Trattoria del Teatro: Enjoying authentic Italian cuisine on Saint-Denis Street

Between Sherbrooke Street to the north and Sainte-Catherine to the south, Saint-Denis Street has relatively few places where you can enjoy a good meal. Trattoria del Teatro is part of this small and select group.

Dinner Before the Show

Located within the Espace St-Denis complex, Trattoria del Teatro welcomes guests for lunch and every evening when there’s a show. On pleasant days, the large terrace is a popular spot, and the lively, relaxed atmosphere suggests that patrons are enjoying themselves under the shade of umbrellas. At the far end of the terrace, the outdoor kitchen prepares delicious plates, and executive chef Jordane Urbain gives the green light after inspecting and congratulating the cooks. The cuisine here is anything but pretentious—and all the more delicious for it. It’s no surprise that Trattoria has quietly earned a place on our list of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal.

The short menu is well-crafted enough to let you enjoy a truly Italian meal without breaking the bank. Even when adding a bottle from the wine list, the final bill remains reasonable. If you’re feeling festive, the cocktail list offers tempting options to help you celebrate—though of course, your tab will reflect that. Either way, remember: moderation always tastes better.

Italian Plates, Trattoria Style

On the day we visited, a few standout dishes were especially well executed. For starters: homemade veal meatballs with tomato sauce and pecorino, and just as delightful, a bufarella (a Quebec-made version of burrata, produced in Saint-Lin–Laurentides), served with a slice of grilled focaccia, bell pepper coulis, and a delicate touch of honey.

As main courses—beyond the traditional pasta options like spaghetti, pappardelle, and ravioli, all prepared with great care—two dishes we happily devoured stood out in particular: orecchiette Alfredo with mascarpone and grilled Italian sausage, and mushroom gnocchi with truffle sauce and herbed ricotta.

To book a table, click here.

Enjoy your visit—and buona serata gastronomica!

P.S. The team behind the restaurant has announced major renovations to make the dining room even cozier for the return of cooler days and nights… Stay tuned.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: July 29, 2025

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