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.
Reviews describe Dinette Marcella as a warm, intimate Old Montreal Italian spot with cozy ambiance, charming decor, and attentive staff; many praise fresh, flavorful pasta such as tortellini, gnocchi, and ravioli, along with standout bruschetta and arancini and a strong cocktail and wine list. Several diners note dishes that are creamy and well balanced, including carbonara, burrata, meatballs, and seafood pasta, while a few readers mention occasional misses where dishes were overcooked, underseasoned, or not as hot as expected. The overall experience is often described as worth the price, with consistently good service and a lively vibe, though some nights can be noisy or crowded and a few guests wish for quieter acoustics and smoother pacing between courses. In sum, Dinette Marcella stands out for authentic Italian flavors, a warm atmosphere, and reliable hospitality, inviting repeat visits for date nights, celebrations, and casual meals.
Yet another amazing dinner at Dinette Marcella. We sat at the bar, giving us an opportunity to try some amazing cocktails while chatting with the bartender. The food was outstanding, especially the creamy mushroom gnocchi. This is my second time visiting Marcella while on holiday in Montreal. I look forward to coming back again soon.
The waiter who serviced me was truly unprofessional. My bill came out to be $121 with taxes. I paid $130 in cash & offered to pay an additional $5 on Interac to give a full 15% tip. However, my waiter immediately interrogated me, asking if something was wrong with the service. Confused & taken off guard, I asked why he would think that. He responded by saying that my tip was not 15%. He then proceeded to give a quick example: 10% of $121 is $12, so surely my tip (of roughly $15) could not be 15% tip. I said sure, maybe I rounded down a little, so instead, I offered to pay $7 on Interac on top of the cash I was paying with. In total, I gave a $16 tip. The waiter then, at the end of my Interac payment, gave the most crooked, unhappy smile, proceeded to the bar & then visibly mocked our interaciton to three of his coworkers. So, not only did he question me on my tip (which is to my fucking discretion), but this asshole then was so curt to my face. Let me say this clearly: only a scammer would push to calculate a tip on a price of dinner AFTER TAXES. If I tipped according to his mathematics, then my 15% tip would include the 15% taxes, meaning that I'd realistically be giving closer to an 18% tip. I'll happily never return here & let my friends know of this experience which, frankly, completely soured my night.
Jan 28, 2024
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The space is quiet & appeared understaffed when we went for lunch. The single waiter was very busy. The decor was warm & charming. The food was a surprise - the pasta amazingly delicious & very fresh. I would definitely return, as this is a true delight in today's Barilla world. I left very happy.
La nourriture était excellente & le décors est magnifique. Par contre, c'était très bruyant. Le son de la musique était très fort & le bars faisaient beaucoup de bruits. Nous avions eu de la difficulté à nous entendre parler. De plus, nous n'avions pas la meilleure table car nous étions à la table située directement en face du bar & de l'entrée où les serveurs rentre & sors & du couloir où ils se promènent. C'était donc très achalandé. Aussi, les tables sont très proches les unes des autres. Nous nous faisions souvent tasser par les gens qui essayaient de passer à côté de notre table. Pour ce qui est du service, il était parfait sauf que nous nous sommes faites pressé à partir à la fin en nous disant qu'il nous restait que 10 minutes pour manger. En somme, le restaurant est magnifique, la nourriture est excellente, l'équipe est très gentille mais tout ces éléments ont un peu ruiner le moment romantique que nous essayions d'avoir.
Our experience was so lovely. We stumbled upon Marcella one night & popped in for a quick drink. While we were at the bar, we made a dinner reservation for the next night & we were so glad we did. The food was delicious but what really made it a fabulous night was our server. I wish we had asked his name so I could sing his praises here.
We went to Marcella on a celebratory trip. Our waiter Michael was very kind & provided us with great service as well as many recommendations for other bars in the area. Burratta & cocktails were amazing. Would recommend & definitely come back when in the area again!
Wow. What an incredible experience. Totally blown away by the service & the quality of the food. Michael was an exceptional bartender & a great conversationalist. I'll be recommending Marcella to all of my friends!
Nov 8, 2023
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Was extremely busy. Tried to make a last minute reservation but only had bar seating. Great service, very good food, not too expensive. As busy as they were we certainly weren't rushed.
October 2023, stopped in & sat at the bar en route to a dinner reservation later. Split a fried calamari with my girl with a bottle of wine. Great atmosphere, very friendly & efficient bartender & staff. Liked it so much we came back the next day for lunch! Spaghetti carbonara🥰 was the best I have ever had anywhere in the world… no exaggeration! Just a great little restaurant with fantastic food. Absolutely recommend !!
Food & atmosphere were good, but the service was honestly the greatest I’ve ever received. Jay was our server/bartender & he gave us the best service, the drinks he made us were exactly what we wanted, he was a phenomenal conversationalist, & he made our entire experience unforgettable. The entire staff was unbelievably friendly, but it was Jay made our entire night & was a highlight of our entire trip. Highly recommend the restaurant, but I sincerely recommend sitting at the bar for a drink with Jay.
A perfect meal! We sat at the bar & Michael was amazing, great drinks & amazing service. The antipasto was superb as was the veal & pasta dishes. Will be back on our next visit.
Oct 9, 2022
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Micheal was the BEST bartender/server ever! His recommendations & drinks were 11/10!! Due to his excellent service & approach I will be coming back often. I am truly impressed & can't wait to recommend Marcella. Bravo on your professionalism & expertise, Micheal!! You nailed it & this restaurant is lucky to have you ok board! Wow!!! Wow!! Wow!!
