Amalia Montreal is a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Westmount, bringing the vibrant flavors and warm hospitality of a Portuguese inspired cuisine to Montreal.
Overall, reviews paint Amalia as a warm, cozy and stylish spot with a genuine Portuguese vibe where the food and drinks frequently impress and the ambiance is a standout. Dishes such as piri piri chicken, octopus, gnocchi, crudo de pétoncles, paella and bacalhau croquettes are commonly mentioned, with nata and inventive cocktails and espresso martinis noted as memorable touches. Service is described as attentive and friendly, helping create a welcoming atmosphere, though a few visits mention slower pacing or timing issues; the staff are generally praised for recommendations and care. The multilevel space, tasteful decor and balanced music are repeatedly cited as ideal for dates, celebrations or casual dinners, and many reviewers say they will return, sometimes to try the sister venue or to further the experience. In sum, Amalia is viewed as a standout Portuguese dining option with bold flavors, generous portions and a lively yet comfortable vibe, delivering a memorable night out despite occasional inconsistencies.
Great vibe, with a beautiful, cozy ambience. Lea, our server, doted on us, warmly chatting with us & educating about the drink ingredients & desserts, etc.
The chicken on the salad I chose was outstanding (an incredible char/smoke flavour); the dressing was superb; the portion very generous.
The drink, a purple haze, was so yummy, as was my companion's drink, a variation of an espresso martini.
Can't wait to return again for a full meal.
This spot definitely knows how to set the mood - beautifully decorated, cozy yet stylish, & with music that's lively but not blasting your eardrums 🎶. The multilevel design adds a nice dimension to the place, making it feel vibrant & open.
🍹 Cocktails: Absolutely lovely! Creative, well-balanced, & a real highlight of the evening. Our waitress was a star 🌟 - super friendly, knew the menu inside out, & guided us like a pro.
🍽? Food:
• The seafood options are the real heroes here 🐟🦑 - fresh, tender, & cooked with skill.
• The steak? 👌 Juicy, flavorful, & definitely the standout among the mains.
• The asparagus salad 🥗 was crisp & refreshing, while the burrata melted in the mouth - creamy perfection!
• The grilled octopus had the right texture but sadly lacked the seasoning punch it deserved.
• The roasted chicken… oh dear 😬 - dry, plain, & crying out for a sauce. Hard to love without it.
• The gnocchi was tasty but… $40 for a tiny portion? That's a chef's kiss in the wrong way 💸👎.
? Service: The staff were hustling hard & clearly giving it their all 💪, but the kitchen speed just couldn't keep up. I spent more time waiting for plates than enjoying them - & that's not the balance you want.
💰 Price vs. Experience: For the bill we paid, I expected fireworks 🎇. Instead, it was more like a sparkler - pretty in moments, but fizzled too soon.
?
👉 Overall: A restaurant with charm, strong cocktails, & great seafood - but the inconsistency & slow service mean it doesn't quite justify the price. Still, with a few chef-level tweaks 👨?🍳🔪, it could shine much brighter.
Sep 6, 2025
on Google
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I had the pleasure of visiting Amalia for lunch with my boss, & everything about the experience was excellent. We were lucky to have Lea as our server, & she was truly fantastic-attentive to our needs, warm, & thoughtful with her recommendations.
Based on her suggestions, we ordered the chicken salad & the shrimp & chorizo bowl, both of which were delicious & beautifully presented. For dessert, we tried the nata with ice cream, & it was the perfect sweet ending. I also requested the piri piri sauce on the side, & it was absolutely spot on.
From start to finish, the service, food, & presentation exceeded expectations. I would recommend Amalia with eyes closed-a wonderful dining experience I'll definitely repeat!
The waitstaff were very hardworking, but unfortunately that didn't make up for the slow service. The food also didn't live up to the price. The roasted chicken was dry & plain - without any sauce, it was hard to eat. The gnocchi was $40 for a small portion. The steak was actually quite good, much better than the other two mains. The asparagus salad was fresh, & the grilled octopus was tender but lacked flavor. Burrata was good as well. However, my wait time was significantly longer than the time I spent eating, even though the restaurant was busy but not full.
Got to check their other spot out recently & it was excellent! This one is just as great, & the variety is outstanding. The menu isn't overwhelming, but still incredibly diverse. Phenomenal date night spot. & that octopus salad… it's SERIOUS.
We had a truly wonderful evening at Amalia. From start to finish, the experience was warm, festive, & delicious. We were in great company with Desmond & Théo, who helped make the evening even more special.
The food was outstanding. The Piri Piri chicken was tender, flavorful, & cooked to perfection. I highly recommend starting with the fried gnocchi - absolutely addictive - & the octopus salad, which was fresh & beautifully balanced.
The wine pairings were thoughtfully selected & complemented the meal wonderfully. Feeling festive, we also indulged in a few cocktails, all crafted with care & expertise - true to the art of mixology.
Amalia is a fantastic spot in Montreal for anyone looking for excellent food, great drinks, & a welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommended!
Jun 7, 2025
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We had an incredible dining experience at this Portuguese restaurant, where everything from the appetizers to the cocktails exceeded our expectations.
To start, the appetizers were simply outstanding. The asparagus salad was fresh & flavorful, the roasted eggplant had the perfect smoky depth, & the burrata was creamy & indulgent-each dish was beautifully prepared & packed with flavor.
For the main course, we shared a spectacular meat platter that was a true showcase of Portuguese flavors. The combination of juicy steak, beef chorizo, succulent shrimp, perfectly grilled octopus, & spicy, flavorful chicken made for a memorable meal. Every bite was cooked to perfection, with bold, well-balanced seasoning that kept us coming back for more.
The service was just as remarkable as the food. The waitstaff was attentive, knowledgeable, & genuinely warm, enhancing our experience with their hospitality. The cocktail menu was also a highlight, offering a fantastic selection that complemented our meal beautifully.
Overall, this restaurant delivered an unforgettable dining experience, & we'll definitely be returning for another taste of their amazing Portuguese cuisine. Highly recommended!
