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.
The restaurant is adorable. The atmosphere very cozy. Best ceasar salad I ever had best veal chop I ever. Best lemon cello dessert with pistachio, whip cream I ever had. This place has fantastic food. Great, friendly service . Can't wait to come back to Montreal to go there again. If I could give it six stars I would.
Atmosphere is beautiful & cozy, food was really good, i ordered the tortellini, the flavor was great but the portion was a bit small for the price, & the I ordered the limonata mocktail, it was good but not worth 13$
Oct 6, 2024
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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.
I came here for a late dinner reservation at 9pm & we waited about 5 mins to be seated. The waitress was very enthusiastic & offered to answer questions about the menu & chef's special. We ordered the calamari, pesto, & cacio e pepe. The calamari came out first & it was delicious! The sauce went great with it & I definitely recommend. However, our mains took more than 30 mins to come out. The restaurant was busy with several large tables so it's understandable, but we had watched other people who seated after than us get their food sooner. We asked a different waitress for an update & watched her walk in & out of the kitchen, but she did not come back to give us a time estimate or anything. When the food came out, the waiter sprinkled black pepper & freshly grated cheese on our dishes which was a nice experience. The cacio e pepe was a bit bland in my opinion (even with the grated cheese), but the pesto was great! Other than the long wait times & lack of communication, the environment was cozy & the food was fresh & yummy. This is a great spot near old port if you're in need of a good vibes dinner spot.
I highly recommend this Italian restaurant if you're in the old port of Montreal. The atmosphere is romantic & cozy. The food was delicious, we shared a few apps & main courses. & the service was on point, Fred made sure we had a good time. Will definitely be coming back!
the vibes of the restaurant were very lovely the atmosphere was very cozy & warm, the service that absolutely amazing super friendly & pleasant went above & beyond to make sure we had a wonderful experience. the food was so amazing very dish we order was absolutely delicious there was nothing we order that we didn't like.
Jul 24, 2024
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The food was excellent, the decor was very cozy & refined, & our waitress Adele made sure we felt at home throughout our meal. Highly recommend & will definitely be coming back!
Fantastic food, super cozy & charming restaurant, server seemed indifferent. 5 stars because I will remember that carbonara & caesar salad for a long time!
What a GEM of a place. Very cozy inside & nicely decorated. The food was delicious. I ordered traditional carbonara & it is perfect in every way. The waiter took his time to find the perfect wine pairing for my meal. The staff was lovely & the views of old Montreal from the window were stunning.
Apr 8, 2024
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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.
Cozy little Italian restaurant in old port area. Maybe because of the location, the price is a bit higher. Service was good, food potions were okay. I like their pasta. Recommend to reserve a table during weekend.
Jan 22, 2024
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The place is cozy & beautiful but very loud & the choice of music (that was also a bit too loud) did not match the vibes. The pasta sauces were super salty, we couldn't finish our plates. The tiramisu was quite underwhelming (the chocolate chips & the top layer of cream are just not refined).
