Balboa in Old Montreal offers Italian fare anchored by wood-fired pizzas with a standout organic sourdough crust, complemented by pasta, antipasti, and desserts that many reviews call delicious. The ambiance is repeatedly described as beautiful and inviting, providing a lively yet intimate backdrop for casual nights out or dates. Service is praised for being attentive and friendly, and the cocktails and wine list receive positive mentions, though several visits note slow or inconsistent service and long waits for drinks or dishes at busy times. The pizza is often the star, with reviewers praising the crust and toppings as among the best in town, while a few say the price is high for the value and some pizzas do not rise above the ordinary. Dishes such as fungi pasta and arancini are highlighted as excellent, whereas some patrons found the bolognese or certain plates underwhelming. Overall the place is seen as a stylish and reliable destination in the area that delivers strong pizza and atmosphere, with many diners planning to return to try more of the menu.
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.
Bit of an odd place with very casual staff supporting an upscale pizza & wine menu. Food was tasty & the layout of the restaurant is novel with a raised rear dining area.
Jul 24, 2025
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We were so grateful to find this spot after a few of our other ideas were full up at 7pm with a 2 hour wait. We walked in & the hostess was happy to have us & eager to know we enjoyed. We felt welcomed & well taken care of & had delicious, comforting pasta & pizza! (The fungi pizza is so good!)
This is in the location where one of my old favorites used to be (Mangiafocco) so it's fun that the new spot was also delicious.
Appelés par les avis positifs nous nous sommes rendus dans cette nouvelle pizzeria à proximité du vieux port. Je dois dire que nous avons été vraiment déçus. Je commence tout de même par les points positifs :
- le nom de la pizzeria est cool & original
- la décoration est vraiment belle
- les serveurs sont tous excellents
- les toilettes réservent une surprise amusante
- l'emplacement est super
Mais est ce que tout cela suffit ? Malheureusement non puisque le gout n'est pas totalement au rendez vous. La margherita est loin d'être mauvaise je dirais même qu'elle est plutôt bonne bien que loin d'être excellente. La pizza aux champignons est quant à elle très fade, pas mauvaise encore une fois mais pas assez explosive, peu goutu en somme. Cela pourrait convenir si le prix n'était pas élevé mais alors voilà la somme déboursée : 71$ dollar (après taxe & pourboire) pour ces deux pizza & un coke. 71$ !!! pour des pizza moyennes. Avec 71$ nous pouvons faire tellement d'autres choses que manger deux pizza moyenne.
Alors pour éviter cette déception il faut vite penser à baisser les prix ou faire les meilleures pizza en ville.
This is the place to dine in Montreal! Julie was fabulous, friendly & accommodating! The funghi pizza is sumptuous, tasty, & perfectly crusted, rivals all the pizzas I have had in Italy!
Jul 4, 2025
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Absolutely loved the vibe at Balboa! The pizza is seriously next level (sourdough crust is a game changer). Great spot for a casual night out with friends or date night. Service was friendly & fast too. Can't wait to go back!
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.
Great'Za! As a Montrealer I normally don't have high expectations for restaurants in the Old Port. But WOW! A great casual dining experience featuring some impressive Neapolitan style pizzas that are sure to scratch your itch for delicious''Za!
Cost-effective Italian leopard print pizza?the pores on the outside of pizza are like the diamond pattern on a charcoal grilled steak, which is the source of aroma & taste.
High-quality meat + high-quality dough creates a delicious pizza that makes you want more, enough to even finish the sides.
I recommend , you make the decision!
Jun 26, 2025
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Superb Little Italian!!!
(I always try to be fair in my reviews & don't criticise unless necessary & only praise if it truly deserves it. This restaurant falls into the latter category).
We found this restaurant by chance on our arrival in Montreal as we dashed in from the rain. Lovely welcome. Two very waiters who told us about the wine & beers. We both had a pizza - really thin & lovely dough. Delicious!!!
Then, my husband - a pudding expert - had a tiramisu. Said it was the best he had ever had. I was allowed a couple of spoonfuls & I entirely agree - exquisite!
The lady owner's little twin girls were in for part of the evening wiping down tables, filling up water - they were absolute stars!!!
A fabulous restaurant which deserves 5* for simply everything. Thank you very much a super start to our stay in Montreal xxx
The sour dough Napolitano style pizza Is to die for & it's got one of the only 3 wood fire ovens in Montreal. Brought me back to Italy! Chapeau to the servers Julie & David! They were super stars
Had a wonderful evening at this new gem in Old Montreal. The wood oven pizza was delicious as were the cocktails & the focaccia... yummy !!!! The atmosphere is adorable & the staff was very friendly. Will definitely be back ! Welcome to the neighbourhood Balboa 🥰
May 31, 2025
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Recently opened in mid May & needed work at that time, but may have sorted things out. Professionally decorated but somehow cold & confused decor. Wait staff attentive to the point of brisk, though there were few customers to serve at the time. Very short menu of standard, uninteresting'Italian' dishes. Stingy wine servings. Prices somewhat high for food this ordinary, which is not surprising in a high tourist area. Gnocchi was cool, stodgy & bland. Pizza was good.
