Like little bites of happiness and comfort, gnocchi have everything it takes to win over pasta lovers. This Italian classic, often made with potatoes but also prepared with ricotta and other ingredients, can now be found on the menus of many excellent Montreal restaurants. Tomato sauce, cheese, pesto, cream or mushrooms: Montreal certainly isn't short on imagination when it comes to celebrating this simple yet comforting dish.
And let's face it, it's hard to beat a beautiful plate of pillowy gnocchi on a cold winter day or a grey autumn Sunday. Here are some of our favourite spots to enjoy delicious gnocchi in Montreal. Enjoy, and most importantly, happy discovering!
Pasta Pooks
6704 Rue Clark, Montreal, H2S 1P1
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At Pasta Pooks, gnocchi are almost always on the menu, but they are constantly reinvented according to the team's inspiration. You might find them served simply as gnocchi di ricotta al pomodoro, soft and pillowy with a delicious tomato sauce, or in richer, more indulgent variations. They have notably been served with short rib and pork shoulder in a tomato sauce, with a red wine sauce, or even alla bava, generously coated in a rich cheese sauce. The combinations may change, but gnocchi remain a sure bet at this little spot where fresh pasta is always a hit.
Luciano Trattoria
1212 Rue St-Zotique, Montreal, H2S 1N5
This warm and inviting trattoria in Petite-Patrie transports us straight to Italy with simple, authentic and beautifully executed cuisine. Luciano D'Orazio works with fresh, quality ingredients to create a concise menu filled with Italian classics. Among them, the famous gnocchi di ricotta have become a true house staple. The ricotta gives them an especially light and airy texture, and they are so popular that the chef once tried to take them off the menu, without much success: regulars simply kept asking for them!
Moccione
7495 Rue Saint-Denis, Montreal, H2R 2E5
Moccione is one of those beloved little Villeray spots that has won over Montrealers with fresh, straightforward Italian cooking without too much fuss. The pasta is handmade in-house, and the menu, divided into antipasti, primi and secondi, evolves with the seasons and available ingredients. The gnocchi may therefore change or may not always be on the menu, but whenever they do make an appearance, they showcase the same craftsmanship that has made Moccione's pasta one of the restaurant's greatest strengths.
Cafe Gentile
4126 Rue Ste-Catherine, Montreal, H3Z 1P4
A Montreal institution with a history dating back to 1959, Café Gentile is of course known for its coffee, but its Westmount location transforms into a charming Italian restaurant in the evening. In its beautiful, chic and modern setting, you'll find several family recipes, including homemade gnocchi, one of the classics on the dinner menu. It's a lovely way to discover another side of this Italian institution so well known to Montrealers.
Restaurant Graziella
116 Rue McGill, Montreal, H2Y 2E5
It's hard to talk about Italian cuisine in Montreal without thinking of Graziella. In her elegant Old Montreal dining room, chef Graziella Battista has been serving refined Italian cuisine for nearly 20 years, with freshness and quality ingredients at the heart of every plate. Everything here is made in-house, from the pasta and gnocchi to the sauces, while the menu evolves with the seasons and available ingredients. Ricotta gnocchi are beautifully showcased through this delicate approach to cooking, where Italian traditions are proudly respected.
Trattoria Romantica
654 Chemin du Bord-de-l'Eau, Laval, H7X 1V3
On the North Shore, you'll find Trattoria Romantica, a must-visit spot for fresh and delicious gnocchi. The chef and owner, Daniele, prepares hearty Italian cuisine, and his homemade gnocchi are a huge hit with regulars. The menu offers two variations: tender gnocchi coated in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, or gnocchi served with a gorgonzola sauce-a creamy, comforting option for cheese lovers.
Il Miglio
705 Rue Ste-Catherine O, Montreal, H3B 4G5
At Il Miglio, fresh pasta is at the heart of the concept, and gnocchi are no exception. At the Mile End location, they are served simply with tomato sauce and basil, an unfussy recipe that lets the pasta take centre stage. Il Miglio also offers fresh gnocchi to go for those who want to cook them at home. At Il Miglio Express in Old Montreal, you'll instead find an alla Sorrentina version with tomato sauce and fior di latte. Simple, satisfying and, most importantly, incredibly comforting.
PIZZERIA HEIRLOOM
Multiple locations
While best known for their wonderful pizzas, people also go there for their fresh pasta. Served as an appetizer or main course, their gnocchi alla ricotta with pomodoro sauce will have you hooked.
PIZZERIA GUSTO
5152 Rue Jarry E, Montréal, H1R 1Y4
Open for about ten years now, they're a must-visit for Italian cuisine in Laval. If you're looking for a new way to enjoy gnocchi, we suggest heading to Buon Gusto. They're topped with a four-cheese sauce: goat cheese, gorgonzola, mascarpone, and pecorino.
FIORELLINO
Multiple locations
With its beautiful decor and always-lively atmosphere, Fiorellino is a sure bet when you're craving an Italian meal in a slightly more festive setting. The gnocchi di ricotta are among the house pasta dishes and rely on a tried-and-true combination: Italian tomatoes, garlic, Parmigiano Reggiano and basil. It's a simple, unfussy plate where just a few quality ingredients are enough to do all the work.
BUON GUSTO
2495 Boulevard St-Martin E, Laval, H7E 4X6
Open for about ten years now, they're a must-visit for Italian cuisine in Laval. If you're looking for a new way to enjoy gnocchi, we suggest heading to Buon Gusto. They're topped with a four-cheese sauce: goat cheese, gorgonzola, mascarpone, and pecorino.
JACOPO
436 Place Jacques-Cartier, Montréal, H2Y 3B3
On your next stroll through Montreal's Old Port, be sure to stop by the delicious and stunning Jacopo. Just hearing what their gnocchi are made of will make your mouth water: mushrooms, Parmesan, cream, and spinach. Everything melts in your mouth!
DROGHERIA FINE
68 Avenue Fairmount O, Montréal, H2T 2M2
It's impossible to write about gnocchi without mentioning the legendary Mile End spot, Drogheria Fine. It's the ultimate option for a cheap and quick bite on the go. Originally created as a simple tasting station to showcase the Gattuso family's famous tomato sauce (La Salsa della Nonna), the small counter quickly became a Montreal institution. For about $5, you'll be served a white Asian-style takeout box filled with steaming, fluffy gnocchi, smothered in homemade tomato sauce, and generously sprinkled with Parmesan (and a kick of spice if desired). Enjoy it standing on the sidewalk or on a bench in the neighborhood!
