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.
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.
If not the best, then one of the best Italian restaurants in Montreal. Food quality, taste & ingredients as good as you can find anywhere but more expensive than elsewhere & very noisy after 8:30 or so (low ceilings). Great service & wine selection in a comfortable setting with dishes rarely found in Montreal like the very slow roasted delicious melt in your mouth suckling pig or young lamb. A place to enjoy delicious food that does not taste good just because it is loaded with salt & fat once in a while as the menu is relatively small & does not change much.
Comida italiana, muy rica. Los ravioles de gorgonzola estaban en su punto. Probé un pescado al aceite de oliva, uff qué delicia, sabor suave y bien condimentado.
Cucina veramente Italiana al TOP, cucinata dalla Chef romana gentilissima oltre a cucinare benissimo , cibo vero italiano, ottimo. Personale molto gentile, vini ottimi, super pulito ottima location.
Lo consiglio da buon italiana.💯
Jan 20, 2026
on Google
🍽️
Know where to eat in Montreal before everyone else.
Get the first look at the hottest openings, secret menus, and RestoMontreal.ca's weekly top picks. Join 50,000+ foodies.
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.
If you're looking for good quality home style Italian food, look no further. This restaurant is a classic & the food truly takes like an Italian grandmother made it from scratch at home! Do yourself a favour & come here!
Da Emma is absolute, reliable value, year after year. I was with a foodie for Milan last I was there & he was astonished by the quality & price. He essentially said; this is as good as the best places I know in Italy that serve classic Italian cuisine & it costs half of what I would pay in Milan.
As someone who has grown up in a Roman family I gave to agree. I would love to see more classic Roman trattoria dishes such as Stracciatella, Zuppa di pasta e fagioli, spaghetti cacio e pepe, but I'll anything served at Da Emma without hesitation or regret.
Our group hit one of the godawful tourist trap restaurants in Vieux Montréal the following evening ; it cost twice as much & it was so bad & unsatisfying, we all felt used & abused. I made a point to to leave that place a very bad review.
This experience in retrospect made us feel we had been pampered at Da Emma.
If you see a super expensive restaurant in that area that pretends to serve'rare' Italian dishes, run for cover : You're about to get robbed & you'll be treated unpolitely by staff who clearly see you as the loser their business was designed to abuse.
None of this at Da Emma. You'll be treated with genuine attention & respect. I'd go there everyday if I lived by, but wonderful places are best kept for when you deserve them.
The experience at Da Emma is immaculate & definitely a memorable one. Traditional, authentic Italian cuisine prepared with fresh, quality ingredients & admirable dedication. The dishes are presented elegantly in their simplicity & are exceptionally flavourful & delicious. The atmosphere is invitingly warm, the service is stellar & the cuisine is absolutely divine. Compliments to the chef ; I will certainly be back.
Nice outdoor setting, relax atmosphere, italian music.
Great cocktails & amazing wine list. Bruschetta was tasty, a very nice touch to start the meal.
Food was ok. Aragula salad seasoning was good, mushrooms pasta was cooked to perfection (but the portion was so small), tiramisu was delicious. No bread was offered to us, we had to ask for pepper & cheese. I had to refill my glass of wine myself, the staff was busy chatting with each other.
Service was not attentive, it could have been better. A little detail, the hostess at the entrance was dress sloppy ( baggy jeans, large hoodie & flip flop!), very odd for a refined italian restaurant. Restroom was dirty with no toilet paper, had to chase a server for it...
Maybe it was just on off night & i was not lucky but i dont think that i will be back...
