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.
Did a 20 person party there. Food was fantastic, not big portions. Service was very slow, it was a Saturday night, we were a big group I guess. Its not cheap, maybe better for much smaller group.
Jun 12, 2024
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Mediocre Italian food. Really not worth the hype or money. Way too expensive for the portions. Waiters take & move plates around while you're eating instead of waiting until you're done.
I came here about two years ago when I visited Montrèal for the first time. Had the Gorgonzola Ravioli & honestly couldn't stop talking or thinking about it the whole time when I was back in the US. I came back this year to show my parents this restaurant & they were amazed. (They're hard to shock so it's pretty impressive in my book). Had the same Gorgonzola Ravioli & had the most lovely waiter I've had 2 lovely experiences here & it'll always be one of my top restaurants both for the food & memories.
Da Emma was good, but nothing standout to me. I went because I like to use eater & it was close by. The restaurant itself is cool & it's got a good vibe was very crowded. I just didn't think anything I had was exceptional. Definitely questioned the boxed pasta at what is marketed as traditional Italian. I liked it but wouldn't go back.
May 6, 2024
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I didn't like the service. It felt like I they didn't want to serve me with carelike other costumers with their Nona's. It's a shame the food was good, except by the pasta (should be al dente but was borderline to undercooked). Ambient is great tho, unfortunately I didn't feel welcome & cared & it changed my overall experience. I really liked their Tiramisu, it's a must for dessert there.
A group of us went to dinner on April 4, 2024. Our server was inattentive, opinionated & lacked of patience which gave all of us the sense of rushing our dinner experience. The food was okay but nothing to brag about. We were not asked how so we like our meat to be cooked. Our preference for extra shaved Parmigiano cheese were argued by the server. I'm sad to say that I will not return to once was a great restaurant.
