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Restaurant Top Pick

Da Emma

Old Montreal
4.4$$$
CLOSEDOpens Tuesday at 6 pm
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Da Emma Old Montreal, Montreal: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
ItalianFine Dining / UpscaleGreat selection of wines
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About

Da Emma serves traditional Roman cuisine characterized by authentic techniques and bold, simple flavor profiles. The menu focuses on artisanal pasta preparations, wood-fired roasting methods, and the integration of fresh, seasonal Mediterranean produce. Diners encounter a rustic atmosphere defined by exposed brick masonry, wooden structural elements, and vaulted ceilings that reflect a historical architectural aesthetic. Culinary offerings highlight hearty regional staples such as salt cod, artichokes prepared in the Jewish style, and robust meat dishes cooked to precise temperatures. Each selection emphasizes the fundamental qualities of high-quality ingredients sourced to maintain genuine flavor integrity. The establishment maintains a consistent focus on the culinary heritage of central Italy by providing substantial portions prepared according to generational practices. This approach ensures a direct connection to the specific food culture found in the heart of Rome.

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4.4315 ratings
5★
68%
4★
14%
3★
10%
2★
7%
1★
2%

Mentioned in:View More

Da Emma was featured in the article(s) below.

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Reviews for Da Emma

Food
Service
on Google4.4 (1100+)
*as of 2026-07-01
4.4315 ratings
5★
68%
4★
14%
3★
10%
2★
7%
1★
2%
Write your review

Reviews often mention

Display Allitalian(40) pasta(26) authentic(23) recommend(20) dessert(17) dishes(16) tiramisu(15) wine(14) sauce(11) italien(10) bruschetta(10) quality(10)

Review Summary

Da Emma is widely regarded as a standout destination in Old Montreal, celebrated for its authentic Italian cuisine and remarkably atmospheric, cellar-like setting. Many diners praise the high quality of dishes such as the suckling pig, lamb, and various pastas, noting that the food often feels like a genuine home-cooked meal. While the service is frequently described as professional and friendly, opinions on the dining experience are mixed, with some visitors expressing concerns regarding noise levels, pricing, portion sizes, or inconsistency in service quality. Despite these varying perspectives, the restaurant maintains a strong reputation for providing a memorable and traditional Italian dining experience.
Page 2 of 3 - 23 Reviews
Eamon
5.0

About 30 years ago, an Italian woman named Emma opened this restaurant. She did all the cooking herself, serving up authentic Roman dishes-think roasted lamb, roasted pork, & lots of meat. It's a far cry from the sparse, sun-baked cuisine of southern Italy, where pasta & tomatoes often take center stage. The walls are lined with photos of Hollywood stars, European celebrities, & local personalities posing with Emma, proof of her restaurant's success. She's since retired to Miami, & now her grandson runs the place.

Mar 10, 2025
on Google
Elza
5.0

Beautiful restaurant, food was authentic & delicious. Can't wait to come back again

Nov 9, 2024
on Google
Youngmin
5.0

If you like an authentic, traditional, well-served yet super chic restaurant, this is the place. Their Pastas & wine selection are amazing, various choice of antipasti, that are fresh & delicious. The service is on point, you will feel cared at all time.

Sep 27, 2024
on Google
Veronica
5.0

A must in Montreal, the food is incredible. Homemade, authentic italian made by chef emma. The restaurant is in an old women's prison & has a very cool & niche ambiance. Service is always great when we go, the staff is friendly & the chef, emma is the sweetest.

Sep 6, 2024
on Google
Marc
5.0

A beautiful atmosphere created by large stone adorned with timber beams this Italian restaurant serves great food by a very professional staff. My partner & I had the veal soup, rich in broth with tiny pillows of pasta. We had the Fettuccine ai fungi & Tonno alla griglia (grilled tuna). I'm not usually a fan of grilled tuna but this was cooked to perfection! We rounded out our meal with a lemon tartufo which was light & refreshing. I would recommend this to anyone looking for authentic Italian in a beautiful setting.

Aug 11, 2024
on Google
Sofia
5.0

The best restaurant in all of the city. Amazing service from Alex, & even more so from the owner! The food is amazing & probably the most authentic Italian food you can get it Montreal, & the service is simply exceptional. I now come weekly & highly recommend this restaurant!

Jul 12, 2024
on Google
Sherif
5.0

Very authentic. Great food.

Mar 3, 2024
on Google
Pat
5.0

Authentic Italien in the Best old Montreal environment Lights a little bright but the food is great

Feb 4, 2024
on Google
Denis
5.0

New authentic setting.... great vibe!

Dec 19, 2023
on Google
Wendy
5.0

Everything was amazing! Food was spectacular & tasted authentic. The simplicity makes it even better. The waiting time between the courses was on point. The service was great, our server Jean-Luc was super efficient, as well as the tall young man who was the assistant server.

First, you get bread & bruschetta on the house. After, we got the ravioli soup of the day with the tomatoes burrata as appetizers. We then got the peppercorn steak & the veal meatballs. We both chose the side of garlic pasta. The dessert put a beautiful period to the experience. We got the pistachio ice cream & the tiramisu.

This place is incredible & we will definitely come back! We absolutely loved everything!

Oct 13, 2023
on Google
View 315 ratings
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