Authentic Italian restaurants in Montréal

Montréal’s Italian community has deep roots in the city and is reflected from one end of town to the other. If you’re in the mood for some authentic Italian eats, you’ll find lots of solid dining choices no matter where you are in Montréal.

A good place to start is Montréal’s Little Italy, home to tons of restaurants, cafes, and social clubs that have become local institutions. These establishments have recently welcomed a new kid on the block, Impasto, which embodies a new breed of eateries that are shaping the next chapter of Italian culinary creations.

Impasto (48 Dante Street)

Impasto is the property of local Montréal television celebrity chef Stefano Faita and seasoned veteran of the Montréal restaurant scene, Chef Michele Forgione. Located in the heart of Little Italy, Impasto’s menu is inspired by the fresh produce and products at the famous Jean-Talon Market around the corner. From seasonal variations of rustic dishes to classic menu mainstays like Chef Michele’s famous porchetta del nonno, a traditional rolled boneless pork roast rich in rosemary and herbs, to any of Impasto’s homemade pastas, all options are great.

Industria Brasserie (100 Peel Street, #112)

Over in Montréal’s rapidly up and coming Griffintown neighbourhood, Industria Brasserie, offers a modern take on the classic pizzeria and Italian brasserie, specializing Roman style pizza.  Head chef Sergio Mattoscio – former Top Chef Canada contestant – offers his plank style pizza in 11 different varieties, from the classic margherita (tomato sauce, fior di latte and fresh basil) to the signature L’industria (grilled minced beef, yellow cheddar, iceberg lettuce, pickles, onions, sesame seeds, and industria sauce). Located in the newly built Alt Hotel, Industria Brasserie offers visitors a delicious first taste of the Montréal.

Ristorante Da Vinci (1180 Bishop Street )

In the heart of downtown, Ristorante Da Vinci has been satisfying the most discerning palates with fine Italian dining for decades. For over 40 years, this restaurant (located in a 200-year old Victorian greystone) has been the destination for midday corporate deal makers, pre-game dinners, and other special occasions, Da Vinci is the epitome of classic Italian fare with a flare of modern refinement. Whether you choose the seared scallops with mango, fennel and baby rucola, or the roasted veal tenderloin with chanterelle mushrooms, most meals at Da Vinci start with a warm smile and firm handshake from co-owner Vincenzo.

Osteria Venti (372 Saint-Paul Street West)

Located in historic Old Montréal, Osteria Venti has been a local favourite for a quintessential casual Italian meal. With their homemade salumi, pastas and breads, you`d almost think this place chopped down the trees themselves to make their own chairs (they didn’t). Chef Giuseppe Sacchetti’s Salumi Misto, a butcher board of the finest cuts of cured meats and marinated vegetables, is not to be missed.  And then there’s his famous Pollo Fra Diavola, oven roasted chicken with rustic peperonata, parsley, lemon juice and Italian olive oil. The Venti experience is topped off with the great view through the large windows that overlook the cobblestone streets of the old city.