Viva Restaurant + Bar offers a warm, inviting blend of Portuguese and Italian flavors with a menu that shines on wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, seafood dishes, and comforting classics. Reviews highlight delicious pizzas cooked to order, well executed pastas, and standout seafood dishes such as bacalhau and seafood rice, all served with a friendly, attentive vibe that many describe as welcoming and family run. The atmosphere is cozy and stylish, with nice lighting and a vibrant yet relaxed mood that suits celebrations and casual dinners alike. Service is frequently praised as cheerful and thoughtful, making guests feel cared for and helping meals feel special. While a few visits note slower pacing during busy times or minor inconsistencies, the overall impression is one of high quality, generous portions, and dependable hospitality that invites return visits.View restaurant profile
Drogheria Fine is described as a tiny street side gnocchi stand that specializes in gnocchi with cheese or spicy cheese, served in a takeout box from a window with no indoor seating, cash or debit only, and public benches outside. The value is repeatedly praised as unbeatable, with generous portions and prices that make it a must visit for a quick, affordable bite in Montreal. The gnocchi are often described as soft and pillowy with a rich tomato sauce or simple cheese, though opinions vary: some find the sauce overly acidic or bland and sometimes canned tasting, while others rave about depth of flavor and the spicy kick from chili flakes. The service is commonly noted as fast and friendly, even with long lines, and the staff is appreciated; the atmosphere is described as charming and authentic, a quirky hole in the wall that adds to the street food experience. Some critics wish for better cheese distribution or more seating, and a few feel the dish lacks complexity or richness, but overall many call it a standout value and a Montreal staple.View restaurant profile
Taken together, reviews describe Gino's Negroni & Lasagna as a cozy, welcoming Italian spot where the lasagna is the standout and offered in meat, vegetarian, and vegan versions, with gluten free pasta options that many diners praise. Negroni cocktails are a frequent highlight, often paired with well executed starters like burrata, focaccia, calamari, and octopus. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, suitable for date nights and gatherings, though some evenings can be noisy and service can feel uneven at peak times. Portions are generous and prices are regarded as very reasonable for the quality, making this a reliable value. Dietary accommodations are a clear strength, with vegan and gluten free options and desserts that many reviewers enjoy. A few drawbacks appear in desserts or occasional menu inconsistencies, but overall guests leave impressed and say they would return.View restaurant profile
Reviews portray Café Tenini as a warm, welcoming spot with fantastic coffee and standout sandwiches made with fresh ingredients, while the decor feels charming and the atmosphere lives up to a true neighborhood vibe. The backyard terrace is frequently highlighted as a peaceful, garden-like retreat, with front and back outdoor seating that suits groups or a working visit thanks to good wifi and outlets. The menu offers a wide range of options including vegetarian and vegan choices, reliable pastries, and Greek style drinks, with many noting fair prices and transparent ingredient lists. The overall impression is that this cafe succeeds in balancing quality beverages, hearty food, friendly staff, and a vibe that invites returning, making it feel like a hidden gem in Mile End and a place where both the early riser and the lunch crowd will find something to love.View restaurant profile
PREZZE MOLLO proves to be a cozy, lively Italian spot in Mile End with consistently delicious, well executed dishes made from quality ingredients. The menu covers a range of crowd pleasers and house signatures, from crispy arancini and focaccia to tartare, fresh crudo, and handmade pastas, with standout items like a cote de boeuf for two and pasta dishes that feature truffles. Service is repeatedly described as attentive, friendly and professional, contributing to a welcoming atmosphere that suits both date nights and meals with friends. The ambiance is warm and convivial, though a few reviews mention the space can get noisy and some dishes or portions may feel pricey for the value. Overall, PREZZE MOLLO is described as a reliable, enjoyable Italian option with fresh, house made dishes, good drinks, and a vibe that makes guests want to return.View restaurant profile
Pisa Panino is widely praised for homemade bread and sandwiches made to order, with super fresh ingredients and a light, chewy sesame crust that pairs beautifully with fillings like cotoletta, porchetta, and caprese, while burrata and candied jalapeños earn standout notes. The bread is consistently described as fresh and house-made, and the overall value is strong thanks to reasonable prices and generous portions. The concise but thoughtful menu, along with a retro, cozy Italian vibe and friendly, fast service, helps create a welcoming atmosphere that many reviewers say enhances the eating experience. Numerous readers consider Pisa Panino among the best sandwich spots in the city and express plans to return, though one review mentions uneven topping distribution and a dry bite in a sandwich, suggesting room for consistency. Overall the perception is of a top option for satisfying, well-made panini, with bright flavors, careful preparation, and a neighborhood friendly feel that make it stand out.View restaurant profile
At Caffè Grazie Mille, reviewers describe a warm, cozy cafe with excellent coffee and a welcoming vibe that makes guests feel at home. The staff and the owner are repeatedly praised for friendliness and humor, contributing to a comforting atmosphere. The menu earns praise for cannoli and other treats, with matcha and morning pairings highlighted as standout, and drinks like double macchiato with almond milk and a rich hot chocolate noted as delicious. Some visitors on a food tour also found the cannoli and coffee solid or excellent overall, while a French speaking guest noted a cannelloni with spoiled filling and disappointment. The cafe is portrayed as a reliable, memorable spot in Montreal and a favorite for those seeking authentic Italian cafe culture, described as homey and inviting and encouraging a return visit.View restaurant profile
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
Pizzeria Magpie draws praise for its wood fired pizzas, a true wood burning oven, masterful dough, and simple, fresh toppings. Diners often highlight flavorful, well balanced pizzas with standout creations like mortadella with pistachios and Viande Fumee, plus reliable classics. The service is frequently described as friendly and engaging, with many staff going above and beyond, though a few visits note slower service during peak times. Ambiance is typically cozy and inviting, though some reviewers mention tables that are close together and rooms that can get warm. A few comments point to menu variety and occasional misses on certain dishes, but many reviews emphasize high quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Takeout and dine in experiences are described as smooth and enjoyable, with cocktails and wine earning praise. Overall impressions position Pizzeria Magpie as a top choice for pizza in the area, delivering strong flavor, friendly service, and a warm, welcoming vibe.View restaurant profile
Chez DiVito is described as a gem with excellent Italian food and a BYOB option, offering generous portions at affordable prices and warm, friendly service. Reviews highlight a cozy, small restaurant vibe and attentive staff, with the owners described as charming and welcoming. Extras and thoughtful touches add value, contributing to an overall positive impression of good food, generous portions, approachable prices, and a hospitable atmosphere.View restaurant profile
Il Pagliaccio is praised as a standout Italian restaurant in Montreal, with reviews highlighting delicious food, impeccable service, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Diners describe a consistently excellent dining experience, a concise menu that still offers high quality choices, and staff who are attentive and welcoming. The ambiance is often noted for dim lighting and a romantic vibe, making it a great spot for a quiet dinner for two. The food ranges from fresh burrata and octopus to branzino, veal piccata, and house made pastas, with desserts such as lemon tart and lava cake, and most meals described as superb and well balanced. Guests note that the staff are accommodating for sharing and special requests without sacrificing quality. The overall impression is value for money, calm service, and a wine list that complements the meals. For those seeking a gem like experience, Il Pagliaccio is consistently regarded as one of the city's best Italian options and a place to return to with family or a loved one.View restaurant profile
Overall, Café Novanta comes across in reviews as a warm, welcoming, family style Italian cafe in Montreal with a cozy vibe and a strong sense of community. The staff are consistently praised for friendliness and attentive service, with many noting that the atmosphere feels like visiting a friend's place. The menu earns high marks for fresh ingredients and authentic flavors, including pizzas, paninis, sandwiches and a range of Italian specialties, along with pastries such as pistachio croissant, cannoli and tiramisu, and a selection of imported Italian products available in house. Coffee and drinks are highlighted as excellent in many visits, with standout espresso and cappuccino and notable desserts and gelato pairing, though a few reviews mention espresso quality not meeting all expectations and a couple of drinks being a bit hot. The space is described as quaint, cozy and inviting, sometimes featuring Italian music and a simple setup that enhances the sense of being at a small, family cafe. Many reviewers express intention to return and to explore more of the menu, praising the consistency of good food, great service and the friendly, welcoming team that makes the cafe feel like a favorite local spot.View restaurant profile
