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 offers a highly regarded dining experience in Old Montreal, frequently praised for its delicious wood-fired sourdough pizzas, fresh ingredients, and flavorful pasta dishes. Many visitors highlight the vibrant, cozy, and artsy atmosphere, which serves as a great backdrop for both casual outings and special occasions. While the vast majority of guests commend the professional and friendly staff for their attentive service, some diners have noted occasional inconsistencies in service speed or felt that prices were high for the portion sizes. Overall, the restaurant is widely considered a must-visit spot in the city, with standouts like the tiramisu and specialty cocktails consistently impressing those who dine there.
Stopped in for an afternoon cocktail & to share a pizza with my husband. We had the prosciutto pizza & it was excellent. We also had a cocktail with mezcal & it was a well crafted drink, although the price ($22) was a bit high in my opinion. Would definitely good back.
Had an amazing experience with CHINO, LOULOU, MATEI they were absolutely amazing & made our last night in Montreal special::the drinks, the laughs & the service. great way to end our weekend!!! Highly recommend the cocktails & pizza!!
We enjoyed a great meal here, we're Australians visiting Montreal & have been shown so much hospitality! The fried olives were a standout, as was the limoncello cocktail. Our server Nick was perfect & so fun. It's in a beautiful part of the old town with lots of restaurants & bars & people out & about. Recommend it!
Feb 28, 2026
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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!
Really nice decor, service is impecable, staff was friendly, food was on point. Wood fire to steal my heart. Pasta al dente! Cocktails were amazing. Highly recomend this experience. Cant wait to go again & try something new-- im sure will be delish.
Nous avons eu un délicieux souper au Balboa. Les arancinis aux petits pois étaient surprenament bons! Nous avons essayé les pizzas au four au pepperoni & Funghi. Excellents cocktails également.
Retro charm, sourdough pizzas that slap, & cocktails with serious spritz cred. Feels like your Italian grandma opened a pizzeria & invited the cool kids. Busy, lovely, & worth the carbs.
