Every Sunday, Griffintown's Mano Cornuto transforms into a haven of Italian tradition. Dive into a four-course feast that feels like home, yet surprises every time.

It's an unmatched culinary journey in Montreal: From fresh salads kissed with unique vinaigrettes to pasta dishes that sing with authenticity, and desserts that melt your heart. And, if you're in the know, the porchetta add-on is a must. Paired with curated wines and special cocktails, Sunday at Mano is more than a meal; it's an experience.

In Saint-Henri, Elena emerges as a testament to Italian cuisine reimagined. Opened in early 2018 by the team behind Nora Gray, this spot pays homage to inspiring individuals like Elena Pantaleoni, whose spirit infuses the establishment’s warm, unpretentious hospitality. It integrates seamlessly into the neighborhood, reflecting its evolution with a vibrant, inviting space designed by Kyle Adams Goforth. The menu, crafted by Emma Cardarelli and Janice Tiefenbach, showcases dynamic iterations of Italian classics—from artisanal pizzas to homemade pastas, all complemented by Ryan Gray’s meticulously curated natural wine list. This new culinary landmark not only promises exquisite dishes but also embodies a modern trattoria's soul, where every detail underscores a commitment to quality and community.

A cornerstone of Montreal’s Little Italy, Impasto merges tradition and innovation in Italian cuisine with unapologetic finesse. Helmed by Stefano Faita and Michele Forgione—two names synonymous with the city’s culinary scene—the restaurant offers a menu that celebrates regional Italian cooking through a local lens. From house-cured charcuterie to saffron-laced tagliatelle, every dish balances rustic authenticity with a polished edge. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, which rotates often but never misses staples like the famed Gaspor porchetta and spelt gnocchi.

Designed by Zébulon Perron, the space reflects the menu’s duality: industrial minimalism softened by warm, inviting touches. With just 50 seats and a front-row bar overlooking the open kitchen, the dining experience is as intimate as it is refined. And the wine? A thoughtful curation of Italian and Quebec labels, expertly selected to elevate every plate. Impasto isn’t just a meal—it’s a masterclass in modern Italian dining.

One meal here and you’ll no longer be surprised why its tables are in such high demand: This restaurant has single-handedly stolen the show when it comes to eating a fantastically delicious Italian meal.

Antonietta has made an immediate impression in Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie, welcoming Montrealers with an authentic and refined approach to Italian cuisine. Named in honour of co-owners Anthony Bottazzi and Massimo Zuccheroso’s grandmother, Antonietta pays homage to tradition while embracing a fresh, modern feel. Formerly a pizzeria, the space has been reimagined by Bottazzi, Luigi Minerva, and the Zuccheroso cousins into a warm, minimalist setting of soft mauve and white with vintage touches.

Chef Bottazzi, who has worked at Maison Boulud and Le Serpent, brings his expertise to an evolving menu that reflects Montreal’s seasons. With ingredients sourced daily from Jean-Talon Market, he crafts standout dishes like burrata with blanched Romanesco and truffle vinaigrette, and ricotta-stuffed gnocchi in gorgonzola cream. Meanwhile, the bar boasts an impressive array of natural wines and Italian cocktails. Everything here, from a crave-worthy cacio e pepe pizza to house-made tiramisu, is crafted with care.

Graziella brings the sophistication and heart of Italian cuisine to Old Montreal in a warm, modern setting. Opened in 2007 by chef Graziella Battista, along with Pierre Jullien and Alexandre Gagnon, this restaurant embodies an Italian culinary spirit, emphasizing quality, local ingredients, and careful seasonal selections. Known for her dedication to craft, Battista showcases elegant dishes such as osso buco, hand-made pastas, and fresh seafood, all prepared with finesse.

The ambiance is understated and chic, with high ceilings, exposed stone walls, and cozy banquettes. For intimate dinners or special events, Graziella offers private rooms and dedicated service, accommodating both small groups and larger gatherings. The wine list, curated by Jullien, features organic and biodynamic bottles from Italy and beyond, thoughtfully paired to enhance each dish.

Since its debut in 2011, Nora Gray has remained a standout in Montreal’s dining scene, celebrated for its Southern Italian-inspired cuisine, impeccable wine selection, and warm, inviting atmosphere. It’s an intimate, wood-lined eatery that’s we’d call a hidden gem if its reputation as a destination for indulgent meals, romantic evenings, or post-event dinners near the Bell Centre didn’t precede it.

Co-founders Emma Cardarelli and Ryan Gray, veterans of Montreal’s iconic Liverpool House, built Nora Gray out of culinary passion and an obsession with detail. Now, under the leadership of new executive chef Dmetro Sinclair, the restaurant enters an exciting chapter.

The menu evolves constantly but expect expertly crafted pastas, thoughtfully prepared proteins, and vibrant seasonal vegetables. Highlights might include tender house-made ravioli, rustic pork chops with braised cabbage, or fresh crudo topped with creative garnishes. Pair these dishes with selections from the restaurant’s well-stocked wine cellar, emphasizing organic, natural, and biodynamic options.

Bossa has carved out a name for itself in Montreal’s crowded Italian food scene by weaving its family roots together with exceptional Calabrian food. Helmed by chef and founder Daniel Lo Manto, this dual-purpose gem combines the charm of a specialty grocer with the vibrant energy of a bustling sandwich counter. From tender porchetta to crispy chicken parmesan, Lo Manto’s creations are as much an ode to his Italian heritage as they are a nod to Montreal’s love affair with robust, comforting flavours.

The heartbeat of Bossa lies in its history: mornings spent crushing tomatoes for Sunday sauce, summers tending a backyard garden for the freshest produce, and lessons in hospitality passed down from grandparents who lived to feed others. What started as one sandwich shop has since grown to multiple locations since, drawing lines down the block and fans from across the city and beyond.

BarBara in Saint-Henri is a multipurpose spot that doesn’t miss a beat. Opened in 2021, this Italian-inspired wine bar and dispensa leans into versatility with its hybrid café, grocery counter, and restaurant concept. The menu revolves around fresh pasta, focaccia, and Italian comfort fare, while the dispensa shelves are stocked with homemade sauces, preserves, and signature coffee to fuel your culinary experiments at home.

Inside, the space balances boho charm with a contemporary edge, thanks to the Gauley Brothers and Jean-François Gervais’ design. The vibe shifts effortlessly from laptop-friendly mornings to lively wine-fuelled evenings, with a curated cellar featuring small producers from Italy and Quebec. While the prices stay approachable, the quality never wavers. Whether you’re snagging a zeppoli to go or diving into lumache at a sidewalk table, BarBara proves that laid-back doesn’t mean uninspired. This is Saint-Henri’s new go-to for all things Italian.

Bistro Amerigo has been a cornerstone of NDG dining since 2014, blending old-school Italian traditions with a welcoming neighbourhood vibe. Named after owner Steve Marcone’s father and son, this compact eatery serves up hearty, authentic fare that feels as if it’s straight from a nonna’s kitchen. The menu is stacked with Italian classics, from tender homemade meatballs to cavatelli with sausage and rapini, all complemented by a thoughtful selection of private-import wines from Rome and Sicily.

The space exudes charm, while the no-reservations policy means you’ll need patience—but the payoff is worth it. Standout dishes like fried calamari and gnocchi funghi e tartufata are the kind of meals you’ll want to savour slowly, though the generous negronis might make you linger longer than intended. Amerigo is less a restaurant and more a communal table where NDG gathers to eat, drink, and connect.

Rita brings a homey yet vibrant dining experience to the corner of Wellington and Regina in Verdun. This cozy spot, a collaborative project by Sophie Bergeron and Joey D’Alleva—who named the restaurant after their grandmothers—fuses Italian roots with a Montreal sensibility. Inside, the warm ambiance, vintage terrazzo floors, and natural light set the stage for meals that feel equal parts intimate and stylish, with family photos watching over the tables and Carta’s design preserving the space’s history.

In the kitchen, Joey draws inspiration from his Italian nonna’s recipes, elevating them with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The concise menu highlights Neapolitan-style pizzas, made in a Forno Bravo oven, and includes creations like a corn cream pie and another topped with mushroom paste and smoked creminis. Fresh pasta, comforting mains like osso bucco, and small plates of fried polenta and local charcuterie round out the offerings.

Since opening in 2015, Luciano Trattoria has been a quiet force in La Petite Patrie, offering Italian cuisine that prioritizes simplicity and authenticity. Housed in a repurposed garage with open-air charm in the summer, the space pairs industrial edges with warm wood tones, creating an atmosphere that feels as unpretentious as the food it serves.

The menu, curated by chef-owner Luciano D’Orazio, focuses on antipasti and pasta, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients over gimmicks. Classics like veal meatballs in tomato sauce and bucatini all’amatriciana showcase the kitchen’s respect for tradition, while the beloved gnocchi—a fan favourite so popular it couldn’t be retired—reflects the trattoria’s intimate connection with its clientele. Wine lovers will appreciate the accessible list which complements the menu without overwhelming.

Stellina from Montreal’s Novantuno group brings an Italian dining experience to Old Montreal that blends sophistication with nostalgia, paying homage to Italian culinary tradition while reaching beyond the ordinary. Situated on Saint-Jacques Street, Stellina is more than just a pasta spot—it’s a pastificio, a fresh pasta workshop where Chef Jonathan Agnello and his team meticulously handcraft intricate pasta shapes like scarpinocc and capunti, turning each plate into a showcase of regional Italian artistry.

Massimo Lecas, a veteran in Montreal’s nightlife and dining scene, envisioned Stellina as a space that honours the slow, deliberate processes of traditional Italian cooking. Designed by the Gauley Brothers, the space captures an elegant New York-meets-Italy vibe, with exposed brick, mirrored ceilings, and rich leather seating. In keeping with Italian tradition, the wine list is largely Italian, curated to highlight unique bottles that match the restaurant’s refined, artisanal ethos. A seat at the kitchen bar offers a front-row view of the pasta-making process, inviting diners to witness the dedication behind every bite.

Café Gentile has long been a cornerstone of Montreal’s Italian dining scene, and its Westmount location carries forward a legacy built on decades of dedication. Established by Anthony Gentile Jr. in 2016, this offshoot brings the soul of the original 1959 café on Chabanel into a sleek, contemporary setting envisioned by designer Zébulon Perron. Think marble tables, green-and-white tile nods to the brand’s heritage, and a laminated armchair that once belonged to Nonna—part tribute, part charm.

By day, it’s the spot for classics like their famed chicken cutlet sandwich or refreshing granita-laden iced tea. By evening, the menu dives into southern Italian comfort food: pillowy gnocchi, ricotta-laden meatballs, and a standout eggplant parm that speaks of homemade love.

Add to that cocktails crafted by family talent and a wine list curated with precision, and it’s an experience every time here. It’s not cheap per se, but when quality sings this loud, you’re likely to forgive the cheque.

Bringing a slice of Rome to Montreal’s Saint-Henri, La Spada is a love letter to Italian cuisine and culture. With its richly adorned interior—plush banquettes, rococo candelabras, and a marble-topped bar dubbed “purgatory”—the restaurant transforms dining into an experience of theatrical elegance. Helmed by Scott Usheroff and Steve Marcone, this osteria combines the warmth of a neighbourhood gathering spot with the refinement of Roman fine dining.

The menu delivers timeless Italian dishes like cacio e pepe, vitello saltimbocca, and fried Roman-style suppli while also introducing inventive offerings such as butternut squash ravioli in brown butter sage sauce. Diners can tear into house-made focaccia, swirl squid ink linguine, and toast with classic aperitifs or curated Roman wines.

“Our goal was to create more than a restaurant—we wanted a sense of community and belonging,” says Marcone. "We wanted to create a sense of church. People don’t just come to eat; they come to hang out and feel like they belong long before they walk through our doors.”

For those who know, this is a place to linger: Tucked into a quiet stretch of Laurier Avenue West, Il Pagliaccio is a quiet rebuke to the trend-chasing noise of Montreal’s restaurant scene. Helmed by Manuel Silva, a veteran of Montreal’s hospitality, this Italian eatery trades on simplicity and quality. The name, which translates to “the clown,” belies a restaurant that takes its mission—delivering unfussy yet flawless Italian fare—very seriously.

Here, the pasta isn’t just handmade; it’s sourced from a small Italian artisan, while the olive oil and tomatoes make their way across the Atlantic for the kind of authenticity you can taste. Expect dishes like veal piccata brightened with blood orange, or gnocchi that Silva’s guests describe as “pillows of delicate dough.” The vibe is understated: crisp white tablecloths, a wine list favouring Italian classics, and a quiet elegance that lets the food do the talking.

Hidden in plain sight within the industrial bones of Griffintown’s Darling Foundry, Le Serpent plays it cool with its sleek, stripped-back interior and unapologetically sharp menu. This isn’t your grandmother’s Italian joint—expect refined plates that balance subtlety and boldness, with pastas like pappardelle laced with braised boar stealing the show.

The space is a study in contrasts: raw concrete meets moody lighting, while massive windows flood the room with daylight before it transitions into an atmospheric night spot. The kitchen doesn’t waste time on filler, focusing on clean, contemporary Italian flavours. The grilled fish and razor clams are highlights, but desserts by Masami Waki might actually outshine the mains. Pair it all with a bottle from the 250-strong wine list, and you’ve got a meal that feels as carefully constructed as the room itself. No frills, just finesse.

San Gennaro, tucked away on St-Zotique, has become Montreal’s go-to for authentic Roman-style pizza al taglio, thanks to the Covone family’s dedication to traditional Italian flavours. Opened in 2015, the café is the brainchild of Fabrizio Covone, who apprenticed under Rome’s al taglio legend Gabriele Bonci. Returning home with a passion for the craft, Fabrizio, alongside his family, created a destination that combines artisanal skill with a laid-back café vibe.

Here, pizzas come in rectangular slices—sold by weight rather than size—and are crafted with high-quality ingredients, from rich caciocavallo to fresh rosemary and fluffy potatoes. San Gennaro’s menu keeps things simple but focused, featuring around 10 pizza options alongside fresh juices, pastries, and seasonal affogatos. With limited seating and a warm, Napoli-inspired interior by designer Annie Lebel, this café offers a small but mighty taste of Rome, making it the perfect stop for a quick, quality bite or leisurely aperitivo.

La Panzeria brings the rustic charm of southern Italy straight to the Plateau, serving up traditional Puglian dishes with unshakable authenticity. Run by brothers Pierpaolo and Davide Sansone—professional bakers and certified chefs from Italy—this intimate café combines homestyle cooking with an unpretentious vibe that makes you want to linger.

The menu is a love letter to Puglia, featuring pillowy focaccia, stuffed panzerotti, and their iconic fried octopus sandwich, the Panino Polignano, stacked with marinated rapini, Mediterranean-style octopus, and creamy burrata under a mint-lime vinaigrette. Daily pasta specials, like orecchiette or lasagna, round out the offerings. Even their caffè e ammazzacaffe ritual—a post-espresso shot of liqueur—feels like an invitation to slow down and savour life.

Housed in a cozy space with the warm buzz of a European café, La Panzeria nails the art of transporting diners to the heel of Italy’s boot, one bite at a time.

Bottega is practically royalty in Montreal’s pizza landscape. Since opening in 2006, this family-owned Neapolitan pizzeria has remained a gold standard for anyone craving a taste of Italy. Run by the Covone family, Bottega takes its pizzas seriously, leaning on an impressive roster of ingredients: organic salumi, buffalo mozzarella straight from Caserta, and hand-picked San Marzano tomatoes. Each pizza, crafted with a natural dough and baked at a scorching 900 degrees in a wood-fired oven imported from Naples, emerges in a crisp, golden glory in under two minutes.

The menu is a love letter to Naples, with classics like Margherita and Marinara joined by white pizzas topped with truffle and porcini or homemade sausage. Beyond pizza, Bottega’s small-plate sfizi—like the Bacio della Bottega, stuffed with prosciutto and ricotta—speak to their dedication to high-quality fare. The warmly rustic space, fitted with white tablecloths, an Acunto oven, and a wine list heavy on organic Italian producers, makes Bottega as much a neighbourhood gem as it is an homage to Italian culinary tradition.

In Lasalle, Marchigiani isn’t just a butcher shop—it’s a slice of Italian soul served between crusty ciabatta. A neighbourhood institution since 1959, this family-run gem specializes in imported Italian products, perfectly seasoned meats, and sandwiches that demand your full attention. The porchetta sandwich is the undisputed star: tender, herb-crusted pork layered with marinated eggplant and a touch of heat, cradled in pillowy bread that crunches just enough.

The menu goes beyond sandwiches, offering daily hot dishes like osso buco, lasagna, and roasted sausage, all prepared with the comforting precision of a nonna’s kitchen. For a quick fix, grab an espresso or one of their rare Italian sodas from the grocery section.

Marchigiani’s old-world charm meets modern hustle, making it the perfect spot for everything from a midweek lunch to stocking your pantry with pasta and olive oil.

Beatrice sits on Sherbrooke Street West with an air of quiet confidence, offering Italian cuisine that’s polished without overcomplicating things. Its year-round terrasse, part lush garden, part glassed-in solarium, gives the space a light, expansive feel, even as the menu keeps things grounded.

Dishes lean Mediterranean with the occasional curveball—eggplant ravioli in lemon butter, salmon paired with cannellini beans and radish, or delicate crudo dressed with fresh herbs and spice. The food is straightforward but carefully done, with just enough finesse to make you take notice.

Service is smooth, the crowd is professional, and the wine list leans safe rather than adventurous. Beatrice doesn’t shout for attention; it knows what it does well. Grab a table outside, order a plate of pasta, and see for yourself why this spot has stayed relevant for over two decades.

Ristorante Lucca has been a mainstay of Montreal’s Little Italy since 1998, offering a menu that balances Italian tradition with an eye for quality. Located near Jean-Talon Market, the restaurant takes full advantage of fresh, local ingredients, weaving them into dishes like potato gnocchi, seafood linguini, and veal chop. Seasonal additions, like a perfectly executed risotto, keep the offerings dynamic without straying from the classics.

The strictly Italian wine list, curated by co-owner Anthony Papalia, reflects his annual trips to Italy, featuring everything from approachable bottles to rare vintages. The polished yet welcoming dining room, with its tablecloth-clad tables and warm service, elevates the experience without an ounce of pretense.

Lucca isn’t about flash; it’s about consistency—flavours honed over decades and a setting that feels timeless.

Du Boucher à la Table blurs the line between butcher shop and BYOB restaurant, delivering a no-frills meat-forward dining experience that keeps the focus squarely on quality. Choose your cut—milk-fed veal, AAA beef, organic pork, or Quebec lamb—and watch as the kitchen transforms it into a beautifully plated dish.

The menu, which rotates weekly, also ventures into Italian territory with dishes like grilled fish, handmade pasta, and perfectly crisp calamari. The house specialty? The Tomahawk steak—a feast as impressive in size as in flavour. If you’re not into red meat, seasonal vegetarian options hold their own.

With seating for 110 and a warm, buzzing atmosphere, it’s a solid pick for group dinners or special occasions. It’s not about bells and whistles here, just well-executed dishes and unpretentious vibes. Bring your favourite bottle, settle into the lively ambiance, and let the food speak for itself.

Since 2004, La Tratt has been a cornerstone for Italian cuisine in Montreal’s West Island. What began as a deli by founders Mario Teti and Enrico Parziale has blossomed into a beloved spot blending old-school charm with modern touches. Beyond its cozy deli vibes, La Tratt’s shelves are a treasure trove of Italian essentials: fine cheeses, imported delicacies, homemade sauces, and desserts that demand attention—especially their cannoli, often declared the best in town. The addition of a wood-fired pizza oven in 2021 has elevated its offerings, serving perfectly crisp Margheritas and other fresh pies.

From its interior ‘wine island’ to its lunches full of sandwiches ‘n’ salads and dinners of arrosticini, finely spun pasta, and contorni, this Saint-Henri spot is a fine dining gem without comparison.

Opened in October 2024 in the space that once housed Paloma, Bona Fide blends Italian soul with Montreal's distinct style. Crafted by seasoned restaurateurs Renaud Bussières, Camille Laura Briand, Luigi Minerva, and chef David Alfred, the restaurant champions authenticity, promising guests an inviting and relaxed experience. The name, Bona Fide, means ‘in good faith'—underscoring their mission to make everyone feel instantly at home.
With only 30 seats, the intimate space with warm wood accents, soft lighting, and greenery feels like an escape. David Alfred’s menu, a blend of Italian favourites with hints of French and Spanish flair, is meant for sharing, featuring highlights like duck arancini and pork chop with squash and chestnuts. Luigi’s take on Italian cocktails and a well-curated wine list complete the experience, creating a spot that’s sophisticated, genuine, and ready to become a neighbourhood classic.

Da Emma is a chapter of Roman culinary history brought to life in Old Montreal. Tucked into a centuries-old stone cellar, this institution has been serving unapologetically traditional Italian fare since 1993. Passed down through generations, its recipes—like tender polpette, roasted lamb, and fettuccine with porcini mushrooms—embody a no-frills approach to cooking where technique and quality ingredients take center stage.

The space feels timeless, with vaulted stone ceilings and walls lined with photos of celebrity diners and loyal locals alike. The vibe is as warm and unpretentious as the food, though the experience comes with a hefty price tag. On the drinks side, a sommelier-curated wine list leans heavily Italian, complementing the menu’s robust flavors without overshadowing them.

Reservations are tough to snag, but the payoff is a meal steeped in tradition and atmosphere—a rare combination that makes Da Emma a cornerstone of Montreal’s culinary scene.

Fiorellino Laurier brings a stylish Italian touch to Laurier Avenue West with authentic flavours with a modern, inviting setting. With roots in the acclaimed Fiorellino on de la Gauchetière Street, co-owners Massimo Lecas, Angelo Leone, and Robbie Pesut have expanded their successful concept into the former Laurier BBQ space. Chef Erik Mandracchia’s expertise shines through classic yet elevated dishes, from the crowd-pleasing wood-fired pizzas to handcrafted pastas, antipasti, and secondi.

The airy dining room, designed by Jean-Guy Chabauty, combines Canadian warmth with Italian sophistication, featuring natural wood finishes and ample natural light. With seating for nearly 100 diners, plus weekend brunch options like ricotta pancakes, Fiorellino Laurier has quickly become a favourite for locals. This vibrant spot promises a dining experience where Italian tradition meets a convivial Montreal spirit, perfect for gathering with family and friends.

Il Miglio is a fresh take on Italian dining, offering fast, well-crafted meals that put fresh pasta at the forefront in a counter-style setting. The concept is simple: high-quality ingredients, traditional recipes, and a menu that evolves to keep things exciting. There are exceptions and mainstays like the campanelle, a house specialty, which consistently delivers on flavour; meanwhile antipasti, arancini, and seasonal specials round out the options for those craving variety.

With a sleek and minimalist design, the space is efficient yet inviting, allowing diners to enjoy a quick meal without feeling rushed. Drinks are served the Italian way—wine and beer in small cups—perfect for a casual, fuss-free experience.

Birbante is a spirited 50-seat Italian restaurant in Montreal’s Mile End that brings the charm of Milan to the heart of the city. Helmed by brothers Pierpaolo and Davide Sanson, the creators of La Panzeria, Birbante pays homage to northern and central Italian cuisine while holding onto a Mediterranean soul. Its name, meaning “mischievous troublemaker,” reflects the lively, welcoming atmosphere of an osteria, where guests are encouraged to relax, reconnect, and rediscover the joy of dining.

The menu, crafted with care by head chef Luka Jadin-Guimond, features dishes like saffron-infused Risotto alla Milanese, Fior di Latte with whipped ricotta and lemon zest, and delicate scallop crudo. Paired with a thoughtfully curated drink list of Campari-forward cocktails and classic aperitifs, Birbante offers more than a meal—it delivers an experience rooted in tradition and abundant with Italian hospitality, all under the glow of a striking Campari-lit wall.

Local restaurateur extraordinaire Richard Holder and his collaborators has done it again with Miracolo, an Italian-forward restaurant next to Schwartz's on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. Designed in collaboration with Thomas Csano, it's yet another astounding space to dine in, dressed to the nines in every single nook, cranny, and angle you care to look in with vague moments of religiosity—think Madonna statuettes, a cow's head with a halo, or communion wafers at the entrance.

In the kitchen, it's chefs Alejandro Vega and Pierre Morneau. Their menu's a versatile one, offering a little of every size of dish and snack to meet their aims of being open every day of the week: Stop in for a few cocktails and some ricotta or anchovies on toast, or settle in for a more substantial meal of dishes like broccolini or endive salad, skewers of grilled mortadella, crudos, carpaccios, and a lot of fresh pasta that you see being made if you grab one of the table in the back dining room.

It's a bustling spot: At 100-ish seats, this has been a runaway hit since it opened. A great spot if you want that quintessential experience of rubbing shoulders with a neighbour as you chow down and feel the energy of an active address.

Il Bazzali is, in a word, a performance. Helmed by Chef Davide Bazzali, who doubles as a tenor, this spot merges bold Italian cooking with operatic drama. Don’t be shocked when the chef steps out mid-service to belt an aria; it’s all part of the charm.

The food? Straightforward, fresh, and rooted in the Italian terroir, with seasonal ingredients from Marché Jean-Talon driving the menu. Expect handmade pastas like strozzapreti or braised-meat ravioli, antipasti that actually hold your attention, and desserts that don’t skimp on indulgence (the tiramisu is worth the hype). The four-course table d’hôte is your best bet to soak it all in.

The space, built with salvaged wood and a sharp eye for detail, feels like a cozy stage for Bazzali’s culinary-meets-musical ambitions. It’s quirky, it’s intimate, and it works. Dinner here isn’t just about eating—it’s an act you’ll want an encore of.

In Little Italy, Pizzeria Napoletana has been serving Montrealers more than just pizza since 1948—it’s been a cornerstone of community, tradition, and memory. Once a humble café for billiards and card games, it became a sanctuary for Italian immigrants, offering a taste of home in an unfamiliar land. Over decades, this family-run spot has transformed into one of Montreal’s most beloved BYOB institutions, preserving the warmth of shared meals and the simplicity of Italian cooking.

The menu stays rooted in tradition, with recipes that haven’t strayed far from their origins. You’ll find garlic knots, meatballs honouring nonna Girolamo, and Rocco’s homemade sausages, alongside a lineup of pizzas and pastas that cater to classic tastes. Whether you’re going for the signature Margherita or venturing into antipasti like burrata with artichoke cream, the flavours are grounded in the kind of nostalgia only family recipes can bring.

Vivaldi, a Pierrefonds staple, combines Italian comfort classics with a BYOW policy that makes it a go-to for group dinners and celebrations. The brothers behind the operation, Dave and Steve, pride themselves on constant innovation, which shines through in a menu that balances crowd-pleasers like veal Marsala and shrimp aglio e olio with creative touches like mussels à la Dijonnaise.

Ideal for everything from family birthdays to date nights, the atmosphere is as warm as the freshly baked rolls that start each meal. Service stands out, with staff skilled at managing large parties and ensuring everyone feels cared for. The pizzas are local favourites, but dishes like the penne Romanoff and Italian sausage sub are equally well-loved.