Looking for some Italian comfort food worthy of a nonna’s home cooking? Marcella is a charming new Italian diner in Old Montreal at the corner of Saint Francois Xavier and Saint Paul streets. Open every day for lunch and dinner, locals and tourists can enjoy Italian-style pasta, such as the classic carbonara dish, in a cozy atmosphere.
Dinette Marcella is described as a charming intimate Italian spot in Old Montreal with a warm cozy atmosphere and a touch of old world charm that makes it suitable for date nights or casual dinners. Reviews praise fresh, flavorful pasta, gnocchi and tortellini, bruschetta and arancini, burrata and focaccia, along with a strong wine list and craft cocktails, with many calling the food excellent and among the best Italian in the area, though a few dishes are noted as too salty, not hot enough, or lacking seasoning and some visits feel rushed or louder than desired due to crowds. The service is frequently described as attentive friendly and knowledgeable, making guests feel welcome, but pace can vary on busy nights and timing can be inconsistent. Reservations are advised because the space is compact and the ambiance can be loud, especially at peak hours, yet the overall sentiment remains highly positive with many expressing plans to return. All in all, Dinette Marcella is regarded as one of the top Italian spots in Montreal by many reviewers.
Such a cute restaurant! The food was amazing, & the vibe is so cozy. Our server Sandy was the absolute best! She was so attentive & helpful. Everyone is so sweet!! Definitely recommend (:
Mar 23, 2026
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This place is phenomenal I absolutely loved the ambiance & overall scenery of the restaurant on first glance. We came pretty late as they were near closing, but they were still very attentive in getting us our food & the waiter was very kind & helpful. I ordered the Cavatelli Alla Pesto & the pasta was perfectly cooked & I loved the balance of the crispy pine nuts & the tomatoes added so much flavor. I also got the focaccia which was delicious as well. I will definitely be back next time I'm in Canada!
Absolutely loved my experience at Dinette Marcella! The food was amazing, & the pasta noodles had the best texture I've had so far in Montreal - perfectly cooked & incredibly satisfying.
The staff were warm & attentive, which made the whole evening even more enjoyable. I was also pleasantly surprised by how many vegetarian options they offer.
Food was absolutely amazing & reasonably priced.
Staff was super friendly & attentive & service from the bar & kitchen was very quick.
It was my partner & I's first time visiting & without a doubt we'll be back next time we're in the city!
I visited this local pasta restaurant as a walk-in & was seated at the bar, which was much appreciated as a solo traveler. Not needing a reservation & still being accommodated made the experience feel welcoming & relaxed.
The food was absolutely delicious, with very generous portions, I left feeling extremely satisfied. The service was attentive & friendly throughout. A great spot with excellent pasta & a comfortable atmosphere, I would definitely recommend it to groups & solo travelers alike.
Wonderful dining experience. The atmosphere was warm & welcoming, the service attentive & friendly, & the food was delicious. Highly recommend & will definitely return
The meatballs were honestly the best I've ever had! Our server, Sandy, was so friendly & attentive, which made the experience even better. The tiramisu was absolutely delicious, & the overall ambience was amazing - cozy, welcoming, & perfect for a nice meal out. Highly recommend this place!
Nov 11, 2025
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What an incredible dining experience! The moment we walked in, we felt transported straight to Italy, warm atmosphere, welcoming staff, & the smell of fresh pasta & herbs in the air. Every dish was beautifully prepared & full of authentic flavours.
The service was attentive & kind without being intrusive, & we truly felt taken care of. Whether you're looking for a romantic evening, a dinner with friends, or a family meal, this place is a gem. Highly recommended, i'll definitely be back!
Lovely experience! The staff was super attentive & kind. The food was excellent & the martinis even better! Special thanks to Max for making our night, will definitely be back !
Staff were very kind & attentive, from the hostess seating us to our server to the cheese grating guy, we felt very taken care of. Ambience & vibes were all good. Music was good. Even though the place was packed we didn't feel crammed in.
Food wise, everything we ate was delicious! Calamari was the best we've had - not the crunchiest but still crunchy, best part was how well the squid itself was cooked! The red sauce dip accompanying it was steaming fresh & tasted good as well.
I was recommended the daily special of the wheel pasta with braised beef, & that hit the spot! Did not shy off with the beef & everything was super tasty. My fiancée had the carbonara & she said it was a 10/10. Canolli's for dessert was the perfect way to end the meal.
Oct 11, 2025
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Absolutely loved this restaurant! The food was full of flavor, the service was warm & attentive, & the atmosphere was great. Staff is friendly. Perfect spot for anyone who loves Italian food.
Excellent food! Incredibly tasty & well made. Our server was also very attentive & helpful. My only complaint would be portion sizing. The tortelini was really good. Although incredibly flavourful, the Cesar salad for $21 was disappointingly small.
$5.75 for decaf coffee is definitely on the pricey side.
Dinette Marcella is without a doubt our favorite spot in Montreal. The food is delicious, the drinks are excellent, & the elegant decor creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. My wife & I shared the tortellini & the New York steak, & we couldn't have been happier with our choices. If you're lucky enough to see veal steak on the menu, order it! It's a real treat. Our server Sandy was friendly, attentive, & professional, making our meal even more enjoyable. We always leave already planning our next visit!
