Bis Ristorante features a focused selection of authentic Italian specialties emphasizing traditional preparation methods and high quality ingredients. The menu highlights fresh seafood and grilled meats, reflecting a commitment to straightforward cooking techniques that honor classic regional culinary roots. Each dish relies on the natural profile of prime proteins, accented by subtle herbs and quality olive oil rather than heavy sauces. The dining environment maintains a consistent aesthetic that complements the menu, allowing the food to remain the primary focus of the experience. Patrons select from various pasta offerings or protein based entrees that showcase technical precision. This establishment provides a direct culinary experience centered on reliable flavors and careful execution of traditional recipes, ensuring a cohesive approach to each element served across the entire meal.
Bis Ristorante is widely celebrated as a top tier destination for authentic Italian cuisine in Montreal, praised for its consistent quality, cozy and romantic atmosphere, and exceptional service. Guests frequently highlight signature dishes like the lamb ragu, veal, and fresh pasta, often noting the warm and welcoming nature of the staff who treat visitors like family. While the vast majority of experiences are described as memorable and professional, a small number of diners have occasionally reported issues with service pacing or specific staff interactions. Overall, the restaurant remains a favorite for both locals and travelers seeking an elevated, intimate dining experience in the heart of the city.
Amazing food, professional, knowledgeable staff. We especially enjoyed the gnocchi, the Osso Bucco, the lamb ragu pasta (the pasta was slightly overcooked but still so tasty). The lemon cake for dessert was amazing. Would absolutely return & recommend to others.
After reading & hearing so many outstanding reviews for this restaurant, I had high expectations going in. However, I didn't love my experience, & will likely not be back.
To start, our waiter was lovely, but relatively absent throughout the evening. I'm not sure if they were short-staffed that night, but the restaurant was only about 60% full & we had difficulty flagging our waiter down.
The salted caramel espresso martini I had was amazing, but unfortunately the rest of the food that followed was lackluster. We ordered the arugula salad, truffle fries, & octopus to start - everything was simply'ok' - except for the octopus which was inedible & covered in some sort of congealed fat. The restaurant kindly covered 50% of the dish because they noticed we hadn't touched it, which was super appreciated!
For our mains, I ordered the Gamberi Fra'Diavolo (spicy shrimp & spaghetti) & my fiancé ordered the pasta with lamb meat sauce, & both were solid, but we had to wait over 1.5 hours to receive our dishes. Again, the restaurant was not even close to capacity, & not once did our server come by & acknowledge the wait time.
By the time we finished our mains, we just wanted to leave & not risk ordering dessert/coffee for fear of how long it would take. I wish we had had a more positive experience to report, but for the price - we did not find the service/food adequate.
Maybe the restaurant was just having an off night, but there are no shortage of amazing Italian spots in Montreal which we would recommend instead of Bis!
Mar 27, 2026
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Salads were overdressed & Parmesan crisp not crispy. Pasta & risotto were overcooked & tasted like they were reheated in microwave, not cooked for us.
Restaurant was pretty empty for a Saturday night. Should have been a hint.
A fun restaurant before a Habs game. We were allowed to park close by & the resto gave us a voucher to cover the cost of parking. The food was generally good. Appetizers were delicious. We tried the Calamari Fritti, Salsiccia Peperonata & finally Zucchini Fritti. The main dishes we had the Ossobuco di Vitello with risotto milanese. We found the veal to be very fatty.
Also the risotto was lacking taste. The other dish we tried was the Melanzane alla Siciliana. It was very good however not very filling. Probably a good idea to have a little pasta with it.
Overall I enjoyed our dining experience.
I had an exceptional dining experience at this upscale Italian restaurant. The ambiance was warm & elegant, the service attentive without being intrusive, & every dish-from the freshly made pasta to the impeccably prepared entrées-was bursting with authentic flavor. The wine selection was superb. Highly recommended!
My bride & I were visiting Montreal & had the most amazing dining experience at BIS Restaurant.
The staff would have made a bad food experience excellent all by itself…..but what they did was make excellent food even better.
Paloma served us & was truly a pleasure to talk to. Her recommendations were spot on, her attentiveness was spot on & she was just overall amazing. Many of the staffed also stopped by our table to make sure all was well.
The food was fantastic Italian. ( as a former New Yorker I'd like to think I know good Italian food) Serving portions were perfect! The food came at a great pace & the temperature & quality were pure perfection.
The atmosphere is exactly what you want. Not a huge place , very cozy yet not crowded, welcoming, comfortable, & nothing was rushed at any point.
As i regularly visit Montreal on business, & have many friends there, this place will be my go to from here on out.
Rocket salad served in a Parmesan bowl was a treat
Veal saltimbocca with pasta was excellent
Lemon cake & Abogatta was amazing!
My gut tells me that the whole menu is great, & I intend to find out!
Stayed at an airbnb nearby & was delighted to find this place. We got the veal meatballs, carbonara, veal parm, & tomato sauce pasta. Everything was incredibly tasty. Would recommend to anyone looking for authentic Italian food in Montreal!
Memorable Italian meal! Cozy elegant atmosphere. Good variety of wines by the glass if you don't want a whole bottle. We shared a burrata & an arugula salad for the appetizer, then we each had our own pasta dishes. My wife had the linguine vongole & I had the tagliolini lamb ragu. The vongole was generously covered in clams & the ragu had abundant sauce. Both were flavorful & filling. Service was efficient, respectful & not rushed.
