Barcola Bistro: An exceptional Italian bistro

Barcola Bistro offers authentic Italian cuisine inspired by traditional recipes from Northeastern Italy. Located in the heart of the Mile End, right at the gates of Outremont, this small establishment is also one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal.

It also happens to be one of Jean-Philippe Tastet’s favourite addresses! In fact, one of the walls proudly displays a review he wrote about Barcola for Le Devoir in 2014, shortly after the restaurant had opened. Nearly twelve years later, Jean-Philippe still loves this charming bistro just as much—and so does the entire Tastet team!

From Trieste to Montreal

Barcola is a neighbourhood in the city of Trieste, in Northeastern Italy, near Slovenia and Croatia. Chef and co-owner Fabrizio Caprioli, originally from Italy, began his culinary career in a small Trieste restaurant called Osteria La Cagnassa.

He moved to Montreal in 2004 and worked at Buonanotte. In 2010, he met his wife, Danielle Robichaud, and together they decided to open a small restaurant. As Mile End residents, they saw the area’s gastronomic potential and chose to set up shop on Avenue du Parc. Barcola Bistro opened in 2013—just two months before the birth of their son!

A neighbourhood bistro with around thirty seats inside and about fifteen on the terrace, Barcola is anything but pretentious. With a simple, charming bistro décor, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Small wooden tables, stools, a central bar and an open kitchen at the back—the owners designed the space to feel as though they were welcoming guests into their own home.

Great music, even better food

Vinyl lovers will also be impressed by the chef’s extensive collection. Music—jazz in particular—is central to the Barcola experience. Everything is designed so the atmosphere stimulates all the senses in harmony. The sound system is calibrated so that even when the music is loud, conversations remain easy to follow. Fabrizio is a passionate audiophile and vinyl collector. Barcola is the perfect blend of his two loves: sound and food.

As captivating as the soundtrack may be, it’s the dishes that truly make an impression. Over the years, the menu has evolved with Fabrizio’s inspirations and his customers’ preferences. Today, Barcola operates with tasting menus. From Thursday to Saturday, a three-course menu is offered at $65. On Wednesdays, it’s classic Italian aperitivo, with a $35 menu per person and, of course, excellent cocktails accompanied by great music. And on Sundays, Barcola opens only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a “coffee and records only” format.

Although the menu changes fairly often, every visit is a shared delight, thanks in part to the use of high-quality, authentic Italian products. We strongly recommend the house-made pasta and the scamorza cheese when available, and definitely save room for one of their decadent desserts!

To drink, there’s a small but appealing wine list curated by Danielle, along with a handful of cocktails. House favourites include the iconic Aperol Spritz and the Negroni—classic drinks executed with finesse.

What makes Barcola Bistro such a beloved address is its atmosphere, both familial and professional. The vibe is relaxed, but the dishes are meticulously prepared. Guests quickly become regulars, as the welcome is as warm as if you were visiting friends. Every evening, Danielle oversees the service. “We don’t want to offer a stiff or formal experience—we want people to feel good here,” she explains.

Barcola is a perfect spot for a romantic date. The food is outstanding, the service from Danielle is exceptional, and you’ll be carried away by the music that fills the room. Thank you, Danielle and Fabrizio!

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Daniele Tomelleri

Last update: November 18, 2025

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