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 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.
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.
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
Mar 25, 2025
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Mon conjoint & moi avons visité Da Emma samedi dernier & nous avons grandement apprécié notre expérience.
Des plats simples mais très bien exécutés! Un saumon qui fond dans la bouche & des pâtes farcies généreuses & parfaitement al dente. Le tiramisu était la finale idéale! L'ambiance feutrée & romantique rappelle une vieille cave à vin.
Mon seul reproche serait les chaises qui pourraient être plus confortables. Sinon, je n'ai rien à dire.
Noua serons certainement de retour chez Da Emma pour un souper en amoureux ou un bon repas en famille.
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.
Lives up the the hype. My only gripe was no one to meet us at entrance. Younger staff seemed preoccupied with each other & phones. Our waiter was great.
