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.
Very charming restaurant with great decor. Service was good. I had the carbonara & my wife had one of the specials which was a cacio e pepe dish. Unfortunately, the cacio e pepe was inedible as it was extremely salty. The Carbonara looked beautiful, but ended up being a bit underwhelming on taste.
Another note is to balance out the portion sizes. My carbonara was more than enough, but the cacio e pepe was way too little.
Overall, I believe this is a great spot, but the dishes weren't to our likeing.
Apr 30, 2026
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Of all the places we dined in Montreal, Dinette Marcella truly stood above the rest. From the moment we arrived, the level of customer service was exceptional ... warm, attentive, & genuinely welcoming without ever feeling overdone.
The food was outstanding across the board. It was beautifully prepared, full of flavor, & clearly crafted with care. Every dish felt like something special, not just another meal.
A special mention to Michael, who was incredibly charming & friendly. He made us feel like valued guests rather than just another table, & his presence elevated the entire dining experience.
Dinette Marcella struck that perfect balance of excellent food & truly memorable service. If you're visiting Montreal, this is one place you don't want to miss.
Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food & fantastic, friendly & timely service. Our server (blonde lady with some tattoos - I wish I knew her name) was amazing & even gave us a little duck as a souvenir :) 10/10 would recommend
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Had an incredible experience at Dinette Marcella in Old Port Montreal. The service was outstanding from the moment we arrived, & the atmosphere was warm, lively, & perfect for a night out. Every dish we tried was absolutely amazing - fresh, flavorful, & beautifully prepared.
If you're in Montreal & looking for a great place to eat in the Old Port, I highly recommend Dinette Marcella. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to!
Had a lovely dinner at Dinette Marcella. We enjoyed a sauvignon blanc from Italy & it was really fruity & lovely. I had the special which was a butternut squash ravioli. It was honestly unreal, the flavours were so unique. I only wish there had been a few more pieces of ravioli, the portion felt a little small. My friend had the arancino & pesto pasta & loved both. For dessert, I had the beignets with caramel & they were so delicious. The restaurant itself is beautiful with stone walls & warm cozy lighting. Our server was very friendly & helpful! Just note, it is quite small (you will want a reservation) & a bit loud but you can hear the person across from you.
Feb 27, 2026
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The place is beautiful, & the people who are serving are very professional, but the food, I think it was only us, but the food was cold, we waited for 30 minutes to receive our dinner, & the spaghetti that I ordered was simple, ir wasn't seasoned. 3/5 stars
We shared a beautiful bottle of Chianti & bruschetta that was incredible. Sitting at the bar we had the most amazing service & experience with the bartender Michael. He is authentic as is this gorgeous, quaint little restaurant that we happened to stumble upon as a tourist in Old town. Thank you Michael for your recommendations.
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!
Nov 11, 2025
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Honestly one of the greatest dining experiences i've ever had. The food was unbelievable, the drinks were made exactly the way a picky cocktail snob like me wanted, & the service was fantastic (thank you Melissa). Beautiful ambiance & music. Genuinely an amazing night.
Dinette Marcella is a fantastic place to eat. We had the parmigiana & tortellini alla ricotta, & both were absolutely delicious-full of flavor & beautifully made. The service was just as impressive, with friendly & professional staff who made us feel welcome. Highly recommended!
wow! My wife & I just came back from Italy & coming here was like going back over there. Food was absolutely amazing! you can teast the freshness & quality of their ingredients in every bite.
The restaurant itself it's beautiful & the service was great. Do not come here on a hurry, you need to sit & enjoy.
Yum!! Wonderful, if you are looking for authentic rich Italian, this is the place to stop. In a beautiful room nestled in Old Port, this place is a vibe. It would be amazing for a date night. I had the tortellini alla ricotta & a beautiful glass of Chianti. It was great!
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!
