FR
Montreal Restaurants: RestoMontreal.caMontreal Restaurants: RestoMontreal.ca
RestaurantsGuides & ArticlesEvents

Logo RestoMontreal.ca

Restaurant Top Pick

Da Emma

Old Montreal
4.4$$$
CLOSEDOpens Tomorrow at 6 pm
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Da Emma Old Montreal, Montreal: Menu, Reviews & Reserve (2026)
ItalianFine Dining / UpscaleGreat selection of wines
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.

Amenities, services & more

Suggested Articles

5★
69%
4★
13%
3★
10%
2★
6%
1★
2%

Restaurants in Old MontrealMore

Tiradito Restaurant
Gandhi Restaurant

Gandhi

230 Rue St-Paul O.
(1943)
Steak Frites St-Paul Restaurant
Restaurant Mélisse Restaurant
Restaurant H3 Restaurant

Events NearbyMore

Reviews for Da Emma

Food
Service
on Google4.5 (1100+)
*as of 2026-05-15
5★
69%
4★
13%
3★
10%
2★
6%
1★
2%

Review Summary

Da Emma stands out as a notable Italian dining option in Montreal with many reviews praising authentic Roman inspired cuisine, high quality ingredients, and dishes that feel both homely and refined from tender meats and flavorful pastas to tiramisu. The historic Old Montreal setting and the cellar like atmosphere contribute to an elevated and intimate dining experience. Service is often described as professional and attentive, though a few visits note occasional slow or intrusive moments. Guests frequently mention complimentary bruschetta, good bread with olive oil and vinegar, and a strong wine list. While some comments point to noise and higher prices for smaller portions, the overall impression is that Da Emma is a must try for romantic or special occasions and a reliable home style Italian meal in the city.
Page 2 of 2 - 23 Reviews

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
CRITICAL
25 Reviews
3.0

This restaurant is located in old Montreal, décor is stone walls with wood beam ceilings, in a basement with no outside light. With all the constructions going on, its hard to get to. Food is good but way over priced for what you get. We ordered the grilled tuna steak which had no flavor, the Pasta with garlic was so potent, almost uneatable. The broccoli was also very spicy. out of 6 people, no one actually said it was great, only okay, but for $250 a couple ($750) you want wow or fantastic. 2 bottles of wine , okay at about $70/bottle. The menu is read from a blackboard which is long & tedious to listen to. Overall would not recommend.

Nov 16, 2016
Bison Stew
9 Reviews
5.0

The few pastas I've tried are out of this world; Tortellini with Gorgonzola sauce, Veal raviolis with speck, Fettuccine mushroom pasta. All some of the best I've ever had. Their piglet roast shoulder is also a must, haven't tried their lamb. Their veal roast (sliced) though was on the disappointing side, not tender enough. Would definitely recommend Da Emma.

Mar 20, 2013