Montreal's Italian scene spans from old-school nonna kitchens to sleek modern trattorias. The city's Italian heritage runs deep, with authentic spots scattered across neighborhoods from Little Italy to the Plateau.
We've analyzed ratings, local feedback, and dining patterns to identify Montreal's standout Italian restaurants. These picks range from intimate family-run spots to upscale dining destinations that showcase Italy's regional diversity.
📍 All 10 Locations
⚡ Quick List
- Chez Antonio — Suburban Italian Comfort
- Osteria Pollino — Elevated Neighborhood Gem
- Piazza Salumi — Artisanal Market Vibes
- Trattoria Da Gina — Laval's Pizza Paradise
- Le Mista — South Shore Classic
- Il Pagliaccio — Refined Italian Elegance
- Osteria MKT — Modern Italian Sophistication
- Restaurant Moccione — Handmade Pasta Haven
- La Verità — West Island Excellence
- Taormina Lounge — Lachine's Italian Lounge
1. Chez Antonio
✨ Best for: Suburban Italian Comfort
📍 Blainville · ⭐ 5.0 · $
This Blainville spot brings Italian comfort food to Montreal's north shore with surprising finesse. The mushroom soup arrives rich and earthy, while their steak hamburger gets an Italian twist with herbs and quality beef. It's the kind of place where families gather for hearty portions and familiar flavors, proving that authentic Italian cooking thrives beyond the city limits.
Must-Order:
Mushroom SoupSteak HamburgerFries
Insider Tip: Free street parking on the boulevard makes this spot easily accessible, so you can focus on enjoying the meal without parking stress.
2. Osteria Pollino
✨ Best for: Elevated Neighborhood Gem
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
Osteria Pollino showcases the chef's southern Italian roots through carefully crafted house specialties. The intimate setting allows the kitchen to focus on seasonal ingredients and traditional techniques. Regulars know to trust the chef's recommendations, which often feature lesser-known regional dishes that transport diners straight to Basilicata's mountainous terrain.
Must-Order:
Chef's RecommendationHouse SpecialtySeasonal Pasta
Insider Tip: Call ahead during peak dining hours as this intimate spot fills up quickly with regulars who know quality when they taste it.
3. Piazza Salumi
✨ Best for: Artisanal Market Vibes
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 5.0 · $
More than just a deli, Piazza Salumi creates an authentic Italian market experience where Fumagalli cold cuts shine alongside artisanal cheeses. The freshly baked breads provide the perfect vehicle for sampling imported salumi and local creations. It's where Italian food lovers come to build perfect antipasto platters and discover new flavor combinations.
Must-Order:
Fumagalli Cold CutsArtisanal CheesesFreshly Baked Breads
Insider Tip: Arrive early to beat the lunch rush and claim one of the cozy market seating areas for the full Italian market experience.
4. Trattoria Da Gina
✨ Best for: Laval's Pizza Paradise
📍 Laval · ⭐ 4.8 · $
Trattoria Da Gina has become Laval's go-to spot for satisfying Italian classics done right. Their chicken preparations showcase Italian herbs and cooking methods, while the pizza dough gets the proper attention it deserves. The atmosphere buzzes with families and couples who've made this their regular Italian fix, drawn by consistent quality and generous portions.
Must-Order:
Margherita PizzaChicken ParmigianaAntipasto Platter
Insider Tip: This popular Laval spot fills up fast, so call ahead or arrive early to secure your table for authentic Italian comfort food.
5. Le Mista
✨ Best for: South Shore Classic
📍 Beloeil · ⭐ 4.7 · $
Le Mista brings authentic Italian flavors to Beloeil with pizza and pasta that honor traditional recipes. The pizza crusts achieve that perfect balance of crispy and chewy, while pasta dishes feature house-made noodles and carefully sourced ingredients. It's become the South Shore's answer to quality Italian dining without the Montreal commute.
Must-Order:
Quattro Stagioni PizzaCarbonaraArancini
Insider Tip: Limited on-site parking means you'll want to scope out the ample street parking in the surrounding residential area.
6. Il Pagliaccio
✨ Best for: Refined Italian Elegance
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $$$$
Il Pagliaccio elevates Italian dining with sophisticated preparations that justify its upscale positioning. The eggplant parmigiana layers flavors with precision, while the beet salad showcases seasonal produce with Italian flair. The chocolate lava cake provides a decadent finale that keeps dessert lovers returning. This is where special occasions get the Italian treatment they deserve.
Must-Order:
Eggplant ParmigianaBeet SaladChocolate Lava Cake
Insider Tip: Weekend reservations are essential at this upscale spot – the intimate setting means tables book up quickly for special occasions.
7. Osteria MKT
✨ Best for: Modern Italian Sophistication
Tripadvisor📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $$$$
Osteria MKT represents Montreal's modern Italian movement with creative interpretations of classic dishes. The chef's recommendations change with market availability, ensuring peak freshness and seasonal relevance. The refined atmosphere attracts food enthusiasts seeking Italian cuisine that pushes boundaries while respecting tradition, making each visit a culinary discovery.
Must-Order:
Chef's Tasting MenuSeasonal RisottoHouse Specialty
Insider Tip: Peak dining hours require advance reservations, so plan ahead to experience their market-driven Italian menu.
8. Restaurant Moccione
✨ Best for: Handmade Pasta Haven
📍 Montreal · ⭐ 4.6 · $
Restaurant Moccione specializes in the handmade pasta that makes Italian cuisine legendary. Their osso buco falls off the bone after hours of slow cooking, while the caprese salad celebrates simplicity with premium ingredients. The tiramisu provides the perfect sweet ending. It's intimate dining at its finest, where pasta-making becomes an art form.
Must-Order:
Handmade PastaOsso BucoTiramisu
Insider Tip: The intimate dining room has limited seating, so early arrival ensures you'll snag a table in this cozy pasta paradise.
9. La Verità
✨ Best for: West Island Excellence
📍 Dollard-des-Ormeaux · ⭐ 4.5 · $$$
La Verità has established itself as Dollard-des-Ormeaux's premier Italian destination with expertly prepared steaks and homemade pasta. The kitchen balances Italian techniques with quality ingredients, creating dishes that satisfy both traditionalists and modern palates. The lively atmosphere reflects the community's embrace of this neighborhood gem.
Must-Order:
Grilled SteakHomemade PastaCaesar Salad
Insider Tip: Weekend crowds love the lively atmosphere, so arrive early to secure your table and soak up the community vibe.
10. Taormina Lounge
✨ Best for: Lachine's Italian Lounge
📍 Lachine · ⭐ 4.5 · $$$
Taormina Lounge combines Italian flavors with a relaxed lounge atmosphere in Lachine. The crispy calamari arrives perfectly golden, while pasta dishes showcase both creativity and respect for Italian traditions. The patio offers prime people-watching opportunities, making it ideal for leisurely meals with friends who appreciate both good food and good vibes.
Must-Order:
Crispy CalamariSeafood PastaPanna Cotta
Insider Tip: The charming patio offers the best people-watching experience, so arrive early to claim your spot for the full lounge experience.
Tips for Finding Great Italian Food in Montreal
Trust the Nonna Test: The best Italian spots often have older Italian women in the kitchen or managing the front. Their presence usually signals authentic recipes passed down through generations.
Look Beyond Downtown: Montreal's suburbs harbor some exceptional Italian gems. Laval, the South Shore, and West Island communities have developed strong Italian dining scenes worth exploring.
Judge by the Pasta: House-made pasta separates serious Italian restaurants from the rest. Ask if they make their own – the texture and flavor difference is immediately noticeable.
Check the Antipasto: Quality Italian restaurants invest in proper cold cuts and cheeses. The antipasto platter reveals their commitment to authentic Italian ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Picked These Spots
We analyzed ratings, local dining patterns, and community feedback to identify Montreal's standout Italian restaurants. Our selections prioritize authentic preparation methods, quality ingredients, and consistent execution across different price points and neighborhoods.
Every restaurant on this list has a full profile on our site with photos, hours, menus, and insider tips.
Last updated: February 2026
