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.
The food is delicious, the atmosphere can be very loud at times. The service can be slow at times but it is what it is. Expect to be there for 1.5 to 2 hours.
The bread was exceptional. Old school loaf with hard crust. The pasta was perfect with delicious simple tomato sauce. I have definitely had better carpaccio. I was not particularly happy with either of the fish dishes. My biggest issue was definitely the service. On a Wednesday night, it was not busy. But everything was slow. It took a very long time to get sparkling water. I began looking for the waiter so we could place an order before he finally came. The food took a long time & was not really hot. By then I had stuffed myself with too much bread. That one is on me. After two bottles of sparkling water I asked to switch to just regular ice water. The waiter agreed & then never brought me any. To pay the bill, I was tempted to take a walk to see if I could find our waiter. I finally flagged him down that I wanted to pay, & it was at least another 10 minutes. The rest of my family had already left the table & I was sitting there tapping my foot until he finally finally finally showed up. The waiter was a disaster. & he was completely unsupported by the other wait staff. They seemed more interested in having a conversation with the table next to us. Maybe they are regulars? On a final note, I am removing this restaurant from my recommendations to friends & other business associates. The food was not quite up to par, but the service took it straight down the drain.
We stepped into Da Emma & were warmly welcomed, starting the evening with a Negroni at the bar, expertly crafted & perfectly balanced. The setting, nestled in the stone walled cellar, gave the night an elegant yet cozy charm.
Once at our table, the evening unfolded into a Roman feast. We began with the creamiest burrata atop juicy tomato slices, paired with velvety prosciutto, simple, fresh, & divine. The spaghetti carbonara followed, rich & authentic, with just the right balance of pecorino & guanciale.
For the mains, we shared a medley of dishes: a tender roasted lamb shoulder that fell apart effortlessly, savory roasted piglet, juicy lamb chops kissed with rosemary & lemon, & succulent shrimp bathed in a delicate sauce. Each dish was executed with love & mastery.
We paired it all with a stunning Barolo that elevated every bite. No room left for dessert, but we did close the night with a round of amaros, a perfect finale to a truly exceptional meal.
Da Emma is a timeless spot that honors tradition without losing elegance. A must for anyone who takes Italian cuisine seriously.
My fiance & I drove from Ottawa to visit Da Emma & we would definitely do it again!! It did not disappoint! Nestled in the basement of a heritage building, the atmosphere brought you back to Italy. The service was on point; very polite & attentive. & the food... was INCREDIBLE!! From the complimentary piece of bruschetta, to the salad, to the homemade pasta, to the desserts, everything was phenomenal! It was an authentic Italian dining experience. We would/will highly recommend this restaurant to anyone!
May 25, 2025
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Set your expectations high & you won't be disappointed. Great dining experience with'the best ____ I have ever had' food. Can't wait to try it all again!
Da Emma is a delightful gem that offers truly authentic Italian cuisine. The beauty of their dishes lies in their simplicity, staying true to the essence of Italian cooking.
The smoked salmon appetizer was a delightful starter that showcased the perfect balance of flavors. The combination of the smoked salmon, arugula, & a touch of lemon juice created a refreshing & satisfying appetizer that prepared our taste buds for the main course.
The mushroom pasta was executed with great finesse, striking the right balance between richness & subtlety. The velvety, creamy sauce allowed the earthy flavors of the mushrooms to shine through, resulting in a memorable pasta dish that was deeply satisfying.
We complemented our meal with a glass of red wine, which added another layer of enjoyment to the dining experience. It truly felt like a celebration, as if we were being treated to a special homemade meal by an Italian mother on a joyous occasion.
Took over an hour from being seated to taking our order. Got one person's meal wrong in a table of 3. High price for small portion, at least what we got was tasty. Couldn't recommend based on first experience there.
J'ai essayé Da Emma pour la première fois pour un souper romantique. Le serveur n'était pas souvent présent, mais il connaissait le menu & était attentif à nos besoins.
L'ambiance était plaisante mais un peu bruyante comme l'ont dit certains. On n'entendait pas la musique & il fallait parler fort & ce même si l'endroit n'était pas rempli. Peut-être que l'ajout de tuiles acoustiques à des endroits spécifiques pourrait aider.
Les bruschetta qu'on nous a servi en entrée étaient les meilleurs que j'ai jamais goûté. Le burrata était délicieux & frais mais pas très gouteux. Même avec le prosciutto il manquait un peu de saveurs. Pour les plats principaux par contre la saveur était au rendez-vous & elle était excellente.
Ce resto pourrait être encore mieux avec un peu plus de complexité dans les plats. & un plus grand choix de cocktails ne ferait pas de tort.
Tout de même une expérience mémorable, j'y retournerai certainement.
Apr 20, 2025
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Recently went there for my birthday & it was an amazing experience. The food was delicious & the atmosphere was dark & elegant. Got a complimentary bruschetta & birthday tiramisu which was amazing.
My favorite Italian restaurant on every visit to Montreal. Great menu, exceptional service, very cool underground vibe while staying au to authentic to its homegrown Italian roots.
Can't wait to go back!
I just had a great meal!
The food was AMAZING, the service was IMPECCABLE!
Do yourself a favor & go there to see it with your own eyes.
(P.s. The portions are not big, but are enough for one person)
Délicieux ! Vraiment, nous tous était délicieuse burrata, saumon fumé, cochon de lait, Tiramisu... Les ingrédients sont frais & délicieux & les plats leurs font honneur. Nous y retournerons sans aucun doute
