I Primi: A Fresh Pasta Counter Arrives in Hochelaga
I Primi
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3406 Rue Ontario Est Montréal H1W 1P9
+1 514-527-0404 -
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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- Counter
In April 2025, Esther, Joseph, and their partner William opened I Primi, a fresh pasta counter offering house-made sauces and takeout service on Ontario East Street in Hochelaga.
The name I Primi, which means “the first” in Italian, refers to primi piatti — the pasta dishes traditionally served as a first course in Italy — a nod to the culinary heritage the trio holds dear.
The concept is simple: three types of fresh pasta, six homemade sauces, and a range of extras to personalize your dish — burrata, smoked bacon, truffle oil, and more. The sauces change with the seasons. We especially enjoyed the tortiglione with pesto (basil, parsley, dill, sunflower seeds): a beautiful balance of freshness, acidity, and richness.
To round out the meal from I Primi, there’s also an antipasti box — burrata, cured meats, focaccia, olives, and marinated vegetables — perfect for a friendly apéro.
And for those with a sweet tooth: delicious, always-fresh cannoli.
Portions are generous and prices reasonable, making this an ideal spot for a fuss-free weekday lunch or dinner. From Tuesday to Thursday, between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m., select dishes are even offered at just $10.
The space is clean and minimalist, with no seating yet, but the team plans to add some soon for customers who wish to dine in.
A Friendship Born Over Pizza and Good Food
Joseph and Esther met three years ago while working at Pizzeria No.900. They quickly bonded over their shared passion for simple yet flavorful cuisine, high-quality ingredients, and good wine. Even after leaving that job, they remained close and eventually began dreaming of opening a place of their own.
Joseph grew up in a family of restaurateurs in France. Since childhood, he’s spent his summers in Italy, where he developed a deep love for the local gastronomy. Esther, for her part, fell in love with Hochelaga when she moved to the neighborhood three years ago. She found a vibrant, welcoming community — the perfect place to root I Primi.
Because there’s nothing more comforting than a good plate of fresh pasta — especially when it’s made with love — I Primi is the kind of little gem you want to keep to yourself… but inevitably end up recommending to the whole neighborhood.
Written by Jean-Philippe Tastet
Photography by Mikael Lebleu
