Fiorellino Laurier: A second location for the excellent Italian restaurant

Established in the completely transformed location of the former Laurier BBQ, the brand new Fiorellino Laurier will bring back the conviviality that characterized the space before, this time with the Italian touch that we know and love.

A sharing ethos

Fiorellino Laurier is the project of Massimo Lecas, Angelo Leone and Robbie Pesut; the same co-owners as the very first Fiorellino on de la Gauchetière Street. After three years of success downtown, the excellent Italian restaurant has established itself on Laurier Avenue West.

In taking over the space of the former Laurier BBQ, Fiorellion Laurier wanted to honour the family concept of the former establishment. Italian cuisine is one to be shared and can be savoured with family and friends alike; continuing the historical dynamic of the place seemed the ideal way forward for the owners. However, the culinary touch of Fiorellino—one of Montreal’s best Italian restaurants, where you can savour some of the best pizzas, gnocchi and pasta in town—has been very much preserved.

Warm, inviting, and comfortable

Fiorellino Laurier maintains the same visual identity as the first establishment on de la Gauchetière Street; designed by Jean-Guy Chabauty of the Moderno studio. With a strong Italian inspiration, the designer also drew from the aesthetics of Canadian homes to design the interior of the restaurant. The space is warmed with the presence of wood – on the walls, and in accents throughout the restaurant – as well as by the natural light that fills the large space. Fiorellino Laurier’s can accommodate nearly 100 people, with an additional 80 seats on the second floor. The decor is simply magnificent and inviting.

Heading the kitchen is chef Erik Mandracchia (formerly of Pied de Cochon, Bremner, Impasto, now Porchetta and Fiorellino), who brings an array of reinvented Italian recipes that made the first Fiorellino a success. Danny Smiles of Top Chef Canada once said that the chef cooks like an Italian grandmother; it couldn’t be better.

Head turners

Indeed, the cuisine at Fiorellino is as original, comforting and delicious as ever. Erik Mandracchia pays particular attention to the ingredients chosen for all his dishes. Their pizza, for example, turns heads as it passes through the dining room, and the pasta dishes are as well crafted and delicious as ever. Alongside the generous plates, Fiorellino also offers a menu of antipasti; a series of dishes in smaller portions, made in house or imported directly from Italy. This little menu brings authentic flavours and interesting variety to the meal. As of recently, the house also offers Italian inspired brunches on weekends. A few of the recommended offerings include fresh and light breakfast pizzas, and buttermilk and ricotta pancakes, served with maple syrup and amaro butter.

“We inherited a historic address, to which we can add our touch. The configuration of the restaurant and the menu allow us to offer our clientele several interesting experiences,” says Massimo Lecas.

Fiorellino is a top quality addition to Laurier Avenue West. With its superb decor, and sublime cuisine, you are sure to have a memorable experience.

Written by Sophie Monkman
Photography by Patricia Brochu et Liam Watson

Last update: April 10, 2022

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