What about Barcola? » Jean-Philippe replied that this was a restaurant not to bring up because « We like to keep Barcola to ourselves ». Needless to say, we went and discovered chef Fabrizio Caprioli busy in the kitchen with Danielle, his wife and Francesca, mia favorita Romana, busy in the bistro. All new customers end up discovering how wonderful the cuisine and atmosphere is at Barcola Bistro on Park Ave . Viva Barcola!
Montréal
Elena
Opened in February 2018, the Elena restaurant has become one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal, offering a warm and romantic atmosphere. With a collaborative menu between Janice Tiefenbach and Emma Cardarelli, the restaurant offers antipasti, homemade salads, homemade pasta, and pizzas, all in a unique and elegant setting.
Montréal
La Panzeria
Located in the heart of Plateau Mont-Royal, La Panzeria is an authentic Italian café serving traditional cuisine from Puglia. Owners and chefs, brothers Pierpaolo and Davide Sansone, offer homemade dishes, from fresh pasta to well-stuffed focaccias, in a cozy space.
Montréal
Birbante
Nestled on Montreal’s Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Birbante invites guests to immerse themselves in an Italian experience where tradition meets modernity. Spearheaded by brothers Pierpaolo and Davide Sansone from La Panzeria, the project continues their mission: to share the culinary heritage of Puglia with a contemporary twist while celebrating the northern Italian lifestyle.
Montréal
Cafe Gentile Westmount
Café Gentile Westmount, opened in 2016, is an extension of the Montreal institution Café Gentile. Offering a chic and modern decor, it serves the house classics as well as new additions, with recipes from southern Italy and excellent house coffee.
Westmount
BarBara
BarBara aims to be a wine bar where good wine flows abundantly at affordable prices, complemented by a dispensa (mini-grocery store in Italian) and café for early risers. During happy hour (5 to 7), the place offers delicious Italian dishes, shareable appetizers, and good bottles of wine, mainly from private imports. The address is one of our favourites – the service is attentive, the décor is inviting, and their menu is delightful.
Montréal
Bona Fide Montreal
Opened in October 2024, Bonafide restaurant has taken over the former Paloma location on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. An ideal spot to discover, perfect for sharing good times with loved ones in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Montréal
Bistro Amerigo
Since 2014, Bistro Amerigo has established itself as a true institution in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. The restaurant was born out of a deep love for traditional Italian family cuisine.
Montréal
Gia Vin & Grill
Gia vin & grill, the latest addition to the Elena family, offers a delightful Italian culinary experience in Montreal. Located in a historic building, this restaurant serves traditional grills from the Abruzzo region, exquisite wines, and an interior design that transports you to Italy.
Montréal
