The Best of Little Italy: Our suggestions for bars, cafés and restaurants
Little Italy has it all – beautiful parks, a charming atmosphere, the Jean-Talon market, a host of lovely stores and, of course, amazing places to eat and drink.
The neighbourhood first developed as a residential area for Italians who immigrated en masse at the end of the 19th century to work in the construction of the Canadian railroads. This wave of immigrants gradually established its culture and turned the neighbourhood into the Little Italy we all know today, with its emblematic monuments such as the Madonna della Difesa church. A second wave of Italian immigration occurred after World War II, and the neighbourhood quickly solidified itself as the epicenter of the Italian community. Italian churches and specialty grocery stores can be found on every corner. Today’s Little Italy is home to some of the best Italian restaurants and cafes in the city, as well as some of our favourite (non-Italian) restaurants!
As a visitor, there is much to discover in the neighbourhood. And as a foodie, you’ll never lack places to try! Whether you want to pack a picnic lunch at the Jean-Talon market, enjoy Dante Park, or grab a bite to eat in one of the many Italian bistros, this neighbourhood is a foodie’s paradise.
Note that this list is not exhaustive, it simply highlights some good addresses if you are looking for a place to go out and have a bite to eat or a drink.
Bon appétit!
Mon Lapin
Mon Lapin has forged its reputation as one of the best restaurants in the metropolis thanks to the consistency it maintains at all levels. The Saint-Zotique street restaurant has stood out since its opening by offering refined cuisine, personalized service, an exceptional wine list, and a unique atmosphere. In 2023, the restaurant was ranked first in the prestigious Canada’s 100 Best list. So, we are not the only ones who love this establishment.
Montreal
Restaurant Lucca
Lucca is a symbol of Italian culinary tradition in Montreal. Just peering by the large windows is enough to see why it stands out from other Italian eateries in the city. This feeling is heightened and confirmed when one steps through the restaurant’s door to sit, whether for lunch or dinner, at one of its lovely set tables.
Montréal
PIAZZA SALUMI
Everything prepared at Piazza Salumi is excellent. You’ill find a sandwich counter, arancinis, Roman pizzas, and fresh pasta. The sandwiches are Piazza Salumi’s trademark: served on focaccias, they are generous, flavourful, and soft.
Montréal
Caffè Italia
A true institution at the heart of Little Italy, Caffè Italia opened its doors in 1956 and has since remained a cornerstone in its vibraint neighbourhood. With its modest decor and old-world charm, the café transports us to a distant time across the Atlantic. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best Italian cafes in the city.
Montréal
Primo & Secondo
This small restaurant is designed for anyone who enjoys good food in a quiet, luxurious yet unpretentious environment, with absolutely irresistible food. For over twenty years, Chef Roberto Stabile has been preparing dishes that bring happiness to all his clientele. Here, there are no frills or grandiosity. Just excellent cuisine. Che piacere!
Montréal
Le Petit Alep Bistro
Le Petit Alep and its immediate neighbour, Alep, which now flow into one-another, are the perfect example of the multiethnicity that our Little Italy proudly embraces. Here, one can savour delicate, generous, and delicious dishes inspired by Armenian and Syrian cuisines. The staff is exceptionally friendly and patiently explains the nuances of the various dishes one may be considering. The owner is ever-present, adding a warm touch to your dining experience. Beneath the restaurant lies one of the city’s most beautiful wine cellars.
Montréal
Pumpui
Pumpui is a small counter-style restaurant that opened its doors in November 2017 on St-Zotique Street, offering an excellent menu with flavours from Thailand! The establishment is among our favorite Thai restaurants in Montreal and also on our list of preferred places to enjoy fried chicken!
Montreal
Bottega
Bottega opened its doors in 2006 as a high-quality Neapolitan pizzeria. A pioneer in a significant movement of pizzerias, the restaurant still offers one of the best pizzas in Montreal, and, in our opinion, the best Neapolitan pizza. All other dishes on the Bottega menu, from appetizers to desserts, are sources of immense pleasure. The service is exemplary, attentive, and well-timed.
Montreal
CAFEDEN
Cafeden’s menu is inspired by classic dishes from southern Vietnam. It’s beautiful, it’s delicious, it’s easy-going, and it’s affordable. This is undeniably a delightful place to indulge in a feast or simply have a bite and a glass of wine. The exceptional papaya salad and the must-try pho soup are definite highlights.
Montréal
Salle Climatisée
As soon as it opened in December 2020, Salle Climatisée asserted itself as one of our favourite dining destinations in Little Italy. Chef Harrison Shewchuk’s inventive seasonal menu revisits tried and true classics (beef tartare, poireau-vinaigrette) but frequently brings us into lesser-known territory, much to our delight.
Montréal
Louise Boulangerie
With its beautiful variety of high-quality and affordable products, along with its exceptionally friendly service, Louise is one of our favourite bakeries in Montreal. We come first for the bread, but we keep coming back for the smiles.
Montréal
Joe la Croûte
Charming bakery on the edge of the vibrant Jean-Talon Market, Joe la Croûte has been kneading, baking, and selling its delights for years. Here, you can enjoy fresh bread every day, delightful pastries, and various flavoured rolls to satisfy all the food enthusiasts!
Montréal
Crêperie du Marché
We always try to talk to you about restaurants, bars, cafes, and various other topics related to food, always keeping in mind that all these subjects must adhere to our slogan “If we talk about it, it’s good good!” La Crêperie du Marché, located in the Jean-Talon Market, is exactly that, and to the letter.
Montréal
Patati Patata Jean-Talon Friterie Deluxe
Known for its mini-burgers, delicious poutine, homemade soups, and much more, the Patati Patata at Jean-Talon Market offers exactly the same comforting menu as its establishment on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Why change a good thing?
Montréal
Pasticceria Alati-Caserta
Alati-Caserta is a must-visit pastry shop in Little Italy. Here on offer are the most classic and delicious Italian pastries, including cannoli, biscotti, sfogliatelle, Code d’Aragosta (lobster tail), cornetto, and much more.
Montréal
Pizzeria Napoletana
Pizzeria Napoletana is the #1 place in Little Italey for comforting Italian classics. The Dante Street establishment welcomed its first customers in 1948, when Montreal’s Italian neighbourhood was still thriving. Named in honour of the first Italian immigrants in the city, who were Neapolitans, just like the Girolamo family, Pizzeria Napoletana is now one of the best bring-your-own-wine restaurants in Montreal. The space can accommodate 120 people year-round and 150 people in total during the summer season, thanks to its lovely terrace.
Montréal
Café San Gennaro
San Gennaro is both a small Italian café – an ideal spot for lunch with fresh juices, salads, and a dozen options of al taglio pizzas – and an Italian delicatessen. The simple and concise menu was designed by Giovanna and Fabrizio Covone, from neighbouring Bottega. You can also enjoy homemade pastries, desserts, and gelato that will transport you to sunny Italy.
Montreal
Mamie
Le Bar Mamie is a friendly and charming wine bar in Little Italy. The food and drinks are excellent. Head to La Cave de Mamie to stock up on good bottles of wine or to La Boucherie de Mamie for a fine cut of meat!
Montréal
Pizza Bouquet
The magical and unique recipe of Pizza Bouquet leads the owners to label it as “New Montreal Style.” The menu features highly appreciated 16″ pizzas catering to various tastes, as well as pizza by the slice.
Montréal
Gema Pizzeria
Pizzeria GEMA is a beautiful little pizzeria in Little Italy, serving some of the best pizzas in Montreal. There are various options, each more delicious than the other. The dough is homemade, fermented, using Canadian flour. Note that most ingredients come from Quebec, and the tomato sauces and all the charcuterie used are made in-house.
Montréal
Impasto
The Impasto restaurant is one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal and has become a must-visit in the city. The Impasto menu celebrates Italian cuisine with local ingredients. Associated with the names of its two founders, Stefano Faita and Michelle Forgione, this establishment is like them: impeccable!
Montréal
Caffe San Simeon
Another café that needs no introduction in Little Italy is Caffè San Simeon. Opened in 1979, the café was named in honour of the Italian soccer club, as everyone knows that Italians have an eternal love for futbol.
Montréal
Chez Tousignant
With a superb branding, a magnificent decor, an exceptional team, and impeccably executed classics, Chez Tousignant achieved incredible success from its opening and quickly became a local staple. Thank you for this exceptional snack bar.
Montréal
Restaurant Parapluie
It’s hard not to fall in love with chef Robin Filteau Boucher’s charming neighbourhood restaurant. Tucked in a tiny space on Beaubien street between Clark and Saint-Laurent, this “New York French bistrot”-inspired is as delicious as it is affordable. Try the iconic oeuf mayo and “MTL-style” trout.
Montréal
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