Montréal Paella: An Unmissable Ode to Rice

On Saint-Laurent Boulevard, Montréal Paella attracts both the curious and the connoisseurs with a simple yet bold promise: to offer the best paella in town. From the very first bite, it’s clear that the experience goes beyond the name—it’s the result of genuine passion and deep-rooted expertise.

Behind this welcoming establishment is Mariano Fernandez, a true enthusiast born in Barcelona but raised in Valencia, the birthplace of paella. “That’s probably why I have such a deep love for rice culture and paella,” he confides. In 1996, he opened his first restaurant in Valencia, followed by a second one. His journey took an unexpected turn when he was invited to cook at Disney during a culinary festival. This led to invitations to Washington, Prague, New York… before settling in Texas, and eventually in Montréal in 2014.

Here, he spent several years at Tapas 24, first in the kitchen and later as head chef. And in 2019, alongside his partner Tamera Manzur, he finally opened his own restaurant in Montréal.

The name says it all: at Montréal Paella, people come for the paella—and return for the paella. And not just any paella. Each variety is cooked in its own homemade broth, carefully prepared and always rich in flavor. The rice used, Albufera D.O., comes directly from L’Albufera in Valencia, a region renowned for its exceptional quality. “Rice is at the heart of paella. The toppings are an extra, but the rice is the real carrier of flavor. We pay it the utmost attention—and that makes all the difference,” explains Mariano. And he’s right: the paella is delicate, perfectly caramelized, flavorful, and expertly crafted. Among the must-tries is the Paella Valenciana—the traditional classic with rabbit, chicken, Lima beans, green beans, and rosemary. A must to experience the soul of Valencia. Or the Paella de Mariscos, featuring seafood, calamari, shrimp, and mussels—a house favorite, and one of ours too!

Beyond paella, the menu offers a fine selection of hot and cold tapas, inspired by different regions of Spain. Generous portions, a warm and unpretentious atmosphere, and daily specials crafted by the chef add to the experience. They also offer catering services.

As for the dining space, it’s cozy, decorated with framed memories that remind Mariano of his roots and his time in Spain. The place exudes the joy of hospitality, and they now have a liquor license. Guests can pair their meal with a glass of sangria, a Spanish-inspired cocktail, or a selection of beer and wine.

This spot is on our list of the best Spanish restaurants in Montréal!

A must-visit!