Balboa presents an authentic Italian culinary journey, specializing in classic pizza and pasta dishes crafted with time-honored techniques. Patrons can anticipate a diverse selection of traditional antipasti, expertly prepared pasta entrees, and signature pizzas fired to perfection. The ambiance provides a comfortable setting for enjoying hearty, flavorful Italian cuisine. Each dish reflects a commitment to fresh ingredients and robust, satisfying flavors, making it a go-to destination for Italian food enthusiasts seeking genuine taste and quality.
Balboa is widely celebrated for its exceptional, high-quality wood-fired pizzas, featuring a standout sourdough crust and fresh, flavorful ingredients that many diners consider among the best in Old Montreal. The restaurant is consistently praised for its warm, stylish, and inviting atmosphere, which makes it a popular destination for both intimate dates and group gatherings. While service can occasionally feel overwhelmed during peak hours, most guests highlight the staff as incredibly attentive, welcoming, and knowledgeable, often noting that the friendly team members go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. Despite some observations regarding pricing and wait times, the overall consensus points to a vibrant, delicious, and must-visit spot that consistently delivers quality food in a beautifully designed setting.
Ate here recently & normally don't leave reviews but the service & food was just incredible. Some the the best pizza I've had in Montreal, & our server Zoya was a breath of fresh air. She had amazing recommendations, a great sense of humor, & was incredibly attentive. I told her about my food sensitivities & preferences & she told me what vegetarian item on the menu would be a good fit, & offered a great & reasonable priced wine pairing. Had a great time here & will definitely come again.
My girlfriend & I came in, & Zoya served us. She was phenomenal. I am not one to leave reviews, but this was necessary. We were so tired from travel & had such decision fatigue, that Zoya's guidance on the menu & drinks was unreal. She fully walked us through the options for the drinks we ordered, even offering nuanced suggestions where we had specific preferences. She was super attentive, & super charming - even while having a seemingly very large section (which I would also believe she was just supporting tables that weren't hers). We only just stumbled upon this place, but will definitely come back.
We're pretty picky with our pizza but this was DELICIOUS!! Nick & the staff were very attentive even though the place was packed when we arrived. I highly recommend!
We got two pizzas & a Caesar salad. The crust was fantastic! Sauce great, quality of the ingredients was top notch. One of the best pizzas we've had outside of Napoli.
Delicious food the service was great our waiter was attentive & very friendly answering all our questions the restaurant itself was so fun with great decorations & atmosphere & the pizza was some of the best I've had with a homemade sourdough crust & tasty toppings & the rest of my party said the pasta & drinks were also very good quality.
Balboa Montreal Review: Great Vibes, Amazing Service...but is the pizza worth the Old Montreal price tag?
Old Montreal is buzzing, & Balboa is the hot new spot everyone's talking about! As a self-proclaimed foodie, I had to check out this June 2025 opening, especially after hearing whispers it has the'best pizza in town.'
The short version? It's gorgeous, the service is flawless, but my wallet is still crying. Here's the breakdown.
The Vibe & Service: 10/10
From the moment you walk in, the place is a stunner. Located right in the heart of tourist-central Old Montreal, Balboa delivers on ambiance. The decor is absolutely beautiful so think exposed brick, warm wood beams, & chic, twinkling lights. It felt festive & intimate, perfect for a Saturday night dinner with friends.
The service was truly the standout of the evening. Our server was amazing, attentive, & incredibly friendly. They made the entire experience feel special, & I genuinely cannot fault the staff at all.
The Food & Value:
We booked a table for four people & started with the pepperoni pizza & a fresh caprese salad (which was delicious, as you can see!).
The wood-fired pizza itself (the one I was told was the best in town) was good. It had a great crust with those nice, charred bubbles & quality toppings. However, was it'the best pizza in town'? Honestly, no. It was solid, but didn't blow me away.
& here's where my'underwhelmed' feeling comes in: the price. Being charged $25 for a pepperoni pizza & $20 for an average cocktail (hello, Espresso Martini!) feels excessive, even for a prime tourist location. The prices definitely reflect the location & the stunning fit-out more than the culinary execution.
Bottom Line: You're paying a premium for the stunning atmosphere, the phenomenal service, & the Old Montreal postcode. If you're looking for mind-blowing pizza value, you might want to look elsewhere. If you're looking for a guaranteed beautiful night out with perfect service, this is it!
