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.
I wanted a good pasta on a weeknight so I walked to Da Emma & sat at the bar. I got a mocktail suggested by my bartender. By the way, the service was very good, my bartender was friendly, kind & basically really good at his job. I enjoyed my experience so much that this is something I will repeat. Cuisine was steady & just as good as every time.
The food was ok but it needs a little bit more attention. For example the plates were cold for the ordered pasta so the main dishes got cold very fast. The service is very good but the atmosphere was 3 out of 5 since it was very cold inside when we arrived. The restaurant is in a basement.
Oct 24, 2023
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Si vous ne voulez pas tomber malade, n'achetez jamais rien ici. Ce qui est effrayant, c'est qu'il n'était pas encore expiré. Je ne sais pas où ils obtiennent leur produit, mais cela me fait peur. J'ai essayé de le porter à l'attention des propriétaires, car j'habite dans le coin & je sais que les gens viennent ici, & il s'est éloigné de moi. J'espère que cela ne rendra personne malade. Il s'agit d'un danger pour la sécurité publique. If you don't want to get sick, do not ever, ever buy anything here. The scary thing is that it wasn't expired yet. I don't know where they are getting their product, but it scares me. I tried to bring it to the owners attention, since I live in the area & know people come here, & he walked away from me. I hope it does not make anyone else sick. This is a public safety hazard.
Amazing experience. !! It feels good to be there especially knowing that that place used to be a prison !! So we feel part of the history . The atmosphere is chic & mistérious , rustic chic. The service is perfect , professional staff not temporary students hahaha. I had a tuna selado & my husband & kids , pasta . I didn't like the food that much , maybe that wasn't my lucky day. Ahhh, & there's a parking lot !! We'll go back , definitely.
Oct 19, 2023
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Nous avons apporté des amis & le serveur pas de sourire,se pensait drôle pas de service d'eau nous a même pas demander si nous voulions avoir des dessert.
Mon epoux lui a mentionné que nous aurions aimé avoir du dessert
Il était mal à l'aise
Pour la nourriture mon steack grillé était succulent
L'entrée de procuito & bourratta super bonne
Seulement le service nous a super dessus
& les chaise pas confortable
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!
Excellent meal. The Bistecca Pepe Verde was amazing, the sauce was to die for. Both the Tiramisu & the Tartufo were excellent desserts, I cannot even choose which one was better, they were both delicious. Great service from Jean-Luc.
Classic Italian restaurant vibe. In the basement & a lot of celebrity pics here. Good vibe, friendly staff, good service & best of all. Amazing food! Came from Calgary on a visit & enjoyed the real authentic Italian flavour. Will visit again
Oct 13, 2023
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My husband & I wanted to try this place at least once even after reading all the bad reviews. The food was mediocre at best, it was super underwhelming, bland & not worth the price whatsoever.
