Gino’s: Lasagna and Negronis at Friendly Prices

The concept behind Gino’s is simple: lasagna and negronis, offered at reasonable prices in a beautiful setting with a festive, friendly atmosphere.

Glorindo Clara and Lara Ghanem met in Lebanon. Glorindo, of Italian descent—his grandfather from Turin and grandmother from Sicily—was born to a Lebanese mother and spent much of his life in Lebanon before moving to Montreal in 2021 to join his wife. Lara, a Canadian of Lebanese origin, has lived in Montreal for over fifteen years.

Although both have worked in the hospitality industry internationally for over a decade, Gino’s is the couple’s first restaurant in Montreal. “Opening a restaurant in Montreal had been part of our plans for a while, and we realized there was an opportunity to offer something between fast food and fine dining—hence the idea of homemade lasagna and negronis,” explains Lara.

A Family-Style Italian Bistro

Finding the right location wasn’t easy for the pair—they visited more than a hundred spaces before choosing the one on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, near Saint-Joseph. “Many landlords didn’t want to take the risk of hosting us since it’s our first restaurant in Montreal,” Lara recalls.

Designed by MAD Architecture & Design, the space evokes a classic Italian bistro, with round tables and wooden chairs. Elegant wall lamps and neon signs add a touch of romance to the sixty-seat dining room. The atmosphere is stylish yet warm and family-oriented.

“Our restaurant is an extension of our home,” Lara says. “We chose this name in honor of our son, Gino, who was born in 2021.” It’s also a tribute to Glorindo’s late father—his portrait hangs proudly on the wall. The color orange, emblematic of the Clara family, appears throughout the décor.

Lasagna and Negronis

The delicious lasagnas at Gino’s come out of the kitchen in record time—perfect if you’re hungry! For just $16, you get a hearty portion. The thick pasta holds the sauce beautifully—and there’s no shortage of it! Highlights include the signature Gino’s (with beef, veal, and lamb) and the vegetarian Alla Norma (with eggplant). There’s also a third option, the Sugo Leggero, made with gluten-free pasta and entirely vegan.

Starters include house focaccia, salmon carpaccio, tuna tartare, and burrata, plus a few small bites to pair with cocktails. Glorindo is particularly proud of his olives alla giardiniera. For dessert, there are four options—the chef recommends the white chocolate bavarese with negroni jelly (!) and the pistachio semifreddo with white chocolate and limoncello.

Naturally, negronis are the stars of the drink menu, with several variations: the classic sbagliato (with prosecco), the svegliato (with coffee), and even a non-alcoholic nogroni, along with other Italian-inspired cocktails. “Some of our cocktails are Glorindo’s own creations,” says Lara, “including the Latina [tequila and Sicilian lemonade], the Madonna [with amaro], and the Mela e Sambuco Spritz [vodka, apple syrup, elderflower, mint, and prosecco].” One distinctive touch: “Our negroni classico isn’t made with equal parts!”

Wine lovers will also find a short but thoughtful list of Sicilian bottles, most imported through the Centoventi agency.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished in such a short time, and I’m excited for Gino’s future,” says Glorindo. “And I’m proud of my husband—his dedication and contagious courage,” adds Lara. “I’m also proud of our amazing team and so grateful for their commitment and hard work.”

What we love most about Gino’s: it feels like home. The vibe is warm and welcoming, the service is friendly, and of course, the lasagna is excellent—generous portions, comforting flavors, fair prices, and delightful negronis.

If you love lasagna and negronis (and really, who doesn’t?), this is a lovely little gem to add to your list! And don’t forget to check out our list of the best Italian restaurants worth the detour.

Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: October 14, 2025

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