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.
Dinette Marcella is one of my favourite Italian restaurants in Montreal! The food, the vibes, the service, everything is a 10/10. Our server Isabella especially made the experience memorable, she was very attentive & friendly. The food came out relatively quickly, fresh & very tasty.
My evening at Dinette Marcella in Old Montreal was nothing short of spectacular! The atmosphere is an absolute dream-cozy yet lively. You can really sense the vibrant energy of the historic streets right to your table. The warm lighting & charming decor create a perfect blend of rustic Italian charm & modern elegance, making it an ideal spot for a memorable night out.
The food was phenomenal, with the handmade tortellini & gnocchi stealing the spotlight. The tortellini, stuffed with creamy ricotta, was perfectly cooked & bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce that left me savoring every bite. The gnocchi, light & pillowy, melted in my mouth, paired with a sauce so well-balanced it felt like a hug from an Italian nonna. Every dish showcased fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared with genuine care.
The service was fantastic, elevating the entire experience. Our server was attentive, warm, & made great recommendations, ensuring we felt welcomed from start to finish. The staff's passion for the food shone through, making us feel like honored guests. Paired with a beautifully crafted mocktail, the meal was pure perfection. Dinette Marcella is a true gem-highly recommended for anyone seeking incredible food & an unforgettable atmosphere!
Jun 1, 2025
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We had an incredible dining experience at this quaint Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of beautiful Old Montreal. The ambiance was charming & warm-perfect for a relaxed evening out. The charcuterie board was outstanding: generous, beautifully presented, & packed with flavour. The pasta dish was nothing short of sumptuous-perfectly cooked pasta with a rich, comforting sauce that tasted like it had been simmering for hours.
Our waiter was the definition of excellent service: patient, attentive, & helpful, yet never intrusive. It's rare to find that perfect balance, but he nailed it.
During my recent visit, I was fortunate to be served by Leo, whose exceptional service significantly enhanced the evening. Leo's attentiveness & warm demeanor made us feel truly welcome.The ambiance at Dinette Marcella is both cozy & refined, making it an ideal spot for a memorable meal. The menu boasts a variety of delectable dishes. For those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience in Montreal, Dinette Marcella is a must-visit. The combination of exquisite food, inviting atmosphere, & outstanding service-exemplified by servers like Leo-ensures a delightful experience.
We ordered the calamari, braised beef ravioli, the tortellini, & the tiramisu. Everything was exceptional. The cocktails were also very creative! Very attentive staff. Perfect date night.
Jan 10, 2025
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Enjoyed our dinner here in old montreal. Server was great, very attentive & informative of specials, ingredients etc Had the milanese, cod, pesto, focaccia, polpette & arancino. All of them were delicious! Would def recommend for a nice talian meal.
Marcella Dinette Italienne offers an exceptional lunch experience that seamlessly blends the rich history of Italian cuisine with Montreal's vibrant culinary scene. From the moment you step in, you're transported to a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels both modern & steeped in tradition. The lunch menu is a testament to the art of Italian cooking. Each dish is crafted with the freshest ingredients, capturing the essence of Italy with every bite. The pasta is perfectly al dente, & the sauces are rich, flavorful, & authentically Italian. The menu is diverse, catering to both traditionalists & those seeking a contemporary twist on classic dishes. The history of Marcella Dinette Italienne is as rich as its flavors. Inspired by the age-old traditions of Italian diners, the restaurant was founded with a passion for bringing the warmth & simplicity of Italian dining to the heart of Montreal. Every detail, from the rustic decor to the carefully curated wine list, reflects a deep respect for the culinary heritage of Italy. Service is impeccable, with a team that is both knowledgeable & attentive, making sure that your dining experience is nothing short of perfection. Whether you're in the mood for a quick lunch or a leisurely afternoon meal, Marcella Dinette Italienne delivers an experience that is truly five stars. I can't recommend it enough - a must-visit for anyone who loves Italian cuisine & appreciates the blend of history & modernity that this gem offers.
The food, service & atmosphere (decor) were excellent. Food is great, wine as well.! Service is friendly & attentive, the place & decor simply lively & lovely :) a great experience.
We enjoyed this restaurant so much that we had 2 meals here in our vacation. A late lunch on Friday, eating Carbonara & caccio e Pepe. Both Amazing! For lunch we sat at the bar & marveled at the liquor selections, especially Monkey 47gin ( almost impossible to find in a restaurant) We shared a tiramisu for dessert, VERY sweet, but very good! We returned on Saturday evening for dinner. We sat at a table in an open window ( so romantic) we enjoyed an appetizer of fried calamari... lite & fresh!! I ordered something I've NEVER ordered in a restaurant as I make "the best" I had spaghetti pompadour & a side polpetta ( meatballs) I thought I'd died & gone to spaghetti heaven! My husband, who fancies himself a pesto expert had the cavetelli all a pesto. He said delicious! In the middle of dinner we decided we needed some bread to soak up some sauce & added an order of the cheese garlic bread it was the only MINOR disappointment. Too much mozzarella, not enough garlic, & a bit softer than expected. Other than that, our server, the runners, & the overall staff were attentive & not over bearing! Wonderful experience!
Absolutely delicious food, attentive friendly staff, great atmosphere - we are here for a week, & we will be making another visit to Marcellas before we leave - thank you for a perfect start to our vacation.
It was a wonderful meal with very attentive staff. We had 14 people in our party including 7 young teens. All were taken care of expediently. The atmosphere was great with an old city flair. Cozy & inviting. Would recommend as a great place to attend whether your group is large or small.
Mar 12, 2024
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The food was 10/10. My partner & I both had pasta & both dishes were incredible. Our server, Michael was so friendly & attentive. The restaurant decor & vibe is great too. Would highly recommend!
I'm only mad I didn't eat here sooner. We came for an early dinner on Friday & I am so impressed with the food, service, drinks & ambiance of Dinette Marcella. For starters we ordered the mozzarella sticks & eggplant, both fantastic but my favorite was the eggplant...it wasn't over breaded or cheesy so the eggplant flavor really came through. For mains I ordered the ricotta tortellini with sausage & my husband had the veal ossobuco which was unreal. We were so impressed with the quality of the food & I ended up taking half my meal home & I can say it reheated spectacularly. I had the caramel dessert & I could have ordered three just for me. Our server, Malo, was a true gem & he made our night. He was attentive & gave great recommendations. We enjoyed our conversation with him & will for sure return. Malo was even kind enough to have the manager come over so we could book a dinner during the Christmas holiday. Definitely come here for excellent quality meals if you are in Montreal & the Old Port area.
Beautiful vibe with extremely comfy chairs. We unfortunately had poor service; we waited a good 20min (if not more) after being seated before being noticed & giving our order in. Our drink order was forgotten (we had to order again), the waitress told us she would bring extra plates for us to share our dishes & those never came. In the end, the waitress felt bad & offered us free focaccia for apologies, which was very thoughtful of her. The busboy however was very attentive & our water glasses & needs (extra parmesan or pepper) were met very fast. The food has wonderful presentation, but lacked greatly in taste. Both pasta dishes were bland in my opinion & the focaccia was a bit dry (maybe a stale batch?). The tomato sauce for the meatballs were definitely the highlight, very salty & delicious sauce, perfect for dipping.
