Restaurant Da Emma, located in what was formerly Montreal's first prison for women, won prizes for its design in 1999. Da Emma serves traditional Italian cuisine with Roman specialities. As for the food: seafood antipasto (squid, mussels, shrimp, and octopus drizzled with olive oil), fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, and suckling pig roasted with garlic and rosemary are among the highlights.
Terrace available accommodating up to 70 people.
Da Emma is described as an authentic Italian dining destination housed in a historic basement, offering a warm, intimate atmosphere and a strong wine list. Many reviews highlight simple, well executed dishes with pasta and meat dishes praised, and standout items like burrata, meatballs, lamb, and a homemade feel. Service is generally regarded as attentive and friendly, though some experiences note slow or intrusive service and occasional missteps. Several guests mention a busy or noisy dining room and, at times, a lack of attention or hot dishes, and a cash only policy that can be inconvenient. Overall, the restaurant is seen as a top Montreal Italian spot for those seeking traditional, flavorful cuisine in a heritage setting, with many guests planning returns. Complimentary bruschetta, good bread and olive oil, and a refined but comforting menu are commonly cited positives, while some feel the portions may be smaller for the price. Atmosphere and authenticity are repeatedly praised, making Da Emma a go to for romance, family gatherings, or celebrations.
We recently visited Da Emma after driving in from Ottawa, & another couple joined us from Toronto. The place itself is beautiful & has a great atmosphere, but unfortunately the food didn't quite meet our expectations.
What really disappointed us was the service. Our waiter was friendly at first, but after he made a mistake with our appetizer & we mentioned it to the first staff member we saw, he came to our table & whispered that we should have told him directly & not cut into the appetizer before knowing, which felt uncomfortable & unprofessional.
To make things worse, the police showed up at the end of the night, & when we asked for the bill to be split, the waiter seemed surprised & simply told us to split it ourselves. Overall, while the setting is lovely, the food & service left us disappointed.
Da Emma does not disappoint. Housed in a beautiful historic building, it sets the tone for an elevated dining experience from the moment you arrive. A wall of photos showcasing the many celebrities who've dined here underscores the legacy of this Montréal institution. Quite possibly the city's finest Italian restaurant, no small claim given the competition, it offers flawless dishes (don't miss the meatballs), attentive staff, & the bonus of complimentary valet parking. Whether you're planning a date night or celebrating a special occasion in Old Montréal, make a reservation, put on a nice outfit, & savour one of the city's must try meals.
Dec 30, 2025
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An unforgettable dining experience! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was warm & inviting, setting the tone for a perfect meal. The service was impeccable-attentive, knowledgeable, & genuinely passionate about the food. Each dish we tried was a masterpiece: bursting with flavor, beautifully presented, & made with the finest ingredients. The chef, Olga's creativity shines through in every bite. Whether you're a foodie or just looking for a great meal, this restaurant is a must-visit. Can't wait to come back!
Date night was a success thanks to this beautiful establishment, our waiter Jean-luc was very friendly & proffessional, gave excellent advice on the dishes & wine pairings we even let him pick the desserts for us ! The montreal staple came through on every level. Thank you !
Sep 21, 2024
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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.
A Must Do. What a beautiful historical Space! Service is important to make an experience memorable. Serge our server was attentive. As soon as we were seated, a delicious bruschetta was served. Affordable wine selection is always a bonus, u der 100$. Menu selection is varied & perfect for every palate , also at a great prices. We each had an entree & each a main course & shared a dessert, we were stuffed! Cant wait to go back!
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!
