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.
Food was delicious. Only disappointing meal was the tiramisu 💔, I do not reccomend it. Other than that pasta was delicious, the sauce, the foccacia, YUMMM. Super cozy & cute inside with great service.
Apr 19, 2026
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The service was top notch - came in with a friend without a reservation. The hostess did her best to find us a seat, checking the bar, the reservations, even calling people who were late for their reso.
The atmosphere was also great - it's very cozy & unpretentious.
Food was 10/10. Previous reviews recommending the tortellini weren't kidding. The sauce was rich, creamy, delicious!
We had our Good Friday meal in this cozy restaurant as they had quite a few vegetarian options. We were so happy to find out the arancino was vegetarian & found it very delicious especially with the cream. The spaghettini pomodoro was simple but oh so satisfying! Finally the cavatelli with pesto was perfectly light & fresh. The pastas reminded me of Italy!Our server Megane was friendly & full of smiles so made our first meal in Montreal very welcoming. Merci beaucoup for a wonderful dining experience! 😊
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 (:
Went there alone a short birthday trip, im from Ottawa. Very cozy vibe, food was good. Servers were really nice especially the pretty woman with the eyeglasses. Will definitely recommend to my friends ☺?
Mar 3, 2026
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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.
Première fois chez Dînette Marcela & non la dernière. Succulent, service impeccable par Mégane, atmosphere cozy. Excellent resto italien. Fortement recommandé.
Excellent restaurant! Delicious food & generous portions. The service was very good, & the place is cozy & well located. We went twice during our vacation in Montreal. We loved it & highly recommend it. The only suggestion for improvement would be to offer more meat-based dishes, such as steak with pasta, for example.
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!
This is now an annual stop during our visits to Montreal. The food is great- everything is fresh, & the space is cozy but not crowded. Service is always exceptional.
Nice cozy & quaint restaurant in old Montreal. Food portions are small but very well done. Staff are very friendly. Make reservations as this is a busy place. Great drink selection as well. Music is more retro, 80s pop.
Oct 11, 2025
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Amazing service & fast response. Super cozy atmosphere & perfect for cute pictures! Situated in old port which transforms the night out into an aesthetic experience. Food was also on point, delicious entrees.
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!
Such a cozy little spot. Ordered Negronis which were some of the best I've had. We sat at the bar because there was no more seating however I prefer that when the bartenders are as nice as ours was (Irishman). Food was lovely (the bruschetta gets an A from me) & recommendations were thoughtful. Nice ambience for a date. Would go back next time I'm in Montreal!
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.
In the heart of Old Montreal, the cozy & warm atmosphere of Marcella was welcomed on a cold January night. A bottle of Valpolicela was a great way to start the night. Two appetizers, the Polpette which are tender & delicious, served in a beautiful tomato sauce, & the Arancini in a truffle cream sauce. Both were exceptional. The cream sauce with the arancini should be bottled because it is so wonderful. Our mains were the bolognese, & we lucked out as the special was a braised beef ravioli served in a cream sauce with a nice portion of chopped lobster claw. Pasta was cooked to perfection, & the sauces were delicious. You cannot go wrong with this restaurant. Strongly recommended!
