BALBOA: a modern and welcoming pizzeria in Old Montreal.

Opened in June 2025 in Old Montreal, BALBOA is a must-visit destination to enjoy great Italian food in a laid-back setting on Saint-Paul Street. With its modern pizzeria concept and decor inspired by a trendy grandmother’s home, the place combines warmth, creativity, and delicious pizza.

Behind the project is Thomas Vernis and his team from the Tomahawk Group, the minds behind several well-known spots in Montreal: Santos, Mignon (Old Port and Little Burgundy), Negroni Room, Buvette Pastek, Sunday Cuisine and Café, June Buvette, and the Greek tavern Matí. True to its reputation, the team offers a generous, festive space designed to bring people together.

With 75 seats, BALBOA is spacious while maintaining an intimate vibe. The decor, imagined by Amlyne Phillips of La Chambre Design, blends warm wood, retro furnishings, and playful touches to create a space that feels both stylish and welcoming. You’ll instantly feel at home—like visiting a modern nonna with flair.

In the kitchen, chef Arnaud Rosboch (Anemone, Hoogan & Beaufort, Manitoba) offers a creative and generous Italian menu. The heart of the concept? Pizza, of course. Baked in a wood-fired oven, the pizzas come in a variety of flavourful combinations, with a well-textured crust and high-quality ingredients. In addition to pizza, the menu features comforting antipasti, shareable dishes, and thoughtfully reimagined classics. Pizzas range from $22 to $30—a fair price for the area and the portion size.

On the cocktail side, Khaled Elattare crafts Italian-inspired drinks like the Limoncello Spritz, alongside well-executed classics such as the negroni and espresso martini, plus a small beer selection. For wine, Arnaud Chiasson Poirier has curated a list focused mainly on European bottles, with a special emphasis on Italy. Prices range from $60 to $180, offering something for every budget.

BALBOA is the perfect spot for a night out with friends, a successful pizza-and-cocktails evening, or simply a delicious escape to the flavours of contemporary Italy—right in the heart of Old Montreal.

Enjoy the discovery! Ciao!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by BALBOA

Last update: June 12, 2025

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