Reviewers consistently praise Cafe Gentile for authentic Italian flavors, fresh ingredients, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels both elegant and homey. The menu earns high marks for variety and quality, with standouts from pastas and pizzas to sandwiches and brunch items, and the coffee and desserts are frequently highlighted as well. Service is described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, though a few visits note slower pacing during busy periods or larger groups. Prices are sometimes considered high for the value, but many feel the quality and presentation justify it, and the decor and vibe are repeatedly singled out as appealing. The venue is described as versatile for casual meals, business lunches, family gatherings, or special occasions, including Mother’s Day and wedding receptions, with guests often describing the experience as memorable. Overall Cafe Gentile comes across as a Montreal staple that delivers solid food, memorable atmosphere, and dependable hospitality, inviting repeat visits despite occasional inconsistencies.
I was really disappointed with my experience here.
I ordered the Sicilian crostini, which was described with ingredients like roasted bell peppers, pesto, & other toppings. What I actually received was just toasted bread with a blended spread & a small amount of cheese. There were no visible roasted vegetables or distinct toppings as described - it felt more like a purée spread than a composed dish. For around $18, it didn't feel like good value at all.
I also ordered a Caesar-style salad with chicken, & it was equally underwhelming. The greens were served in very large, uneven pieces, with minimal dressing & no croutons, despite being listed. The overall presentation & execution didn't resemble a proper Caesar salad - it felt incomplete & poorly assembled.
In total, I paid about $58, & the food simply didn't match the descriptions or expectations set by the menu. I don't mind paying for quality, but I do expect accuracy & consistency in what's being advertised.
I would strongly recommend that the restaurant provide clearer descriptions & ensure the dishes reflect what is listed, so customers know what they are actually ordering.
Visited Montreal & my friend highly recommended this place & it did not disappoint. Amazing pasta, delicious appetizers & the coffee is a must try along with a Zeppole! Service was excellent but make sure you make a reservations as this place gets busy fast for lunch or dinner! Located 15 minutes from the airport!
Mar 25, 2026
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Cafe Gentile was recommended to me & my fiancé to provide catering for our recent wedding, & we could not have been happier with the result. The food was absolutely incredible, & the service & attention that the catering team provided to us were exceptional. Every single person at our wedding commented on how delicious the food was. The eggplant parm has quickly become one of my personal favourites. We will absolutely be returning to Gentile (most likely the DDO location) whenever we find ourselves back in Montreal.
Today is Lunar Chinese New Year, & we had a festive dinner in cafe Gentile. We had such a wonderful time! The food quality was excellent, the atmosphere was joyful, & the staff provided outstanding service. Highly recommended!
I came here for a business lunch & it didn't disappoint, so many great things to choose from! I had the Tagliatelle Funghi which was really delicious! I highly recommend this place
Nov 6, 2025
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Cafe gentile westmount….oh my goodness. We had our 18 person wedding dinner here. The custom wedding menu was so incredible, the food was 12/10 & the service was nothing short of exceptional.
More & more food just coming out & each course was so tasty, had beautiful presentation & more mouth-watering than the last course. Our guests were raving about this being the best wedding meal they've ever had.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
I was in doubt about going to this place because of the mixed reviews, but I'm happy I gave it a shot. My family & I went for brunch & the food was amazing, along with the service & atmosphere. Always filling our cups of water when they were empty, & making sure we had everything we needed in our table. Totally recommend!!
Alloo! On est allée auj pour un brunch de fête après un cours de spinning sans réservation & le staff a été très gentil & nous ont trouvé une table pour 7! Le service à la clientèle est À+, toujours souriantes & la nourriture était très bonne !! Je recommande & je retournerai dans le futur!
Been to Gentile for several years, even when I worked near Chabanel. The food is always delicious with great presentation. Their rosé sauce & fresh pasta is one of the best in the city, as is their margherita pizza. This visit had some amazing sandwiches, the classic chicken cutlet & the Caesar chicken wrap. So fresh & delicious. But don't forget to wash it all down with their savoury fries, the perfect compliment to any dish on their menu! Too full this time for dessert, but I highly recommend their cannolis & tiramisu. You will definitely need a reservation for Friday or Saturday nights!
Ice tea is always crisp & I highly recommend it. Their sandwiches & pasta are also good. This cafe has a great location with a great design. However, the fries were not that good.
This restaurant is a local favourite of ours. We love sitting in the glassed in porch area 3 seasons of the year, love the food, & the inside is very cute, with nice leather benches, muted lighting, & reflective surfaces that give it a great vibe. They also have the best pistachio gelato of anywhere, & with the soft Sicilian biscotti on top, it's to die for, & you can get it to go if you're just strolling by. We reserved the inside restaurant for a function Saturday afternoon for 28 people & it went absolutely great. There were delicious appetizers (arancini, focaccia pizza, caprese skewers), great first course served family style (loved especially the endive radicchio salad & the fried calamari!) & great second courses with eggplant parmigiana, grilled branzino & vegetables, meatballs, sausage cavatelli) & for dessert our favourite gelato & biscotti. The service was great, plates cleared promptly & fresh ones brought, drinks filled, & it was a great atmosphere. We loved having the whole place so we could switch between tables & talk to each other without bothering other diners. Really, really happy with the experience! Totally recommend!
