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.
J'ai mangé au Balboa récemment & j'ai vraiment passé un super moment. Le lieu est moderne, joli & vraiment agréable. L'équipe est sympa, souriante, & le service est rapide. L'ambiance est détendue, parfaite autant pour un repas entre amis que pour un dîner en couple. Franchement, je recommande à 100 % : on y mange bien & on s'y sent bien.
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!
Family of four, with an 11 year & 3 year old. We came when they opened, 5pm. One of the best meals we have had in years.
Zucchini appetizer was out of this world amazing.
Everyone's pizza was some of the best you can have. My wife who doesn't like pizza proclaimed to our amazing server'this is the best pizza she had ever had!'
I had the pepperoni, my wife had the vegetarian & our kids split the four cheese. Amazing location, phenomenal food & great staff!
New restaurant in early 2025 so they havent stacked the reviews yet but Balboa is onto something & they will be well known very soon!
We dined here twice (so far...) on our first trip to Montreal. The pizza is delightful, especially the organic sourdough crust! It has just the right amount of chew. Save room for the tiramusu - you won't regret it!
Walked in off the street not expecting much but the fungi pizza & carpaccio were amazing! The staff were very professional but casual at the same time, made for a very pleasant evening.
Loved our experience at Balboa Montréal! The vegetarian pizza was absolutely delicious & paired perfectly with a glass of wine. Great vibes, friendly service.
