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.
Very cool place for an elegant deal. Great place to take someone special in your life. I have been there 4 times & it never disappoints. Classy professional delicious
Nous avons été célébrer un mariage surprise à cet endroit, l'idée à été génial & le personnel a été agréable. Tout c'est très bien déroulé. Belle endroit intime pour célébrer un événement. Osé, essayer & découvrez.
Jan 1, 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!
Absolutely lovely. The food was delicious, the service was excellent & the ambiance was lovely. The restaurant was old school in table decor but classic & the building itself gave the charm & made up for it. Cannot wait to go again.
This was the first place I thought about when my guests from Toronto told me that they wanted to visit Old Montreal & they wanted Italian food. The food was delicious, from the entrees to our main dishes & finally dessert. The service was great. Our waiter was very friendly & very attentive. The place was a total vibe. Would definitely recommend & would 100% go back.
Underwhelming, forgettable experience for the price. I knew to adjust my expectations when they brought out the packaged butter. I tried the agnolotti al ragù, which tasted fine. Overall, I probably won't come back anytime soon, though I can see how some people may like this place more.
My family had one of our best dining experiences at Da Emma this weekend. The food & atmosphere are great but the real star was Franco. He gave us absolutely amazing service while making us laugh the entire meal. He took his time to explain the menu, told us highlights to see while in town, the history of those highlights & even wrote them down with directions. My youngest daughter was trying to learn more French & Franco could not have been more patient. When she asked him questions about himself, he mentioned he had coins from countries all over the world. She told him we have some Hungarian heritage. The next day Franco dropped off Hungarian coins at our hotel for her!! Absolutely phenomenal & we will be back just to visit him! Thank you Franco for such a memorable experience.
J'ai réservé une table pour l'anniversaire de mon conjoint, dès notre arrivé l'accueil a été super, notre valet gentil, le monsieur a l'accueil très gentil aussi. & nous avons eu la chance d'avoir Jean Luc comme serveur qui nous a vraiment donné un super mais super service jusqu'à la fin, on a adoré notre expérience & la nourriture était juste génial! ❤️💓
