Restaurant Graziella: Italian elegance and delicacy

Graziella is one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal where you can savour delicate and subtle cuisine in a chic decor.

Restaurant Graziella opened its doors in 2007 and is owned by Pierre Jullien and chef Graziella Battista, who is also Pierre’s wife. They established the restaurant in Old Montreal to evoke a European atmosphere. “I absolutely wanted stone, historic buildings, that feeling of being in Italy; I was very drawn to it.”

Graziella welcomes guests in the main dining room as well as in private rooms: one for 10 people, a second for 20 people (the two can be combined to make a 30-seat room), and a third that seats 80 people or up to 150 for a cocktail reception! The restaurant’s main dining room seats 80, with a modern and chic décor designed by DiMarco Ferrao. The space is long and open; the floors are wood, the chairs are comfortable, the banquettes inviting, and there is plenty of room between tables to enjoy your meal peacefully without hearing your neighbours’ conversations.

“The name Graziella is thanks to Pierre. It was his idea,” says Graziella Battista with a laugh, one of Montreal’s greatest chefs. For over 20 years, she has been preparing a refined Italian cuisine that transports guests. Graziella was born in Montreal, but her parents are from southern Italy—Calabria and Campobasso; that Italian grace is clearly reflected in her work.

The menu embodies this Italian elegance. Graziella Battista is indeed renowned for the finesse of her plates. “The notion of sharing and enjoyment is also at the heart of our approach.” The menu features a selection of Antipasti, Primi, Secondi and Dolci. The lunch menu changes weekly. The evening menu evolves with the seasons and market availability. The only dish that has remained since opening is the osso buco. “I’ve been making it for 20 years—many people come specifically for that dish.” Everything is homemade: pasta , gnocchis and sauces. The only items sourced externally are the cheeses—either Italian or Quebecois appellation—and the charcuterie, which comes from Italy. The meats and fish are primarily sourced from Quebec, and the vegetables are as local as possible.

The wines are selected by Pierre Jullien, the restaurant’s official sommelier. Each bottle is meticulously chosen to complement the chef’s cuisine. The wine list is harmonious and encourages discovery, with a focus on small producers and independent, established winemakers. Many wines are from sustainable, biodynamic or organic practices.

Graziella is among our recommended Montreal addresses that embrace eco-responsible practices. For several years, the restaurant has been very proactive in reducing waste: sourcing from local producers, minimal use of plastic, no straws and eco-friendly cleaning products are all part of the house’s standards. We love it!

“Pierre and I are a couple in life, so the restaurant is our home. We welcome people here as we would in our own house. This contact with people over so many years builds relationships that go far beyond client status. They are friends, with whom we talk about food and wine, and to whom we introduce new products and wines. That is what continues to drive us to this day.” This elegant address is ideal for a gourmet Italian meal or a corporate event. The staff ensures guests leave satisfied—its many loyal regulars are proof of that!

Written by Sophie Monkman
Photography by Alison Slattery

Last update: November 19, 2025

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