Reviewers describe Café San Gennaro as an authentic Italian spot with a welcoming vibe, where Roman style square pizzas, fresh pastries, and robust espresso stand out. The pizzas are praised for crisp crusts and flavorful toppings, cannoli with crisp shells and creamy fillings, and pistachio bomboloni that are a dessert highlight. The staff are consistently friendly and attentive, adding to the homey atmosphere and the sense of being in Italy, occasionally with Italian speaking staff. The menu also features focaccia sandwiches and a wide range of sweets, though seating can be limited and the space can feel crowded at peak times. A few notes mention price concerns and occasional confusion about wall pricing, and some reviews point to changes in the coffee that affect the overall experience. Overall Café San Gennaro comes across as a beloved local gem that draws guests for a quick bite, coffee, and desserts as well as a memorable Italian cafe experience.
Le plus grand défaut du San Gennaro : il est situé un peu loin de chez moi. Ceci dit c'est aussi une de ses grandes qualités, car sinon je pense que j'y passerais toutes mes journées! Tout y est absolument délicieux : les pizzas sont savoureuses & croustillantes, leur sandwich sur Focaccia est divin, leur bombolone sont la perfection même… & tout ça c'est sans compter le personnel hyper sympathique! J'adore cet endroit, tout particulièrement sur l'heure du midi où il devient bien animé 👌
The food & pastries here is so so so good. Their cannoli filling is fresh & sweet & their bombolones are so fluffy & delicious. Their pizza tastes amazing & their service & prices are great!! There isn't much seating but during the summer that's no problem.
Jan 27, 2026
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Cafe San Genaro is always a good time. You immediately feel at home or in Italy where you can get some coffee with a glass if water & eat the BEST bombolone ever. Their ameretti with apricot jam is delicious & their breakfast pizza with an egg on top is the heartiest for a busy day!!
Wouldve gave 5 stars but they recently changed the pistachio filling in their bombolone & it's no longer as good sadly . Bring back the old filling pls
Tried the bombolone with pistachio & another one with nutella, they were amazing! Fluffy, light, airy, just like in Italy! I'd highly recommend this place.
Apr 10, 2025
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The bombolone, which is a doughnut, was fluffy like a cloud. It was impressively juicy & soft. Personally I think it is a bit over priced but since I don't know other places that sell these pistachio filled, I guess they found a market. For me, it's a place to visit once in a long while, but worth it.
I recently tried this Italian place, & it was amazing! The pizza was incredibly juicy without being oily, with a perfect balance of crunch yet not dry crust, & the cheese was top-notch. I also had the Bombolone, which is hands down one of the best desserts I've ever hadin my life. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for authentic, high-quality Italian food!
Pizza & focaccia sandwiches are delicious!! Their pistachio bombolone is amazing too. People working there are always super friendly, & the decor is cute & homey.
If you're thinking about getting a bombolone, rethink twice. I got a Nutella bombolone that barely had Nutella. Really disappointed when you pay $4.50.
Sep 4, 2024
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J'ai goûté presque toutes les sortes de pizza de San Gennaro & elles sont toutes incroyables & généreuses. Les bombolones sont excellents aussi, le beigne est fabuleux, mais le remplissage n'est pas toujours égal. Je n'ai jamais mangé sur place mais toujours pris à emporter.
27 CAD before tip to pick up & take home 3 meatless pieces of pizza al taglio (margherita, marinara & cacciocavalo) plus a pistacchio bombolone. Came out to around 33 CAD because of course i won't deprive staff of a normal tip just for working at such a place. For that price, I was expecting incredible food. It was fine... Was quite disappointed considering all the amazin reviews. I should have gotten a full pizza instead, looks like it would have been less expensive than 3 separate pieces & i would have gotten far more for the price. So do NOT get by the slice. Not worth it here for that!!
Good coffee but the bombolone was so not generous in filling.. it's pretty much what you see on top plus tiny bit more inside. Hope it's a one off. At that price I find it very disappointing.
Apr 20, 2024
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Great local spot for Roman style pizza. We tried a Margherita slice & the pistachio bombolone. Both were delicious. The pizza crust & tomato sauce is awesome. The bombolone was super light with the right level of sweetness.
San Gennaro is a fantastic little gem in Little Italy. Just off of St. Laurent, right next to Bottega Restaurant. It's really un-missable & well worth going to. Nothing alleviates the hot Montreal summer like sipping a cool caffe freddo on the terrace at San G. The open kitchen concept is a refreshing change in the cafe scene as you will likely see the owners hard-at-work making delicious pizzas al taglio & classic Italian pastries. You have to try the Nutella bombolone, indulge & get the bigger size! After enjoying many coffees at San Gennaro like I have, you'll somehow never be satisfied with franchised coffee shops anymore. Mauro makes an exceptional latte!
The ambience is spot on too! You walk into authentic old-school Italian music & everyone, staff & customers alike are always smiling. You'll feel as if you've just walked into a cafe in Napoli! The place is still relatively new but it's obvious that it already has many regulars, myself included! As a matter of fact, my boyfriend & I will often drive all the way from Laval to Little Italy just for the killer coffee & friendly staff.
With its young vibe & its fresh take on what a happening cafe should be in Montreal, & whether it's for a simple espresso or grabbing lunch with some old friends, San Gennaro's hip atmosphere & adherence to both quality & tradition will satisfy even the most discerning of Italian pallets!
